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Want to know where to go on your vacation? This list of famous buildings in Europe has got you covered.
A land laden with history, Europe displays remains of the rises and falls of empires, inventions, and ideas, encapsulated in monuments of stone and brick. You can’t go to Europe without stumbling on a few of the world’s most beautiful, and important, buildings, so you might as well schedule them into your trip.
These famous buildings in Europe are worth visiting and are usually very cheap and easy to access.
Contents
- 1 Famous buildings in Europe
- 1.1 The Shard, London, England
- 1.2 Doge’s Palace, Venice, Italy
- 1.3 La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
- 1.4 St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria
- 1.5 Neuschwanstein Castle, Fussen, Germany
- 1.6 Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- 1.7 Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Paris, France
- 1.8 Alhambra, Granada, Spain
- 1.9 Pantheon, Rome, Italy
- 1.10 Parthenon, Athens, Greece
- 1.11 Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
- 1.12 Big Ben, London, England
- 1.13 St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
- 1.14 Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy
- 1.15 Buckingham Palace, London, England
- 2 Final Thoughts: Europe’s Famous Buildings to Visit
Famous buildings in Europe
The Shard, London, England
The Shard in London is one of the newer famous landmarks in Europe on our list.
With a staggering 26 floors of office space, 3 floors of restaurants with cuisine from all over the world, 19 floors of the top-rated Shangri-La Hotel, 13 floors of living spaces, and the city’s highest viewing gallery, the Shard is truly a modern architectural wonder and a staple on London’s map.
Called the Vertical City, from the beginning, the Shard has aimed to be a one-stop shop and is the tallest building in Western Europe.
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Doge’s Palace, Venice, Italy
The Doge’s Palace is one of the most unique historical buildings in Europe. It was the home of the Venetian Doge, the elected ruler of Venice for over 1,000 years.
Upon entering the building, you’ll marvel at the palace’s courtyard and the colorful peaks of Saint Mark’s Basilica.
Follow the signs to learn about the history of the Venetian Doge and witness where he lived and worked, as well as where Venetian prisoners were kept and government meetings held.
There is even an armory where you can see what weapons would’ve been carried by soldiers at that time.
This palace is the pinnacle of European art and excellence. Every wall is carefully crafted with tales of Italian history and stories. This is a must-see for your Venice itinerary.
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
La Sagrada Familia is the largest unfinished Catholic Basilica in the world. Nearing 150 years of construction, La Sagrada Familia is still being worked on, with the newest addition completed in 2021.
The first stones of this jaw-dropping edifice were laid in 1882, and while most people tend to focus on the outside of the building, the inside is just as marvelous.
Stained glass windows shade the sun’s harsh light, creating an atmospheric scene of colored rays lighting the columns and facades and the crypt. The eclectic design drawn up by Antoni Gaudi is not likely to be forgotten.
The ticket to enter is more expensive than most basilicas, but it is worth the splurge to see this masterpiece.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is over 400 feet tall, making it the tallest church in Austria. Seated at the heart of the city, it has become a symbol of Vienna.
First built in 1147, the Cathedral has almost 1000 years of history and is the final resting palace for many of Vienna’s most important figures. You can visit each of their tombs, climb up 343 steps to the Cathedral’s highest tower, or descend beneath the marble floors into the catacombs.
The singularity of its architecture, characterized by many patterns and icons, is one of the things that makes it one of the most famous places in Europe to visit.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Fussen, Germany
Built by King Ludwig II in the 1800s to escape from the prying eyes of the public, Neuschwanstein Castle opened to the public just weeks after his death. His sanctuary became a worldwide destination, and to this day, visitors from all over flock to see the grandiose, yet serene, castle.
The epitome of a castle on a hill, Neuschwanstein sits high above the ground, surrounded by lush green forests or white blankets of snow, depending on the time of year. The walls are adorned with images of medieval legends, each having specific symbolism to the king.
Step into this castle and step back in time. It is one of the most visited famous buildings in Europe.
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Although originally designed to be vertically upright, the Leaning Tower of Pisa began to lean during construction. This should be no surprise because although construction began in 1173, the tower was not finished until 200 years later.
The tower is simply a bell tower, or campanile, to the stunning Roman-style cathedral next to it. The entire cathedral complex is a wonder of old-world architecture, certainly worth taking a picture or two of.
Despite the accidental cause of its fame, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is still one of the most incredible buildings in Europe.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Paris, France
Notre-Dame is one of the most famous buildings in Europe. It has a long history as the pinnacle of Christian worship in Paris for centuries, but it is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, marveling at the masterful Gothic architecture.
This cathedral was built over 200 years and each facade, door, and pillar has some meaning to it. Due to a fire that damaged Notre-Dame in 2019, visitors have not been allowed in, but they are slowly reopening parts of the cathedral. It should be fully functional in 2024.
Whether you see the inside or the outside of this precious edifice of history, it will be an experience you never forget.
Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Derived from Arabic, the word Alhambra means ‘red castle.’ Located in the hills of Granada, the reddish walls of the Alhambra welcome visitors to witness its grandeur and beauty.
The fortress was first mentioned in history in the 9th century, but the Alhambra we see today is from construction in the 14th, where the Alcazaba, palaces, Patio of the Lions, the Justice Gate, and more were added and renovated.
Walking the halls of the Alhambra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a chance to witness one of the greatest things humanity has created.
Pantheon, Rome, Italy
The Pantheon is one of the oldest famous architecture we have on this list, making it all the more impressive. Built by Agrippa in 25 BCE and renovated by Hadrian one hundred years later, it is the only ancient Roman building that has retained almost all its shape throughout history.
Originally built as a house of worship to the 12 Gods, it was eventually converted to a Christian house of worship and renamed Saint Maria ad Martyres. It is still used at a Christian church where regular services are held.
The majesty of the Pantheon has never gone unnoticed. It was a great inspiration to the Renaissance architect, Raphael, and ultimately became his final resting place.
Parthenon, Athens, Greece
Even older than the Roman Pantheon, the Greek Parthenon has been a famous landmark in Europe since 438 BCE.
Built to honor Athen’s patron goddess, Athena, the Parthenon sits atop the Acropolis. It was the highest point in the city that now spills out in every direction around it.
The hike up to the top is a bit of a climb, but worth the view. Not only will you be able to visit the Parthenon, but the Acropolis is also home to the Erechtheion, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Dionysus Theatre.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Compared to some of the other famous buildings in Europe, the Eiffel Tower was built in the blink of an eye. Construction began in 1887 and finished promptly in early 1889. It had to be completed by the date of the World’s Fair later that year.
The current height of the iron tent is 1083 feet, every inch of which has become a beacon to the world, proclaiming beauty and love. 7,000,000 people visit the tower each year, making it the most visited monument in the world (that requires an entry fee).
You can climb to the top, or gaze at it from below, but either way, this gentle iron giant will make your jaw drop.
Big Ben, London, England
Famous buildings in Europe come in every shape, size, and capacity, including clocks.
And Big Ben is arguably the most famous clock in the world.
Recently renamed Elizabeth Tower, but still affectionately known as Big Ben, the clock tower has had a tumultuous history of damage and repair, but still stands tall as a testament to human skill and an eye for beauty.
Summit the 334-step staircase to see inside the workings of the clock and explore the medieval Westminister Hall after you’ve returned to ground level.
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica has been a part of the Roman cityscape since ancient times, first commissioned under the rule of Constantine, built on the location where the apostle, Saint Peter, is buried.
It was rebuilt in the 1500s. The new design was put together by Michangelo and other architects, instantly deeming it a work of art. St. Peter’s is the pinnacle of famous architecture in Europe.
The Basilica is free to enter, but there is often a line waiting to witness the intricacies of the magnificent craftsmanship. There are museum exhibits inside and regular Mass is held within the building as well.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is an ode to its religion and its city. This cathedral, one of the largest in the world, has an exterior adorned with the colors of flowering spring, corresponding to its name, which means Our Lady of the Flower. Florence also means ‘City of Flowers’.
The interior is just as enchanting and always free to enter!
This famous landmark in Europe is a synthesis of marble and stained glass that captures the heart of each and every person who visits it.
Buckingham Palace, London, England
Buckingham Palace is the hub of the royal family in England, providing both the living and working space of the monarch.
Originally called Buckingham House, it has been enlarged and redesigned over the years to become the Greco-Roman reminiscent building it is today. The beauty of its exterior, interior, and gardens is revered by people from all over the world.
Each of the many rooms has its own personality, curated perfectly to its function. The walls of the Music Room feel as if they are singing to you. The banquet hall invites you to sit down and eat.
Final Thoughts: Europe’s Famous Buildings to Visit
From the Shard to the Parthenon, famous buildings in Europe come from many different centuries and architectural styles. Visiting each of these will gift you a spirit of pride for the beautiful things humanity can create.
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