12 Must-See Monuments in Europe You Have to Visit at Least Once
Europe’s history and culture are carved with its stunning monuments, countless architectural marvels, and historical landmarks. These European landmarks are ones you will never forget.
At least 470 UNESCO World Heritage sites are scattered across Europe, drawing millions of tourists annually. Each of these monumental sites is a place everyone should visit at least once in life.
Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
Is there anything more emblematic of Europe? This iron wonder was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and reached a height of 1,083 feet, making it the world’s tallest structure until 1930. From the second floor, you can enjoy unparalleled views of the Parisian skyline by climbing the 674 steps or taking the elevator.
Fun fact you might not know? A secret apartment is found at the top of Gustave Eiffel’s tower. This site attracts nearly 7 million visitors annually (Paris Tourism Board).
Colosseum – Rome, Italy
Step into history at the Colosseum, Rome’s most famous amphitheater and the largest worldwide. This architectural construction dates back to 70-80 AD and was used to host gladiator battles, mock sea battles, and public spectacles.
Picture yourself standing in the same arena as 50,000 people shouting for victory. This proves that the ancient Romans were brilliant engineers, and visiting here is a must for history and architecture lovers.
Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England
Stonehenge is one of Europe’s oldest mysterious monuments, believed to have been built between 3,000 and 4,000 BC. Was it an ancient calendar, a cemetery, or a place of celestial worship?
Despite its purpose still being debated, the sheer scale of its 25-ton stones is baffling. This prehistoric wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where hundreds of thousands of visitors yearn for its mystery each year.
The Acropolis – Athens, Greece
The Acropolis, a crown jewel of human civilization, is Greece’s symbol of classical antiquity. The UNESCO-cited “universal symbol of democracy,” this hilltop citadel was constructed in the mid-5th century BC.
Stare in awe at the astonishingly well-proportioned Parthenon Temple to Athena and feel the weight of millennia in every marble step.
Pro tip? It is only worth visiting at sunrise or sunset for excellent lighting coupled with a vista of Athens.
Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) – London, England
Big Ben is not just a clock (or, technically, Elizabeth Tower). This neo-Gothic, 96-meter-tall, awe-inspiring symbol of the UK’s Parliamentary democracy has been chiming since 1859, and it is painstakingly accurate.
Fun tip: For the classic National Geographic picture-perfect shot, stand across Westminster Bridge.
Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany
Disney fans, you’ll instantly recognize Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. One of the most visited places with scenic views, this 19th-century fairy tale structure built by King Ludwig II is encircled on a hilltop.
More than 1.4 million people visit annually, and experiencing this Bavarian wonder will make you feel like royalty.
La Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain
It’s more than a building; it’s a work of art. La Sagrada Familia combines Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, as it has undergone construction since 1882. It has intricate spires, and once you walk inside, you feel like you’re walking into some kaleidoscope.
Its interior is drenched in an ethereal glow, and the splendor leaves your jaw almost to the floor. La Sagrada Familia is not a building; it’s a story written in stone, said architect Joseph Maria Subirach.
Brandenburg Gate – Berlin, Germany
The 18th-century Brandenburg Gate is among the best-known landmarks in Germany. A symbol of European unification and peace, it was once a site for historical events, including the Cold War, but it now stands as a testament to resilience.
At night, it lights up spectacularly, and the striking columns of the gate make it the favorite gathering place in the heart of Berlin. Don’t miss walking through it. It’s like stepping through layers of time.
Alhambra – Granada, Spain
The Alhambra, a blend of Islamic art and Spanish history, is a palace-fortress complex nestled against the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Nasrid dynasty built it in the mid-13th century, and its intricate mosaics, serene courtyards, and reflecting pools will take you on an Andalusian dream.
Make sure you book your tickets in advance, as Alhambra welcomes over 2.6 million visitors annually.
Canals of Venice – Venice, Italy
The Venetian canals are not a monument per se but a living relic of the height of architectural genius. With over 150 waterways, Venice is a surreal city on water. You can go on a traditional gondola ride on this floating wonder and feel as though you are inside a Botticelli painting brought to life.
Tip? By visiting in spring and autumn, you will avoid summer crowds.
Anne Frank House – Amsterdam, Netherlands
A visit to the Anne Frank House is equal parts sobering and inspiring. It is a place not for tourism but for well-being, providing a lesson of human resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Nestled on the Prinsengracht canal, the house preserves the secret annex where Anne Frank wrote her iconic diary. 1.3 million people visit her home annually, and her story continues to become part of our collective memory.
The Palace of Versailles – Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles embodies French grandeur and was home to Louis XIV and other royalty until the French Revolution. With 2,300 rooms and meticulously landscaped gardens, this monument is beyond breathtaking.
Did you know its famed Hall of Mirrors contains over 350 mirrors? Make sure to explore the grounds and channel your inner Marie Antoinette.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the Author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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