Europe is the most touristic continent in the world, and many travelers often wonder what are the most famous landmarks in Europe?
European landmarks are great places to start your European adventure. The culture in Europe is so diverse and rich, but it can be difficult to understand the history of Europe without being there in person.
European Landmarks offer a glimpse into some of the most iconic structures around the European Continent. Whether you want more information on how old something is or what country it’s in, these landmarks can be a window into understanding each country’s history and culture.
Landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral give insight into French architecture while others like The Tower Bridge show off British engineering skills. The Eiffel Tower tells visitors about France’s past as an imperial power while Berlin Wall offers a look at Germany’s division during World War II.
Here are some of the most famous European landmarks that you can visit when traveling in Europe.
Top 3 Famous Landmarks in Europe
With so many impressive European landmarks, these are difficult and certainly subjective selections.
However, you will find that many of the most famous landmarks in Europe mainly reside in Western Europe. This is simply because that region of the continent is more touristic, therefore the iconic landmarks are more well known.
Nonetheless, the other regions of Europe are highly underrated and definitely worth the trip.
Eiffel Tower, Paris France
The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in France. It was originally built as a temporary structure for the World’s Fair in 1889, but it was so popular that it was kept and is now a beloved Parisian icon.
At 324 meters high, it’s also one of the tallest structures in Europe. The Eiffel Tower is open to visitors from 9am to 11pm (10pm during winter). There’s an admission fee to go up to the top, but it’s definitely worth it for the amazing views of Paris.
This is one European landmark that is known for a getaway with your romantic half.
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Spain
La Sagrada Família is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Spain, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. It was construction began in 1882.
Gaudí devoted his life to the project and died in 1926 having barely finished the crypt. Since then, La Sagrada Família’s construction has been overseen by a series of architects. The current architect is Jordi Fauli.
The church is extremely popular with tourists. It is the most visited monument in Spain, and the second most visited in Europe, after the Eiffel Tower.
La Sagrada Família is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous landmark in Europe.
The Colosseum, Rome Italy
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy is one of the most popular tourist landmarks in Europe. The amphitheater was originally built in the first century AD and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Colosseum is considered to be one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. It is elliptical in shape and has three stories with arched entrances. It is also the largest amphitheater in the world.
The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, executions, and dramas. It could hold up to 50,000 spectators.
Other Famous European landmarks
The Louvre, France
The Louvre in Paris is one of the most iconic and famous landmarks in all of Europe. It was originally constructed as a fortress in the 12th century but has been used as a palace, royal residence, and museum over the years.
The Louvre is now home to some of the most famous artworks in the world, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The museum attracts millions of visitors each year and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
The Palace of Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles is a world-famous palace located in the city of Versailles, France. It was originally built as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII in 1623, but it was later enlarged and became a royal palace under King Louis XIV in 1682.
The Palace of Versailles is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.
The palace is famous for its magnificent Baroque design and its many extravagant rooms and gardens, including the Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Trianon, and the Gardens of Versailles.
The Palace of Versailles is also home to the Museum of the History of France, which contains thousands of artifacts from French history.
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. The tower began to lean during construction due to the soft ground on which it was built.
It wasn’t until 1993 that the tower was closed to tourists because of the danger of it collapsing. After extensive renovations, the tower reopened in 2001. The tower is currently open for tourists and stands at a height of 185 feet.
The Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, is one of the most famous religious European landmarks. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508 and was completed in 1512 by Michelangelo.
The chapel is best known for its ceiling, which was painted by Michelangelo. The painting covers an area of approximately 4,300 square feet and took four years to complete.
The Sistine Chapel is also home to many other famous paintings, including The Last Judgment by Michelangelo.
Brandenburg Gate, Germany
Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical monument in Berlin, Germany. It was constructed in the 18th century and is one of the best-known landmarks in Europe. The gate was badly damaged during World War II but has been restored. It is now a popular tourist attraction and symbol of European unity.
Brandenburg Gate is in the city center of Berlin and can be seen from many places in the city. It is close to other popular tourist destinations such as the Reichstag, and the Holocaust Memorial.
There are several interesting things about Brandenburg Gate that make it a prominent European landmark. First, it is one of the best-preserved examples of neoclassical architecture in Europe. Second, it is the only surviving city gate from Berlin’s original 18th-century fortifications. And finally, it has a long and complex history that is closely intertwined with the history of Berlin and Germany.
Reichstag Building, Germany
The Reichstag Building is located in Berlin, Germany and is the seat of the German Parliament, also called the Bundestag. The building was originally constructed in 1894, but then destroyed by fire in 1933.
The current Reichstag Building was completed in 1999. The building has a very modern look and is a popular tourist attraction. There are also guided tours of the building available and you need to book it in advance as it still serves as an important government building.
Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Spain
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in Spain is a mix of two different religions, as it is a mosque and a cathedral. The mosque was originally a Christian church, which was then converted into a mosque after the Islamic conquest of Spain in 711 AD.
However, once the Christians reconquered Cordoba in 1236, the mosque was reconverted into a cathedral. The structure has been changed many times throughout its history, with the addition of Gothic and Renaissance elements.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is an important tourist attraction in Spain, and is one of the most visited places in the country.
Big Ben, England
The Big Ben Clock Tower is a popular tourist destination in London, England. The tower was completed in 1858 and is the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world. It’s also the second-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world.
The tower is 315 feet (96 meters) tall and weighs over 13 tons. Big Ben has become such an iconic landmark that it’s often used to refer to the entire Parliament building. The clock tower is open to visitors and offers great views of London from the top.
Buckingham Palace, England
Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London, England. It is the official residence of the British Monarch and has been used as a royal residence since 1837.
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, and 78 bathrooms. The palace also has a cinema, gym, swimming pool, and wine cellar.
The palace is open to visitors for tours throughout the year, and the changing of the guard ceremony is a popular display to watch.
Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is probably the most mysterious landmark in Europe It is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England with unknown purpose.
The European landmark is made up of a ring of standing stones that are set in a circular shape. The stones are believed to have been erected between 3000 BC and 2000 BC.
No one knows for sure why it was built, but there are many theories. Some believe it was used as a place of worship or for astronomical purposes. Others think it was used as a burial ground or for ceremonial purposes.
Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public.
Tower Bridge, England
Tower Bridge in London is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Europe. The bridge was originally built in 1894 and has since become a popular tourist destination. The bridge spans the River Thames and is made up of two towers which are connected by a suspension bridge. The towers are each 213 feet tall and the entire bridge stretches for 1,020 feet. Tower Bridge is often called London’s “most beautiful” bridge and is a popular spot for taking photos.
The London Eye, England
The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist destinations in European and is a great place to see the city of London. It was originally built as part of the millennium celebration, and has since become a major landmark in London.
The London Eye offers fantastic views of the city and is a great way to see all of the famous landmarks in London. The Eye is also a great spot for taking photographs.
Acropolis & Parthenon, Greece
The Acropolis is a citadel located on a rock overseeing the city of Athens. It was named “the sacred rock” by the Athenians and is home to some of the most famous ancient monuments in Greece, including the Parthenon.
The Parthenon is an Ionic temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, which was built in 447 BC by Pericles. The temple was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC, and then rebuilt by Ictinus and Callicrates. The building we see today is mostly a reconstruction from the late 19th century.
The Acropolis was used as a fortress during times of war, and also served as a religious center. It was considered one of the most important buildings in the ancient world.
The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most visited European landmarks in Greece.
Mount Lycabettus, Greece
Mount Lycabettus is a hill in Athens with the summit at 919 feet above sea level. There are many myths and legends originating from this landmark.
One of the most popular is the story of Icarus. Icarus was the son of Daedalus and he attempted to fly too close to the sun with wings made of wax and feathers. The heat from the sun melted his wings and he fell into the sea and drowned. His body was washed ashore on Mount Lycabettus.
Another legend is called the “Frogs of Athens”. There was a plague that was sweeping through Athens and the Oracle of Delphi said that the only way to stop the plague was to honor Dionysus, the god of wine. The people of Athens did as they were told and built a temple to Dionysus on Mount Lycabettus. The plague stopped and ever since then, there have been frogs that live on the hill.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are a series of cliffs in County Clare. They rise to a height of 214 meters (702 feet) and stretch for 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast.
The Cliffs are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. The Cliffs of Moher were formed over 350 million years ago by the collision of two tectonic plates. They are also home to several different species of birds, including seagulls, razorbills, and puffins.
Pena National Palace, Portugal
The Pena National Palace is a Portuguese national palace in Sintra. The palace is a Romanticist castle in the Neo-Gothic style. It was built in the 19th century on the site of a monastery that had been destroyed by fire.
The palace is one of the most visited European landmarks in Portugal. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The palace was built by Ferdinand II of Portugal, who was inspired by British and French Romanticism. The design of the palace was done by Ludwig von Eschwege. The construction of the palace began in 1838 and lasted for 14 years.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland is one of the most popular natural landmarks in the entire country. This lagoon was formed from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which started to retreat in the mid-19th century.
The lagoon is now filled with amazing icebergs that have been sculpted by the wind and water over many years. It is truly a sight to see, and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most visited places in Iceland.
Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland
The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was the largest of the Nazi concentration camps with over 1 million inmates. The concentration camp was liberated in 1945 by the Soviet Union.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is open to the public and attracts over a million visitors each year. The museum is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust and the dangers of racism and prejudice.
Matterhorn, Switzerland, Italy
The Matterhorn is a mountain in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It is one of the most famous mountains and European landmarks in the world. The Matterhorn has been featured in many movies and photographs.
The first successful ascent of the Matterhorn was in 1865 by Edward Whymper and his party. The Matterhorn is 4,478 metres high and is a popular climbing destination.
The Matterhorn is in the canton of Valais in Switzerland and the province of Aosta Valley in Italy. The mountain is part of the Pennine Alps and is close to the Monte Rosa massif.
Blue Mosque, Turkey
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey is a popular tourist destination. It was built in the early 17th century and is famous for its blue tiles and six minarets. The Blue Mosque is also one of the largest mosques in the world. It can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers at once.
Cappadocia and Fairy Chimneys, Turkey
The region of Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is home to some of the most unique rock formations in the world. The fairy chimneys are cone-shaped and made of a volcanic rock that erodes over time.
The rocks are so soft that people have been able to carve out homes and churches in the stone. Cappadocia was first settled by the Hittites in the 2nd millennium BC. The area is known for its ancient underground cities, which were used as hiding places from enemies.
Today, Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its incredible landscape. One of the best ways to experience this iconic landmark is in a hot air balloon.
St. Basil’s Cathedral, Russia
The St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow is known for its colorful onion domes. The cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and was completed in 1561.
One legend has it that there was a historical belief that the more beautiful cathedral you build, the more of your sins will be forgiven. Therefore, building church was a popular endeavor in the past for the rich.
The cathedral is a museum now and tourists can visit it to see the icons, murals, and other religious art inside.
Grand Palace, Belgium
The Grand Palace is not actually a palace but the main square in Brussels. It is one of the most bustling landmarks in all of Belgium. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Town Hall and the Gothic-style Hôtel de Ville.
The square is also home to many vendors who sell food and souvenirs to tourists. Grand palace is a popular place for events and festivals, and it’s also a great place to just relax and take in the beauty of the European cityscape.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is a beautiful 19th century Romanesque Revival palace. It sits on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner.
Ludwig paid for the construction out of his personal fortune and by means of extensive borrowing, rather than through the traditional process of public taxation. The castle was intended as a personal refuge for the reclusive king, but it was opened to the paying public immediately after his death in 1886.
The palace has appeared prominently in several movies and was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Today, millions of people visit Neuschwanstein Castle every year.
Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle is a fascinating European landmark in Romania, near the city of Brasov. It is known as one of the most haunted castles in Europe and is said to be the home of Dracula.
The castle has a dark and spooky history and is said to be cursed. It is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by thousands of people every year.
Bran Castle is an interesting landmark if you are interested in the tales and legends. There are also many beautiful castles in Romania in addition to Bran castle.
Kinderdijk Windmills, Netherlands
The Kinderdijk Windmills in the province of South Holland were built in the 18th century to prevent flooding and they still serve that function today.
There are 19 windmills in the Kinderdijk area, and they are all open to visitors. The mills are a popular tourist attraction, and more than 1 million people visit them each year.
The Kinderdijk Windmills were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. In fact, they are the first Dutch site to be added to the list. The windmills are an important part of Dutch culture and history, and they continue to play a vital role in preventing floods.
Schönbrunn Palace, Austria
The Schönbrunn Palace is a former imperial palace in Vienna, the imperial capital. The palace was constructed in the 18th century and served as the main residence of the Habsburg monarchy.
The palace features numerous ornate rooms and gardens that are open to the public. The Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vienna.
The Schönbrunn Palace was originally constructed in 1696 as a hunting lodge for Emperor Leopold I. In 1712, Emperor Charles VI commissioned the palace to be expanded into a full-scale palace.
The palace was further expanded in the nineteenth century under Emperor Franz Joseph I. The Schönbrunn Palace served as the main residence of the Habsburg monarchy until 1918 when the monarchy was dissolved.
Discovering Landmarks in European
European landmarks are not just popular tourist attractions and an integral part of European culture.
This list covers a lot of places in Western Europe because that region is way more touristic and well known than other parts of Europe. However, I am a big fan of the less touristic zones such as the Balkans and Baltics. You will find that there is a lot to discover.
If you’re planning on traveling to Europe, take some time and research the different European landmarks that exist in each country – from castles to churches, these European structures have been around for centuries!
Whether you prefer ancient or modern architecture, there’s no shortage of things to see when exploring European countries. From famous monuments like Neuschwanstein Castle or Bran Castle, all the way to natural wonders such as the Matterhorn and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, European landmarks have much to offer.
