For every Wanderlust Europe is their dream destination, a trip to Europe to visit its historical sites is definitely on everyone’s bucket list. Various historical sites and artistic landmarks of Europe attract thousands of tourists from all around the world every year. The continent which is filled with Roman and Greek civilizations must deserve a visit. Here is the list of the top 15 historical sites in Europe that should never get missed on your next trip or upcoming vacation.
Historic Sites in Europe
1. France’s – The Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous Sites in Europe. During the 17th and 18th centuries, The Palace of Versailles was the residence of French kings. This enormous place is 22 km away from Paris. Louis XIV who is also known as the Sun King governed for almost 72 years from this place only. The majestic garden and the very beautiful Hall of Mirrors enhance the beauty of this palace. Today this palace is one of the top choices of travellers from all around the world.
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2. France’s – Mont Saint-Michel
The Mont Saint-Michel Is a small Island located in Normandy opposite the French coast. The bishop of Avranches Saint-Aubert founded Mount Saint-Michel in 708. There are various stories of the foundation of Mount Saint-Michel; one of such stories is the archangel Saint-Michel, who came in the dreams of Saint-Aubert. Because of this, he made Island under his name. The Abbey of the Mont Saint-Michel was built two centuries after it was created when the Benedictine monks went to the island.
3. France’s –Caves of Lascaux
The reason why The Caves of Lascaux is famous worldwide is because of the Paleolithic Cave Paintings. These paintings are almost 20,000 years old. There are almost 600 abstract signs, human figures, and pictures of animals in the painting. Till now there is no valid reason why these Caves were painted. Some of the experts believe that as these paintings are present deep in the Caves these may be made for some secret reasons like hunting.
4. Belgium’s – Waterloo battlefield
Waterloo battlefields one of the most important battlefields in Europe as it was the field in which Napoleon Bonaparte the French Empire was defeated. The Waterloo battlefield is just near Brazil’s and a perfect place for a person who wants to discover about the battle of Waterloo and the Napoleonic war. French and English soldiers fought for almost 23 years on this battlefield, this was one of the longest wars in history. If Brussels is your next destination for holidays the Waterloo battlefield deserves your visit.
5. Poland’s – Auschwitz concentration camp
Poland’s Auschwitz concentration camp doesn’t need any introduction. It is one of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camps which is located in Poland. Between 1942 and 1945 almost 1.1 million people were killed in the Auschwitz concentration camp. People were gassed, worked to death, starved, or killed in medical experiments. The one who left behind was praying to get death. This place has now turned into a museum that States the dark reality of the past. The people visiting here can feel the pain of those 1.1 million people, every wall of the concentration Camp tells the story of their sufferings.
6. Poland’s – Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is filled with Saline works of art, Saline chandeliers, and saline altarpieces. This place is just 30 minutes from Krakow, where everything is made of salt. The entire chapel which is known as the Chapel of Saint Kinga is also made up of salt. They wear 40 chappals and altars where the miners used to pray were also created in this mine. The place has a history of almost 700 years. The rich history has so much to learn from.
7. United Kingdom’s – Tower of London
The Tower of London is not only the most important European historical site but it is one of the most important historical sites in the world. The conqueror William had created this iconic Tower to defend London. This Tower was the symbol of royalty and power as well as the residence of the royal Emperor. The tower holds an incredible history with a rich castle. Queen Elizabeth I, Henry VIII, the Duke of Wellington, and Anne Boleyn are some of the famous residents of this castle.
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8. Italy’s – Roman Forum and Colosseum
The Roman Forum and Colosseum are one of the most famous landmarks of Europe. The Roman Forum is located in the middle of Rome, and it is one of the most important buildings for administrative and commercial works, while the Colosseum is situated just after the Forum. It was the Colosseum where the gladiators used to fight in the ancient era and other big events used to be held.
9. Italy’s – Pompeii
Europe’s one of the most famous historical destinations is Pompeii. The temperature of the city even rises up to 79 CE during summers. The volcano: Mount Vesuvius, literally destroyed the city overnight. The Lava of the volcano never comes out to Pompeii but the pyroclastic flow covered the whole city with volcanic Ash.
10. Luxembourg – Vianden Castle
Vianden Castle is one of the most beautiful castles. During the 16th century, Vianden Castle was abandoned by the counts and it fell into disrepair. In 1960 the Castle was refurbished and reconstructed. The reconstruction of the castle was done in such a way that the authenticity of the Castle will remain constant. This place will definitely be loved by the castle lovers. The history of Luxembourg is reflected in Vianden Castle.
11. Netherland’s – Anne Frank House
A school-going child also knows the name of Anne Frank. She was a Jewish girl who kept a diary during World War II. As the name defines The House of Anne Frank is Anne Frank’s home. During the war, Anne Frank and her family hid from the nazis in a house which is located in Amsterdam. Today the house has turned into a museum which is full of Anne Frank’s belongings, pictures, and videos. The Secret Annex where the family used to hide during the war has now become the most visited place.
12. Albania – Butrint
The European Empire consists of very important cities, and Butrint is one of them. The Roman theatres, Fountains, defensive walls, and Chapels are some of the impressive parts of Butrint, which speaks about the history of that place. The archaeological park and the nature park of Butrint is one of the famous tourist attractions. The beautiful flora and fauna make the place more beautiful and connected to nature.
13. United Kingdom’s – Stonehenge
Stonehenge is another historical site in Europe, which is located near Salisbury. Stonehenge is made up of 100 massive stones which are placed in a circular motion. There is a lot of mystery about this place as no one knows the exact purpose of placing these hundred massive stones in a circular form. This structure was built before the invention of wheels and it is not clear how it was built without any modern technology.
14. Greece’s – Acropolis
Greece is filled with various ancient complexes and Acropolis is one of them. The very famous Parthenon is in the Acropolis. The various temples of the goddess Athena made this place religious as earlier it was just a citadel.
15. Greese’s – Delphi
Delphi is dedicated to Apollo, the Greek God. It is believed that the Oracle of Delphi was found here. It is also believed that this place was the center of the earth; this is one of the reasons why this place has become one of the most important ancient Greek cities. If you are eager to learn about ancient Greece, this historical place of Europe is your destination. The ancient theatres, temples, and stadiums are present here telling ancient Greek history.
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Conclusion
These are the top 15 historical Sites in Europe which are always on the list of any travel lover. Every historical place in Europe has some deep history behind it. From Anne Frank’s house to the Tower of London, every place in Europe Is filled with historical stories. The lifestyle of ancient people, the way they used to fight in different battles, is visible in these historical sites. In today’s world Europe is one of the continents, which is continuing to attract people from all around the world with its rich heritage and architecture.
