From Rome To Vienna, Here Are The 12 Best Monuments To Visit In Europe Once In Your Life
From grand imperial palaces to centuries-old cathedrals carved into city skylines, Europe is home to some of the most awe-inspiring monuments on the planet. These sites aren’t just beautiful—they’re woven into the continent’s cultural and historical fabric.
Each one offers a glimpse into the past while standing tall in the present, drawing travelers who want more than just a photo—they want a story. If you’re planning a trip and want to connect with Europe’s rich legacy, these unforgettable landmarks deserve a spot on your itinerary.
1. Colosseum – Rome, Italy
Standing in the heart of ancient civilization, this massive amphitheater still echoes with the roars of 50,000 spectators who once gathered here. The Colosseum represents the engineering brilliance of Rome at its imperial height.
Built between 70-80 AD, it hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles that captivated the masses for nearly four centuries.
2. Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
Originally criticized as an eyesore by Parisians, this iron lattice marvel has become the ultimate symbol of romance worldwide. The Eiffel Tower offers spectacular city views from three different observation levels.
Visit at sunset for the most magical experience, when the tower sparkles with thousands of lights for five minutes every hour on the hour.
3. Sagrada Família – Barcelona, Spain
Otherworldly spires reach toward heaven in this unfinished masterpiece that defies architectural norms. The Sagrada Família blends Gothic and Art Nouveau influences through Antoni Gaudí’s uniquely organic vision.
Construction began in 1882 and continues today, with completion expected by 2026—the centenary of Gaudí’s death. Inside, forest-inspired columns support a ceiling that filters rainbow-colored light.
4. Acropolis – Athens, Greece
Perched majestically on a rocky outcrop above modern Athens, this ancient citadel has witnessed 2,500 years of history unfold beneath it. The Acropolis contains several marble temples dedicated to Greek deities.
Morning visits offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Don’t miss the nearby Acropolis Museum, which houses original sculptures and friezes removed from the monuments for preservation.
5. Tower Of London – London, England
Ravens guard these imposing stone walls where royal intrigue, imprisonment, and execution once determined England’s fate. The Tower of London houses the dazzling Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown with its 2,868 diamonds.
Join a Yeoman Warder tour to hear spine-tingling tales of former prisoners. Legend claims the kingdom will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress.
6. Schönbrunn Palace – Vienna, Austria
Gilded opulence greets visitors at every turn in this Habsburg summer residence that rivals Versailles in grandeur. Schönbrunn Palace features 1,441 rooms, though only 40 are open to the public.
The magnificent gardens include the world’s oldest zoo, a maze, and the Gloriette pavilion with panoramic city views. Mozart performed his first concert here at age six, dazzling Empress Maria Theresa’s court.
7. Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany
Fairytales come alive in this romantic castle that inspired Walt Disney himself. Nestled among Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein rises like a dream against snow-capped peaks and verdant forests.
King Ludwig II commissioned this fantastical retreat in 1869 but died before its completion. For the most photogenic view, hike to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) spanning a dramatic gorge above a waterfall.
8. Charles Bridge – Prague, Czech Republic
Thirty baroque statues line this cobblestone crossing where medieval kings once processed toward coronation. The Charles Bridge has connected Prague’s Old Town with Lesser Town since 1402, surviving floods and revolutions alike.
Musicians and artists create a festive atmosphere during daylight hours. Visit at dawn to experience the bridge’s mystical quality without crowds, when morning mist often shrouds the Vltava River below.
9. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England
Massive stone monoliths arranged in mysterious circles have puzzled archaeologists for centuries. Stonehenge dates back to approximately 3000 BCE, aligned perfectly with solstice sunrises for reasons still debated today.
Modern visitors circle the monument on a designated path. For a truly magical experience, book a special access visit that allows you to walk among the stones during sunrise or sunset.
10. Parthenon – Athens, Greece
Mathematical perfection defines every aspect of this temple dedicated to Athena, patron goddess of ancient Athens. The Parthenon’s subtle architectural refinements create optical illusions that make the structure appear perfectly straight and balanced.
Built between 447-438 BCE, it once housed a massive gold and ivory statue of Athena. Look for the remaining traces of colorful paint—contrary to popular belief, Greek temples were originally brightly painted.
11. Brandenburg Gate – Berlin, Germany
Witness to triumph and tragedy alike, this neoclassical monument has stood at history’s crossroads. The Brandenburg Gate became a powerful symbol of German division during the Cold War and later of reunification when the Berlin Wall fell.
Topped by the Quadriga—a copper statue of Victory driving a four-horse chariot—it’s now a place of celebration. Visit after dark when dramatic lighting transforms the monument into a photographer’s dream.
12. Palace Of Versailles – Versailles, France
Royal extravagance reaches its pinnacle in this lavish palace where the Sun King once held court. The Palace of Versailles showcases 700 rooms filled with priceless art and furniture, including the dazzling Hall of Mirrors.
Gardens spanning 800 hectares feature geometric patterns, fountains, and hidden groves. Arrive early on weekdays and purchase tickets online to bypass notorious lines that can stretch for hours.