Europe is a rich mine of everything from medieval and antiquity to the baroque and art nouveau, thanks to its many layers of history and the merging of civilizations. There is a full side of nature to go along with the main dish of culture found in this amazing continent. You have an entire continent when you combine this with the conditions in the Arctic in the north and the gorgeous climes in the Mediterranean in the south.
Roman Catholic cathedrals, deep lochs, and expansive fjords are interspersed with sinking cities, leaning towers, and historic villages with mysterious air. This melting pot of history and culture is an intriguing destination for any visitor. To assist you in planning your next trip, we have compiled a list of the most popular tourist sites in Europe based on their popularity.
1. The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The remarkable four-degree tilt of the world-famous leaning tower, which gives the impression that the structure will collapse, is the reason for the tower’s widespread recognition worldwide. Romanesque architecture was used to construct the magnificent bell tower that is tilted and located behind Pisa Cathedral.
It took an astounding 199 years to finish the tower, which dates back to the 12th century. However, the tower started tiling slightly throughout the building because of the soft ground on one side. Today, the tall tower is a slender 55.86 meters tall. It is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world interested in catching a glimpse of the tower and taking photographs of themselves in front of it.
2. The Highlands of Scotland
The Scottish Highlands are a hilly area in Northern Scotland known for its rough terrain. A wide variety of activities may be enjoyed in this lovely region, characterized by its breathtaking environment. Glencoe Valley is home to waterfalls and red deer, and Ben Nevis is near this area. It is the highest mountain peak in the United Kingdom.
You might attempt to see the fabled Loch Ness Monster at Loch Ness, located in the Central Highlands. Alternatively, you can just walk and enjoy the peaceful environment at Loch Ness. Furthermore, the Scottish Highlands are the location of Inverness, the most populous city in the area. Dolphins are known to be active in the waters of Moray Firth, located near the area.
3. St. Basil's Cathedral
This winding Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square is often considered the most famous landmark in Russia. It is characterized by onion domes that are a variety of colors. Another well-known figure, Ivan the Terrible, was responsible for constructing St. Basil’s Cathedral in 1555.
The building is a brilliantly colorful lollypop of weird styles that resembles a funfair more than anything else in Russia and has an appearance that is unlike anything else in the country. The Cathedral is considered a symbol of Russia due to its distinctive architectural style and historical connections to a fight won in Tatarstan.
4. The waterways of Venice
Except for Venice, every other canal city in the world is compared to Venice. Venice is the original canal city. The mysterious city surrounded by water is home to more than 150 rivers and 400 bridges, one of which is particularly well-known as the Bridge of Sighs.
The Grand Canal, two miles long and past St. Mark’s Square, is the most important in Venice. It is flanked by some of Venice’s ancient buildings, ranging from the Medieval to the Baroque periods. Gondoliers guide tourists around the river wearing striped shirts and caps with broad brims. However, boats on the river are not just used for tourists but also for garbage collection and other regular tasks.
5. Versailles Palace
Versailles is a structure that cannot be compared to any other; when it comes to palaces, Versailles is, without a doubt, the most impressive. Beginning in 1682 and continuing until the French Revolution in 1789, this magnificent structure served as the primary home for the French royal family.
Even though the front of the castle is enchantingly beautiful, the interiors of the castle are just as outstanding. Several areas inside the structure are just as well-known as the palace itself. One such room is the Hall of Mirrors, renowned for its lavish gilded ornamentation. Conical trees are interspersed throughout the geometric Garden of Versailles, also knitted together as canals and fountains.