​25 unique sights in Europe. The main attractions of Europe: photos and descriptions, the most interesting places

1. Moscow Kremlin in Russia

The Kremlin is the “heart” of the great and mighty Russia and the source of pride for all its citizens. And not only we admire the Kremlin, but also people from all over the world. This fortress is located in the center of Moscow, the largest city in Europe by population, and the residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

2. Eiffel Tower in France

What is Paris without the Eiffel Tower? According to many tourists, the Eiffel Tower is the main attraction of Europe. The Eiffel Tower is the most visited and most photographed landmark in the world! From its opening in 1889 until 2008, it was visited by 236 million people! The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron structure built to the design of Émile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin by French engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition. The Eiffel Tower for 41 years, with its 330 meters, was also the tallest on the planet. This is a symbol not only of Paris, but of all of France.

3. Old Town Square in the Czech Republic

Old Town Square in Prague is one of the most charming and beautiful squares in Europe. It is home to beautiful monuments such as the Gothic Tyn Church with two towers over 80 meters high, the Church of St. Nicholas and the town hall, the facade of which is decorated with the world's most famous and beautiful medieval astronomical clock, built in 1490.

4. St. Basil's Cathedral in Russia

St. Basil's Cathedral is undoubtedly the most symbolic landmark in Russia and one of the most famous in Europe. This Orthodox church is located on Red Square in Moscow. Known throughout the world for its colorful onion-shaped domes. Its construction was started by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible in honor of the conquest of the Kazan Khanate, and lasted between 1555 and 1561. The cathedral consists of nine separate chapels dedicated to each of the saints on whose feast days Ivan the Terrible won battles. Undoubtedly, this cathedral is the main monument and symbol of Russian architecture, attracting millions of foreign tourists.

5. Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Spain

The capital of Spanish Catalonia, Barcelona, ​​in addition to its beautiful beaches, also boasts unique architectural sites. Sagrada Familia or Temple of the Holy Family is a cathedral in Barcelona, ​​a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi, who had a hand in many of Barcelona's attractions. This is the best example of Catalan modernist architecture. The temple began to be built in 1882, and its construction is still underway! Moreover, its end is not in sight even in the next 10 years. The work done by Gaudí, that is, the Nativity façade and the crypt, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Today it is one of the most famous landmarks in Spain and Europe.

6. Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle is located on a cliff in the Bavarian Alps in the Fussen region. It was built by order of the Bavarian King Ludwig II in 1866. Neuschwanstein Castle was awarded first place in the ranking of the most impressive castles in the world. It is also one of the most important and visited attractions in Europe and the most photographed building in Germany, which inspired Walt Disney to create the famous Cinderella Castle.

7. Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy

This is the famous “leaning” tower - the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Italian city of Pisa. Part of the architectural complex of the famous Square of Miracles, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most important and visited landmarks in Europe. Thanks to her attractiveness, she even “starred” in the movie “Superman”. It is noteworthy that for several years now, contrary to its name, the tower has no longer fallen. These are the results of many years of work to strengthen its foundation. If these works had not been carried out, then after a few decades, the tower would finally have really collapsed and the world-famous landmark would have disappeared from the face of the Earth forever.

8. Stonehenge in England

The most famous archaeological site in the world is the mysterious Stonehenge, which, apparently, is more than 5,000 years old. It is located 130 km from London. Scientists still cannot come to a consensus on what the true purpose of this object is. Stonehenge is a late Neolithic (20th century BC) megalithic monument located near the town of Amesbury in Wiltshire. It is not known exactly what it was previously - a burial site, an observatory, etc., but one thing we know for sure is that Stonehenge is an important landmark in Europe.

9.St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican

The main architectural dominant of the Vatican - the smallest state in the world, located within the city of Rome - is the impressive St. Peter's Basilica. It is the largest historical Christian church in the world. This cathedral is the most important temple of Catholicism and one of the most beautiful in Europe, in the construction of which such famous architects as Bramante, Michelangelo and Carlo Maderno took part. The Vatican's attractions include the Apostolic Palace, which is the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City, and includes the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Library, including the famous Sistine Chapel with frescoes by Michelangelo.

10. Acropolis of Athens in Greece

Athens is an incredible city full of history, freedom, rebellion and age-old traditions. The Acropolis in Athens is not only considered an important monument in Europe, it was also one of the top contenders for the title of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is located on a hill 156 meters above sea level in Athens. Most of the main temples of the acropolis were built under the leadership of Pericles during the Golden Age of Athens (460-430 BC). Inside you can see the Temple of Nike Apteros and the famous Parthenon. At the end of the Acropolis is the outstanding architectural monument Erechtheion. It is simply impossible not to visit the Parthenon, the personification of the Acropolis. This is the most important monument of ancient culture in the Western world, which every traveler should visit at least once in their life. The Parthenon was built in 438 BC. for a big sports and religious holiday. It is dedicated to the goddess Athena, and its name means “home of the virgin.”

11. Hagia Sophia in Turkey

For centuries, Hagia Sophia has been a symbol of the Byzantine Empire. Everyone will remember this building forever, having seen the grandeur of its dome and other parts that are visible from all over the Bosphorus. After the Ottoman conquest of the city, the cathedral was turned into a mosque and then into a museum by order of Kemal Atatürk. These days it is the most famous and photographed landmark in the city of Istanbul.

12. Parliament building in Hungary

Budapest is rightfully one of the ten most beautiful cities in Europe, despite its youth. The visiting card of the city is the outstanding architectural structure - the Hungarian Parliament Building, which combines elements of neo-Gothic and Beaux-Arts.

13. Edinburgh Castle in Scotland

The 900-year-old fortress in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh is one of the most popular attractions in Europe. This is a truly unique place with a unique atmosphere.

14. Old town of Dubrovnik in Croatia

The historical center of Dubrovnik is surrounded by fortified walls. It is located on the steep shore of the Adriatic Sea. According to UNESCO, Dubrovnik, along with Venice and Amsterdam, are among the three most beautiful cities in Europe.

15. Atomium in Belgium

This building was opened in Brussels in 1958 and is a unique symbol of the atomic age and the peaceful use of atomic energy. The height of the Atomium is 102 meters. At first they said that this building should be demolished, since it did not fit into the general architectural ensemble of the city. However, the Atomium soon became the main symbol of Brussels, eclipsing the most popular Manneken Pis. Undoubtedly, the Atomium is a landmark that stands out significantly from others with its modern and unusual design.

16. Palace of Versailles in France

Located in the city of Versailles, this palace is one of the most beautiful in the world. Its construction began on the orders of Louis XIV, and the result was an imposing and majestic building, with the most beautiful gardens in the world, covering an area of ​​more than 800 hectares. The Palace of Versailles is of great artistic value. Of particular importance is the Mirror Gallery, an impressive hall that is 73 meters long and has 375 mirrors. It is also the place where World War I ended in 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. This magnificent palace is a World Heritage Site and one of the finest monuments in Europe.

17. Big Ben in England

Big Ben is the famous tower of the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. This almost 100-meter tower with a huge clock installed on it - Big Ben - is the most famous landmark of London. This distinctive building, 96 meters high, built in 1858, has become the main symbol of London, and is considered the third largest clock tower in the world. The hero of countless films, Big Ben is undoubtedly one of the best attractions in England and throughout Europe.

18. Colosseum in Italy

Along with the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum is a great symbol of the city of Rome. With a history of 2000 years and dimensions of 188 meters long, 156 meters wide and 57 meters high, it is the largest and oldest Roman amphitheater, and one of the best preserved. Here more than 50,000 people could enjoy gladiator fights, executions of prisoners, etc... The theater remained active for more than 500 years, until the sixth century, when the last games were held. Considering that the Roman Colosseum is considered one of the seven new wonders of the world, it deservedly takes first place in our ranking of the best attractions in Europe.

19. Brandenburg Gate in Germany

Located in the heart of the city of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of Germany. They were built by the architect Karl Gottgard Langhans in 1788-1791 during the reign of King Frederick William II of Prussia, and modeled after the main entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. During World War II, the landmark was heavily damaged and the Chariot was almost completely destroyed. During the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, the Brandenburg Gate was left in no man's land, with no access from either East or West. Because of its history and beauty, this gate deserves to be among the best attractions in Europe.

20. Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Mosque in Turkey

Sultanahmet, or the Blue Mosque, is the hallmark of Istanbul. It is considered an outstanding example of Islamic architecture. Every year, it is this attraction that attracts many thousands of tourists of any faith to Istanbul: both Muslims and Christians.

21. Tower Bridge in England

This is another famous London landmark that can compete with Big Ben for the title of most popular. It is a drawbridge with two towers, 65 meters high, made in the Gothic style.

22. Alhambra in Spain

Alhambra - a palace complex with beautiful gardens built by Muslims on the hill of Granada, where the monarch of the Emirate of Granada was located. This is an architectural ensemble that includes luxurious palaces, delightful Generalife gardens and a fortress. The beautiful Andalusian style of the interior and its hilltop location make the Alhambra one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Europe and the world.

23.Trullo in Italy

The fairytale-like houses of Puglia make up the entire village of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to legend, these white round houses with a conical gray roof arose thanks to the ingenuity of local residents. Construction in this area was prohibited, so if necessary, the trullo could be completely destroyed in the blink of an eye by removing just one “secret” stone. Today, most of them are stylization, quite stable, but very cute.

24.Ronda in Spain

Lost in the mountains, the capital of the white cities of Andalusia and the birthplace of bullfighting primarily attracts tourists with the opportunity to walk along the cyclopean New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) over the deep Tagus gorge. Actually, it was new in the 18th century, connecting two parts of the city, spread out on two picturesque rocky plateaus. And today it is the main (and very photogenic) attraction, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

25.Mont Saint Michel in France

The monastery castle on the top of a rocky island impresses with its medieval monumentality against the backdrop of idyllic landscapes with sheep and cows grazing in the surrounding meadows. But the main feature is its unique location - in the middle of a bay with the most powerful ebbs and flows in Europe. Twice a day, water surrounds the island, leaving only the dam open, and then retreats for many kilometers, exposing the entire space between the castle and the coast.

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Covadonga, Mdina, Pag, Kashubia or Salzkammergut - have you ever heard of these places?
Surely not. Meanwhile, these places are impressive and are located... in Europe, traveled far and wide!

Travelers all over the world love Europe. The Old World has something to offer even the most fastidious tourist, for example, in terms of architecture - so many medieval streets have not been preserved anywhere else. But Europe is especially good in terms of nature, it has everything - from snowy mountain peaks and smoking volcanoes to blue lakes and deep caves. Many of them are well-trodden by curious tourists, but there are some preserved that few people know about. They are not very popular, but believe me, they are really worth visiting, and for very little money.


The TOP of little-known attractions in Europe presented below is also interesting because these places are also suitable for a budget holiday. It is compiled on the basis of a number of criteria, including the beauty of the area, popularity among tourists, the ability to pay cashless, cost of living and the level of infrastructure development.

ASTURIA AND COVADONGA MONASTERY, SPAIN
Asturias (Principality of Asturias) is a small mountainous autonomous region in northern Spain, located off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Empty and amazingly beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, almost a third of the region is nature reserves, most of which are under UNESCO protection.

Attractions
Among the main ones: Peaks of Europe National Park, Lakes Covadonga and Enol, and the Monastery of St. Vincent. The most visited place, however, is the sacred altar of the Virgin of Covadonga and the chapel with the image of the Virgin and the remains of Pelayo, the first king of Asturias. After his death, Pelayo was buried in a cave, and there is also a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Covadonga. The holy cave quickly became a place of pilgrimage.

Accommodation approx. €25 (approximate price of a double room in a 3-star hotel or guesthouse per night for one person), dinner approx. € 18 (average price for a dish in a restaurant).

How to get there
There are 16 different flights to Asturias Airport: the easiest ways to get here are from London, Barcelona and Madrid.

MDINA AND ZEBBUG, MALTA
The city of Mdina is one of the most mysterious cities in Malta. The Maltese themselves call this place the “Silent City” - its population is now only about 300 people.

Attractions
Tourists usually come here to see Mdina's ancient main and Greek gates, St. Paul's Cathedral, built in the 17th century, and Mdina's dungeon, which is now a torture device museum.

Accommodation in a guest house can be found for approx. €25

How to get there
By bus from Valletta Central Bus Station.
As for Zebbug, one of the oldest towns in Malta, the most interesting attraction here is the Church of St. Peter in Chains. The easiest way for tourists to reach the city is by car or bus - the city is only 6 km from Malta International Airport.

SALZKAMMERGUT, AUSTRIA
Historical region in Austria east of Salzburg. A truly picturesque lake district.

Attractions
In addition to the numerous crystal clear lakes (more than 70), tourists also visit this place for the tiny town of Hallstatt. The city, together with Lake Hallstättersee, the salt mines and the immediate surroundings, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The tourist walking route should also include the famous natural caves of Dachstein and the cozy Ehernthal valley with its “glacier garden”.

Accommodation approx. €35, dinner approx. €25.

How to get there
Short trips around the Salzkammergut are best done from Salzburg or Linz.

AZORES, PORTUGAL
An archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean consisting of 9 islands of volcanic origin. The active volcano Pico (2351 m) is also located here.

Attractions
San Miguel is the largest and most visited island of the archipelago. From the island's capital, Ponta Delgada, day trips to lakes, craters, hot springs and rocky shores are convenient. To the west is the largest volcanic crater in the Azores, Caldeira das Sete Cidades. Also on the island of San Miguel there are hot springs, and, accordingly, thermal hospitals are equipped. Sulfur caves can be seen on the island of Theseira.

How to get there
International airports in the Azores are located on three islands: Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and Faial. The most convenient flight option from Russia is a flight with a transfer at Lisbon airport at Joao Paulo II airport in Sao Miguel.

PERAST, MONTENEGRO
An ancient tiny town on the shores of the Bay of Kotor on the Adriatic Sea. About 300 people live in Perast permanently. You can explore this place in just a few hours.

Attractions
Directly from the city embankment there is a picturesque view of the Bay of Kotor, the Church of Our Lady on the Cliff and the island of St. George. Tourists should also definitely climb the St. Nicholas Tower.

Accommodation approx. €15, dinner approx.€15

How to get there
For travelers, it will be most profitable to visit Perast and Kotor in one day by purchasing a group excursion around the Bay of Kotor for €25 per person. Or get here yourself by car or bus from Budva.

LEDNICE-VALTICE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Landscape complex in the Czech Republic (Moravia), included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is located 50 kilometers southeast of Brno, in a triangle where the borders of three neighboring countries meet - Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Attractions
People come here for the grandiose medieval Gothic castle of Lednice, which is part of the entire castle and park complex. The castles of Valtice and Lednice, in turn, are connected by luxurious seven-kilometer alleys, called the “Garden of Europe”. Wine tourism is also very developed in this region of the Czech Republic - there is a chance to bring real Moravian wine from here, little known in Russia, but very tasty and appreciated by gourmets.

Accommodation approx. €20, dinner approx. €10.

How to get there
The Lednice-Valtice complex can easily be explored on a day trip from Prague, Brno, Bratislava or Vienna.

ISLAND OF PAG, CROATIA
A picturesque island stretching 60 km along the Adriatic coast. It is famous for its delicious page cheese and skillful lace, but not only for them.

Attractions
The city of Pag, with its episcopal and princely palaces as examples of medieval urban planning, and the ancient small town of Novalja, now called the “Croatian Ibiza” because of its beaches and noisy discos. There are also unique places of unexplored origin, for example, the Pag Triangle - a large area of ​​scorched earth, along which there are very clear and orderly markings.

Accommodation approx. €30, dinner approx. €13.

How to get there
The easiest way is to arrive here by ferry Prizna-Žiglen or by car. In the southwest of the island there is a road bridge connecting the island with the mainland.

SAAREMAA ISLAND, ESTONIA
The fourth largest island in the Baltic Sea after the islands of Zealand, Funen and Gotland. The former name is Kuressaare, which means “land of storks”.

Attractions
The Kaali meteorite crater, formed about 3,500 years ago, the ruins of Maasi Castle, built by a master of the Livonian Order in 1345, windmills (the island's calling card!) and a national park with 30 species of mammals (including gray seals) and more than 200 species of birds. The island can be called a real lake district - there are more than 80 lakes, most of which are located in the northwestern part of the island.

Accommodation approx. €23, dinner approx. €18.

How to get there
The easiest way to get to Saaremaa from Tallinn is by bus. The ferry crossing is included in the ticket price.

VOLOS AND PELION, GREECE
Volos is a small, quiet town by the sea that turns into a popular ski resort in winter.

Attractions
One of the most interesting places in Volos is Mount Pelion (Pelion) with traditional villages, serpentine roads and picturesque nature. According to legend, centaurs lived on Mount Pelion. The wisest of them, Chiron, was the teacher of Achilles and the famous Asclepius, who was engaged in healing and made the snake a symbol of medicine.
There is also a theater with a symphony orchestra, a promenade, a university and the Archaeological Museum of Volos, one of the ten best in Greece.

Accommodation approx. €25, dinner approx. €15.

How to get there
The most convenient way to get here is by bus or train from Athens or Thessaloniki.

VELIKA PLANINA, SLOVENIA
An extremely popular destination with picturesque alpine grasses and flowers for weekend hikes, as well as a world famous ski resort.

Attractions
Magnificent view from the mountains to the valley, the city of Kamnik and its surroundings. All lovers of active and family recreation are given the opportunity for hiking and cycling, individual and group excursions to the mountains. The most popular attraction here is the shepherd's settlement, one of the few remaining settlements of its size and character in Europe.

Accommodation approx. €40, dinner approx. €15.

How to get there
The easiest way is by plane or train - Velika Planina is 44 kilometers from Ljubljana.

KASHUBIA, POLAND
West Slavic ethnic territory of the Kashubians in northwestern Poland. There are no major tourist centers and no crowded events. But, nevertheless, among travelers with small children, lovers of outdoor activities and hiking, this place can be considered one of the most popular.

Attractions
It’s worth coming here for picturesque lakes and rivers, folded hills, valleys and gorges. Due to its unusual geological structure, part of the region is called Kashubian Switzerland. In summer you can swim in the lakes, admire flocks of cranes, and in winter you can go skiing. The best tourist centers in the region for traveling around the Kashubian lakes are the city of Kartuzy and the Chmielno resort.

Accommodation approx. €20, dinner approx. €12.

How to get there
The fastest way to get here is by bus or car from Gdansk.

NAARDEN, NETHERLANDS
The star-shaped walled city is one of the few surviving Dutch bastions and the only fortress in Europe with unique double walls and moats.

Attractions
In fact, the entire city can be considered the main attraction. But tourists here should also look at the bell tower of the Great Church, the “Spanish House” and the fortress museum, where they will be curious to learn about the city’s past and defensive structures.

Accommodation approx. €60, dinner approx. €30.

How to get there
There are several options: by train from Amsterdam in 20 minutes, by bike from Vespa or by bus 101 from Amstel station in Amsterdam.

CAPE KOLKA, LATVIA
Kolka (Kolkasrags) is the most pronounced cape on the Latvian coast, separating the open Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga.

Attractions.
During the bird migration period, you can see tens of thousands of birds here. Tourists here should visit the village of Kolka, where there is a Liv culture center and churches of three different denominations: the Kolka Lutheran Church, the Orthodox Church of the Nativity and the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Star of the Sea. Also at the cape, a journey through the Slitere National Park begins.

Accommodation approx. €20, dinner approx. €14.

How to get there
A bus runs from Riga to Kolka four to five times a day. The cost of a one-way ticket is about €7.

DANUBE DELTA, ROMANIA
One of the largest and best preserved river deltas in Europe.

Attractions
The Danube Delta includes numerous ecosystems, which are home to a significant number of flora and fauna (93 species of fish, 350 species of birds). In 1998, the Danube Biosphere Reserve, under the patronage of UNESCO, was established in the delta region of Romania and neighboring Ukraine. It is for this reason that many tourists come here. Also worth visiting here is the city of Tulcea, where there is the Agessus Fortress, the Historical and Archaeological Museum, the Danube Delta Natural History Museum and the Museum of Folk Art and Ethnography.

Accommodation approx. €15, dinner approx. €10.

How to get there
The easiest way to get to Tulcea is by plane from Constanta Airport. Or take a direct train from Bucharest to Tulcea station.

BALATON UPLANDS, HUNGARY
Balaton itself can be considered the most important resort center in Hungary. People come here for beach and active recreation, as well as for treatment and wellness: there are many thermal and mineral healing springs around the lake.

Attractions
The key tourist destination here is the Balaton Uplands National Park at the northern edge of Lake Balaton. People move through this territory with a volcanic landscape only along hiking trails. Famous places in the park are the Tihany Peninsula, the Kali and Tapolca river basins, the Tapolca Caves, the South Bakony Mountains and Kis-Balaton.

Accommodation approx. €20, dinner approx. €13.

How to get there
Lake Balaton is conveniently accessible from Budapest via a modern 115-kilometer highway (the journey takes about an hour and a half) or by rail.

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There are many old cities in Europe, many of them are well preserved and can offer a glimpse into how our ancestors lived many centuries ago. Many cities, perfectly preserved from the Middle Ages, are now very popular, attracting many tourists with the opportunity to admire the beauty of ancient buildings, bridges, walls and cathedrals. In this article, we have compiled for you a selection of 10 memorable places from medieval Europe that have been perfectly preserved to this day.

Bruges, Belgium

Sometimes this most beautiful and charming city in Europe is called the “Venice of the North”. In ancient times, on the territory of the future Bruges, there was a bridge near which people gathered for the Fair. The settlement that was subsequently formed became known as Most, from the German Brucke,Today there are as many as 54 bridges in the city. Bruges became a city back in 1128. The historic city center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The heart of the historical center is the beautiful market and the Belfort watchtower, 83 meters high. Local beers and fine chocolates are also very good reasons to visit Bruges.

Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany, it was founded by the Romans almost 2000 years ago. In its considerable life, it changed many names, managed to be a camp of the Romans, the residence of the Bavarian dukes and a bishop, was part of France, then went to Germany. The main attraction of Regensburg is the well-preserved city center from the Middle Ages, with a cathedral and stone bridge, and many Gothic buildings in the old quarter. Regensburg's old town has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regensburg is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Germany.

York, England

One of the oldest English cities, York was founded in 73 BC on the site of a Roman camp. York is home to many well-preserved historic buildings and structures, so it's no surprise that York is the second most visited city in England after London. The city is surrounded by walls from the 14th century, with 10 gates, and entire blocks of medieval houses from the 15th and 16th centuries have been preserved. Here is the Royal Theatre, the Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, and St. Mary's Abbey built in the 13th century.

Collioure, France

The well-preserved town of Collioure grew out of two neighboring villages merged, located on either side of the large castle. Tourists who come to the city to admire the beautiful streets and other attractions of medieval Europe will find in Collioure the old church of Notre-Dame de Agnes, an old lighthouse with a beautiful view of the sea, and the Chateau Royal, built in the 13th century.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn has experienced a lot over its centuries-old history. It managed to be Danish, Geyses, Swedish, Russian, Estonian, Soviet and now it is again the capital of Estonia.

The historical heart of medieval Tallinn is located on Toompea Hill. This well-preserved area is filled with medieval houses and alleys. The boundaries of the old city are still protected by the remains of the city wall. In the old town you will find the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, Dome Cathedral, Niguliste Church, Oleviste Church and the Dominican Monastery.

Carcassonne, France

Carcassonne is located in southwestern France, its old town is surrounded by two defensive walls dating from the 5th and 8th centuries. The length of these walls is about three kilometers. The medieval architectural ensemble of the city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Carcassonne's main attraction: the Cité, a historic fortress that was featured in the film Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves and also inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

San Gimignano, Italy

San Gimignano is a beautiful medieval fortified city in Tuscany. The city reached its highest development during the Middle Ages and has remained almost unchanged since then, maintaining its medieval appearance, city walls and 14 stone towers - “skyscrapers of the Middle Ages”, which are one of its main attractions. These towers were built at different times by various noble families of the city in order to emphasize their social status. Some of the towers reach a height of 50 meters. The city is also famous for its squares and church.

Toledo, Spain

Toledo's history dates back to the Roman occupation in 192 BC. As if completely untouched by time, a medieval city with labyrinths of cobbled streets and a huge number of architectural monuments holds a lot of interesting things for you: the Cathedral of St. Mary, the Toledo Alcazar fortress, the oldest synagogue in Europe, the ruins of a Roman amphitheater and a Roman aqueduct, the castle of San Servando, monasteries, hospitals, churches and much more. In terms of the number and variety of surviving sights, this is one of the richest of the memorial sites of medieval Europe.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. The Old Town of Prague is famous all over the world and attracts tourists from all over the world. The heart of the old city is Old Town Square. All the buildings here are original: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque have been preserved in their original form. The Town Hall with its chimes, Tyn Church, Charles Bridge, the monument to Jan Hus, Prague has prepared all this and much more for you. In Prague, every street, every place is the personification and embodiment of the European Middle Ages.

Stockholm, Sweden

The old town of Stockholm is called Gamlastan, it is located on a small island in the center of the city. Here you will find many places that have been preserved in their original form since the Middle Ages. The German Church, the House of Elders, the Bunde Mansion, and the Oxenstierna Palace will open their arms for you here. The oldest building here is Raddyrholm Church, built in the 13th century.

It is impossible to imagine at least one person who has never heard about the famous Louvre, Colosseum or Eiffel Tower. They are located in Europe, famous for its many attractions. There are simply not enough pages to list them all.

1. The briefest overview of all historical and cultural values ​​begins with France, which is the focus of the largest number of attractions.

France

Eiffel Tower

Tourists visiting France for the first time first of all go to the Eiffel Tower. This is a symbol of France and the most romantic corner of Paris, 324 meters high and weighing 10 thousand tons. The tower is accessible to all categories of tourists; there are discounts for children and people with disabilities. More than 230 million tourists visited it.

Louvre

One of the largest art museums in the world. The Louvre was originally a palace for monarchs and opened as a museum at the end of the 18th century. It is located in the very center of Paris on the banks of the Seine. The museum's exposition consists of more than 400,000 exhibits. The famous painting “La Gioconda”, captivating everyone with its mystery, the goddesses Venus de Milo and Nike of Samothrace comfortably and harmoniously fit into their number.

Triumphal Arch

Very close to the Louvre on Place Gaulle there is the majestic Arc de Triomphe, built at the beginning of the 19th century in antique style. Its height is almost 50 meters, and its width is almost 45. Inside the arch itself there is a mini-museum of bas-reliefs, the theme of which is dedicated to the construction of the arch. It itself was built in honor of the great victories of France during the reign of Napoleon.

The main attractions of France on the world map:

2. Having visited the heart of Europe - France - a tourist cannot resist the temptation to visit the north of Europe in the capital of Foggy Albion. What does prim and conservative London offer tourists?

London, Great Britain

Big Ben

The clock mechanism, famous throughout the world for its size, is located on the Westminster Tower on all four sides. The diameter of the watch is 7 meters, and the total weight is 5 tons. Each base has an ornate inscription calling on God to protect Queen Victoria I. Big Ben is a symbol of London and Great Britain. Their melodic ringing is heard every hour.

London Eye Ferris wheel

One of the world's largest Ferris wheels, 135 meters high, is located on the banks of the Thames. It consists of 32 passenger air-conditioned cabins. The London Eye operates in a fast-paced, constant rotation, stopping only to disembark disabled people.

3. Having experienced the peculiar charm of English foggy gray days, the traveler will inevitably want to taste the richness of bright summer colors and the scorching heat with the coolness of the sea. Of course, the path lies to the south of Europe. Before this, if you wish, you can improve your health a little in the German resort town of Baden-Baden and at the same time explore another attraction. It is worth noting that the city is intended mainly for tourists with a “tight” wallet, so other adventure seekers can immediately go further south.

The main attractions of Great Britain on the world map:

Germany

Faberge Museum

Founded in 2009 by Russian artist-collector A. Ivanov. He presented his collected collection of 700 exhibits to the future museum. The theme of the museum is entirely dedicated to the work of the famous jeweler Faberge. There are more than 3,000 exhibits on display here, including, in addition to the famous “eggs,” various household items and accessories.

The main attractions of Germany on the world map:

4. The south of Europe attracts tourists not only with the sea breeze and the “orange” sun, but also with a variety of natural and architectural monuments.

Italy

Roman Coliseum

A unique and huge amphitheater with a capacity of 50 thousand people was built during the reign of the Roman Flavian dynasty. The northern and southern places were reserved for the imperial family. They offered the most gorgeous view of the action taking place in the arena. Now all that remains of this majestic cultural monument are ruins, which still retain the grandeur and spirit of the great Roman era. Despite this, the Colosseum is almost the main symbol of Rome.

The main attractions of Italy on the world map:

Greece

Athens Acropolis

Defensive fortresses in Ancient Greece, built on a hill, were called "acropolis". The Acropolis in Athens was built at an elevation of 156 meters on a limestone rock. An entire royal palace with statues of various ancient Greek gods was erected here. During antiquity, meetings of the supreme rulers of Athens were held here. The Acropolis has undergone restoration work several times, many original sculptures have been replaced with skillful copies, but this does not contribute to the fading of tourist interest.

The main attractions of Greece on the world map:

5. “What about art?” – many music lover tourists will exclaim. And they will be absolutely right. Having visited Europe and not visited the famous Vienna Opera, it is impossible to appreciate the fullness of the sensations and impressions of the trip.

Austria

Vienna State Opera

Founded in the mid-19th century, it was the largest building in Vienna. It was originally the Vienna Court Opera. The walls of the Opera are painted and decorated with bas-reliefs based on the works of great composers. Unfortunately, the building was destroyed in 1945 as a result of bombing and was restored only 10 years later. The opera has 1313 seats. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here every year. From May to October, outdoor concerts are held here, which anyone can attend for free.

You can talk endlessly about the sights of Europe. It is best to personally go to the city or country you like, see everything with your own eyes and capture beautiful shots on film and in your memory.

The authoritative American magazine Travel & Leisure has published a list of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe. Based on the observations and presentation of statistical data, we selected Most Popular based on the largest number of tourist visits. If you are going to have an unforgettable holidays in Europe, this article will undoubtedly help you in choosing your destination. So, .

Cologne Cathedral, Cologne,— 6,000,000 visitors per year. Monumental work on it was carried out in the 13th and 19th centuries, and more than 600 years passed from the start of construction until the cathedral appeared in the form in which it is now. It has three naves, 144 m long, 86 m wide and up to 157 m high. At the time of its opening it was the tallest building on Earth.

Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, France— 6,000,000 visitors per year. French Lourdes, located on the Gave de Pau River in the foothills of the Pyrenees in southwestern France, is famous for its pilgrimage tourism. Here, on the site of the appearance of the Virgin Mary, a basilica was created in the neo-Gothic style. Thousands of tourists come here in search of miraculous healing from illnesses, and, according to official data, more than 7 thousand cases of miraculous healing have already occurred.

Sanctuary of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy— 6,000,000 visitors per year. Consists of the old monastery and temple and the new Church of Divine Grace. The new church was built according to the design of one of the most famous modern architects, Renzo Piano - amazing in its original form.

Palace of Versailles, France— 5,900,000 visitors per year. The Palace of Louis XIV is a Baroque marvel that no other can provide. The exterior of the building may not be anything extraordinary, but inside you will be simply amazed by its luxury and beauty. Versailles is also one of the most beautiful parks in the world.

British Museum, London,– 5,800,000 visitors per year. The British Museum has collected more than seven million objects on ancient history - large exhibitions of objects from different eras and different cultures. You can also see: sarcophagi, mummies, masterpieces of art. In addition to its impressive collections, the British Museum boasts the largest indoor courtyard in the world. Free admission.

Italy - about 5-6 million visitors per year. St. Mark's Basilica is the largest and most important church in Venice. As Charles Dickens said, "This place must be seen (...) dark smoke of incense, full of treasures of precious stones and metals, glittering behind iron bars, the holy relics of dead saints." Entrance to the cathedral is free, but you will pay if you want to go to the St. Mark's Museum.

Church of San Francesco in Assisi, Italy– 5,500,000 visitors per year. The impressive basilica, the main temple of the Franciscan order, is one of the most important Catholic churches, consisting of two churches - a lower and an upper one, under which there is a vault.