European Buildings
If you are travelling to Europe then you are highly likely to be going to witness some of the impressive architecture and history that many European countries offer. Even if you are not heading there for that reason as such then you may well want to keep an eye out for the sites and tourist spots and chances are that wherever you are going there will be at least a few impressive European buildings for you to enjoy. Here is a list of some of the best European buildings with a little bit about what makes them so interesting.
St Peter’s Basilica: St Peter’s Basilica makes the top of this list for many reasons. Located in the Vatican City it is the centre of worship for all Catholics and Christians, and is also a fascinating and beautiful example of European buildings in itself. Still free to enter, it also gives tourists the opportunity to climb its many stairs to the top of the dome for a breathtaking view of Rome.
Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is perhaps one of the best known European buildings and is synonymous with Paris and France. It is a 19th century iron lattice tower and is in fact the single most visited paid monument in the world. At 324 metres it is an impressive architectural feat even compared to other well known European buildings.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa: The leaning tower of Pisa is a bell tower (or ‘campanile’) located in the city of Pisa, Italy. It was originally designed with the intention of it standing straight, but due to poor foundations and loose substrate it has since begun to lean towards the Southeast. It is this unusual quirk however that has made it such a popular European building and tourist attraction. This is one of the European buildings that makes a great photo-spot too.
Coliseum: The coliseum was originally built in Rome for gladiatorial combat. Today it still stands and though half of it is in ruins it is still one of the most spectacular European buildings and one that’s fascinating to walk around inside.
Big Ben: Technically part of the houses of parliament, but striking enough to be counted separately, Big Ben is only a nickname for the great bell and clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. It is also the world’s largest four-faced chiming clock and perhaps another of the most recognisable European buildings in England (along with other European buildings such as the Eiffel Tower). See if you can also find the lesser-known ‘Little Ben’ elsewhere in London.
The Gherkin: The Gherkin is a skyscraper in London’s financial district and is a fairly recent addition to vast range of European buildings having been opened in May 2004 and is recognisable for its unusual gherkin-like shape and distinguishable glass facade. Though not a historical tourist site like many others on this list, the Gherkin is nevertheless an impressive piece of designing and architecture.
Auschwitz: Auschwitz is a morbid affair but also very interesting from a historical perspective making it an unusual entry in this list of European buildings. This is the largest concentration camp used by the Nazis and has been left largely in tact for visitors to witness or pay their respects.
Posted under Europe
This post was written by admin on May 24, 2010
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