Landmarks Of Western Europe

France

The capital of France, Paris is the global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. The city is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and divided into two banks by the Sein River. it offers visitors many impressive landmarks to see, boutiques to shop in, art galleries, museums, and some of the very best restaurants.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognized landmarks in Paris and can be seen from everywhere in the city. Gustave Eiffel constructed it in 1889. The tower rises up into the sky for 124 meters and is the tallest structure in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is an iconic Parisian monument and the international symbol of France. Visitors can enjoy three levels. On the first and second levels there are many restaurants to dine in and for breathtaking views across Paris and the Seine go up to the third level that takes you right up to the sky. At nighttime, the Eiffel Tower offers a light show every hour with shimmering lights.

The Louvre is the home of one of the most famous ladies in the world, the Mona Lisa, and is one of the reasons visitors are attracted to this museum. The well-known painting is the artwork of Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. The museum also has many other masterpieces from the greatest artists that have ever lived.

The buildings are worth taking a look at with glass pyramids and the 18th century building which have been shown in many movies.

Belgium

The capital of Belgium, Brussels is the principal seat of the Belgian Royal Family and is the capital of the European Union. The city is Belgium's main economic and educational hub.

Right in the heart of Brussels Old Town is the city's main plaza Grand Place and is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Gildenhuizen or Guild Houses add elegance to the plaza with their impressive gables, pilasters, and balustrade, ornately carved stonework and gold decorations.

The architecture surrounding Grand Place is mainly in the Baroque style with some Flemish influences. Most of the buildings were built between 1696 and 1700. Grand Place was established in the 11th century and became the political and economic center of the city.

The most recognizable building on the plaza is the Brussels Town Hall built in 1402. Inside you'll find magnificent rooms with the most impressive being the Maximillian Chamber with Brussels tapestries, the large Council Chamber, the great banqueting hall, the Marriage Chamber and the Escalier d'Honneur with murals that depict the history of Brussels.

Saint-Michel Cathedral was dedicated to St. Michael and St. Gudula, the patron saints of Brussels. The Gothic church was founded in 1225 but completed in the 15th century. The facade is impressive with a broad flight of steps and has twin towers rising up 63 meters.

The interior has lovely stained glass windows created by Bernard van Orley. The transepts depict Charles V and Isabella of Portugal and the Hungarian royal pair Louis II and Mary. The Chapel of the Holy Sacrament is to the left of the choir where the window depicts the story of the Miracle of the Host.

Netherlands

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow house with golden facades which are the legacies of the city from the Golden Aga in the 17th century. Cycling is very popular in the city and there are many bike paths.

Jordaan is the most popular neighborhood in the city. It is known for its residential areas with garden courtyards, markets, and boutiques and eateries. Visitors enjoy strolling through the picturesque streets and visiting the tourist attractions found here.

Among the tourist attractions located here are the Anne Frank House, Woonboots Museum, a floating museum dedicated to houseboats, and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum.

On Saturday mornings, Lindengracht becomes a huge open-air market selling local crafts, produce, and flowers. On Monday mornings Westerstraat fills with 200 vendor stalls selling a wide range of goods. People enjoy dining at Jordaan's restaurants and cafes and listening to traditional Dutch folk music.

Dam Square is one of the areas in Amsterdam that draw many visitors. It is home to one of the most prominent landmarks in the city the Royal Palace dating back to the 17th century. It is the former home of the Dutch royal family and today a venue for royal functions.

Other highlights of Dam Square include the New Church, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the National Memorial Statue, dedicated to the Dutch soldiers who lost their lives in WW II.

There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops. To get a good look at the city you can enjoy the Ferris Wheel and entertainment from street performers and buskers. This is also the venue for music festivals.

Liechtenstein

The capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz sits on the Rhine River near the Swiss border. Visitors enjoy the pedestrianized town center and many other interesting attractions.

Schloss Vaduz is a beautiful castle that has many turrets and towers and sits atop of a hill with mountains in the background. In the 12th century it was built as a fortress but today it is the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Even though it is closed to the public, it is worth climbing to the top to admire the castle and see the panoramic views. Trails ascend the hill from the end of Egertastrasse. You can get a look at the castle grounds on Liechtenstein's National Day on August 15 when the prince invites everyone for a glass of wine or beer.

If you are interested in seeing how Vaduz looked in the past then you have to go north of town to Mitteldorf. The charming quarter has traditional houses and rose garde4ns. Of particular interest in the medieval, step-gabled Rote House overlooking the vineyards.

Luxembourg

The capital of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City was built amid the deep gorges that were cut out by the Alzette and Petrusse Rivers. There are many interesting things to see among them, ruins of medieval fortifications.

One of the best ways to get to know the capital is to visit the historic Old Quarter which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortress was so impregnable that it became known as the "Gibraltar of the North." It was dismantled between 1867 and 1883 and today the old fortifications have given way to lovely parks and gardens.

The charming cobbled streets are lined with old homes and buildings. There are many bridges like the impressive Adolphe Bridge which is considered a city landmark.

Visitors enjoy exploring the Bock Cliff with its fortifications and cannon loopholes. Here you'll find the entrance to the famous Casemates, a 21-kilometer network of underground passager hewn from solid rock. It used to shelter thousands of defenders along with their equipment and horses.

The Casements date back to the time of Spanish rule in 1644. You can explore them on foot, or as part of a guided tour. On the Bock plateau, you'll find the remains of the old castle. You can get beautiful views from the suburb of Grund and Rham Plateau, the old 19th-century barracks and the big towers and remains of the Wenceslas Wall dating from 1390.

Germany

The capital of Germany, Berlin dates back to the 13th century. The city has a turbulent history and was once divided into East and West Berlin after WW II during Soviet occupation.

Brandenburg Gate is both the most important landmark in Germany and one of the top European monuments. The gate was erected between 1788 and 1791 and its design was inspired by the Acropolis in Greece. The Brandenburg Gate consists of 12 Doric columns with 6 on each side making five passageways.

At the top of the monument, is a sculpture of the Quadriga, a chariot pulled by four horses driven by Victoria, the winged goddess of Victory.

There are graffitied segments of the Berlin Wall that once separated the socialist, former East Berlin from democratic West Berlin. The Berlin Wall Memorial is one of the few monuments to the Cold War and has 101 panels painted by artists in 1990 to commemorate the fall of the wall preserving a segment from destruction by urban development.

Austria

The capital of Austria, Vienna lies on the banks of the Danube River. The city is known for its imperial palaces The city attracts visitors with its historical sites, art, and musical heritage.

The Hofburg has been the seat of the Habsburgs for over six centuries and the official residence of every Austrian ruler since 1275. Today it is the official seat of the Austrian President. The complex includes many buildings with various architectural styles like the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo.

Altogether there are 18 buildings among them 19 courtyards and 2.600 rooms. Among the highlight are the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection. You can see the Imperial Chapel and the Hofburg Treasury with large collections of imperial regalia and relics of the Holy Roman Empire. Guided tours in English are available.

Schonbrunn Palace dates from the 18th century and sits in a lovely park-like setting. It is one of Vienna's top tourist attractions. Among the highlights are the Imperial Apartments including Emperor Franz Joseph's Walnut Room and his bedroom which has the small soldier's bed in which he died. You can see the rooms used by Empress Maria Theresa among them the Breakfast Room with floral artwork that was created by her daughters.

Schonbrunn Park and Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park has lovely Baroque gardens and the interesting 1883 Palm House.

Switzerland

The capital of Switzerland, Bern was built around a crook in the Aare River. You can see lovely medieval architecture.

The Old City of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is situated on a cliff surrounded on three sides by the Aare River. There are cobblestoned streets, bordered by covered arcade sidewalks twisting on for miles. On the lower levels of the buildings are shops, cafes, bookstores, and restaurants while the upper levels have apartments.

Many of the best tourist attractions can be found in the old area including all the bridges stretching across the Aare, old statues, and the famous Clock Tower. The Clock Tower is 800 years old and one of the most famous landmarks in Bern. This 23-meter tall tower is decorated with an astronomical clock.

At three minutes before every hour, mechanical creatures including The Fool, The Knight, The Rooster, The Piper and others come out of the clock to entertain. Inside the clock are 130 steps and visitors can climb them to get some great views of the city. Guided tours are available.

Berner Munster or the Bern Cathedral or the Cathedral Of St. Vincent is Switzerland's largest church dating back to the late Middle Ages. It was built in the Gothic style the church has a three-aisled basilica with an octagonal upper section and openwork spire. The west doorway is decorated with sculptures with a number of figures and on the side walls are paintings of the Fall and the Annunciation.

The nave and the choir have a reticulated vaulting with fine 16th-century coats-of-arms. There are nicely carved choir stalls and in the apse are a Gothic font and lovely stained glass. At the end of the south aisle is a monument to Berchtold von Zahringen with a coat-of-arms. In the Matter Chapel is the Dance of Death window with 20 scenes from the Dance of Death by Niklaus Manuel-Deutch.

From the Bern Minster terrace, there is a lovely view down into the Aare valley and for spectacular views over the city, you can climb the 254-steps of the tower.

Spain

The capital of Spain, Barcelona is known for its art and architecture.

One of the most visited landmarks in Barcelona is LaSagrada Familia which is a large Basilica whose construction began in 1883 by Antoni Gaudi. Even after 137 years construction is not quite complete yet. Due to the very slow construction process, the basilica receives funds through donations.

Despite not being completed LaSagrada Familia has many impressive features. At present eight towers out of 18 have been completed among which 12 represent the disciples, 4 the evangelist, 1 in memory of Mary, and one dedicated to Jesus. The towers offer fantastic views over the city. There are three symbolic facades, each represent a time in the life of Jesus and the impressively designed interior pillars that look like a concrete forest were done because Gaudi loved nature.

Visit the Gothic Quarter which for 2,000 years has been the spiritual and secular center of Barcelona. You can find relics of ancient Roman buildings her and the Middle Ages are represented by the historic monuments found in the quarter. You'll enjoy strolling through the maze of narrow cobblestone streets and shop in the boutiques and dine in the restaurants. It is a traffic-free medieval world.

Among the highlights here is the Placa del Rei, a lovely square lined with medieval buildings. Outstanding is the 16th century Casa de Padellas, housing the Museum of History of Barcelona. The square is used as an outdoor venue for music concerts.

At the center of the Gothic Quarter on the Monte Tabor is the Cathedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia or Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. This is a medieval cathedral with impressive Gothic architecture and an ornately sculpted facade as well as a magnificent gilded altarpiece.

Visitors enjoy the cathedral's cloister and garden shelter where 13 live geese symbolize the martyrdom of Saint Eulalia.

Portugal

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a coastal capital city. Just outside of the city you can find a string of Atlantic beaches.

St. George's Castle is a recognized tourist attraction in Lisbon. The castle sits on a hill overlooking the city. It has impressive battlements, a museum, and an interesting archaeological site. Since the Iron Age, there has been a stronghold here but it was a castle that the Moors defended against invading Christian forces before being overrun in 1147 by Afonso Henriques. The king built the Alacova Palace, which was home to subsequent monarchs until a new royal residence was built near the river. The palace foundations form part of the excavations you can see today.

You can get amazing views from the observation terrace of the city, the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. A Camera Obscura periscope that is housed in one of the towers, offers an unusual 360-degree view of the city below.

The 16th century Jeronimos Monastery is one of the great landmarks of Portugal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery is located near the riverfront in the Belem neighborhood. Jeronimos Monastery is also known as the Hieronymite Convent and was commissioned by King Manuel in 1501. It was built to honor Vasco da Gama's 1498 voyage to India. It is a symbol of the wealth of the Age of Discovery as well as a house of worship. Construction was mostly funded by the trade of spices brought back by da Gama.

Vasco da Gama's tomb lies just inside the entrance to Santa Maria Church.

Andorra

Andorra lies in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Its capital is Andorra la Vella.

LaCasa de la Vall is one of the top attractions in the capital city. Today it is the seat of government and notable for its ornate coat of arms and other historical emblems of the former rulers of Andorra. Visitors can take a 30-minute tour where among the highlights are the reception room with 16th- century wall painting and the Council Chamber. Here is the historic Cupboard of the Seven Keys where there are the keys to the country's seven communes that contain the country's archives among them documents dating from the time of Charlemagne.

Right in the heart of Andorra la Vella is the huge Caldea Spa complex which is the largest in Europe. It dominates the capital's skyline with its impressive glass pyramid tower. The facility features over 6,000 square meters of water fun and treatment areas.

Guests can enjoy the lagoons both indoor and outdoor and the many saunas and jacuzzis. There are specialized spa areas that feature Indo-Roman baths, cascades, warm marble slates, and a grapefruit pool.

Malta

The tiny capital of the Mediterranean island nation of Malta is Valletta. This walled city was established in the 1500s on a peninsula by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. It is known for its palaces, grand churches, and museums.

Saint John's Co-Cathedral reflects the wealth and importance of the Knights of Malta. They protected Europe and the Catholic faith from attacks by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. The impressive cathedral has a Baroque interior and was built as a symbol of the success for the Knights of Malta.

The various chapels of the cathedral reflect the different "langues" or regions of the Knights of Malta who came from different countries in Europe. Among the highlights are the Chapel of the Langue of Aragon featuring the painting of Saint George on a white stallion after slaying a dragon by Mattia Preti and the Chapel of the Langue of Italy which displays the famous work of Saint-Jerome Writing by Caravaggio.

The Grandmaster's Palace is the city's most monumental building. It stands in the center of Palace Square where traditional ceremonies are held. The palace was commissioned by Grand Master Fra Pietro del Monte in the 16th century as a residence for the Knights of Malta. Part of the building is used as the Presidential Palace, serving as the office for the President of Malta. The rest of the building is open to the public.

Visitors enter through the courtyard and are lead upstairs to grandiose hallways with 18th-century Baroque ceiling paintings. The Palace State Rooms are decorated with gilded mouldings and works of art.

The Hall of the Ambassadors also known as the Red Room has portraits of the Grand Masters, who led the knights to victory. Among the paintings is one of Grand Master Jean de Vallette the founder of the city of Valletta.

In the Palace Armory, you can see the armor the knights' wore and the weapons they used dating from the 15th to the 18th century.