12 Beautiful UNESCO Sites in Europe You Can Brag About Visiting Forever
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Europe is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, many of which have earned the prestigious designation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites are remarkable for their historical and architectural significance, stunning beauty, and unique charm. From majestic castles and ancient ruins to breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, each site on this list has a unique allure waiting to be discovered.
There are good reasons they earned themselves these spots, and the experience of exploring them will surely make your trip more enriching. Traveling across Europe anytime soon? Do yourself some justice and add these 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to your travel list.
The Acropolis, Greece
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If you were to choose one spot to explore the peak of Greek civilization, let it be the Acropolis of Athens. And, if you were just to explore one site in Athens, let it be the Acropolis. The Acropolis, located in the heart of Athens, rises approximately 492 feet (150 meters) above sea level. This architectural masterpiece has influenced the world of art for centuries.
The Acropolis is not made of just one structure. To better understand its composition, join a guided tour. While at it, take note of the Parthenon, the most famous structure on the Acropolis; Temple of Athena Nike, a small temple celebrating Athena; and Propylaea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis. The Acropolis Museum houses artifacts found on the Acropolis.
Other than being richly historic, some areas of the Acropolis offer amazing panoramic views over Athens.
Read more: Surprising Facts About Greece
Paris, Bank of the Seine, France
The bank of the Seine is home to masterpieces that deserve independent spots on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architectural marvels of the historical structure that line the Seine are, however, collectively recognized as “Paris, Bank of the Seine” by UNESCO.
Some of the most notable sites on this UNESCO World Heritage property include the Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, the Louvre, Palais de L’Institut, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
Many of these sites are world-famous and do not need any introduction. They hold so much history and culture, largely contributing to Paris‘s popularity as the world’s most visited city.
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Alhambra, Spain
Perched on a plateau overlooking the city of Granada, the Alhambra is a destination you should add to your Spain travel itinerary. This palace complex exemplarily showcases Moorish architecture and the history of the Nasrid dynasty. It is the perfect place to explore Spain’s peak of Muslim art and culture.
When visiting the Alhambra, take a keen interest in the Nasrid Palaces, including the Mexuar, Comares Palace, and the Palace of the Lions. Don’t miss out on the Alcazaba, the oldest part of the Alhambra, a fortress that offers stunning views of Granada and the surrounding mountains.
Finish your Alhambra trip by strolling through the lush and beautifully designed Generalife Gardens, which were the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.
Read more: Unmissable UNESCO Sites in Spain
Historic Centre of Rome, Italy
Rome is one of the European destinations that has a super long and rich history. For starters, it was the first center of the Roman Republic, then the Roman Empire, and later the capital of Christianity in the world.
And just like the Banks of Seine in Paris, the Historic Center of Rome is home to world-renowned structures, many of which need no introduction. While the historic center of Rome is vast, some of the unmissable highlights include the Colosseum, the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Pantheon, Trajan’s Column and the Column of Marcus Aurelius, religious buildings in Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain.
Read more: Italy’s Iconic Landmarks
Versailles Palace, France
Located approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Paris, the iconic Palace of Versailles is one of the world’s most famous and beautiful palaces. The palace, which served as the official residence of the French monarch, is renowned for its grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich history.
When visiting, walk through the opulent state apartments, pose for photos in the Hall of Mirrors, and admire the period furniture in the King’s and Queen’s apartments. Do not complete your trip without strolling through the meticulously designed gardens of the palace, which features fountains, statues, and perfectly manicured lawns.
If there were a destination heavy on perfection and luxury, it would have to be the Palace of Versailles. Whether you are into architecture, royal grandeur, history, or nature, there is something that will impress you in the Palace of Versailles.
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Historic Center of Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque canal system, is a city that seems frozen in time. Its impressive structures are a sight to behold, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Start your exploration of the historic center of Bruges at the Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower with 366 steps to the top that offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city. Other magnificent points of interest in this UNESCO World Heritage property include the Market Square, which is lined with colorful guild houses; the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which blends Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles; Groeningemuseum, which houses a collection of Flemish art; and the Church of Our Lady, which hosts Michelangelo’s sculpture of the Madonna and the Child.
Your trip to Bruges’s historic center is not complete without riding a boat on its beautiful canals. Take it as an opportunity to truly enjoy the city’s essence as you view its architectural marvels from a different perspective.
Read also: Top European Palaces To Visit
Pont du Gard, France
The Pont du Gard, located near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts. Spanning the Gardon River, it consists of three tiers of arches and was built to transport water to the Roman colony of Nemausus (now called Nîmes). If you want to explore Roman architecture and engineering techniques, Pont du Gard is a destination you need to visit. Besides, we all know how picturesque Roman aqueducts are; Pont du Grad takes this picture-perfection to the next level.
When visiting, find a spot to admire the massive aqueduct, which stands nearly 164 feet (50 meters) high. You may also want to visit the on-site museum, which provides detailed information about the aqueduct’s construction and history, as well as Roman engineering techniques. If you visit in summer, you can also kayak or swim in the Gardon River.
Read more: France’s Secret Gems
Plitvice National Park, Croatia
In 1979, Plitvice National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its outstanding natural beauty and the geological and ecological processes that have shaped its landscape. The park is known for its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and unique karst formations.
The park’s show-stoppers are the 16 terraced lakes connected by a series of waterfalls cascading through a picturesque limestone canyon. These lakes are absolutely photogenic; they look like they were pulled right out of a painting. You can ride an electric boat across the largest lake, Kozjak, which offers stunning views and a relaxing experience. Veliki, the largest waterfall in the park, plunging 255 feet (78 meters) down, is another highlight not to be missed.
You can also walk in the park and discover its wooden footbridges that wind around and over the lakes, take the panoramic train to get around and see the park from different viewpoints, or go wildlife watching and stand a chance to spot brown bears, wolves, deer, and various bird species.
Luckily, each season in this park offers a different magical experience; spring and summer are lush and vibrant, autumn provides stunning foliage, and winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland with frozen waterfalls.
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Old City of Bern, Switzerland
The Old City of Bern is known for its buildings dating back to different periods, all of which seamlessly fit into an exceptionally well-planned city. While some buildings date as far as the 12th century, many were built in the 15th and 16th centuries. They were, however, restored in the 18th century but retained their original character.
Some unmissable highlights include the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), the Gothic Bern Cathedral, one of the tallest buildings in Switzerland; Kramgasse, Bern’s main street lined with arcades, historic buildings, shops, and cafes; and Einstein House, Einstein’s former residence, where he developed the theory of relativity.
Remember to spot the fountains that dot Old Bern. These 16th-century fountains are adorned with colorful statues depicting various historical and allegorical figures.
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Westminster Abbey and Palace of Westminster, United Kingdom
On the north banks of the River Thames lie the Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster, some of the crucial landmarks in the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth. They are not only a pinnacle of Gothic architecture but also important landmarks in British history and politics.
When in Westminster Abbey, you’ll see the Coronation Chair, a historic chair used in the coronation of British monarchs since 1308; the Royal Tombs, featuring resting places of numerous monarchs, including Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots; and Chapter House, which features beautiful carvings and stained-glass windows.
On the other hand, the Palace of Westminster’s highlights include the Houses of Parliament, which encompass the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall,the oldest part of the Palace, dating back to 1097 and the site of significant historical events.
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Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Germany
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley stretches for about 40 miles (65 kilometers) between the cities of Bingen and Koblenz. This area is known for its picturesque villages, historic castles, vineyards, and rich history.
This area has over 40 hilltop castles and palaces, including Marksburg, Rheinfels, and Stolzenfels. If you are into fairytales, these are spots you should not miss. To better experience the charm of this area, sample Riesling and other wines produced in this region, explore the terraced vineyards, take boat cruises on the Rhine River, hit the Rheinsteig hiking trail, cycle along the Rhine Cycle Route, enjoy the region’s natural beauty atop Lorelei Rock, or explore its historic towns. It is truly a region that offers endless adventure opportunities; it is not difficult to see why it got the coveted UNESCO World Heritage spot in 2002.
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Mont Saint-Michel and Its Bay, France
Mont Saint-Michel is located approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) off the coast of Normandy. There are so many reasons this site gained its outstanding status, but its tidal phenomenon is one that often fascinates tourists. The island is fully surrounded by water on high tide, but on low tide, it is well accessible by foot from the mainland’s coastline. The status can go from low to high tide in minutes; it is a captivating scene to watch.
When on the island, start your exploration at Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, a Gothic and Romanesque structure that dominates the island. The abbey includes a church, a cloister, and various chapels. The island also has picturesque streets and museums worth exploring.
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