From fairytale castles to natural wonders, Europe is overflowing with enriching sights that leave an impact forever. The continent of Europe contains fifty countries, each with a unique culture, architecture, and natural landmarks to amaze the world.
Let’s look at these surprising sights in Europe that will inspire you for your next vacation!
1. Royal Pavilion, Brighton, England
More commonly known as the Brighton Pavilion, the Royal Pavilion in England is a former royal residence that once acted as George IV’s pleasure palace. This historic structure once hosted several extravagant parties by George IV, who was notorious for his sense of fashion and artistic taste.
The palace is a white building decorated with oriental elements, its interior symbolizing the splendor of George IV’s time, which brought success to what would soon become the seaside resort of Brighton.
2. Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, Belgium
Established entirely using metal and glass, a remarkable feat of the 19th century, the Royal Greenhouses of Laken in Belgium are one of this continent’s most surprising and beautiful sights. The greenhouses were built in a classical style to complement Laeken Castle, all planned and brought together by King Leopold II and renowned architect Alphonse Balat.
Each year, the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken open to the public for only a few weeks in spring, giving this major attraction an exclusivity that lures in many curious eyes looking to behold the magnificence of the structure.
3. Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic
Founded in 2000, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park is the fourth national park established in the Czech Republic. It was created to preserve the impactful natural landmarks of sandstone formations, eye-catching rock villages, and prosperous animal and plant life.
The fairytale landscape of the park has bewitched many with its captivating natural wonders. One of the most famous wonders is the Pravčická Gate, a noteworthy towering rock bridge featuring out-of-this-world scenic landscapes.
4. Pamukkale, Turkey
Translating to “cotton castle” in Turkish, Pamukkale is a natural wonder in Turkey that seems like something out of a fantasy world. The site comprises terraced basins filled with calcite-laden waters, petrified waterfalls, and mineral forests.
The calcite-rich springs have cultivated the snow-white limestone of these shimmering waters over millennia. Today, Pamukkale has become one of the most sought-after tourist attractions for its beauty and healing waters.
5. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Established in 966, this Benedictine abbey was founded and dedicated to the Archangel Michael with alluring notes of the Romanesque period. The magical and holy island with which the abbey stands is a wondrous sight that is one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations.
Over the years, the enigmatic Mont Saint-Michel has attracted more than a few great minds and innovators across Europe looking to learn and be illuminated. Today, tourists flock to the Mont Saint-Michel to experience its breathtaking majesty first-hand.
6. Santorini, Greece
One of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Santorini, Greece, is a spectacular sight of pure white architecture trimmed in an iconic blue. The island is settled on a volcanic rock overlooking the sparkling blue waters that attract visitors worldwide to swim, boat, fish, and bask on its sandy beaches.
7. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Beholding a romanticized medieval design, Neuschwanstein Castle, which translates to “New Swan Castle,” was built by the order of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria. He intended to construct a more majestic recreation of the ideal medieval castle inspired by Hohenschwangau and dedicated to the authentic style of the old German knights’ castles.
The site with which it was built was also the site of two former castles. Neuschwanstein Castle’s glorious magnificence was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
8. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
The Sagrada Familia in Spain is widely known as the largest unfinished church in the world. This was because the church’s construction relied solely on donations from the public, and fundraising efforts were hindered because of the Spanish Civil War. Still, even in its unfinished state, the Sagrada Familia is easily one of the most impactful sights in Europe.
The design of the Sagrada Familia is meant to represent Nature with its tall columns and numerous creatures hidden throughout the church. Its architectural design is said to be one of architect Antoni Gaudi’s most famous creations.
9. Pompeii, Italy
Destroyed in 79 CE, Pompeii, Italy, is one of the most archaeologically significant sites in the world, depicting an ancient Roman city in a complete picture for people to see and study in the present day. The well-preserved archaeological remains of structures, streets, and more make it one of Europe’s most impactful sights and historical attractions.
10. Maly Semyachik, Russia
A stratovolcano located in Russia, Maly Semyachik translates to “small stone earth.” An odd but beautiful natural wonder, the stratovolcano lies on what Russians call the edge of the world, lined with 160 volcanoes.
Within Maly Semyachik’s summit crater is a shockingly blue-green lake that makes for a stunning sight as clouds hover atop the volcano, nearly touching it. We recommend not dipping in this crater lake, for its pH level will burn the skin off your body. It’s best to soak in this one with your eyes!
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Robin Edwards, often hailed as "The Penny Hunter" by her close circle, is not just a financial writer; she's a financial educator committed to helping people understand the value of every penny. With a background in finance and a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, Robin has become a go-to resource for those looking to take control of their financial destiny. With her zero-based budgeting method, she's changing the way we think about money, one dollar at a time.