If you're an architecture buff, then Europe is one of the best places in the world for you to visit. And with so many different countries with varying styles, from classical Greek and Roman period buildings to the more flamboyant Art Nouveau and Baroque, Europe certainly provides a wide range of architectural styles to suit everybody's preferences.
And, what's even better is that you can travel between many European countries by rail; many of Europe's great train stations are amazing structures themselves.
Barcelona, Spain:
Modernism and antoni Gaudi are probably the first things that come to mind when you think about architecture in Barcelona. And, the charm of this city goes far beyond the beautiful buildings. Unsurprisingly, it's a popular destination with tourists and features high on many 'top ten cities in Europe' lists.
Other great reasons to visit this city is that it's very creative, dynamic, and of course, the delicious food scene.
Prague, Czech Republic:
Millions of tourists visit Prague each year, and most of them leave in awe of the city. While the Czech Republic has plenty of smaller cities with stunning architecture like Olomouc, it's impossible to deny the amazing beauty of the capital. After WWII, Prague escaped with significantly less damage compared with other European capitals, leaving it with a wide variety of well-preserved historical buildings.
Vienna, Austria:
Book Prague to Vienna high-speed train here and go from one stunning capital city to another. Austria's cities are well known for gorgeous architecture, and Vienna is the architecture buff's dream, with a wide range of stunning styles ranging from classical to modern. Alternatively, check out the smaller yet just as beautiful city of Salzburg, which is well-connected to the capital by rail.
Bruges, Belgium:
Once the biggest commercial city worldwide, the city is now proud to show off its great wealth to visitors. The gorgeous buildings that you will find here alongside the elegant canals were mostly built during the golden age of the city between the 12th and 15th centuries. Today, the historical center is listed as a UNESCO site thanks to its excellently preserved medieval state. If you love old buildings then Bruges is a must-visit; nearly all of its medieval architecture is still standing today. Be sure to visit the Church of Our Lady, one of the tallest brick buildings worldwide standing at 122m.
Vicenza, Italy:
If you're traveling Europe to wonder at the amazing architecture then you've probably already got the main Italian cities on your itinerary. Get off the beaten track and add Vicenza to your plans. It's often known as the 'city of Palladio' due to the achievements of one man; Andrea Palladio. He's known for being one of the greatest architects of the Renaissance era, and greatly influenced Western architecture. Vicenza is an easy stop on the train traveling to or from Venice; see Palladio's stunning villas and civic buildings that have kept the city at the forefront of European architecture for centuries.
Oslo, Norway:
If you prefer modern architecture then pay a visit to Oslo, the capital city of Norway. You can choose your tour to Norway here and visit some of the natural wonders of this amazing Scandinavian country at the same time. In the city, the Oslo Opera House marks the beginning of a new era for Norwegian architecture. A stunning white marble building; visitors can instantly see why it's been such a big hit with both locals and tourists since it was unveiled in 2008. Since then, it's received several prestigious international prizes and awards.
If you enjoy visiting cities where you can explore some of the most stunning architecture in the world, these are just some of the best European destinations to choose from. Which will you visit first?
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
