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Your European trip will be incredibly memorable if you visit the grand museums, ancient churches, and surprising landmarks listed below:
1. Grand Bazaar Indoor Market, Istanbul, Turkey
Visitor count: 15 million annually (2010)
This market offers exquisite handmade ceramics, intricately woven carpets, jewelry, and many other eye-catching products. The Grand Bazaar is like a miniature world of tradition and vibrant cultural hues in Turkey. After shopping, indulge in a crispy Doner Kebap sandwich and fragrant coffee to fuel your exploration in Istanbul.
List of hotels in Istanbul, Turkey
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
Visitor count: 13,650,000 people/year.
An architectural masterpiece of Gothic style with graceful columns, magnificent rose-shaped windows, solemn statues... has endured through countless upheavals and fluctuations since 1345. Visitors come here to admire the iconic symbol of the magnificent capital city of Paris.
3. Disneyland Park, Paris, France
Visitor count: 10,500,000 people/year.
This is the first Disney park opened in Europe. At the time, many opposed it, claiming that this “American cultural icon” was not suitable for France. However, they did not anticipate that today, this location has become incredibly famous, attracting a massive number of visitors every year.
4. Sacré Coeur Cathedral, France
Annual visitor count: 10,500,000 people/year.
Sacré Coeur Cathedral, also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, sits atop the Montmartre hill. Constructed in the late 19th century, it stands as a tribute to the heart of Christ. Sacré Coeur, meaning Sacred Heart, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, drawing millions of visitors annually.
5. Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Annual visitor count: 8,500,000 people/year.
If you're eager to admire some of the world's most renowned artworks, from Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa to Alexandros of Antioch's Venus de Milo, then the Louvre Museum is the place to be. Alongside its priceless art collections, the Louvre boasts a glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei, consecrated in 1989. This pyramid remains a subject of debate, questioning the integration of modern architecture within a classical art space at the Louvre.
List of Hotels in Paris, France
6. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Italy
Annual visitor count: 7 million people/year.
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the grandest and most sacred basilicas in the world. Adorned with gold, marble, and stunning angelic paintings filling every space, it is a masterpiece of art crafted by renowned artists of the Renaissance period including Raphael, Brunelleschi, Bernini, and Michelangelo.
7. Roman Colosseum, Rome
Annual visitor count: 6.9 million people/year.
After its completion in 80 AD, the Colosseum became the site of brutal gladiatorial battles, where fighters clashed until death. The underground chambers where the gladiators awaited their turn to fight were opened to tourists in 2010. With a total of 110 concentrically arranged steps, the arena could accommodate 50,000 spectators, providing an easy view of the central action.
List of Hotels in Rome, Italy
8. Eiffel Tower, Paris
Annual visitor count: 6.7 million people/year.
Becoming an emblem of the 'City of Light,' the Eiffel Tower is an iron architectural marvel located in Champ de Mars park, alongside the River Seine. Built by Gustave Eiffel and his colleagues in 1889, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Initially standing at 300 meters, the tower's antenna mast at the top extends its height to 325 meters. From the tower, one can admire the panoramic view of the entire Parisian capital.
9. Cologne Cathedral, Germany
Annual visitor count: 6 million people
Cologne Cathedral, located in the heart of Cologne, is a quintessential architectural masterpiece of Europe. Rebuilt in 1248 on the site of an old church, it was not completed until 1880. The grandeur and magnificence of the architecture can be felt while strolling around the cathedral. From the bell tower, one can enjoy the splendid panorama of Cologne city and the picturesque Rhine River.
List of Hotels in Cologne, Germany
10. Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Lourdes, France
Annual visitor count: 6 million people/year
Located in southern France, this church is particularly renowned for its sacred statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in a cave. This church has brought unparalleled spiritual significance to the city of Lourdes.
11. Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
Annual visitor count: 6 million people/year
The memorial to Saint Padre Pio was completed in 2004 by world-renowned architect Kenzo Piano. This structure attracts visitors with its soaring vaults and prominent glass facades. It is a modern construction, harmoniously detailed both inside and out.
List of Hotels in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
12. Palace of Versailles, France
Annual visitor count: 5.9 million people
King Louis XIV will always be remembered for his contribution to building the most magnificent palace in France, Europe, and the world. It stands as the ultimate symbol of supreme power of the French monarchs. Alongside its immense architectural structures, the palace is surrounded by various lakes, small and large, countryside gardens, and stunning fountains.
13. British Museum, London
Annual visitor count: 5.8 million people
With over 7 million objects on display, the British Museum is one of the largest museums in the world, illustrating the complete history of human culture, from primitive to modern times. Here, you'll find collections representing ancient civilizations from across the globe. The museum's collection of Egyptian civilization is particularly renowned – the finest collection outside Egypt, featuring peculiar mummies and exquisite artifacts.
List of Hotels in London, England
Source: Travelandleisure
Travelify.comJune 28, 2013
