45 Important Historical Sites from the 45 countries of Europe

Europe is filled with delights, from food and nightlife to amazing natural landscapes. However, where Europe truly excels is in history. The Old Continent is home to some of the most incredible historical sites in the world; from Greeks, Romans, ancient Britons, and Moors to ancient sites, Medieval architecture, and the World Wars of the 20th century.

This rich history has resulted in a large number of historical sites and in this post, we’ll share 45 important historical sites in Europe from the 45 countries of Europe (one from every country) that everyone should see at least once in their life.

1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK

Stonehenge is one of the most popular, yet mysterious historical sites in Europe. No one really knows why and how the ancient Druids of Britain build these stones more than 4,000 years ago. It’s believed that this was a sacred prayer place or a burial mound, but no one knows for sure. However, we do know that these massive sarsen stones were somehow transported from a quarry over 40 kilometers away and positioned precisely to catch the sun rays of the summer and winter solstices.

Today, you can visit the site in Wiltshire, UK, and be inspired by these huge, impressive stones, while you wonder about the people who built them and why. You can’t walk between the stones or touch them, as they are protected, but you can see them from a nearby viewing platform, which is more than enough to be truly impressed by their construction.

Tour recommendation: London- Stonehenge Half-Day Tour

2. Newgrange, County Meath, Ireland

Located 8 kilometers west of Drogheda, Newgrange is a prehistoric monument and one of the oldest historical sites in Europe. According to numerous archaeologists, Newgrange is a passage tomb that dates back to 3200 B.C. which makes this site older than Stonehenge and even the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange consists of a large circle-shaped mound that’s connected to the inner chambers with an inner stone passageway.

Archaeologists and historians still aren’t sure what was the purpose of Newgrange. However, it’s widely accepted that the monument had religious significance. Whatever the case, if you’re looking for some fascinating historical sites in Europe, Newgrange should definitely be on your list.

Tour recommendation: Full-Day Celts and Castles Guided Tour

Save on your accommodation in Drogheda by using this offer.

3. Kronborg Castle, Helsingor, Denmark

Constructed in the early 1420s, the Kronborg Castle is one of the oldest buildings in Denmark. The castle was erected during the rule of King Eric VII but it was Frederik II who transformed the castle into a Renaissance masterpiece. Kronborg Castle was burned in 1629, rebuilt again and then ravaged by the Swedish in the 1650s. Today, the castle has been restored, it’s a UNESCO heritage site, one of the most famous castles in Northern Europe, and is also known as ‘Elsinore’, the setting of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Tour recommendation: Frederikborg and Kronborg Castles Tour.
If you want to save on your accommodation in Helsinborg, use this special offer.

4. Althing, Reykjavik, Iceland

Althing is the oldest surviving parliament building in the world and one of the oldest structures in Iceland. The Althing has been the place where the country’s most powerful leaders meet since 930 A.D. The building was initially located around 30 kilometers away from Reykjavik but it was moved to the capital in 1844.

Tour recommendation: Reykjavik Walking Tour with a Viking.
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5. Tonsberg Fortress, Tonsberg, Norway

In case you’re not familiar with Tonsberg, it used to be Norway’s capital for a very long time. Additionally, Tonsberg is the oldest city in Norway and home to what was once the oldest fortified structure in the country. Even though a large part of this fortress is missing today, the Tonsberg Fortress remains one of the most important historical sites in Norway and in this part of Europe. According to several sources, the Tonsberg Castle dates back to the 13th century (King Hakon IV’s rule) and during its glory days, it was one of the largest castles in Scandinavia.

6. Eketorp, Oland, Sweden

Most lists of historical sites in Europe feature either Kalmar Castle or the “Swedish Versailles”- Drottningholm Palace but we chose to present something different. Eketorp is a fortification that dates back to the Iron Age. Excavations have discovered more than 24,000 artifacts from different eras and provided evidence that the fortification was expanded and upgraded during Medieval Times. Recently, the site has been restored and reconstructed and is now a popular tourist attraction and a filming location perfect for a re-enactment of medieval battles.

7. Suomenlinna, Helsinki, Finland

Even though Finland is home to several older sites, we just had to include Suomennlina on this list of the best historical sites in Europe. This fascinating fort is arguably the most advanced maritime fortification complex of the 18th century. The fort spreads across eight different islands and had several different owners throughout the years. Today, the site has been turned into a series of museums and is a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List. If you’re a military history enthusiast, this is one place you surely shouldn’t miss visiting.

Tour recommendation: Suomenlinna 5-Hour Sightseeing Tour.

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8. State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia

Choosing only one historical site in a country as huge as Russia would be unjust to so many fascinating sites around the country. That’s why we chose to feature the museum that has the most historical artifacts. The State Hermitage Museum is not only Russia’s greatest repository of art, culture, and history, but the second largest museum in the world. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1764, its collections of paintings, fine art, and other historical pieces have been open to the public since 1852.

Visitors can enjoy the collections which span from antiquity to modern Russia, and feature works by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Rafael, Rubens, and Picasso.

Tour recommendation: Hermitage Skip-the-Line Tour with a Host

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9. Pirita Convent Ruins, Tallinn, Estonia

Pirita Convent was once the most important nunneries in Estonia and today, this Medieval site is one of the most picturesque ruins in the Baltic. The convent dates back to the early 15th century and it was one of the largest convents in Northern Europe for around 150 years. In the late 16th century, the convent was ruined during the Russian invasion of 1575.

Save on your stay in Tallinn by getting 15% off on all Booking.com properties in town.

10. Rundale Palace, Rundale, Latvia

If you thought you won’t find any luxurious baroque palaces in former Soviet Latvia, you’re wrong. Rundale is a palace located near the small town of Rundale that was erected by Duke of Courland Ernst Johann von Biron in the 18th century and one of only two baroque palaces in Latvia. The palace hosted numerous influential people throughout the years. It was the home to the lover of Catherine the Great, the Shuvalov family, and was even a hospital for the French army during Napoleon’s invasion.

The palace suffered great damage during the Latvian War of Independence (1919) and World War II but it was completely restored between 1974 and 2014. The total cost of the operation was around 8.5 million euros.

Tour recommendation: Rundale Palace half-day private tour.

11. Gediminas Tower, Vilnius, Lithuania

Gediminas Tower is the last remnant of what was once the great Upper Vilnius Castle. The Upper Castle was one of three castles in Vilnius but all of them were destroyed during the numerous attacks in the 13th and 14th centuries. Today, Gediminas Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vilnius and Lithuania. Inside the tower, you’ll find the Vilnius Castle Museum; an interesting sites that features many interesting artifacts, including a model that shows how the castle once looked like.

Tour recommendation: Vilnius Panoramic Hills Snowshoe Tour.

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12. Mir Castle Complex, Mir, Belarus

Mir Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most imposing historical sites in Eastern Europe. The castle was built in the 16th century and it initially belonged to the Ilyinich dynasty. However, it was Mikołaj Krzysztof who gave the castle its breath-taking Renaissance appearance.

The castle was severely damaged during the Battle of Mir (1812). After a century of peace, the Polish gained control of the castle between 1921 and 1939. During WWII, the castle was a Jewish Ghetto where a lot of people were residing prior to being taken to concentration camps. Today, Mir Castle is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Belarus. Since 2000, it’s also a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

13. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Kyiv, Ukraine

The Monastery of the Caves is one of the oldest sites in Ukraine. This monastery was built in 1051 and is one of the most important centers of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Pechersk Lavra has an imposing Baroque architecture and features a lot of underground catacombs that contain the remains of numerous influential medieval monks. The entire complex consists of an upper and lower portion.

The upper portion is home to the state museum that features hundreds of religious and historical artifacts. The lower portion belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and is connected to an underground cave system. If you visit, don’t miss the chance to climb to the Great Lavra Belltower. The view is fantastic!

Tour recommendation: Private Tour of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

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14. Cathedral Park, Chisinau, Moldova

Located at the center of the capital of Europe’s least visited country (see here which are the others), Cathedral Park is home to some of the most important historical sites in Moldova. Here, you can find the Triumphal Ark, The Metropolitan Nativity Cathedral, and the Monument of Stephen the Great. The Triumphal Ark was built in 1840 to commemorate the victory of the Russian Empire over the Ottoman Empire during the Russo-Turkish War, the Nativity Cathedral is the main cathedral of the Moldovan Orthodox Church, and Stephen the Great was one of Moldova’s most prominent medieval figures.

Looking to learn more about Moldova? Check out our interesting facts about Moldova you probably didn’t know.

15. Histria, Constanta, Romania

In a country with so many castles and a famous region like Transylvania, we decided to choose something different. You probably heard of Bran Castle and Peles Castle but have you heard of Histria? Histria was an ancient Greek town on the mouths of the Danube River that was one of the most important trading hubs of its time. This underrated city was also an important center during Roman and Byzantine times but it didn’t survive the attacks of the Avars and the Slavs in the 7th century.

Today, the once-great town lies in ruins forgotten by most people but this list of important historical sites in Europe wouldn’t be complete without (arguably) the oldest ancient town in Romania.

16. Perperikon, Kardzhali Bulgaria

Located on a rocky hill in the Eastern Rhodopes, Perperikon is the largest megalith ensemble site on the Balkan Peninsula and one of the most famous historical sites in Europe. Human activity in the area dates back to 5000 B.C. However, Perperikon’s first mentions in history refer to it as an ancient Thracian town. The city was also an important trading hub during the Roman Empire and the church pulpits on the site also indicate that the city was active during Byzantine times too.

Sounds interesting? Check out this list of interesting facts about Bulgaria and our guide to life in Bulgaria.

17. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

You probably know that Turkey and especially Istanbul is home to hundreds of important historical sights. However, no list of historical sites in Europe is complete without the magnificent Hagia Sofia. This church, dating back to the 6th century, is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. Originally built as a Greek Orthodox church, it was converted to a mosque in the 15th century, before finally being secularised and turned into a museum in 1935. Recently, the museum was again, turned into a mosque and right now, it’s one of the largest mosques in the world.

Along with admiring the ornate and beautiful architecture and incredible furnishings of the building, including stunning carpets, visitors can see many Sultan tombs on site.

Tour recommendation: Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guided Tour.

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If you need some recommendations for Istanbul, check out our list of the best cafes in Istanbul.

18. Acropolis, Athens, Greece

While the ancient Britons were building Stonehenge, the Ancient Greeks were constructing marvels of architecture too. The jewel in this crown is undoubtedly the Acropolis. This former citadel is located high over the city of Athens and was the center for democracy, philosophy, arts, and architecture in the thriving Ancient Greek capital.

Visitors can visit this impressive ancient site, which includes spectacular monuments such as the legendary acropolis, as well as the extensive collections of the Acropolis Museum.

Tour recommendation: Acropolis Small-Group Guided Tour.

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19. Kokino Observatory, Kokino Macedonia

Even though we were seriously tempted to put the entire city of Ohrid on this list, we ultimately decided to choose Kokino instead. The Megalithic Observatory of Kokino is an archaeological site that was discovered in 2001. However, this is actually one of the oldest space observatories in the world. The observatory is only a part of this huge archaeological site that covers 5,000 square meters and consists of two separate platforms with an elevation difference of 19 meters.

Today, the Kokino archaeological site is one of the best places to visit in Macedonia and is slowly becoming a popular spot among international tourists. Recently, it even made it to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site tentative list.

20. Butrint, Chaonia, Albania

Butrint was an ancient town that was home to a succession of civilizations with the first traces of civilization dating back to 7th century B.C. The town was originally a part of Epirus and throughout the years, it was conquered by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Venetians which can be seen throughout the site’s incredible archaeological structures. In fact, Butrint was even mentioned in The Odyssey; it was the place where exiles were fleeing to after the fall of Troyes.

Today, Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Albania.

21. Kalemegdan, Belgrade, Serbia

In a city that suffered so many conquerors, earthquakes, and fires, it’s a surprise that something as old as Kalemegdan still exists. Belgrade’s main fortress was erected on the confluence of the River Sava and Danube in 279 B.C. but it’s not certain who built it as there were several different Thracian and Dacian tribes living in the area surrounding the fort at the time when this fort was first mentioned in written sources. After the Romans conquered the fort, it became the border between the Roman Empire and “barbarian Central Europe”.

Throughout the years, a lot of things changed in the Serbian capital but the iconic Kalemegdan that saw a lot of conquerors come and go throughout the years remains the only constant in Belgrade. Today, Kalemegdan is without a doubt the most popular tourist attraction in Belgrade.

Tour recommendation: Belgrade City Center Walking Tour.

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22. Kalaja e Tivarit (Stari Bar), Bar, Montenegro

Bar’s old town is one of the most breath-taking places in a country with a lot of spectacular beaches. According to local historians, his fortification is around 3,000 years old, making it one of the most important historical sites in Europe from that era. The city was ruled by the Byzantines and later, Ottomans until 1878 when Bar was liberated. Around this time, the expansion of the city was beginning. 

Throughout the years, all of the people moved away from the old town and down in the new coastal city, leaving this site in ruins and eventually turning into one of the most popular tourist attractions in Montenegro.

23. Dubrovnik Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik has been the cultural center of Croatia for centuries and after the Game of Thrones series the city’s popularity is increasing even more. The city dates back to somewhere between the 6th and 7th centuries. Throughout the years, it slowly turned into one of the major marine trading hubs in Medieval Europe.

The city survived a major earthquake in 1667, it was invaded by the Nazis and it was also under siege during the Yugoslavia war of the 1990s. However, most of the city’s rich heritage still remains and Dubrovnik’s Old Town is one of the most popular historical sites in Europe.

Tour recommendation: Dubrovnik Old Town Discovery.

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24. Old Bridge, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Mostar’s ridiculously photogenic Old Bridge is one of the most famous historical sites in this part of Europe. Originally built in the 16th century by the Ottomans, this bridge survived numerous wars only to be destroyed by the Croats during the Yugoslavian War of the 1990s. Technically, this bridge is a replica but we have to mention it on this list due to its historic significance.

It was one of the oldest bridges in Europe, an exemplary piece of Balkan Islamic architecture, and played a crucial role in the birth of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and apparently, the country’s very own death. I know this is a replica but the fact that The World Bank, UNESCO, the World Monuments Fund, and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture formed a coalition to oversee the reconstruction of the bridge tells you just how important this historic sight is.

Tour recommendation: Mostar & Kravice Falls Tour.

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25. Bled Castle, Bled, Slovenia

Bled Castle is the oldest remaining castle in Slovenia. The castle is hanging over a cliff above the picturesque Bled Lake overlooking the beautiful city of Bled. It was first mentioned in the 11th century and according to several historical sources, it was built in 1011. Throughout the years, this picturesque castle had many different owners but fortunately wasn’t in the middle of many war conflicts which is why the entire site is incredibly well preserved.

26. Buda Castle, Budapest, Hungary

Buda Castle is one of the most iconic and most visited sights in Central Europe. This vast palace in Budapest’s Castle Quarter is not just a regular castle; it’s a series of museums that house numerous important historic artifacts and exhibits. Buda Castle was originally built somewhere around the 14th century and was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout the years. Because of this, different parts of the castle date back to different eras, making this grandiose building even more significant.

Tour recommendation: Buda Castle: History & Myths Evening Walking Tour.

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27. Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Castle probably holds the record for the longest construction ever. It took more than 1,000 years for this awe-inspiring castle to be completed (870-1929). In the meantime, the castle housed the King of Bohemia, a couple of Roman emperors, several Habsburg monarchs and since 1918, it’s been home to the country’s presidency. However, the long construction isn’t the only record this castle holds. According to the Guinness Book of Records, this is the largest ancient castle in the world. Prague Castle spreads across 750,000 square feet and it includes several other palaces and a majestic royal garden.

Check out our article if you’re looking for some more non-touristy things to do in Prague.

28. Spis Castle, Spišské Podhradie, Slovakia

Spis Castle is one of Slovakia’s most famous ruins and one of the largest castle complexes in Europe. The fortification was built in the early 13th century to protect the local population from the Tatar incursions. The archaeological site points to the fact that the castle was an interesting mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectures but a lot of other interesting artifacts from different eras in history. The castle burned in the 1780s but the remains have become National Cultural Monument and have been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

29. Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow, Poland

When talking about important historical sites in Poland and Central Europe, Wawel Castle simply has to be mentioned. This castle has been the main seat of the Polish monarchy since the 11th century and has recently been turned into one of Poland’s most interesting museums. Wawel Castle consists of six parts that feature different exhibitions from different eras in history, but the most interesting sight are probably the preserved rooms of former monarchs.

Tour recommendation: Wawel Castle Guided Tour.

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30. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany

Choosing only one historical site in a country with a rich history like Germany sure is difficult but if we have to pick one, it has to be the iconic Brandenburg Gate. This gate was built in the 18th century and there are a lot of older sites but the Brandenburg Gate has a special meaning for Germany. The Brandenburg Gate survived the most turbulent era of Germany’s history and even though the gate was damaged in WWII, the governments of East and West Berlin united to restore the city’s most famous site that still stands today symbolizing the unity of German people.

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31. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

This list couldn’t be complete without mentioning the most grandiose Baroque structure from the Habsburg era. The palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs, the building is in great condition, and it’s one of the most picturesque sights in Vienna. In addition to this, the property has 1,411 rooms, 32 sculptures, and a zoo on site that claims to be the oldest continuously-operating zoo in the world.

Tour recommendation: Schonbrunn Palace skip-the-line tour.

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32. Augusta Raurica, August, Switzerland

This ancient site near the city of Basel represents the first Roman colony on the south bank of the Rhine. The town dates back 15 B.C. but by the mid-first century, it already had a population of around 20,000 people. Some of the buildings on this ancient site include a 50-row amphitheater, several Roman baths, numerous private buildings, and a maze of underground Roman sewers. On-site, you’ll also find an open-air museum that showcases some of the most important artifacts discovered in the area.

Recommendation tour: Augusta Raurica tour.

33. Vaduz, Liechtenstein

If you thought a country the size of Liechtenstein wouldn’t have any imposing historical sites, you were wrong. Vaduz Castle is the best proof of this. The castle was built on a sharp cliff atop a hill from where you can see the entire country. This is also the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and fun fact; Vaduz (the city) was named after the castle and not the other way around (which is the case most of the time).

34. Vianden Castle, Vianden, Luxembourg

This Romanesque castle is Luxembourg’s most famous castle and one of the largest palaces west of the Rhine. Vianden Castle dates back to the 10th century but the castle had several restorations throughout the years. During the Renaissance, the castle got a lot of fancy baroque elements. During the Gothic era, the castle experienced several Gothic transformations and trimmings. Finally, around the 17th century, the castle was completely abandoned but was restored in the mid 20th century. Today, Vianden Castle is one of Luxembourg’s most visited places.

35. Het Steen, Antwerp, Belgium

No list of the most important historical sites in Europe is complete without Antwerp’s Het Steen. This Medieval castle was built in the 9th century to control the access to the Scheldt and protect the local population from the Viking raids. Portions of the castle were destroyed in the 19th century but some of its most imposing elements survived. Today, the castle is Antwerp’s oldest building and main landmark of the city.

36. Royal Palace, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Erected in 1648, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam is one of the rare buildings in Europe that served as both, City Hall and a Royal Palace throughout the years. Initially, the building was home to Amsterdam’s City Hall and during this era, was the largest secular building in Europe. During Napoleon’s era, the palace became the emperor’s palace and was afterward used by the Dutch Royal family. The palace is open for visitors in 2009 and with its beautiful gardens, sculptures, and paintings, it’s one of the best places to see in Amsterdam.

Tour recommendation: Skip the line Audio guide tour.

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37. Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

One of the key landmarks in the most visited city in the world, the Arc de Triomphe sits at the top of the Champs-Elysees in the heart of Paris. This monument was built by Napoleon to honor the soldiers who gave their lives during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

Visitors today are impressed by this huge and ornate arch, with its impressive carved reliefs commemorating Napoleon’s battles. Underneath the arch is a memorial to a more recent war, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an unknown casualty of World War One as a symbol of all those fallen in that conflict and others.

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Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of walled cities in France.

38. Prince’s Palace, Monaco

This 1,000 years-old palace has had a dramatic history and saw countless attacks and besiegings by foreign powers throughout history. The palace was originally built as a Genoese fortress. The Grimaldi family conquered the fortress in the 13th century and the French did it in the 18th century. What makes this palace unusual is the fact that it was the only palace of the Grimaldi family (due to land shortages and no alternative palaces) and was (and still is) used as such for over seven centuries while most royal families in Europe had at least two palaces (one for the summer and one for the winter).

Today, the palace still is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco.

39. Casa de la Vall, Andorra la Vella, Andorra

Many people don’t even know about this tiny country sandwiched between Spain and France but despite its small size, Andorra has a rich history. Casa de la Vall is a prime example of this. It’s a 500 years-old that served as a manor and a watchtower throughout the years. Today, Casa de la Vall is the headquarters of the General Council of Andorra and one of the oldest remaining buildings in the entire country.

40. The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

The Alhambra is one of the most spectacular palaces not only in Europe but in the whole world. The complex was built by the Islamic Emirs in the 13th and 14th centuries, during the Moorish occupation of Spain. The complex has a lot of beautiful quadrangles, archways, gardens, fountains, beautiful ornate carvings and interesting Islamic decorations.

The palace is one of the most important landmarks in Spain and is located in the city of Granada in Southern Spain; a city that was the heart of the Moorish Empire for over three centuries. If you want to visit, you can usually buy tickets at the entrance, but because of the crowd, it’s a good idea to get Alhambra tickets online.

Tour recommendation: Skip the line Alhambra tour.

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41. Belem Tower, Lisbon, Portugal

This imposing tower in the Portuguese capital is the best symbol of the Age of Discovery. Dating back to the 1510s, Belem Tower was erected to celebrate Vasco Da Gama’s expedition to India. The tower is one of the world’s greatest examples of the Manueline architectural style but if you take a closer look, you’ll inevitably notice distinctive Moorish features that makes this spectacular tower even more unique. Hence, it’s no wonder that Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Lisbon’s most interesting sights.

Book your tickets for Belem Tower in advance here.

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42. Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Rome is a huge city (it actually encompasses many small towns and villages within it) with many famous historical sites, but none is as impressive as the Colosseum. This huge amphitheater (the largest ever built) was constructed by the ancient Romans in the year 72 AD as a symbol of the might of the ancient Roman Empire. That empire may have collapsed, but you can still marvel at this powerful and impressive monument, which is believed to have held up to 80,000 people in its glory days.

Although it’s now in partial ruins, much of the Colosseum’s structure is still standing as a great testament to the Roman Empire.  

Tour recommendation: Priority Access Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour.

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43. Guaita Tower, San Marino

For such a microscopic country, San Marino sure has a lot of beautiful sights. One of them is the Guaita Tower, the oldest fortified sight in San Marino. The tower is located at the top of Mt. Guaita and it overlooks the capital of San Marino. Guaita Tower was initially an 11th-century prison but throughout the years, it became a popular tourist attraction because of its spectacular views. Today, the tower appears on the country’s flag and the national coat of arms.

44. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican

The original St. Peter’s Basilica was erected during the rule of Roman Emperor Constantine I but after numerous attacks throughout the years, the basilica was falling apart and had to be rebuilt. This happened in the 16th century when this spectacular basilica became what it is today. In a tough competition, St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is probably the world’s most renowned piece of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world.

As such, many Christians regard St. Peter’s Basilica as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. Hence, it’s no wonder that it holds a special place in the Christian world, even among Orthodox and Baptist Christians.

Tour recommendation: Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Tour.

45. Ggantija Temples, Gozo, Malta

Finally, we’re rounding up this list of historical sites in Europe with Ggantija; a megalithic temple complex that consists of two well-preserved temples enclosed by a wall. The ancient temples of Ggantija are the world’s second-oldest man-made structure in the world. The Ggantija temples date back to 3600 B.C. and are older than the Stonehenge, Newgrange, and the Egyptian Pyramids. The only man-made structure on our planet that’s older than Ggantija is the Göbekli Tepe in present-day Turkey.

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Did you enjoy reading this list? Are you a fan of historic places? Did you ever visit some of these historical sites in Europe? If you have the chance, which one would you visit first? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.