Europe Castles & Palaces, Downtown, Historical + Modern Architecture Pictures

• The World

Visit the capital of Russia, a large modern city that combines dazzling architecture with cultural riches and a fascinating history.

Tear yourself away long enough from snorkeling and relaxing in the thermal spas of Ischia to explore this gem of a medieval fortress on a rocky islet in the Bay of Naples.

Its grandiose colonnade and refurbished 19th-century interior make up an exquisite setting, with excellent acoustics for operatic shows and music concerts.

See the majestic gate that was once Madrid’s eastern entrance but is today a symbol of the Spanish metropolis.

Giotto’s Bell Tower, the resplendent Baptistery, as well as the cathedral and its dome draw the crowds to this square in the heart of the city.

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps. 

Learn about the roots of Western civilization and build a nice tan on a Mediterranean island in this ancient southeastern European nation.

This concert hall is an awe-inspiring example of modernist architecture. Tour the building or get in early for tickets to a performance.

Stop by a 16th-century meeting room inside the Cathedral of Seville that is stunningly decorated with religious paintings, sculptures and reliefs.

Explore this photogenic riverside square, which is bordered by two grand neoclassical palaces and features a spectacular fountain at its center.

Explore this photogenic riverside square, which is bordered by two grand neoclassical palaces and features a spectacular fountain at its center.

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

Scotland’s capital is filled with attractive landmarks, parks and gardens, and hosts cultural festivals that draw millions of visitors each year.

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Tear yourself away long enough from snorkeling and relaxing in the thermal spas of Ischia to explore this gem of a medieval fortress on a rocky islet in the Bay of Naples.

Admire the greatest works of Michelangelo and da Vinci, see the center of Catholicism and pose with the Leaning Tower of Pisa on this Mediterranean peninsula.

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

A lake and a majestic fountain are among the highlights in this urban park that stands on the site of the city’s former fortress.

Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university. 

Find cafés, fashion boutiques and one of the finest interiors in the country at this late 19th-century shopping arcade.

Take a sightseeing trip of Tuscany\'s renowned wine region and visit its vineyards, wineries, ancient churches, castles and hilltop villages.

Take in the large domed ceilings and artistic details in one of Gaudí’s earliest buildings.