Europe Historical, Island & Reefs + Modern Architecture Pictures

• The World

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

Famed for the panoramic views from its soaring clock tower, this ancient religious landmark is also home to a series of striking medieval graves. 

Enjoy views of the impressive futuristic train station from this green, pedestrianized plaza at Strasbourg’s core.

The western section of Gamla Stan is a small islet decorated with aristocratic 17th-century palaces and one of the city’s oldest churches.  

Walk the streets of this charming town and soak up its history, architecture and culture before heading out into the nearby countryside.

Find out why literary masters, such as Goethe and Victor Hugo, heaped praise on this remarkable, pink-hued cathedral.

With an opulence worthy of the former monarchs buried inside, this 15th-century chapel is the go-to spot for royal ceremonies and weddings.

The golden foyer and the glitzy restaurants here compete for attention with the range of spectacular ballets, operas and recitals.

From its architecture to its industry and sporting events, this is a city of fascinating contrasts just an hour by train from London. 

Learn about changes in Swedish culture since the 16th century. Find historic furniture and photographs and displays about local festivals and the Sami culture.

Epic architecture, classic art and sunny piazzas set the scene in Italy’s revered capital.

Whether you’re catching a train or not, be sure to visit this “secular cathedral,” an early 20th-century icon that sits on a hill north of Old Town Limoges.

Explore the crumbling remains and towering gatehouse of this once mighty 14th-century castle, which was an integral part of the English Civil War. 

This serene mountain town has rustic charm and natural beauty and is the site of one of Europe’s most famous divine encounters.

One of London’s largest parks was once a royal hunting ground and is now a popular place to enjoy pretty flower displays, live music and superb city views.

Containing parts of Limousin history from Roman times to the present, this magnificent Gothic house of worship is an important part of the skyline of Limoges.

From its architecture to its industry and sporting events, this is a city of fascinating contrasts just an hour by train from London. 

A canal filled with boats laps around the scenic gardens at the front of this neo-Renaissance palace known as the Venice of Seville.

Part of a 16th-century estate with ties to the English Civil War, this park has a range of grasslands, meadows and gardens straddling the River Thames.