More than any other continent, Europe is known for its wide selection of manmade historic monuments. Kidzworld lists the top 10 must-see monuments for traveling in Europe!
No. 10: The Arc de Triomphe
Located in Paris, France, the Arc de Triomphe is situated at the west end of the Champs-Élysées, the city's most famous street. This 50 meter tall monument was designed in 1806 by Jean Chalgrin, who used this architectural beauty to commemorate those who died fighting in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
The Arc de Triomphe
No. 9: Big Ben
If you're walking along the River Thames in London, England, you'll eventually spot a large clock tower that you may recognize from Peter Pan. This is the Elizabeth Tower. While most people refer to the entire tower as Big Ben, it's actually a misnomer. Big Ben refers only to the bell housed inside of the clock tower.
Big Ben
No. 8: The Trevi Fountain
There is a legend surrounding the majestic Trevi Fountain, located in Rome, Italy. It states that if you stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will one day return to Rome. Not only is the Trevi Fountain a beautiful landmark, it is also a charity drive of sorts. The coins tossed into the fountain are collected every night and donated to local charities.
The Trevi Fountain
No. 7: The Parthenon
Located at the top of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is the Parthenon, an ancient temple completed in 438 BC. The temple was constructed in honor of the Greek Goddess Athena. Still standing after nearly 2 and a half millennia, the Parthenon must be repaired regularly.
The Parthenon
No. 6: The Tower of London
The Tower of London, located along the River Thames in London, England, is a fortress founded in the 11th century. In its past, the castle has served as a royal residence, a prison, and home to the Crown Jewels, just to name a few.
The Tower of London
No. 5: La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is a famous church in Barcelona, Spain. The construction began in 1882, but is still incomplete today, over 130 years later. In 1883, architect Antoni Gaudi spent the remainder of his life working on the church. After his death in 1926, more architects continued where he left off, following his elaborate and haunting design.
La Sagrada Familia
No. 4: The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in Pisa, Italy, is known for its ever-increasing tilt due to a poor foundation. It took 199 years to complete this structure, begriming in 1173 and ending in 1372. Now tourists flock to Pisa to get a funny photo of themselves pushing, kicking, leaning on or doing some other crazy stunt with this miraculous bell tower.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
No. 3: The Stonehenge
Europe's oldest monument is the Stonehenge, a ring of massive stones constructed in England. There is no record as to exactly when the Stonehenge was created, but scientists were able to estimate that it took place sometime between 3000 and 2000 BC. There are many theories and myths surrounding this monument due to the size of the stones and the lack of machinery and technology at that time.
The Stonehenge
No. 2: The Colosseum
Perhaps the most famous monument in Italy is the Colosseum, the world's largest amphitheater located in Rome. While the monument is partially damaged due to earthquakes, it still stands today in memory of Ancient Rome's gladiators and the public spectacles that took place in front of a crowd of an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 people.
The Colosseum
No. 1: The Eiffel Tower
It may not be Europe's oldest monument by any means, but the Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world. It was constructed in 1889 by engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company. If you're not afraid of heights, you can venture to the very top and absorb the beautiful 360 degree view of Paris, France.
The Eiffel Tower
Have Your Say
Which European monument do you most want to see? Tell us in our comment section below!
