Do you enjoy stories of the past? Are you captivated by medieval castles and ancient ruins? If so, you will find plenty of areas to explore in Europe. With its diverse and rich history, this continent has witnessed lots of wars and different civilizations. Therefore, it is not surprising that history buffs from all over the world are drawn to Europe. From the rich museums, well-preserved streets, churches and ancient ruins, these are the top European cities perfect for history lovers.
Rome, Italy
Rome should be at the top of your list when you wish to explore history. Steeped in more than 2,500 years of history, the capital of the Roman Empire has no shortage of ancient masterpieces. Rome is considered a living museum, from the Roman Forum to the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the magnificence of the Colosseum. The Vatican museums are also a must-see, where you can view the Renaissance masterpieces, including the renowned frescoes of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
Paris, France
Even though it is known for its romantic atmosphere, Paris is also a treasure trove of history. The ‘City of Lights’ offers you a look at a Gothic architecture masterpiece in the form of the Notre Dame Cathedral. You can visit the Orsay and Louvre Museums to see ancient history masterpieces, or check out the Conciergerie to learn about the turbulent history of the French Revolution. A visit to Paris would remain incomplete without a visit to the Palace of Versailles. There are also various historic neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais where you can see ancient buildings.
Athens, Greece
Athens is a gem for history enthusiasts, as it is regarded as the cradle of Western philosophy, democracy and civilization. You can indulge in Greek Mythology and follow in the footsteps of Plato and Socrates. The National Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis Museum can offer you intense historical immersion, as they are dedicated to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Plaka neighborhood and ancient Greek Art.
London, United Kingdom
London is the real-life version of a history book. The Tower of London is a great starting point, as it has witnessed centuries of British history. The Buckingham Palace is where the royals have resided since the 1800s. The British Museums lets you explore antiquities from all over the world, including Egyptian mummies and Greek sculptures. The National History Museum, Westminster Abbey, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The House of Parliament and Big Ben are some other places to visit.
Istanbul, Turkey
The history of Istanbul spans thousands of years due to its strategic location. Formerly called Constantinople, it was the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. Topkapi Palace is great for learning about the Ottoman Empire, as it served as the residents of its sultans. There are Ottoman weapons, miniatures, Islamic calligraphy manuscripts and various other collections. Take a stroll through the ancient streets of the Sultanahmet district, or visit the underground Basilica Cistern for deeper historical immersion.
Along with these cities, you can also visit Barcelona, Florence, Vienna, Dublin, Prague and Edinburgh to get the full historic experience in Europe.
