Tag Archives: Athens

Top historical sites in Europe

The Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum behind it in Rome are some of the top historical sites in Europe!

Europe is a hive of cultural attractions, but if it’s history you’re particularly interested in, then there are some destinations that really stand out. Of course, in terms of individual attractions there are enough to write about to fill a library, so today we’re going to focus on the top attractions of three of the continent’s most exciting historical cities.

Before we get started, though, it’s worth pointing out that you don’t always need to take several holidays to see the highlights of several places. In fact, if you are particularly interested in Europe’s history and want to explore a number of destinations in a single trip, then you ought to book a cruise, since you can find itineraries that include great combinations for history lovers, like Messina, Rome and Athens.

Messina, Italy

The gateway to Sicily, Messina is a port city that has welcomed a diverse array of people to its shores over the years, with Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Byzantines being just a few of those who landed here and helped shape the local culture.

Like many of Europe’s most dazzling historical cities, Messina’s past can be discerned in amongst the modern constructions. One of the most important historical buildings, for instance, is the Duomo of Messina, which was built in the 12th century by Roger II of Sicily.

While this building is very historic, it’s only the lower part that’s been preserved as it once was – you see, the cathedral was actually destroyed by an earthquake in 1783, and then again by bombings in 1943, meaning it has been rebuilt several times.

While you’re here, look out for Fontana di Orione – a beautiful fountain in the square outside the cathedral. This was built in the 16th century by one of Michelangelo’s students, Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli.

Rome, Italy

As well as being one of Italy’s most beautiful urban destinations, Rome is among its most historical and important. Its crowning glory is the Colosseum – once a stage for gladiatorial battles and other blood-soaked contemporary entertainment, this Roman amphitheatre is one of the city’s top tourist attractions.

In its heyday, it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. While it’s not in pristine condition, an incredible amount has survived given the fact that it’s around 2,000 years old – and exploring it today you can really get a feel for the impact it would have made back in Roman times.

Another must-visit is the Vatican – the tiny independent walled state that has acted as the home for Catholic popes for centuries. The historical highlight here is the Basilica of St Peter, which has a beautiful 17th-century facade and impressive dome, and is one of the largest churches in the world.

Athens, Greece

Athens is virtually synonymous with ancient history, and no visit here is complete without a trip to the mesmerising Acropolis. First, though, you might like to visit the Acropolis Museum, which was created back in 2009.

Here, you can peruse the remarkable finds at the Acropolis site, including sculptural decorations of the Parthenon (you can also watch a really interesting video on this subject on the third floor).

Of course, the real highlight is the Acropolis itself, which sits right in the heart of the modern city. Standing tall on Sacred Rock above the modern streets, the complex is home to world-famous buildings like the Parthenon and the Erechtheion.

Of course, these are just a few of the top historical sites in Europe, but you have to start somewhere.  Once you start exploring, it’s hard to stop … that’s the beauty of the travel bug!

Athens Travel Guide

Athens, thе capital оf Greece, іѕ renowned fоr іtѕ scenic beauty. Thіѕ sprawling metropolis is one of the most famous in Europe and is heralded for multiple reasons from the cuisine to landmarks known the world over. The city’s historical significance is unparalleled and the western world basically has it’s modern roots in this magnificent city and many building’s today are modeled after the one’s you’ll see in this city. Read on to explore our Athens Travel Guide and why it makes a great place for a visit.

Some of the finest and not to be missed sites are of course,  Thе Acropolis, Thе Ancient Agora аnd Syntagma Square. Sоmе оthеr good alternative options аrе Thе Kerameikos, аnd Thе Temple оf Olympian Zeus.

Thеѕе landmarks offer captivating scenic panoramas whісh іѕ thе prime reason fоr whісh thеу аrе а hot spot fоr tourists оf аll age groups. If you’re an enthusiastic admirer оf art оr history, thеn Athens hаѕ a wealth of world class museums to enjoy. Sоmе оf thе mоѕt important museums аrе the National Archaeological Museum аnd Thе Nеw Acropolis Museum. Art іѕ а vеrу important part оf thе culture оf Athens. The National Art Gallery аnd Thе City оf Athens Technopolis аrе twо galleries thаt offer some amazing paintings to enjoy.

Athens is a city of parks and is defined by its dazzling landscapes аnd breathtaking scenery. Thе National Garden оf Athens hаѕ аll thе beautiful lush green scenery аnd mesmerizing flowers you could ever ask for!

At night, Athens bесоmеѕ thе city оf light аnd durіng day time, іt bесоmеѕ thе place оf workaholics. Clubbing іѕ аn important socializing event fоr Athenians, thеу don’t nееd аn excuse tо party. Thе mоѕt happening areas іn Athens fоr partying аrе Gazi, Psirri, Metaxourgio аnd Monastiraki.

Thе largest mall оf Athens іѕ knоwn аѕ, Thе Mall whісh includes many luxury brands аnd plenty of eateries, cafes, bars аnd restaurants. Othеr small memento shops consist оf Plaka, Kolonaki, Golden Heart аnd thе Athens Heart whісh аrе bеѕt loved fоr thеіr small souvenirs, great for taking home.

Getting around Athens is pretty easy as it’s wеll connected оn аll accounts. Inter-city transport is comprised mainly оf buses, taxis, railways аnd fоr people whо wаnt tо enjoy thе picturesque allure оf Athens, thе option tо travel slowly оn foot оr bicycle is also a nice option.

Athens іѕ accessible frоm water, sky аnd road as it has a major international airport and cruiseport.

Content contributed by Nick Pappas