Europe in the Movies
Europe’s natural beauty and stunning landmarks haven’t just caught the eyes of world travelers over the years.
Europe’s heritage and culture date back thousands of years. And some of the most ancient remnants of the earliest European cultures can still be found today. From prehistoric cave drawings to mysterious stone formations, discover the continent’s past at its oldest locations. Browse this gallery, then come see these magnificent sites for yourself on your next trip.
Interactive Map
© Tourism Ireland
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Newgrange, Ireland
Older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, Ireland’s Newgrange is one of Europe’s most fascinating megaliths. It’s unknown what it was built and used for, but it’s speculated that it was a place of worship or used for astronomy purposes. Either way, it’s quite an architectural marvel.
© Ramón
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Drombeg, Ireland
Another prehistoric site in Ireland is known as the Drombeg stone circle, or Druid’s Altar. The large stones
were strategically placed in a circle to help measure the winter solstice. There’s evidence that points to
other ancient sites being nearby that were likely used by the same civilization.
© Viewingmalta.com
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Ggantija Temples, Xaghra, Malta
The Temple of Ġgantija in Malta dates as far back as 3600 BC and has an interesting folklore about its construction. Locals say that a giant that lived in the area had a child with a mortal man. The giant and the child were said to have built the temple for themselves. That’s where the name Ġgantija comes from.It directly translates to “Giant’s Tower.”
© Malta Tourism Authority
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Hagar Qim, Malta
Malta’s other megalith goes by the name Ħaġar Qim which translates to “worshipping stones.” Like Ġgantija, this site dates back to 3600 BC, making it one of the oldest places in Europe. Ħaġar Qim is still complete with temples, altars and other religious artifacts to this day.
© Jon Connell
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Coddu Vecchiu, Sardinia, Italy
Italy’s Coddu Vecchiu is one of the oldest grave sites in Europe. It’s also known as “Giants’ Tombs” for the
architectural formations found at the site. It consists of huge slabs of stone and narrow tunnels to navigate the area.
© Shadowgate
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Knossos, Greece
Knossos in Greece isn’t just one of Europe’s oldest monoliths. It’s considered by many to be Europe’s oldest city. The folklore of the city’s foundation is a unique story full of kings, minotaurs and labyrinths. Today, the remains of Knossos offer an unrivaled look at ancient Greek life.
© Jeanne Menj
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Dolmen de Viera, Spain
One of Spain’s oldest and grandest megaliths can be found at the Dolmen de Viera. Built sometime around 4000 years ago, it’s the site of a grand ancient tomb. The tomb is covered by a large grassy mound on nearly all sides. But within its walls you’ll find an eerie yet magnificent scene that is strikingly similar to Egyptian pyramids.
© Turespaña
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Heritage-Altamira Caves
One of Europe’s most unique prehistoric sites can be found in Spain at the Cave of Altamira. Archaeologists that have studied the cave have found deposits of artifacts that date back to the Old Stone Age of 18,500 years ago. Inside the cave you’ll find the walls covered with ancient cave drawings of bison.
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