Castles in Europe That Still Rule
Travel back to the Middle Ages with this photo gallery of the most breathtaking castles that still stand in Europe.
Admire the works of da Vinci, Rembrandt and Klimt firsthand at some of the finest classical art museums in the world.
Interactive Map
© Anton Ivanov
1/
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
Emperor Franz Joseph built the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna to house the fabulous imperial collections of the Habsburgs. Its exquisite treasures include the world’s largest collection of works by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, the newly reopened Kunstkammer, and a grand staircase featuring paintings by Gustav Klimt.
© Tichr
2/
National Gallery – Veletrzni Palace, Prague
The functionalist Veletržní palace is home to a wealth of Czech, Slovak and Western art. Czech art is displayed alongside its impressive international collection, bringing out the unique qualities of the Slavic nation’s artistic temperament. Works include the Slav Epic, a cycle of 20 large canvases by Alfons Mucha.
© Pichetw
3/
Louvre, Paris
The iconic glass pyramid, Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile, Napoleon’s repository, all these signify the world’s most famous art museum. With a vast collection that spans the ages, the Louvre deserves its reputation as one of the world’s foremost museums. Additionally, the Louvre-Lens project is advancing, with more works being put on display at the Louvre-Lens museum in Northern France.
© Nejron Photo
4/
Uffizi gallery, Florence
The Uffzi Gallery, which translates into English as “the offces gallery,” is so much more than the name suggests. It’s collection of Renaissance paintings includes numerous world-renowned examples, such as works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael.
© Dennis van de Water
5/
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Following an extensive renovation, April 2013 sees the reopening of the Rijksmuseum by Queen Beatrix. The Rijksmuseum is both an art and a history museum located in Amsterdam’s museum square. Celebrated works by Dutch Masters are what draws in the crowds with works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer on display.
© Expose
6/
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisbon
Calouste Gulbenikan liked to refer to the unique pieces of art in his collection as his “children.” Calouste Gulbenkian was an Armenian businessman whose passion for art led him to have one of the worlds’ most admired collections. His special collection ranges from antiquity to the 20th Century.
© Albert H. Teich
7/
Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
Nationalmuseum is located on the waterfront of the Blasieholmen peninsula in central Stockholm. As the Swedish government’s most expensive cultural investment, the Nationalmuseum houses a multifaceted collection of art, which naturally includes a great collection of work by the Swedish artists Carl Larsson, Ernst Josephson, Carl Fredrik Hill and Anders Zorn.
Galleries
A Land Before Time: The Megaliths of Europe
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.
European Heritage Sites
European Heritage Sites include archives, monuments, archeological sites, and places of seminal cultural or political value, from the classic age to the present. Since the label’s inception in 2013, thirty-eight sites have been designated, bringing passages in Europe’s history to the foreground to honor, celebrate, and remember who built Europe, how, and why. They are lessons from the past to guide the future of Europe.
Religious and Pilgrimage Destinations
How architecture and contrasts changed Europe’s cities.
Featured Experiences
Coachman’s Goulash
This goulash owes its name to the ever-hungry coachmen who drive the famous carriages (or ‘fiacres’) around Vienna. The beef ragout is topped with a garnish of sausage and fried egg – while its rich juice is permeated with sweet paprika powder. For this latter ingredient, as well as the numerous other variations of goulash, the Austrian cuisine owes a debt of gratitude to its neighbours in Hungary.
CHECK OUT OUR
LATEST GUIDE
Jerma River canyon
Wild nature preserved for adventure.
The island of Ireland in 2025
Get set for adventure, culture, music, and fun.
Cimadolmo White Asparagus
This tender asparagus is a spring delicacy. Highly appreciated for its delicate flavour and its diuretic properties.
Flandersʼ favorite: The Mystic Lamb
The tremendous tale of a masterpiece.