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.
How architecture and contrasts changed Europe’s cities.
Interactive Map
© Detelina Petkova
1/
Bulgaria: A hermit’s mountain retreat
Surrounded by the green mountains of Rila, Bulgaria, a colourful monastery blends seamlessly with the landscape. Its Balkan architectural style will certainly catch your eye, but it is in the story behind its foundation that you will find clues to Bulgaria’s gripping past. Located on the highest Balkan Peninsula Mountain, the Rila monastery was founded in the 10th century (between 927-968) by St John of Rila, an Orthodox hermit, who chose to live in isolated caves.
© Slovak Tourist Board/Laco Struhar
2/
Slovakia: Made out of wood
There was a time when Slovakia had more than 300 wooden churches. Built in harmony with nature, all parts of the church had to be made of wood using exquisite joinery skills. Indeed, nails had to remain unused inside the master craftsmen’s toolboxes. Behind this story, lies a search for beautiful simplicity. Around 50 of these wooden churches remain, mainly in the Carpathian Mountains region. These sacred places offer a glimpse into original architectural methods and cultural influences.
© Ezequiel Scagnetti European Union
3/
The Netherlands: ‘A direct line to heaven’
On a visit to Den Bosch, you’ll be greeted by a little angel statue, wearing jeans, with a laptop bag over the shoulder and a mobile phone in hand. There is only one button on the angel’s mobile phone and, according to the artist, it is used as ‘a direct line to heaven’.Visiting the Cathedral may take you back through the ages to ancient times, but do not assume the journey is always about the past. Damaged by many fires, the Cathedral has been renovated several times.
© Mary416
4/
Denmark: A tale of kings and queens
This is the first gothic cathedral built in red brick between the 12th & 13th centuries in Roskilde, and became the main burial site for Danish monarchs. Around 3 million bricks were needed to build the impressive structure that visitors can see here today. Inside, you will find several burial chambers and chapels that have been added throughout the years, with hundreds of flagstones lining the cathedral floor marking the identities of its occupants.
© Ezequiel Scagnetti European Union
5/
Finland: Rebuilding a monastery
In 1939, a military conflict between Finland and Russia forced around 190 monks living in the Valamo monastery, Lake Ladoga, Russian Federation, to be evacuated as forces advanced. Soldiers appropriated the building and the monks soon found a new home: Heinävesi in Eastern Finland. They settled down in the current location in 1940, creating the New Valamo Monastery, which became an active centre of Orthodox religious life and culture.
© Ezequiel Scagnetti European Union
6/
Ireland: The view from the top
Climbing a mountain can be an act of faith. Leaving everything behind, aiming only for the top. Visitors wishing to get away from the crowds and embrace a moment of solitude might consider heading for Croagh Patrick, Ireland. Located in County Mayo, in the west of the country, Croagh Patrick is considered one of the holiest mountains in Ireland, with its pilgrimage tradition stretching back over 5 000 years to the Stone Age.
© Sergey Dzyuba
7/
France: Lourdes, a place of healing and reconciliation
Lourdes, in south-western France, will always be remembered as the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernardette Soubirou, a 14-year-old girl in 1858. . This was the first of eighteen apparitions that would later turn Lourdes into the most well-known pilgrimage destination in France. At the time, scepticism about Bernadette’s visions was evident, but she would eventually be beatified by the Catholic Church in 1927.
© Ratikova
8/
Latvia: From wood to stone
The Aglona basilica was assembled by Dominican monks between 1768 and 1780. In the middle of a warm European summer, visitors can always get away from the big cities and experience faith, tales and legends in Aglona.
9/
Saint James Way
The first Cultural Route to be inaugurated in 1987, the Camino de Santiago, symbolizes the principles of the Council of Europe: the freedom to come and go, solidarity, and community. Reflecting more than 1000 years of European history, the Camino de Santiago is pilgrims’ path to the Cathedral of Compostela. According to legend, the purpose is to reach the remains of Saint James, Apostle of Christ. Following the Saint James Way is not only a walk but an internal journey of reflection and overcoming that is impossible to ignore.
© EAVF (European Association of the Via Francigena Ways)
10/
Via Francigena
The Via Francigena is a medieval path from the 8th century AD spanning 3200 km from Canterbury, UK, to Rome and Santa Maria di Leuca, Italy, via France and Switzerland. Managed by the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways, the route offers walking and cycling experiences among castles, churches, vineyards and olive groves, from the North of Europe to harbors on the Mediterranean Sea. Enter Via Francigena’s annual photo contest with your best shots!
Galleries
Europe – A Thousand Different Stories
Europe is home to a fascinating array of museums, devoted to every subject imaginable. From Vikings in the north, broken relationships in Croatia to vampires in Brasov. Here is the lowdown on Europes original and unusual museums.
Religious and Pilgrimage Destinations
How architecture and contrasts changed Europe’s cities.
The Best Rural Getaways in Europe
Sometimes the best way to experience Europe is by taking the road less traveled. Or in some cases, not taking a road at all. The natural side of Europe consists of vast countrysides, towering mountains, calm waterways and more. Browse this gallery of some of Europe’s best adventures that are off the beaten trail. Then, load up your backpack and be on your way.
Featured Experiences
Tallinn Music Week
Tallinn Music Week is a vibrant spring festival celebrating talent, creativity, and equality through a diverse showcase of music and arts.
Europe’s Most Romantic Wedding Destinations
A wedding is meant to be unforgettable. That’s why it needs to be in a place that’s equally unforgettable. Europe is one of the world’s most popular places for destination weddings – and for good reason. Whether you like big spectacular weddings or charming quaint ones, there’s the perfect romantic place for you in Europe.
CHECK OUT OUR
LATEST GUIDE
Rediscovering Christmas in Latvia
Revitalizing traditions and embracing diversity!
Europe’s Top 10 Most Iconic Stadiums
Some of Europe’s most historic sites are sports stadiums. From gladiators battling in the Colosseum to the world’s best footballers competing in Camp Nou, stadiums have long had their place of prominence in European lifestyle. Explore 10 of the most historic sporting sites throughout the years with this photo gallery.
Germany’s quiet escapes
Discover hidden lakes and coastlines.
Steak Tartare
After several years of absence, snack bars or ‘milk bars’ are returning in growing numbers to the streets of Polish cities. They are small bistros open 24/7 where you can enjoy a shot of vodka and a traditional snack ‘on the hop’, or try old-school staple bar foods like this steak tartare.
Fado, the music of Portugal
A shawl, a guitar, a voice, a feeling.