Spotting The Best Landmarks In Europe






by Gene Fink


Europe is full of old-world style, culture, and history. Anybody planning to go on a European tour, or even just visit a European country needs to know about the best landmarks in Europe, and this article deals with just a few of the more popular ones.

London's Big Ben Most people think of Big Ben as the House of Parliament's neighboring clock tower. Big Ben is, in fact, the name for the bell inside the tower. But when somebody talks England and its famous landmarks, this is still one of the most recognizable.

The bell chimes every 15 minutes so all Londoners can hear. Only natives of the United Kingdom are allowed to climb the clock tower and see Big Ben up close - foreign visitors are not permitted to do the same.

Paris' Eiffel Tower Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is the icon of Paris. Created in 1889, it was meant to honor the end of the French Revolution, but more than a hundred years later it is now considered one of the world's most well-known buildings.

If you want to see Paris like you never saw it before, then you may want to experience the Eiffel Tower's majesty by going straight to the top. Going to the top of the Tower right before sunset provides the best views. The view at dark isn't too bad either, as you can see the Tower's shining lights at this time. Lights go off at 2 am, so be sure to catch a glimpse before then.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy The Leaning Tower of Pisa traces its history back to the 12th century, when it was constructed as a clock tower for a nearby cathedral. But as the tower was being constructed, the ground started sinking, which led to its distinct "design." And even to this day, that side of the ground keeps sinking gradually, as the Tower leans further. The top of the tower can be reached by the 200+ stairs found in the center of the building.

London's Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is probably London's most famous building, and still a working Palace and home to the Queen. The staterooms can be visited in the summer months when the Queen is in Scotland, making this the best time to take a tour of the Palace.

The "Changing of the Guards" can be witnessed at Buckingham Palace any time of the year. It takes place every day at 11:30am.

Notre Dame Cathedral Notre Dame is a Paris Cathedral and one of the finest examples of French gothic architecture. You will need to pay in order to go up into the towers, though entering the cathedral alone can be done for free.

Your choices of activities in and around Notre Dame would be varied, such as watching street performers, or noshing on French pastries at one of the nearby cafes.

Europe has plenty of choices for culturally interesting monuments and landmarks for travelers to choose from.




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