From all the way to the centuries-old formation you’ll find at Stonehenge, Europe is a history-hungry traveller’s dream. However, most savvy travellers seem to have already visited all of Europe’s mysterious catacombs and traversed through historical hidden caves.
What we’re after are the historical places in that have yet to be discovered by troves of tourists and Instagram-happy millennials. We’re looking to take you to the places that truly transport you to the past.
So, without further ado, here’s our list of the seven most historic places to . Plan your trips and book your tickets fast – you won’t want to miss these while they’re still slightly undiscovered.
While it might not seem like much at first glance, this prehistoric monument in Ireland predates Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza, making it one of the oldest historical landmarks in Europe. Enter the passage tomb, which aligns with the sun during the Winter Solstice, to find three different, slightly mysterious alcoves to explore.
Many tourists visit The Alhambra each year. Yet, it seems to be one of the more forgotten historical sites in Europe. And, it’s hard to understand why, as it’s one of the most breathtaking Islamic palaces and fortress complexes in the entire country, if not the continent. Constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries, The Alhambra is one of the most impressive displays of ornate architecture in Spain.
For centuries, a colossal statue of the sun god Helios straddled valiantly over the harbour entry to the city of Rhodes. The city, which was once one of the most important trading ports in the ancient Mediterranean, crumbled under an earthquake, and destroyed most of the monument. However, the Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. So, it’s worth visiting to immerse yourself in the local stories.
Interested in discovering the highest concentration of Stone Age art in Europe? While prehistoric caves are pretty common and popular in Spain, you’ll find the Lascaux UNESCO World Heritage Site in France. With over 500 cave paintings that date back 20,000 years ago, this is without a doubt one of the most historic places to visit in Europe.
While it might sound like there’s nothing particularly spectacular about a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage listed salt mine in southern Poland, there’s more than meets the eye here. Here, 13th-century miners carved out breathtaking sculptures and even a full-fledged cathedral. You’ll get to witness it all if you take the four to five-hour tour of the entire mine (highly recommended).
The charming German city of Lübeck was founded in the 12th century and once served as a powerful trading town on the Baltic trade routes. Despite being poorly damaged during World War II, the city is now one of the most historic places in Europe. It offers visitors a glimpse into a rich history few get to explore. Visit the Town Hall for an impressive display of architecture and to learn about the true history of the city.
Visiting this gravity-defying medieval monastery should be on anybody’s bucket list, but especially for those who love history and rich cultural tales. The monastery dates back to 966 when a bishop claimed that Archangel Michael urged him to construct the building. As centuries passed it became a centre for cultural learning. We think that absolutely makes it one of the most historic places to visit in Europe in 2020.
Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube. Contact: [email protected]
