The Best European Cities For Architecture
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I love learning about history as I travel through Europe, but I often find myself gazing up at old buildings, daydreaming about an alternate career as an architect or designer.
I’m curious about minute design codes, like rustication on stone facades, or peculiar building elements, like the exterior butler’s bells found on homes in Marseille.
WHENEVER I’M ON A WALKING TOUR, MY EARS PERK UP WHEN TALK OF CASTLES, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS, OR PROPERTY BATTLES COME UP.
It wasn’t always this way, but I’ve found that the secret to enjoying repeated visits to Europe is to go deeper into the things that interest me.
Learning more about your passions in a new place is the key to going from tourist to traveler.
Luckily for me, there are a few standout cities for architecture and design buffs throughout the continent, and many of them include guided tours specifically tailored to architecture.
BELOW, I’VE COLLECTED A LIST OF MY FAVORITE EUROPEAN CITIES FOR DISCOVERING EUROPE’S BEST ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN.
The Best European Cities For Architecture
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Valletta, Malta
VALLETTA, THE CAPITAL CITY OF MALTA, IS A HIDDEN GEM FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS, BOASTING A RICH COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL LANDMARKS AND ARTISTIC MARVELS.
Perched atop Malta’s fortified hills, Valletta exudes a subtle elegance, its honey-hued limestone buildings and labyrinthine streets steeped in centuries of history.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city offers a captivating blend of architectural styles, from Baroque palaces adorned with intricate stone carvings to neoclassical facades and ornate cathedrals.
Malta’s capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A necessary starting point is the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece adorned with intricately gilded ceilings, marble statues, and Caravaggio's famed painting, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist."
Then, venture to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the iconic Three Cities unfold before your eyes.
Don't miss a visit to the stunning Grandmaster's Palace, a grandiose edifice that once served as the seat of power for the Knights of Malta.
IT NOW HOUSES THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE PALACE STATE ROOMS, SHOWCASING OPULENT TAPESTRIES, FRESCOES, AND ANTIQUE FURNISHINGS.
Valletta’s new City Gate was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
The new City Gate in Valletta, Malta, is a striking example of modern architectural innovation seamlessly woven into historic surroundings.
Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, this edifice boldly redefines the entrance to Malta's capital city.
With its clean lines, innovative use of materials, and thoughtful attention to detail, the new City Gate is a statement of the future that is still able to honor the past.
IT’S A MUST-SEE FOR ANYONE WITH AN APPRECIATION FOR THE EVOLUTION OF URBAN LANDSCAPES.
Best Architecture Experiences in Valletta:
Riga, Latvia
NESTLED ALONG THE BANKS OF THE DAUGAVA RIVER, RIGA, LATVIA, BOASTS A CAPTIVATING BLEND OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES SPANNING CENTURIES.
With its well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can wander through cobblestone streets lined with charming Art Nouveau buildings, showcasing intricate facades adorned with ornate sculptures and elaborate motifs.
The city's architectural diversity reflects its rich history, from medieval churches with Gothic spires to elegant Baroque palaces and vibrant Art Deco masterpieces.
Riga contains one of the largest concentrations of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.
A visit to Riga wouldn't be complete without exploring the Art Nouveau district, home to the largest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.
Admire the stunning facades of buildings designed by renowned architects like Mikhail Eisenstein and Konstantīns Pēkšēns, whose innovative designs have left an indelible mark on the cityscape.
Take a guided tour to learn about the symbolism and motifs prevalent in Art Nouveau architecture, or simply wander at your own pace, marveling at the intricate design details and whimsical ornamentation.
BEYOND ARCHITECTURE, RIGA OFFERS A VIBRANT CULTURAL SCENE, WITH ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND DESIGN SHOPS SHOWCASING THE CITY'S CREATIVE SPIRIT.
The buildings in Old Town Riga are a mix of architectural styles including Romantic, Gothic, Baroque, and Modern.
Best Architecture Experiences in Riga:
Barcelona, Spain
BARCELONA, SPAIN, IS HOME TO UNIQUE STYLES FROM GOTHIC TO MODERNISME, AND IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE WORKS OF CATALAN ARCHITECT ANTONI GAUDÍ.
His masterpiece, the iconic Sagrada Família basilica, stands in the heart of the city, still under construction, but on track for completion — finally, after 144 years — in 2026 .
A testament to Gaudí's genius, it features intricate facades adorned with sculptures, vibrant stained glass windows, and towering spires that dominate the skyline.
Visitors can explore the interior, marveling at its organic shapes and symbolism, or ascend the towers for panoramic views of Barcelona.
Barcelona's Sagrada Família is considered Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece.
At Casa Batlló, Gaudí's display of vibrant colors and organic forms.
ANOTHER MUST-VISIT SITE IS PARK GÜELL, ALSO DESIGNED BY GAUDÍ.
This whimsical park showcases his playful imagination, with mosaic-covered benches, colorful tiled sculptures, and winding pathways that lead to sweeping vistas of the city.
For a glimpse into Barcelona's modernist movement, head to the Eixample district, where you'll find the famous block known as the "Apple of Discord," featuring buildings designed by renowned architects like Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Don't miss Casa Batlló, with its undulating facade and dragon-like roof, or Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, renowned for its innovative use of stone and wrought iron.
WITH ITS RICH ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE AND VIBRANT DESIGN SCENE, BARCELONA PROMISES AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE FOR AFICIONADOS OF ART AND INNOVATION.
Best Architecture Experiences in Barcelona:
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
ROTTERDAM, OFTEN OVERLOOKED IN FAVOR OF ITS MORE FAMOUS SISTER CITY, AMSTERDAM, OFFERS A FASCINATING BLEND OF MODERN AND HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE.
Renowned for its innovative skyline, one of the must-see landmarks is the iconic Erasmus Bridge, affectionately known as "The Swan" due to its elegant design.
Visitors can take a stroll along the waterfront and marvel at this striking feat of engineering, especially captivating when illuminated against the night sky.
Additionally, the Cube Houses, designed by architect Piet Blom, showcases a unique and unconventional living experience.
THESE TILTED, CUBE-SHAPED HOMES ARE A TESTAMENT TO ROTTERDAM'S AVANT-GARDE APPROACH TO URBAN PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE.
The Erasmusbrug spans the Maas River in Rotterdam, its sleek white pylon and asymmetrical cable-stayed design adding a contemporary touch to the city's skyline.
Rotterdam’s Cube Houses stand out with their unconventional tilted cube structure.
In addition to its architectural wonders, Rotterdam boasts an array of museums and cultural institutions that celebrate design and creativity.
The Kunsthal Rotterdam showcases a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions, while the Nieuwe Instituut (New Institute) offers insights into the city's architectural heritage and digital future.
FOR A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF ROTTERDAM'S DESIGN SCENE, VISITORS CAN EXPLORE THE WITTE DE WITHSTRAAT, A BUSTLING STREET LINED WITH ART GALLERIES, BOUTIQUES, AND TRENDY CAFES.
Whether admiring innovative skyscrapers or exploring cutting-edge exhibitions, a visit to Rotterdam promises an enriching experience for design enthusiasts.
Best Architecture Experiences in Rotterdam:
Rome, Italy
ROME IS A LIVING TESTAMENT TO ARCHITECTURAL EVOLUTION.
From the grandeur of ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon to the beauty of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Trevi Fountain, the city takes visitors on a journey through time.
But Rome’s architecture isn't just defined by its classical and religious sites.
Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known at the Colosseo Quadrato (Square Colosseum), remains one of Italy’s best examples of Fascist architecture, with inspiration from ancient Rome, rationalist design, and modern minimalism.
The Stadio dei Marmi, a striking example of fascist architecture, is adorned with marble statues which celebrates athleticism and embodies Mussolini’s ideals of strength and unity.
THE CITY ALSO FEATURES NOTABLE EXAMPLES OF FASCIST ARCHITECTURE, SUCH AS THE STRIKING PALAZZO DELLA CIVILTÀ ITALIANA, ALSO KNOWN AS THE SQUARE COLOSSEUM.
For architecture lovers, must-see sites include the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Pantheon’s dome.
The Vatican Museums and Trevi Fountain also showcase the city’s Renaissance and Baroque heritage.
To explore Mussolini’s vision of buildings that made the individual feel inconsequential, the EUR district offers a fascinating collection of Fascist architecture.
WHETHER ANCIENT OR MODERN, ROME OFFERS AN UNFORGETTABLE ARCHITECTURAL EXPERIENCE.
Best Architecture Experiences in Rome:
Berlin, Germany
BERLIN OFFERS A CAPTIVATING BLEND OF HISTORIC LANDMARKS, CONTEMPORARY MARVELS, AND INNOVATIVE URBAN SPACES.
From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the striking glass dome of the Reichstag building, the city's architecture tells a compelling story of its divided history and melting-pot culture.
Visitors can explore remnants of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the city's tumultuous past, or wander through the contemporary structures of Potsdamer Platz, an example of cutting-edge design and urban renewal.
At the center of Berlin's bustling city center, the contemporary 3XN Cube reflects the dynamic energy of the German capital.
The Reichstag, with its glass dome, is a blend of historic and modern architectural elements.
For those seeking to delve deeper into Berlin's architectural heritage, guided tours provide fascinating insights into the city's landmarks and hidden gems.
A stroll through the historic neighborhoods of Mitte and Kreuzberg unveils charming streetscapes adorned with centuries-old buildings.
VISITS TO ARCHITECTURAL ICONS LIKE THE BERLIN CATHEDRAL AND CHARLOTTENBURG PALACE OFFER GLIMPSES INTO THE CITY'S ROYAL PAST.
Meanwhile, modern marvels such as the futuristic Sony center and the glass and steel Berlin Hauptbahnhof showcase Berlin's position as a hub of innovation and design.
Whether exploring the city's historic landmarks or admiring its contemporary creations, Berlin promises an unforgettable experience for design enthusiasts.
Best Architecture Experiences in Berlin:
Venice, Italy
VENICE, WITH ITS LABYRINTHINE CANALS AND EXQUISITE STRUCTURES, IS A DREAM DESTINATION FOR ARCHITECTURE ENTHUSIASTS.
The city's unique urban layout, characterized by stunning palaces, grand basilicas, and picturesque bridges, offers a feast for the eyes at every turn.
Visitors can wander through the narrow streets of the historic center, marveling at the intricate facades adorned with ornate detailing and elegant balconies.
Iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace showcase the city's rich architectural heritage.
HIDDEN GEMS LIKE THE CA' D'ORO AND PALAZZO CONTARINI DEL BOVOLO OFFER GLIMPSES INTO VENICE'S ARISTOCRATIC PAST.
Rising from the waters of Venice, Lorenzo Quinn's sculpture "Support" symbolizes the delicate balance between the city’s man-made infrastructure and nature’s rising waters, its colossal hands seemingly cradling the historic architecture of the city.
The Palazzo Ducale reigns over St. Mark’s Square with its Gothic architecture and intricate details, bearing witness to centuries of Venetian history and political power.
To fully appreciate Venice's architectural splendor, visitors can embark on guided tours that delve into the city's rich history and cultural significance.
A visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection provides insight into modern art and design, housed within the elegant surroundings of the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni overlooking the Grand Canal.
Meanwhile, exploring the charming neighborhoods of Dorsoduro and Cannaregio reveals hidden treasures such as the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, two exquisite examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
FOR A TRULY LOCAL EXPERIENCE, VISITORS CAN TAKE A GONDOLA RIDE ALONG THE CITY'S CANALS, MARVELING AT THE ENCHANTING ARCHITECTURE THAT HAS MADE VENICE A TIMELESS SYMBOL OF BEAUTY AND ROMANCE.
Best Architecture Experiences in Venice:
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, learning about a city’s architectural heritage can add a whole new dimension to your experience.
These destinations offer travelers a deeper appreciation of the built environment and the stories behind the structures.
IF, LIKE ME, YOU FIND YOURSELF CAPTIVATED BY DESIGN DETAILS AND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS, THESE CITIES SHOULD BE ADDED TO YOUR EUROPEAN BUCKET LIST.
Until next time,
Angela 🏰
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