More than any other continent,
Europe is known for its wide selection of manmade historic monuments. Kidzworld lists the top 10 must-see monuments for
traveling in Europe!
No. 10: The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe
Located in
Paris,
France, the Arc de Triomphe is situated at the west end of
the Champs-Élysées, the city's most famous street. This 50 meter tall
monument was designed in 1806 by Jean Chalgrin, who used this
architectural beauty to commemorate those who died fighting in the
French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
No. 9: Big Ben
Big Ben
If you're walking along the River Thames in London, England, you'll eventually spot a large
clock tower that you may recognize from
Peter Pan.
This is the Elizabeth Tower. While most people refer to the entire
tower as Big Ben, it's actually a misnomer. Big Ben refers only to the
bell housed inside of the clock tower.
No. 8: The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain
There is a legend surrounding the majestic Trevi Fountain, located in
Rome, Italy. It states that if you stand with your back to the fountain
and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will
one day return to Rome. Not only is the Trevi Fountain a beautiful
landmark, it is also a charity drive of sorts. The coins tossed into the
fountain are collected every night and donated to
local charities.
No. 7: The Parthenon
The Parthenon
Located at the top of the Acropolis in Athens,
Greece,
is the Parthenon, an ancient temple completed in 438 BC. The temple was
constructed in honor of the Greek Goddess Athena. Still standing after
nearly 2 and a half millennia, the Parthenon must be repaired regularly.
No. 6: The Tower of London
The Tower of London
The Tower of London,
located along the River Thames in London, England, is a fortress
founded in the 11th century. In its past, the castle has served as a
royal residence, a prison, and home to the Crown Jewels, just to name a
few.
No. 5: La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is a famous church in Barcelona, Spain. The
construction began in 1882, but is still incomplete today, over 130
years later. In 1883, architect Antoni Gaudi spent the remainder of his
life working on the church. After his death in 1926, more architects
continued where he left off, following his elaborate and haunting
design.
No. 4: The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in Pisa, Italy, is known for its
ever-increasing tilt due to a poor foundation. It took 199 years to
complete this structure, begriming in 1173 and ending in 1372. Now
tourists flock to Pisa to get a funny photo of themselves pushing,
kicking, leaning on or doing some other crazy stunt with this miraculous
bell tower.
No. 3: The Stonehenge
The Stonehenge
Europe's oldest monument is the Stonehenge, a ring of massive stones
constructed in England. There is no record as to exactly when the
Stonehenge was created, but scientists were able to estimate that it
took place sometime between 3000 and 2000 BC. There are many theories
and myths surrounding this monument due to the size of the stones and
the lack of machinery and technology at that time.
No. 2: The Colosseum
The Colosseum
Perhaps the most famous monument in Italy is the
Colosseum,
the world's largest amphitheater located in Rome. While the monument is
partially damaged due to earthquakes, it still stands today in memory
of Ancient Rome's gladiators and the public spectacles that took place
in front of a crowd of an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 people.
No. 1: The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower
It may not be Europe's oldest monument by any means, but the Eiffel
Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world. It was constructed
in 1889 by engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company. If you're not
afraid of heights, you can venture to the very top and absorb the
beautiful 360 degree view of Paris, France.
Have Your Say
Which European monument do you most want to see? Tell us in our comment section below!