The perfect European holidays if you love history
If you love history, Europe is bustling with ancient cities, all of which have a different story to tell. A huge mixing pot of cultures and historical influences, you can explore centuries-old buildings, the houses of kings and queens and world-class museums that place you right in the heart of history.
What’s more, many of these cities are in close proximity to one another, meaning that if you fancy ticking another off your list, you need only hop on a train or take a Southampton cruise and set off on another historical adventure. Here are just a few European cities that should be on every history enthusiast’s bucket list.
Rome, Italy
Home to one of the oldest European monuments, just arriving in Rome you can feel its historical significance. The place where the Roman civilisation was founded, it houses the Colosseum that was built in 70AD (making it almost 2,000 years old). Today it is the largest, oldest amphitheatre in the world.
Rome is also home to Vatican City, the gilded settlement that is the beating pulse of the Roman Catholic Church. From the Sistine Chapel to the Raphael Rooms and Michelangelo’s ceiling, there’s no shortage of showstopping art.
Berlin, Germany
It might be a modern, international metropolis today, but Berlin is packed with historical landmarks that have made it the liberal city we know and love. At the heart of it is, of course, the Berlin Wall. A feat of artistic brilliance, as well as historical significance, the barrier divided the city for 28 years, creating a border between communist East Germany and the democratic West.
In the centre of the city is also the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and Berlin Cathedral and Checkpoint Charlie.
Budapest, Hungary
A favourite with history buffs, as well as avid party-goers, Budapest has something for everyone. A treasure trove of buildings and landmarks, many of which are situated on the banks of the Danube River, tourists can tour The Citadel, Fisherman’s Bastion and the Old City Halls before refuelling with a piping-hot bowl of goulash.
History enthusiasts might also be interested in checking out the Great Synagogue, the most significant Jewish landmark in Hungary, that seats up to 3,000 people. After heavy bombing in WW II, the synagogue had to be rebuilt, making it a symbol of resilience and unity that has reverberated through history.
