7 European Cities To Visit For Their Architecture

European countries are well known to be inspiring travel destinations for architects and architecture lovers alike.  They have some of the best recorded architectural history, a great variety of styles and a dynamic history that has seen countless rises and falls as well as world changing wars – all these events in turn influencing the architectural character of each place.  Here are seven countries you should visit if you love architecture.

Paris, France

Paris is considered one of the best-planned cities in the world after Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann renovated it between 1853 and 1870. Paris was completely modernized with what is known as the Haussmann Plan, which implanted new building facades, public parks, sewers and water works, city facilities and public monuments, among other urban planning aspects into the already developed city.

In addition, Paris is one of the world's best-preserved cities, showcasing many of history's stunning spiritual relics like cathedrals and churches that span from the fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution.

Best building examples: Eiffel Tower, Versailles Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centers in Europe, consisting of 90 islands linked by 400 bridges.  Most of its historic buildings and streets have remained unchanged since the 19th century due to the fact that there was no major bombing in the city during World War II.

As a result, Amsterdam became one of Europe's treasure troves for architecture lovers since it houses more historic buildings and sights than any other city in the world, in addition to holding an international importance in terms of modern design.

Best building examples: Rijksmuseum, Royal Palace, Oude Kerk.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has a well-balanced mix of historic architecture, concentrated in the Barri Gòtic (the old city); and modern architecture, developed during and after the city’s expansion. Many of the buildings in the Barri Gòtic date back to the medieval times and even farther back to the Roman settlement.

Barcelona is also the proud host of many Antoni Gaudi buildings, including the famous and still unfinished Sagrada Familia.

Best building examples: La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Pavilion, Casa Battló, Torre Agbar.

Rome, Italy

Rome is the eternal city, as rightly acknowledged by architects and artists over the centuries. Roman buildings defined the precedent to how the Western world would develop, thus becoming the cornerstone of Western architecture and civilization.

Here history breathes through every stone and aging frescoes. Rome counts with the old St. Peter’s Basilica, which is the first medieval basilica; as well as the new St. Peter's Basilica, the building in which Bramante and Michelangelo developed the High Renaissance. In addition, there are various works by Bernini and Borromini, whose rich and lucid spatial forms shaped Baroque as far as Vienna.

Best building examples: St. Peter's Basilica, The Coliseum, The Pantheon, Roman Forum, many more.

Berlin, Germany

When it comes to architecture, Berlin should not be missed. It is an architectural heaven for anyone interested in a good architectural mix of old and new, combined with an interesting yet complex history.

The city has no definite center and pockets of attractions are dispersed all over the urban fabric, so be sure to plan your day accordingly.

It is also interesting to see how Berlin has drastically changed in the last 100 years, a period where it experienced Imperial architecture; Nazi and WWII related architecture, communist architecture and modern architecture.

Best building examples: Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Jewish Museum, Berlin Wall.

London, England

London is not characterized by any particular architectural style. Instead, it has a conglomerate of styles that it has accumulated over a long period of time. Only a few structures predate the Great Fire of 1666, with the exception of important sites like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Banqueting House, among others.

London's palaces hold great importance in the development of Great Britain’s history.

Best building examples: Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey.

Prague, Czech Republic

Also known as the “golden city of spires”, Prague has architectural splendors that span a thousand years, including Medieval, Baroque and Renaissance buildings.

The city is famous for its magnificent castles, palaces, and Gothic cathedrals – part of what makes it a visual pleasure for historians, tourists and architecture enthusiasts.  Most of Prague's building have been restored and kept with their original design, setting the city's landscape to an environment that feels like it belongs to a different era.

Best building examples: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Town Square.

Seven cities are not nearly enough to do justice to all the Europeans destinations that are filled with architectural masterpieces, but these are great for a start if you're looking to learn more about European architecture.

Which other European cities do you think should be included on the list?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.