Pristine palaces, magnificent monuments, charming castles and modern masterpieces: having been the cradle for some of history's most important artistic and architectural movements, Europe today is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. We've selected and ranked what we think are the most beautiful buildings in each European country (based on the UN list but excluding Russia, Belarus and Ukraine on account of the ongoing war).
Click through this gallery to see where we've ranked the most beautiful building in every European nation...
The main building of Tartu University is one of the most notable examples of classical style in Estonia. It was designed by the architect Johann Wilhelm Krause and built between 1804 and 1809.
Restored many times, especially after a fire in 1965 and most recently in 2007, it features a large auditorium with excellent acoustics, making it a popular venue for concerts and conferences. There are also lock-up rooms in the attic, which were used during the 19th century to detain students as punishment.
Set in a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, the Suomenlinna or Sveaborg sea fortress is a remarkable example of military architecture. It was built in the 18th century by the Swedish to protect against Russian expansion and, due to its strategic location, was sometimes known as 'the Gibraltar of the North'. As well as its huge stone walls, bastions and tunnels, the site boasts beautiful sea views, scenic parks, historic museums and cultural events throughout the year.
The largest thermal spa complex in southern Europe is one of Andorra’s main attractions, with visitors destressing in its lagoons, saunas, Jacuzzis, hydromassage basins, grapefruit pool, Aztec bath and Indo-Roman baths, or just enjoying some delicious food. First opened in 1994, Caldea's angular architecture hides types of bath you never knew existed, plus a designated spa area for children between three and eight years old. The main spa has a maximum capacity of 500, so it is probably wise to book during busier times.
Renowned for its sprawling 74 miles (120km) of underground tunnels, the wine cellar at Cricova Winery is still only the second largest in Moldova. The complex just north of Chişinău is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. There are almost 1.3 million bottles of wine gathered from all eras and regions in its cellars, and legend has it that the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, famously the first man in space, got lost in them for two days in 1966.
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Currently being restored as part of a UNESCO project, the foundations of this landmark fortress above the Osum River date back more than 2,300 years, and come with splendid views of the city's red rooftops and the spectacular mountains and valleys beyond. The castle comes equipped with magnificent Byzantine-era churches and white stone homes. After enduring the long, hot walk up to the castle, make a beeline for the café where you can find a shaded table and watch the world go by.
Ljubljana Castle’s Outlook Tower and ramparts offer some of the most beautiful views of the Slovenian capital. The castle houses an exhibition on the country’s history, a puppet museum and a video presentation room called 'Virtual Castle', alongside a host of historic rooms such as the Chapel of St George and the old prison. The castle lies at the end of a funicular railway, and also houses art exhibitions, a café, a nightclub, a wine bar, two restaurants and open-air film screenings in the summer.
Striking architectural landmark Ishavskatedralen ('the Arctic Cathedral'), also known as Tromsdalen Church, was completed in 1965. The 11 aluminium-coated concrete panels on either side make up an unusual triangular design that reflects the natural shapes of the Arctic landscape.
One side features a stunning glass mosaic that dazzles beneath the Northern Lights, while during summer the spare white exterior stands out against the verdant mountainside. The building hosts cultural events and concerts, and its organ has 2,940 pipes, ranging from 32 feet (9.6m) to a fraction of an inch.
The Gediminas Tower is named after Grand Duke Gediminas, who is credited with founding Vilnius, and houses exhibitions on the history of Lithuania. The popular tourist attraction serves up stunning views over the city, while its distinctive red-brick structure contrasts beautifully with the green landscape.
On the third floor, visitors can explore what it meant to be part of the Baltic Way, when close to two million people linked hands from Vilnius to Tallinn in 1989 to protest against the Soviet Union.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Slovakian capital, Bratislava Castle is a stunning historic landmark that dates back as far as the 9th century. The castle boasts a distinctive rectangular shape with four imposing towers, while the surrounding gardens and views over the River Danube and city make it a picturesque spot. The grounds are free to explore, but there is a €10 (£8.30/$10.30) fee if you want to enter the castle and view its various exhibits and artefacts.
Originally built in the 1570s to house knights of the Order of Saint John from Castile, León and Portugal, Auberge de Castille was completely rebuilt in a grandiose Baroque style in the 1740s. Perched on the crest of the hill looking out over the Grand Harbour, it now houses the office of the Maltese prime minister and is the administrative headquarters of the government, so it isn't open to the public. If you’re looking for a sit down and a nibble, there are several small eateries on the corner of Castille Square.
Perched high up on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid, this church is dedicated to John of Patmos, the traditional author of the Book of Revelation. Although most of the old icons inside have been pilfered over the years, you can still see a fresco of Christ Pantocrator on the dome and a fresco of Saint Clement of Ohrid. After you’ve explored the church grounds, head down the steep steps to the lake’s edge – Kaneo Restaurant has a lovely little terrace and a small jetty so you can jump into the water.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect IM Pei and built at a cost of £79 million ($100m), this museum of modern art stands beside the old Fort Thüngen on the Kirchberg Plateau, in close proximity to many of Luxembourg City's European Union institutions. A venue for a wide array of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture and video, its permanent collection includes works by Andy Warhol, Bruce Nauman, Julian Schnabel, Thomas Struth and Daniel Buren.
The Basilica of Saint Marinus is San Marino’s main sacred building and preserves the relics of Saint Marinus, the microstate’s patron and founder. The present basilica, built in the early 19th century, is Neoclassical in style and is fronted by austere Corinthian columns. To the right of the basilica, on the Piazza Domus Plebis, is the 16th-century Church of St Peter, remodelled around 1826.
From Easter until October a mass is held daily at 4pm in Italian, English, Spanish and Latin.
Designed by Charles Garnier (architect of the Paris Opéra) in 1878 and built with funding from Charles III, Prince of Monaco, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is lavishly decorated in the opulent Belle Époque style, and stands in formal gardens with a sweeping view over the tiny principality of Monaco. The gambling and entertainment complex includes a casino, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and the office of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. James Bond movies Never Say Never Again (1983) and GoldenEye (1995) include scenes filmed at the casino.
Whether you're an Orthodox Christian or not, the Church of Saint Sava is a must for visitors to Belgrade. It is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and a symbol of Serbian culture and history.
Construction began in 1935, and its grand scale and impressive dome create a striking silhouette against the Belgrade skyline. The dome, which wasn’t completed until 1989, rises around 225 feet (70m) high and is adorned with intricate and beautiful mosaics, while the site is surrounded by lush gardens.
Antwerp Central Station is a fully functional facility as well as being a cultural landmark. Often hailed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, it was completed in 1905, and features a stunning stylistic blend of Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and more. The entrance hall houses intricate mosaics and an impressive dome, while the exterior is just as majestic, with magnificent sculptures and a prominent clock tower.
For a brilliant blend of architectural beauty, historic significance and enchanting surroundings, head to Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen. A delightful example of Renaissance artistry, it is home to the Danish Crown Jewels and regalia, along with various other artefacts showcasing the history of the Danish monarchy. Built in the early 17th century as a summer house for King Christian IV, the castle is surrounded by lush and beautifully landscaped gardens.
One of the two major Baroque palaces built for the Dukes of Courland in what is now Latvia (the other being Jelgava Palace), the stunning Rundāle Palace was constructed in the mid-18th century. Most of the interior decorations were created between 1765 and 1768 by a sculptor from Berlin and two Italian painters from St Petersburg. Today the Rundāle Palace Museum is an invaluable archive of Latvian history, maintains the palace's immaculately landscaped gardens and puts on a wide array of events and exhibitions.
The official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, Vaduz Castle lies on a hillside nearly 400 feet (120m) above Vaduz, and is known as ‘Schloss Vaduz’ to locals. The castle was constructed as a fortress as early as the 12th century, before living quarters were added in 1287.
In 1712 the Princely Family took ownership of the castle, and it's been passed down the royal line ever since. Unfortunately, the inside is closed to visitors, but guided tours of the city provide interesting insights into its history and architecture.
Constructed between 1993 and 2013, this whitewashed wonder has to be one of the most spectacular religious buildings of the last century.
A Romanesque, Italianate and Byzantine-style church, with twin towers and a prominent arch, it was clearly influenced by the medieval Cathedral of St Tryphon in nearby Kotor. The interior is covered in vibrant murals with gold backgrounds, alongside marble floors and furnishings. The heaviest of its 17 bells weighs 11 tonnes, and is the largest on the Balkan Peninsula.
Serving as both a spiritual centre and a symbol of Bulgarian national identity, the Eastern Orthodox Rila Monastery attracts visitors from across the world. It was founded in the 10th century by the hermit St John of Rila, and sits among the lush greenery and dramatic peaks of the Rila mountains, so there are hikes and paths aplenty nearby. Its visual treats include colourful frescoes, intricate wood carvings and a distinctive five-domed church.
Originally constructed as a retirement residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian in AD 305, Diocletian’s Palace is one the most imposing Roman structures to survive anywhere in Europe. Diocletian spared no expense, importing marble from Italy and Greece and as many as 12 sphinxes from Egypt. The complex still includes numerous ancient structures, temples and halls.
Today, it blends seamlessly with Split’s residential areas, and the modern palace is a vibrant hub of shops, cafés and cultural events.
While not a single building as such, Santorini’s famous blue domes are the island’s most iconic feature. Found primarily in the village of Oia, they make for a striking contrast against the whitewashed buildings and are complemented by the deep-blue Aegean Sea. Santorini is a popular location for photographers and sightseers, and the three blue-domed churches in Oia rank among the world’s most popular Instagram spots.
Set on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Belém Tower is a stunning fortress built in the early 16th century. It boasts an exquisitely ornate design, aided by intricate stone carvings representing Portugal’s age of discovery. Originally built as a defensive structure, the tower contains battlements, watchtowers and beautiful balconies, and visitors flock to marvel at its beauty as much as its historical significance.
Stockholm City Hall, or Stadshuset, is an architectural gem located on the shores of Lake Malaren. Completed in 1923, it incorporates romanticism and medieval styles, with its blue and gold colour scheme symbolising the city.
Its tower is topped with a golden crown and offers breathtaking views. Inside, visitors can admire intricate mosaics and artworks, particularly in the Blue Hall where the Nobel Banquet – a feast honouring new Nobel Prize winners – is held each year. The surrounding gardens and waterfront add to the beloved landmark’s charm.
Marketed as the home of Count Dracula from Bram Stoker’s famous tale, Bran Castle outside Transylvania is a 14th-century fortress that served as a defensive structure and later as a royal residence. With its Gothic grandeur, art and artefacts, the castle is now a popular tourist attraction and provides glorious views of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains. The castle does have some associations with Vlad the Impaler, but there is no evidence that Stoker ever knew anything about it.
The beautiful palace of the Krasiński family, also known as the Palace of the Commonwealth, is a historic Baroque structure in the Polish capital Warsaw. Built in the 17th century, it has served various purposes, from being a residence for nobility to housing government offices. Today, it is visited by members of the public keen to learn more about its historic significance and wander its picturesque gardens.
Dominating the Scottish capital’s skyline, Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that once served as a royal residence and a military stronghold. It is home to the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in the UK, and parts of it were used by Scottish royals as early as the 11th century. Nowadays visitors can enjoy its spectacular stone structures, be captivated by its historic artefacts and take in panoramas of the city and gardens.
Also known as 'Fred and Ginger' (after dancing Hollywood double act Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), the Dancing House is a striking example of modern architecture in the Czech capital. Completed in 1996, it was designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić and features irregular shapes and glass façades.
The landmark is a refreshing break from Prague's traditional architectural norms, and seems almost to move in changing light. Day to day, it serves as an office space and a rooftop restaurant with views out over the city and the Vltava River.
One of Europe’s most famous and best-preserved Islamic monuments, the Alhambra’s rich walls are painted red, blue and gold and covered in verses of Arabic poems. Roughly translated as 'the Red Fort', the Alhambra was constructed by the Nasrid dynasty, the last Muslim rulers of Spain, and has been damaged and rebuilt a number of times. Spanish monarchs have expanded and remodelled the structure over the centuries, but it still retains many Islamic features such as its colourful tiles and wooden latticework.
The beauty of Amsterdam’s Royal Palace lies in its stunning Neoclassical architecture and intricate design.
Originally built as a town hall in the 17th century, it was later converted into a royal residence. The palace features an impressive façade, decorated with sculptures and a grand clock tower. Inside, visitors can explore luxurious rooms including the council chamber and the royal apartments, which are furnished with dazzling works of art.
The gorgeous Harpa on the water in Reykjavík has received numerous awards, both for its architecture and as a concert venue. This spectacular addition to Iceland's cultural landscape opened to the public in 2011 and is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Opera and the Reykjavík Big Band. Renowned artist Olafur Eliasson designed the façade.
Sat atop a tiny tidal island off the coast of Normandy, the picturesque Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is cut off from the coast at high tide, but at low tide is accessible via the muddy floor of the bay. One of the most visited cultural sites in France, the Benedictine abbey combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, and is often described as a symbol of French Catholicism. These days it's associated with the story of Rapunzel, as it is thought to have inspired Corona Castle in Disney’s hit animated film Tangled.
The 40-storey, 466-foot-tall (142m) Avaz Twist Tower is the tallest building in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and boasts a unique, twisted, glass-walled design. Opened in 2009, it is the headquarters for Dnevni Avaz, a Bosnian newspaper company, as well as other offices, a restaurant and an observation deck on the 36th floor which offers beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains. It is even more alluring when illuminated at night.
Built in 1744, and taking around 60 years to complete, this magnificent palace and gardens complex was constructed for the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. It has more than 300 rooms and at its centre is one of the world’s most glamorous staircases, with frescos by the Italian master Giambattista Tiepolo on its ceiling. The intricate chateau-style building is surrounded by sumptuous court gardens.
There are a lot of candidates for Italy's most beautiful building. Florence, Milan and Naples all have their charms, but it’s hard to look past Rome for historic and architectural appeal.
One of the most famous fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain is sandwiched between several small streets in the heart of the Eternal City. This beautiful 18th-century structure is one of the oldest water sources in Rome and features the Greek god Oceanus in a chariot being pulled by two seahorses. Around €3,000 (£2,487/$3,088) is tossed into the fountain every day.
An iconic visitor attraction set between lakeside and hillside on the Wild Atlantic Way in Connemara, Kylemore Abbey was built by a wealthy businessman and politician in the late-19th century, before being transformed into a home for a Benedictine order of nuns in 1920. The abbey features a magnificent Victorian walled garden and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Inside, visitors can explore its restored period rooms filled with history and art, while the beautiful Neo-Gothic Church is a short walk away.
A stunning medieval chateau that dates back as far as the 12th century, Chillon Castle resides on the shores of Lake Geneva, and offers postcard panoramas over the water and the surrounding Alps. The fortress’s exterior presents imposing towers, fortified walls and elegant courtyards, while its interior holds richly decorated rooms including three formal great halls and the lord's bedroom. This symbol of Swiss heritage can be accessed by boat, car or short bus ride from nearby Montreux.
Originally a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy in the 18th century, the Belvedere Palace is located on a hill in the Austrian capital.
It has two main buildings: the Upper and Lower Belvedere, which are connected by beautiful gardens. The former (pictured) is home to an impressive permanent collection of Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt, while the latter hosts temporary exhibitions. Its lavishly decorated rooms, ornate fountains and carefully manicured gardens make it a picturesque destination for visitors.
Opened in 1902, the Hungarian Parliament Building on the banks of the Danube showcases a magnificent Neo-Gothic style, and is the largest parliament building in Europe. It has nearly 700 rooms and serves as the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. Its impressive dome, beautiful frescos, elegant staircases and stained glass add to its charm. The building's façade is at its best when illuminated at night.
Read on to discover Europe's most beautiful train stations, ranked