Seen Europe's most famous historical sites? Now check out these

Europe’s most famous monuments are icons for good reason – but they’re only the beginning. Across the continent, countless more castles, palaces, ruins and medieval towns allow us to peek into the past and reveal unfamiliar chapters of history.

Ready to uncover somewhere new? From lakeside fortresses to an ancient salt mine, here are some remarkable sites to add to your holiday hit-list.

These four castles on Lake Garda – one each in Malcesine, Sirmione, Lazise and Torri del Benaco (near Garda) – were built by the Scaligeri family who ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. Originally meant for defence, they’re now popular spots to visit.

The castles in Malcesine and Torri have museums inside and also host weddings throughout the summer. In Sirmione, it’s all about the views – the castle is surrounded by water and you can see over the whole town from the ramparts. Lazise’s castle was mostly destroyed a long time ago, but parts of the gate and walls still stand among a peaceful garden. 

One of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the world and a top highlight of Verona, the Verona Arena has quite a history. It was built in the 1st century AD for Roman celebrations, public games and gladiator battles, and has now hosted everything from jousts to pop concerts.

Since 1913, it’s been the setting for an annual Opera Festival which takes place every summer from mid-June to early September. Performances typically start at dusk, and the sight of a 15,000-strong audience holding candles in the air as the music starts is as captivating as it sounds.

Whether you’re here for the opera or not, you can visit Verona easily on a day trip from Lake Garda.

A sightseeing tour of Salzburg is one of our top days out in Austria, and for fans of both history and music, Mirabell Palace is a must-visit. If you grew up watching The Sound of Music (1965), you’ll surely recognise it – Maria and the Von Trapp children danced down the outside steps and around the Pegasus fountain during Do-Re-Mi.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace was built in 1606 and renovated in lavish Baroque style in the 1720s. Go inside to marvel at the Marble Hall and Angel Staircase, before heading out to wander among the geometric flower beds and mythological statues in the garden.

If you’re staying in Saalbach, Kaprun or Zell am See, make sure to book a trip to the picturesque town of Hallstatt – a charming cluster of cobbled streets and chalet-style buildings set on the edge of a serene lake. The historic highlight here is the salt mine, where so-called ‘white gold’ has been produced since 5000 BC.

Join a guided tour to explore 65km of underground tunnels and even ride the wooden slide once used by the miners. Along the way, you’ll see ancient artefacts unearthed in the area, and you can stop by the shop to pick up unique salt products as souvenirs.

The Monastery of St. Naum is a Byzantine spectacle on Lake Ohrid’s southern shore, packed with history and character. St Naum founded it himself way back in the 10th century, and you’ll find his tomb inside. Legend has it that if you place your ear up against it, you can still hear his heartbeat.

The church is full of vivid frescoes and the grounds home to peacocks that wander freely. You can explore the gardens, take a boat to the nearby springs or grab a bite at the lakeside restaurant. It’s a great mix of spiritual calm, natural beauty and local quirks that make it well worth the visit.

Palais de l’Île is one of Annecy’s most photographed spots, looking like a little stone ship right in the middle of the Thiou River. Built in the 12th century, it’s had many roles to play in the city over the years – from a lord’s home to a courthouse, and even a prison.

Today, it’s a museum where you can wander through its narrow corridors, vaulted rooms and old cells, getting a feel for medieval life. It’s a small but fascinating stop while exploring Annecy’s old town – perfect if you love quirky historic buildings with plenty of stories to tell.

Bled Castle is one of Slovenia’s oldest castles, having stood watch over the lake for more than a thousand years. It cuts a striking figure from lake-level, but you’ll no doubt want to head up to the clifftop for a closer look – and to marvel at the panoramic view from the top.

Once you’ve stepped inside the castle walls, discover a charming blend of Romanesque towers, Renaissance courtyards and a museum that traces the region’s rich history. There’s also a printing works, and for any wine lovers, you’re in luck too. Carved into the rock is a wine cellar, where premium local varieties and waiting to be sipped and savoured. You can even bottle up your own wine from oak barrels – sealing them with a special wax cap.

Staying in Grindelwald or Interlaken? Visit nearby Brienz and travel back in time at this open-air museum, which shows what rural life was once like in Switzerland.

There are over 100 historical buildings to explore, which were all moved here from their original sites across the country. You can learn about traditional costumes, watch demos of crafts like rope-making, cheese-making and crochet, and meet farm animals in the petting area. There are also themed woodland trails where you can find out more about the trees and how they were used in crafts, long before plastic was invented.

No holiday to Lake Como would be complete without going to Villa Balbianello. It sits on the tip of a peninsula in Lenno (just down the lake from Tremezzo), with elaborate gardens that are famous for starring in films like Casino Royale (2006) and Star Wars: Episode 11 Attack of the Clones (2002).

But as beautiful as the outside is, it’s the inside that’s truly fascinating. Take a tour to learn all about the house, which was a monastery before becoming the home of explorer Guido Monzino. He filled it with priceless artworks and artefacts from his many expeditions – including rare glass paintings, ancient furniture and sculptures, and even one of the sleds he used to reach the North Pole.

Catch a boat to these islands from Stresa for a glimpse at the history of the Borromeo family, who’ve been around since the 1300s. They bought Isola Madre, the largest of the islands, in 1501 and built the Renaissance-style villa that still stands today. Go inside to admire centuries of paintings, tapestries and furniture. And don’t miss the Puppet Theatre, complete with puppets and special effects machines, where the children of the family would entertain guests.

On Isola Bella is the even-more-impressive 16th-century Baroque palace, where you can stroll between towering ballrooms and lavish bedrooms – including one where Napoleon once slept. Both islands are also known for their beautiful gardens.

Keen for more recommendations on where to go next summer? Take our quiz and be matched up with the perfect spot based on how you like to spend your time while away.

You can also head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage for extra inspo on all our favourite destinations.

Author: Marty Fraser-Turner

Main image shows Bled Castle and Bled Island in Slovenia, courtesy of: © www.slovenia.info / Jacob Stb

Last updated: 20.10.2025