This history is palpable at these famous buildings from the Middle Ages. Here are the top 10 buildings from the Middles Ages that you can still visit today.
Pantheon – Rome, Italy
The Pantheon dates back to approximately 125 A.D., making it one of the oldest buildings on our list. Built as a temple to honor all of the Roman gods, Pantheon literally means “of all the gods” in Greek. The dome of the Pantheon was the largest dome in the world for over a thousand years and is still the largest unsupported dome in the world. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from the Middle Ages and has been in continuous use over the centuries, now serving as a church. Over 6 million people visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site a year. Interested in traveling to Italy? Browse Italy tours 2021.
Tower of London – London, England
Built in the late 11th century by William the Conqueror after his conquest of England, the Tower of London is a medieval castle along the River Thames. The building complex is surrounded by two defensive walls and a moat. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as a royal residence and prison, and the Crown Jewels are currently held at the Tower of London. Most England tour packages 2021 include a visit to the Tower of London or offer it as an option.
Reims Cathedral – Reims, France
Also known as Notre-Dame de Reims, Reims Cathedral was built between the 13th to 15th centuries and is where the coronation ceremonies for the kings and queens of France were held. This beautiful medieval Roman Catholic cathedral is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and receives nearly 1 million visitors each year. Not all France tour packages 2021 visit Reims, but you can find it on select itineraries and river cruises. Another option is to set up a custom hotel package.
Library of Celsus – Selçuk, Turkey
One of the only remaining libraries from the Roman Empire, the Library of Celsus was commissioned in the early 2nd century A.D. The third-largest Roman library after Alexandria and Pergamum, the Library of Celsus was an architectural marvel and once housed over 12,000 scrolls before being destroyed by fire and earthquakes. The façade would lay in ruins for centuries until archaeologists restored it in the 1970s. Browse Turkey tours 2021.
Kilkenny Castle – Kilkenny, Ireland
Built in 1195 by Norman conquerors, Kilkenny Castle is a square-shaped castle along the River Nore. You can still climb three of the four original lookout towers that are still standing. Many Ireland tour packages 2021 visit Kilkenney, or we can set up a custom vacation package of Ireland for you as well.
Dunrobin Castle – Sutherland, Scotland
Located in the remote Scottish Highlands, construction of Dunrobin Castle originally began in 1275. Sir Charles Barry purchased the property in the 19th century and added significant extensions to the castle, however you can still view the original building from the interior courtyard.
Alcázar of Segovia – Segovia, Spain
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alcázar of Segovia was originally built in the 12 century as a fortress on the site of an earlier Roman fortress. Perched high atop a hill, the Alcázar of Segovia features a distinctive shape like the bow of a ship. The fortress was where Queen Isabella I was crowned the Queen of Castile and León and it currently serves as a museum and military archive. Learn more about these and other amazing cities on Spain tours 2021.
Cologne Cathedral – Cologne, Germany
Germany’s most visited landmark is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cologne Cathedral, also known as Kölner Dom. Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and is famous for housing the relics of the Three Kings. Construction began on the medieval Cologne Cathedral in the mid-13th century and was halted in 1473, sitting unfinished for centuries. Kölner Dom was finally completed in 1880 according to its original design. Germany Tours 2021, as well as river cruises through Germany are a wonderful way to experience this region of Europe.
Salisbury Cathedral – Salisbury, England
Built between 1220 and 1258, Salisbury Cathedral is one of the finest examples of early English Gothic architecture. Following the collapse of Lincoln Cathedral’s central spire in 1548, Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom and also houses one of four original copies of the Magna Carta.
Parthenon – Athens, Greece
Completed in 438 BC, the Parthenon pre-dates the Middle Ages by centuries and is still visited by over 7 million people each year. The Parthenon is located on the Acropolis of Athens and is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. The former temple has also served as a church and mosque over the centuries as warring countries staked their claim on Athens, and much of its interior contents were destroyed in 1687 during the Morean War. Greece tours 2021 or Mediterranean cruises are a wonderful way tot visit the city of Athens.
