Gondoals in Venice,  Italy

Venice (Venezia in Italian) is still one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was five hundred years ago, which adds to the fascinating character. More photos from beautiful Venice in this photo gallery.

Portofino, Italy

Portofino is a small Italian fishing village, comune and tourist resort located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town is crowded round its small harbour. The most impressive thing about Portofino is the lifestyle, so running off and "seeing the sights" probably won't be your number one priority when you plan your trip.

Eze Village, Provence - France

Your jaw will drop at the gorgeous view of the Mediterranean from Eze, a charming hilltop town on the Cote d’Azur. It’s beautiful cobblestone streets and hot-pink bougainvillea are a far cry from the glamour of Cannes or St-Tropez—and for travellers who could care less about celebrities and mega yachts, that’s quite appealing. More photos from beautiful Provence in this gallery.

Parthenon - Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is the best known acropolis in the world. It rises 150 m above sea level in the city of Athens. The Parthenon (shown on this photo) is a temple built for the Greek goddess Athena built in the 5th century BC It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece. More photos from Athens in this photo gallery. Map here.  More information here.

Charles Bridge, Prague - Czech

Charles Bridge is a famous historical bridge that cross the Vltava river. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of 15th century. The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meter wide. The Old Town bridge tower shown on this picture is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. More photos from beautiful Prague in this gallery.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta- Norway

Sorrisniva Igloo hotel is Europe’s northernmost ice hotell. With building beginning as the snow falls the hotel opens its door in January each year and melts away again in the spring. The 2000 square meter hotel has 30 rooms, including 2 suites and it is decorated with numerous ice sculptures and ice furnishings. Besides the bedrooms the hotel also contains an ice chapel, ice gallery and ice bar where drinks are served in glasses made of ice.

House of Blackheads,  Riga - Latvia

Notre Dame, Paris - France

Notre Dame de is a Gothic cathedral and is still used as a Roman Catholic cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Notre Dame is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1163, during the reign of Louis VII, and was not completed before 1345! More photos from Paris in this gallery.  More information here.

Basilica San Marco, Venice - Italy

The St Mark’s Basilica is the most beautiful building on St. Marks’s square and one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture. In fact, it can be said to be Venice’s jewel in the crown and for a city overload with gems, that’s really saying something. More photos from beautiful Venice in this photo gallery.

St. Paul's Cathedral,  London UK

St Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of London. The present building dates from the 17th century, and is generally reckoned to be London's fifth St Paul's Cathedral. The cathedral is one of London's most visited sites. The cathedral is built of Portland stone in a late Renaissance style. It rises 108 metres to the cross at its summit, making it a famous London landmark. More photos from London in this gallery.

Colosseum, Rome - Italy

The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, the largest ever built. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Its construction started between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. Originally capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.  More photos from Rome in this gallery. More information here.

Trevi Fountain, Rome - Italy

The Trevi Fountain (Italian: Fontana di Trevi) is the largest — standing 25.9 meters high and 19.8 meters wide — and most ambitious of the Baroque fountains of Rome. It is located in the rione of Trevi. More photos from Rome in this gallery. More information here.

Stephansdome, Vienna - Austria

St. Stephen's Cathedral (German: Stephansdom) is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Vienna and the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. As the most important religious building in Austria's capital, the cathedral has born witness to many important events in that nation's history and has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols. More photos from beautiful Vienna in this gallery. More information here.

Town Hall - Grand Place, Brussels

The Town Hall (French: Hôtel de Ville, Dutch: Stadhuis) of Brussels, Belgium, is in the city's famous Grand Place.  More information here.

St. Peter's Basilica,  Rome - Italy

The Basilica of Saint Peter is the most prominent building inside the Vatican City and built on the ruins of Old Saint Peter's Basilica. Its dome is also a dominant feature of the Roman skyline. Possibly the largest church building in Christianity, has a capacity of over 60,000 people. More photos from this beautiful Basilica and Rome in this gallery.  More information here.

Les Invalides, Paris - France

Charles Bridge, Prague

Charles Bridge is a famous historical bridge that cross the Vltava river. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of 15th century. The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meter wide. The Old Town bridge tower shown on this picture is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. More photos from beautiful Prague in this gallery.

Old Town Square, Prague - Czech

Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Hotel Gellert,  Budapest - Hungary

Hotel Gellért is a famous, first class four star hotel in Budapest, Hungary. The hotel was erected on the right bank of the river Danube between 1916 and 1918 in the (Secession) Art Nouveau style with some biomorphic elements, at the foot of Gellért Hill, next to Szabadság Bridge. Hotel Gellért is famous for its thermal baths. More photos from Budapest in this gallery. More information here.

North Cape, Norway

More photos from North Cape in this gallery. More information here.

Auschwitz - Birkenau, Poland

Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camps. The camp commandant, Rudolf Höß, testifed  that 3 million people had died at Auschwitz during his stay as a commandant. Most of the dead were killed in gas chambers using Zyklon B. See more photos from this horrible extermination camp in this gallery.

Riva degli Schiavoni - Venice, Italy

The sweeping promenade that forms the southern quayside of castello was named after the traders from Dalmatia who used to moor their boats and barges here. For those who arrived in Venice by water, this long curving quayside is a spectacular introduction to the charms of the city. More photos from Venice in this  photo gallery.

Chateau de Castelnaud - Sarlat, France

Open to the public since 1985, this one-time fortress is now given over entirely to displaying the art of warfare in the Middle Ages. Inside, it has a unique private collection of arms and armour, as well as furniture from the period. Outside, you will find reconstructions of war machines, such as siege catapults, in actual size. See more beautiful photos from this Château and France in this  photo gallery.

Place de la Bourse - Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is a port city in southwest France, with one million inhabitants (08) and the capital of the Aquitaine region. The city is among the world's major wine industry centres. Bordeaux wine draws its name from the famous wine that has been produced in the region since the 8th century. See more beautiful photos from Bordeaux in this  photo gallery.

Universal Studios Hollywood, USA

Universal Studios Hollywood is the world’s largest working movie and television studio and theme park. Its official marketing headline is "The Entertainment Capital of LA", though during the summer it is often advertised as "The Coolest Place in LA." It was initially created to offer tours of the real Universal Studios soundstages and sets. More photos from California in this gallery.

Auschwitz - Birkenau, Poland

See more photos from this horrible extermination camp in this gallery.

 Beynac-et-Cazenac - France

Beautiful Beynac-et-Cazenac is a commune in the Dordogne department in south France. The village is classified as one of Les plus beaux villages de France (The most beautiful villages of France). The medieval Château de Beynac is on top of a limestone cliff. See more beautiful photos from this amazing village in this  photo gallery.

The Château de Beynac - France

The Château de Beynac in Beynac-et-Cazenac is one of the best preserved and best-known in the region. This Middle Ages construction, with its austere appearance, is perched on top of a limestone cliff, dominating the town and the north bank of the Dordogne River. See more beautiful photos from this Château and France in this  photo gallery.

Begijnhof, Amsterdam - Netherlands.

Dating back to the 14th century, this tranquil courtyard is surrounded by the bustle of Kalverstraat, Spui and the Nieuwe Zijdsvoorburgwal. The original facades were replaced in the 17th and 18th century, but 18 of the houses still have gothic wooden frames—one of which is still visible. More beautiful photos from Amsterdam in this photo gallery.

The Globe at North Cape, Norway

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Camara de Lobos - Madeira, Portugal

Câmara de Lobos - It was this traditional fishing village which inspired the late Sir Winston Churchill to paint its lovely surroundings.  More photos from beautiful Madeira in this Gallery.

Manarola - Cinque Terre, Italy

Manarola may be the oldest of the towns in the Cinque Terre. Mostly all of the houses are bright and colourful. Manarola's primary industries have traditionally been fishing and wine-making. The local wine, called Sciacchetrà, is especially renowned; references from Roman writings mention the high quality of the wine produced in the region. More photos from Cinque Terre in this gallery.

9/11 Memorial New York, USA

The National September 11 Memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993. More spectacular photos from New York - The Big Apple - in this gallery.

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Eilean Donan is a small island in Loch Duich in the western Highlands of Scotland. It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge. The island is dominated by a picturesque castle which is widely familiar from many photographs and appearances in film and television. The original castle was built in the early 13th century as a defence against the Vikings.

Bellagio, Como - Italy

Bellagio is situated upon the extreme cape of the region that divides the Lake Como in two bifurcations. The medium temperature during winter is never below 6-7 C°, while during summer it is around 25-30 C°, mitigated during the afternoon by the characteristic breva, the gentle breeze of the Lake Como. Bellagio called also "the pearl of Lake Como" was already famous in Roman times.

W Barcelona - Spain

W Barcelona, popularly known as the Hotel Vela (Sail Hotel) due to its shape, is a building designed by Ricardo Bofill is located in the expansion of the Port of Barcelona. More photos from amazing Barcelona in this Gallery.

Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco

The Monte Carlo Casino is one of the most notable tourist attractions of Monaco.  Monaco  is a small sovereign city-state located in South Western Europe on the northern central coast of the Mediterranean Sea with an estimated population of almost 33,000. Monaco is the name of the country and its capital (and only) city. It is famous as a tax haven, and wealthy foreigners make up the majority of the population at approximately 84%.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta- Norway

Sorrisniva Igloo hotel is Europe’s northernmost ice hotell. With building beginning as the snow falls the hotel opens its door in January each year and melts away again in the spring. The 2000 square meter hotel has 30 rooms, including 2 suites and it is decorated with numerous ice sculptures and ice furnishings. Besides the bedrooms the hotel also contains an ice chapel, ice gallery and ice bar where drinks are served in glasses made of ice.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona - Spain.

The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is a massive Roman Catholic church that has been under construction in Barcelona, Spain since 1882 and is not expected to be complete until at least 2026. Considered the master-work of architect Antoni Gaudí, the project's vast scale and idiosyncratic design have made it one of Barcelona's (and Spain's) top tourist attractions for many years. More photos from Barcelona in this gallery.

Belem Tower Lisbon - Portugal

Belém Tower (Portuguese: Torre de Belém) is a fortified tower located in the Belém district. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the significant role it played in the Portuguese maritime discoveries of the era of the Age of Discoveries. More photos from Lisbon in this photo gallery.

La Seu cathedral, Palma Mallorca -Spain.

La Seu is a cathedral located in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. It is 121 metres long, 55 metres wide and 44 meters of nave height. Designed in Spanish "levantino" Gothic style with influences of the North European gothic, it was founded by King James I of Aragon in 1229 but finished only in 1601.

The Cathedral of Palermo Sicily - Italy.

The Cathedral of Palermo is an architectural complex in Palermo (Sicily, Italy). It is characterized by the presence of different styles, due to a long history of additions, alterations and restorations, the last of which occurred in the 18th century. The church was erected in 1185 by Walter Ophamil.

The Palace of the Doges in Genoa - Italy.

The Palace of the Doges of Genoa is one of the most important historical buildings of the Ligurian city. Once the home of the Doges, it is now a museum and a centre for cultural events and arts exhibitions. The first parts of the Palace were built between 1251 and 1275, while the Torre Grimaldina was completed in 1539.

Al-Zaytuna Mosque in Tunis, Tunisian - Africa.

Al-Zaytuna Mosque is a major mosque in Tunis. The mosque is the oldest in the Capital of Tunisia and covers an area of 5,000 square metres with nine entrances. It has 160 authentic columns brought originally from the ruins of the old city of Carthage. The mosque is known to host one of the first and greatest University in the history of Islam. Tunis is the capital of the Tunisian Republic with a population of 1,200,000 (2008).

Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille, France.

Notre-Dame de la Garde is a basilica located in Marseille, France. This ornate Neo-Byzantine church is situated at the highest natural point in Marseille, a 162 m (532 ft) limestone outcrop on the south side of the Old Port. As well as being a major local landmark, it is the site of a popular annual pilgrimage every Assumption Day (August 15). Local inhabitants commonly refer to it as la bonne mère ("the good mother").

Castel Nuovo, Naples - Italy.

Castel Nuovo (Italian: "New Castle"), often called Maschio Angioino, is a castle in the city of Naples, southern Italy. It is the main symbol of the architecture of the city. Castel Nuovo has been expanded or renovated several times since it was first begun in 1279.

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco - USA

Alcatraz Island is a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay in California, United States. It served as a lighthouse, then a military fortification, then a military prison followed by a federal prison until 1963. Today, the island is a historic site operated by the National Park Service and is open to tours. More photos from Alcatraz and California in this gallery.

Eiffel Tower, Paris - France

The Eiffel Tower (French: La Tour Eiffel) was a "temporary" construction by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exposition but the tower was never dismantled and is now an enduring symbol of Paris. The Eiffel Tower is one of the tallest structures in Paris and possibly one of the most recognized monuments in the world. It is the most visited monument in the world. More photos from Paris in this gallery. More information here.

Notre Dame, Paris - France

Notre Dame de is a Gothic cathedral and is still used as a Roman Catholic cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Notre Dame is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1163, during the reign of Louis VII, and was not completed before 1345! More photos from Paris in this gallery.  More information here.

The Rialto Bridge, Venice - Italy

The Rialto Bridge is a bridge spanning the Grand Canal. It is the oldest bridge across the canal and probably the most famous in the city. More photos from Venice in this  photo gallery.

Tower Bridge,  London UK

Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London. The bridge was opened on 30 June 1894. More photos from London in this gallery.

Colosseum, Rome - Italy

The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, the largest ever built. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Its construction started between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. Originally capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.  More photos from Rome in this gallery. More information here.

Piazza Navona, Rome - Italy

Piazza Navona is a famous square in Rome. The piazza follows the plan of an ancient Roman circus, the 1st century Stadium of Domitian where the Romans came to watch the agones ("games"). It was known as 'Circus Agonalis' (competition arena). More photos from Rome in this gallery. More information here.

Leaning Tower, Pisa - Italy

The Leaning Tower of Pisa intended to stand vertically, the tower began leaning to the southeast soon after the onset of construction in 1173 due to a poorly laid foundation and loose substrate that has allowed the foundation to shift direction. The tower leans at an angle of 3.97 degrees. This means that the top of the tower is 3.9 meters from where it would stand if the tower were perfectly vertical. More photos in this gallery. More information here.

Neues Rathaus, Vienna - Austria

The New Town Hall is the seat of Vienna City and Provincial Assembly. Built from 1872 to 1883 to replace the Altes Rathaus. More photos from beautiful Vienna in this gallery.

St. Peter's Basilica,  Rome - Italy

The Basilica of Saint Peter is the most prominent building inside the Vatican City and built on the ruins of Old Saint Peter's Basilica. Its dome is also a dominant feature of the Roman skyline. Possibly the largest church building in Christianity, has a capacity of over 60,000 people. More photos from this beautiful Basilica and Rome in this gallery.  More information here.

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul - Turkey

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is the National mosque of Turkey in Istanbul. The mosque is one of several mosques known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It was built between 1609 and 1616. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque has become one of the greatest tourist attractions of Istanbul. More photos from Istanbul in this gallery . More information here.

Castel Sant Angelo, Roma

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as the Castel Sant'Angelo, is a towering cylindrical building in Rome, initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building spent over a thousand years as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. More photos from Rome in this gallery.

Wenceslas Square, Prague

Saint Vitus Cathedral, Prague - Czech

Matthias Church, Budapest - Hungary

Matthias Church (Hungarian: Mátyás-templom) is a church located in Budapest, Hungary at the heart of Buda's Castle District. According to church tradition, it was originally built in 1015. More photos from Budapest in this gallery. More information here.

Hotel Gellert,  Budapest - Hungary

Hotel Gellért is a famous, first class four star hotel in Budapest, Hungary. The hotel was erected on the right bank of the river Danube between 1916 and 1918 in the (Secession) Art Nouveau style with some biomorphic elements, at the foot of Gellért Hill, next to Szabadság Bridge. Hotel Gellért is famous for its thermal baths. More photos from Budapest in this gallery. More information here.

Izmir - Turkey

İzmir has almost 3,500 years of recorded urban history and possibly even longer as an advanced human settlement. Lying on an advantageous location at the head of a gulf running down in a deep indentation midway on the western Anatolian coast, the city has been one of the principal mercantile cities of the Mediterranean Sea for much of its history. See more photos from Izmir and Ephesus  in this gallery.

Bari - Italy

The Basilica di San Nicola (Saint Nicholas) was founded in 1087 to receive the relics of this saint, which were brought from Myra in Lycia, and now lie beneath the altar in the crypt, where are buried the Topins, which are a legacy of old thieves converted to good faith.