- European Architecture 🏛️
- History of European Architecture 📖
- Masters of Architecture in Europe 👩🎓👨🎓
- Architecture of European Famous Cities 🏰
- Conclusion 📝
A bit of background about architecture in Europe
European architecture is at the center of the entire architectural world and its influence over the centuries has made its impact on contemporary design around the world. From the classical temples of ancient Greece to the avant-garde buildings of modern Europe, as well as rapid economic and social change, European architecture represents a history built on diverse cultures. Each building is a mirror reflecting its historical, cultural and political background. All this brings us to the second part of this article, which deals with some common architectural landmarks in Europe and how they appeared where they are now.
European Architecture
Let’s start by touring some of the most impressive architectural works in all of Europe. Undoubtedly, their beauty is unparalleled and that is why they have deserved a place in this post.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
First up is the world-famous Paris Tower. Its metal structure has made it famous all over the world, so much so that it is impossible not to recognize it in paintings, photos, cartoons or movies.
Constructed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower by Gustave Eiffel is an iron lattice structure that has become synonymous with Paris. Initially criticized, it now stands as a symbol of innovation and the industrial age.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Certainly, this masterpiece of the fantastic Gaudí leaves us with our mouths open. Its shape combines many support techniques and vaults used to support the weight of such a grandiose structure.
Antoni Gaudí’s magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia, combines Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. Started in 1882 and still under construction, it features organic shapes, intricate facades, and a revolutionary use of light and color.
St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
The most remarkable feature of this impressive architectural work is its bulb-shaped domes. In addition, its great colorfulness makes it stand out from many others.
Commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1555, this cathedral is renowned for its vibrant, onion-shaped domes and intricate brickwork, blending Russian, Byzantine, and Asian architectural elements.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
In the green hills of the Bavarian Alps, and with an incredible view of a lake and the largest nature reserve in Bavaria, this castle is a fairy tale. It also has a mysterious story of a crazy king, did you know it?
Built in the late 19th century by King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairytale-like structure that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. It represents Romanticism’s revival of medieval architecture and picturesque aesthetics.
History of European Architecture
There is no doubt that every era in history has had its great figures, so it is not surprising there have also been outstanding and lasting architectural structures.
Fortunately, in Europe you can find buildings from millennia ago as well as architectural pieces from the most recent and outstanding architects.
European architecture has evolved through various significant periods, each contributing distinct styles and innovations.
Classical Architecture (Ancient Greece and Rome)
Classical architecture, epitomized by structures like the Parthenon in Athens and the Pantheon in Rome, emphasized symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian). These elements laid the groundwork for Western architectural principles.
When you think of ancient Greece, it is very likely that the first image that comes to mind is the Parthenon. With its symmetrical and proportional pillars, the Greeks demonstrated the beauty of their thinking in their buildings.
Romanesque Architecture
Emerging in the 11th century, Romanesque architecture is characterized by thick walls, round arches, sturdy pillars, and large towers. Examples include the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy in France.
Like something out of a Count Dracula movie, this abbey will definitely teleport you back in time. With its spooky facade and in the middle of a small village in the middle of nature, get ready for a great photo shoot.
Gothic Architecture
Flourishing from the 12th to the 16th centuries, Gothic architecture introduced flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and pointed arches. This style aimed to create light-filled, towering structures, exemplified by Notre Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral.
With its imposing size and its pointed pillars, this cathedral undoubtedly represents the Gothic spirit that flourished in European architecture.
Renaissance Architecture
The Renaissance (14th-17th centuries) marked a return to classical ideals, focusing on symmetry, proportion, and geometry. Notable works include the Florence Cathedral dome by Filippo Brunelleschi and the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence.
This impressive work of architecture took more than two hundred years to build. The dome that is so famous in the pictures also took a long time to build. After several competitions, it was Brunelleschi who would build it as we know it today.
Baroque and Rococo Architecture
The Baroque period (17th-18th centuries) is known for its grandeur, drama, and movement, seen in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The Rococo style, a later phase of Baroque, favored elaborate ornamentation and playful themes, as seen in the Palace of Versailles.
Michelangelo, one of the most famous painters in history, designed the dome of the basilica and the front wall. In addition to being one of the largest buildings in the world, it is also the largest papal basilica.
Neoclassical Architecture
Inspired by the classical architecture of Greece and Rome, Neoclassicism emerged in the mid-18th century. It emphasized simplicity and symmetry, with notable examples like the British Museum in London and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
Resembling the buildings of Athens, this gate is one of the ancient gateways to Berlin. It is also a symbol of the triumph of peace over arms.
Modern and Contemporary Architecture
The 20th century brought about Modernism, characterized by functionalism, simplicity, and the use of new materials like steel and glass. Architects like Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe led this movement.
Contemporary architecture continues to innovate with sustainable and digital design, exemplified by works of Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster.
Masters of Architecture in Europe
Europe has been home to many influential architects of their times. Their legacy has left an indelible mark on humanity.
It would be impossible to name every one of them here, so we leave you with what we consider to be some of the most influential even today.
Filippo Brunelleschi
An Italian architect of the Renaissance, Brunelleschi is best known for the design of the dome of the cathedral of Florence. His work exemplified the use of perspective and classical elements, marking a departure from the Gothic style.
Christopher Wren
A leading figure of English Baroque architecture, Wren designed St. Paul’s Cathedral in London after the Great Fire of 1666. Her work perfectly combines Renaissance and Baroque elements.
Antoni Gaudí
A pioneer of Catalan modernism, Gaudí’s work is characterized by its organic forms and intricate details. His most famous project, the Sagrada Familia, remains one of the most visited monuments in Europe.
Le Corbusier
Swiss-French architect, Le Corbusier was one of the pioneers of modernist architecture. His designs, such as Villa Savoye, emphasized functionalism and the use of new materials such as reinforced concrete.
Zaha Hadid
Okay, we know Beijing is in Asia, but we couldn’t leave Hadid off the list. An Iraqi-British architect, Hadid was known for her futuristic designs and use of curvilinear forms. Her works, such as the Leeza Soho Tower and London Aquatic Centre, have redefined contemporary architecture.
Architecture of European Famous Cities
As we have said, every city has its stories, famous people and, of course, its most beautiful buildings that tell the stories of those who made them.
From ancient buildings to the most modern designs, these cities perfectly blend the spirit of all past eras.
Paris, France
Paris is full of stories that have influenced the world, as well as its buildings. France is still the most visited country in the world and with good reason.
Paris is a mosaic of architectural styles, from Gothic (Notre Dame Cathedral) and Renaissance (Louvre Palace) to Beaux-Arts (Garnier’s Opera) and contemporary (La Défense). The city’s planning and Haussmannian buildings define its iconic aesthetic.
Rome, Italy
We cannot think of Italy without thinking of all the history of Rome behind it. Even in its language, there is an echo of the past that lingers in the present.
Rome’s architecture spans millennia, from ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum to Renaissance masterpieces like St. Peter’s Basilica and Baroque works like the Trevi Fountain. The city is a testament to its historical and cultural evolution.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has grown from a small city of Roman foundation to the second most important city in Spain. In addition to that, it has become an internationally recognized city full of culture.
Barcelona is renowned for its modernist architecture, largely influenced by Antoni Gaudí. Key sites include the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. The city also features Gothic structures like the Barcelona Cathedral and contemporary designs by architects like Richard Meier.
London, England
Home of the Harry Potter films, London has been an important place for humans since it was founded by the Romans.
London’s architectural landscape is a mix of historic and modern styles. Gothic monuments such as Westminster Abbey coexist with modern skyscrapers such as The Shard and the Gherkin. The city’s architectural evolution reflects its dynamic history and global influence.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known as the “music capital of the world” because it was home to great composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss. It is also known for its beautiful architecture, including its palaces and gardens.
Vienna is famous for its Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. The Schönbrunn Palace and St. Charles’s Church exemplify Baroque opulence, while the Secession Building and Otto Wagner’s works showcase Vienna’s Art Nouveau heritage.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is famous for its rich culture, lifestyle and for having more than 170 museums. It’s also known for its famous wall, which divided the city in two for many years.
Berlin’s architecture reflects its turbulent history and modern rebirth. Notable landmarks include the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of classical revival, and the Berlin TV Tower, an icon of modernism. Post-reunification, contemporary architecture has flourished, with innovative designs by architects like Norman Foster.
Conclusion
European architecture symbolizes a whole process that has developed over thousands of years. I believe that each and every structure, from the wonders of Greece and Rome to modern avant-garde architecture, speaks of the era in which it was created, showing the spirit of its time.
I think that the architects responsible for these structures have created a heritage that will last for centuries to come. Architecture will let people of the future see these stories of the past as we do today.