7 Places in Europe for lovers of architecture

Europe is a true treasure trove of architectural wonders. While cities like Paris and Rome are often hailed as the ultimate destinations for grand designs and iconic structures (and they are beautiful!), this continent has so much more to offer than the usual suspects. Beyond the Eiffel Tower and St. Peter’s Basilica lies a world of unexpected architectural gems – places that surprise, challenge, and delight even the most seasoned architecture buffs. From playful eco-designs to monolithic concrete giants, here are 7 extraordinary spots to add to your list if you love architecture.

7 places for fans of architecture

1 | Palácio da Pena, Sintra, Portugal

Palácio de la Pena, Sintra

Tucked high in the hills of Sintra, Palácio da Pena is as vibrant as a painter’s palette. This 19th-century Romanticist castle looks like something plucked straight from a dream, with its mix of Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline influences. Bold reds, yellows, and blues bring the structure to life, while intricate details like turrets, archways, and gargoyles give it a fairy-tale feel. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens that are just as delightful as the building itself, dotted with exotic plants and winding pathways waiting to be explored.

2 | Brutalist Utopias in Belgrade, Serbia

The brutalist Western City Gate in Belgrade

Belgrade is an unexpected paradise for fans of brutalism. Among the most striking are the Western City Gate (Genex Tower) and the Church of St. Sava, whose sheer, unpolished concrete exteriors command attention. These bold structures speak of the utopian ideals of post-war modernism—raw, unadorned, and unapologetic. In a region often associated with classical architecture, Belgrade’s brutalist landmarks offer a stark and fascinating contrast that’s worth seeing.

3 | Hundertwasserhaus, Vienna, Austria

Hundertwasser in Vienna

Vienna may be famous for its imperial grandeur, but Hundertwasserhaus is something else entirely. Designed by the eccentric artist-architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this apartment building stands as a riot of colour, curves, and creativity. Forget straight lines—this place is all about organic forms, uneven floors, and playful textures. To top it off, there’s a lush rooftop forest that makes the whole structure feel like it’s alive. It’s a joyful escape from the city’s polished, symmetrical façades.

4 | Villa Savoye, Poissy, France

Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye in Poissy (credit: Jena-Pierre Daibera CC BY 2.0)

Modernism doesn’t get more iconic than this. Just an hour outside Paris, Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier is a masterclass in minimalist design. The house feels like it’s floating on slender columns (pilotis), with wide open spaces and clean, functional lines that paved the way for modern architecture as we know it. This pilgrimage-worthy villa isn’t just a building—it’s a manifesto for a new way of living, with light, air, and efficiency at its core.

5 | Gaudí’s Barcelona, Spain

Casa Batlló, one of Gaudi’s amazing buildings in Barcelona

Barcelona is practically a living museum of Antoni Gaudí’s genius. His works are scattered throughout the city, and each one feels like stepping into a different universe. The dreamlike curves of Casa Batlló, the colourful mosaics of Park Güell, and the jaw-dropping scale of the unfinished Sagrada Família all showcase his signature blend of nature-inspired forms and boundless imagination. Gaudí’s architecture isn’t just beautiful—it’s alive with energy, creativity, and a touch of eccentricity.

6 | Kunsthaus Graz, Austria

Kunsthaus Graz

Nicknamed the “Friendly Alien,” Kunsthaus Graz is a striking anomaly in the heart of this historic Austrian city. Its bulbous, biomorphic shape seems almost otherworldly, standing in stark contrast to Graz’s Baroque and medieval buildings. The façade, made of blue acrylic panels, can light up and interact with its surroundings, turning the structure into a living canvas. It’s not just a museum—it’s a conversation between the past and the future of architecture.

7 | The Walled City of Mdina, Malta

The truly stunning ancient city of Mdina in Malta

Mdina, Malta’s “Silent City,” is a step back in time. This ancient walled city showcases a blend of medieval and Baroque architecture, with golden limestone walls that glow in the Mediterranean sun. As you wander its narrow streets, you’ll notice intricate balconies, grand doorways, and beautiful stone carvings that speak of a rich history. Despite its small size, Mdina feels grand, and its hushed, traffic-free atmosphere only adds to the allure.

Europe is synonymous with amazing architecture

If architecture is your passion, Europe offers endless inspiration. From playful masterpieces like Hundertwasserhaus to historical marvels like Mdina, the continent’s diversity is astounding. Winter is an ideal time to explore these spots, as the quieter season lets you enjoy the beauty of these places without the usual crowds. Whether it’s a colourful castle in Portugal or a brutalist behemoth in Serbia, these unique destinations will leave you looking at architecture – and Europe – in a whole new light.