Europe

Considering Europe is one of the most beautiful and frequently traveled continent, my list of must see's are a little longer than usually. I have chosen ten places which represent the beautiful scenic views, art, architecture, and culture that Europe has to offer. Looking at my list, it is clear that I favor Italy, but as a student with a large Art History background, how could I resist :)

Vienna, Austria

Aside from personally being a huge fan of The Sound of Music, Vienna has many other aspects which lure travelers to stop and visit. It was home to legacies like Beethoven, Freud, Klimt, and Mahler. This old-world city is one of the most compelling capitals of Europe. A few sights to see in Vienna is the Imperial Hapsburg Palace, The Horburgkapelle Choir, and St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Santorini, Greece

This Island is known for having the most unique and usual landscape in the Aegean area. Santorini is the remains of an enormous volcanic eruption, destroying the earliest settlements on what was originally one single Island. The whitewashed cubical houses of tiny Oia, known as the most beautiful settlement in the Mediterranean, sit atop the1,000 foot striated cliffs over the indigo waters of this partially sunken Caldera.

Acropolis, Athens Greece

The Acropolis of Athens, is the best known Acropolis in the world. This signifies Greek civilization's Golden Age. This Acropolis was built as a dedication to the patron goddess of the city, Athena Parthenoes. The Acropolis once served as a Byzantine Church, Frankish Cathedral, and Ottoman Mosque in its history.

Sistine Chapel, Italy

For any art lover, the Sistine Chapel is one of the biggest "must see's" in all of Italy. The chapel is covered in frescoes painted by Michelangelo. The ceiling fresco which I have chosen as my image for the chapel, The Creation of Adam, is a take on the Genesis story on have God created Adam. Here, Adam is ignited with the divine spark, and in the moment they are connected Adam is created.

Cinqueterre, Italy

Cinqueterre is hidden in tiny coves along the craggy southern stretch of the Ligurian Rivera. The five villages offer a glimpse of an elusive, pristine Mediterranean Italy as it must have been a century ago. Part of its charm is its notably lack of visual modern development. A walking trail connects all five villages and is called Via D'ell Amore (A Lovers Walk).

Florence, Italy

Florence is cradled in the heart of the Renaissance, since it is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Florence is full of art, history, and culture. Some of the places I plan on visiting:

The church of Santa Croce
Church Santa Maria- Novella
Galleria Dell'Accademia (which houses Michelangelo's David)
Il Duomo
Medici Chapel
Piazza Della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio
Battistero of San Giovanni
Uffizi Gallery

Venice

Venice is said to be on of the most unique cities of earth. It is known as one of Europe's most romantic sights. Today, there are numerous attractions in Venice such as St Mark's Basilica (in the photo), The Grand Canal, and Piazza San Marco.

Verona, Italy

My father always told me many stories about his Europe trip and always mentions one about his adventures in Verona. For this and many other reasons, Verona has made my list. Verona is home to the myth of Romeo and Juliette and has a 14th century Palazzo - complete with a balcony that helps recreate this romantic story

Prague

Unlike most cities, Prague suffered less damage during World War II, allowing most of its historical architecture to stay true to its natural form. It contains one of the most various collections of architecture, from Art Nouveau, to Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, and Neo-Classical.

Geirangerfjord, Norway

Geirangerford has one of the most breathtaking views in all of Europe. Although there is not much to say about the history or culture of this location, a picture says a thousand words and this one is truly remarkable.