Old buildings in Europe: So Authentic and Unique!

Old buildings in Europe are so special! There is something very alluring about them. Is it because many European buildings are unique and one of the kind? Or maybe, because there is nothing like them is built any longer?

This post is about authentic and unique old buildings in Europe and my thoughts on why they are so alluring. Some of them are famous, some unknown, but all are so pretty!

The best thing about Europe

While Europe has everything for everyone, I am the most fascinated with its beautiful older historical buildings and castles, oozing interesting long history and European charm. These houses draw me like powerful magnets. So, this is what I will talk about here.

Many of these pretty buildings were built in a certain architectural style

Some European buildings can be categorized by certain architectural styles. Keep in mind, I am only talking about old architectures and older buildings here, as I am not really interested in modern architecture. 

For example, here is the hall of Ambassadors in Royal Alcazar in Seville built in Mudejar style. And below is a staircase from this Alcazar. Isn’t it very cool? This is because we can see its builders used the popular architectural element in Spain – tiles.

Some of these buildings in Europe are Historic buildings

Some of these buildings are recognized as historic buildings of Europe. For example, let’s look at some of the old buildings in Rome.

The Colosseum is a famous historic building in Rome, one of the best European destinations! I love visiting the Colosseum at night, when it’s illuminated and pretty. There are usually many people waiting for the sunset and the orange lights.

Below is a short video I made about my day visit of the Colosseum and fun facts about it.

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Though, I want to mention that quite often I like less known older buildings in the area, or in other areas or towns, equality, if not more!

Marvels of architecture

And sometimes you see the marvels that stand out even among the finest European buildings! And you know they are the marvels and epic with all certainty when you look at them!

Like this beauty of the ancient Roman architecture!

This is the Teatro Marcello, an ancient open-air theater in Rome, Italy, built in the late Roman Republic era. Commissioned by Julius Caesar and completed by Augustus in 13 BC, it was named after Augustus’s nephew, Marcus Claudius Marcellus. The theater could originally seat up to 20,000 spectators and was used for various performances and entertainment.

Its facade features three tiers of arches in the classic Roman style, which later influenced the design of the Colosseum.

The upper levels of the structure have been converted into luxury apartments, while the ground level occasionally hosts summer concerts, blending ancient history with modern use.

Isn’t it a remarkable example of ancient Roman architecture?!

Uncategorized but very cool old buildings

Some old buildings haven’t been officially recognized as historic buildings yet, but you can’t help but feel a connection to history and the way generation upon of generations of people lived their lives in that house before you!

Look at this incredible ancient house in Napoli and many additions in different architectural styles that were built over the centuries. And yet it’s still standing and makes people happy!

Well, at least it definitely makes me happy each time I’m in Naples. It’s my “secret” house, as it’s not on a main street, you get get there through an archway off one main street. 

Would you like to know where it is?:) You can ask me on social media. 

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There are also some houses that are just cute while, technically, not in the best shape paint-wise!:), like this blue house on Burano, Venice, Italy.

And some older houses in Europe cannot be described by any architectural style, or even a certain shape. And yet they make my heart beat faster and fill me with such excitement!

BTW, I’m working on my video about Burano and other islands I explored down to every single street last summer in 2024. I will show you many more wonderful and pretty houses there!

Burano, Italy, and it’s houses

Burano is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, about 7 kilometers from Venice, Italy. Many have heard about its brightly colored cute houses. But do you know why the houses are so bright?

The tradition of painting houses in vivid colors dates back centuries and served a practical purpose for the island’s fishing community. The bright colors helped fishermen identify their homes from a distance when returning from sea, especially during foggy conditions.

Each color combination is unique to a family and strictly regulated by the local government. Today, this colorful tradition continues, and it is such an awesome place to visit. The entire island is very picturesque/

The island is also famous for its handmade lace. I took about a million pictures of the houses when I revisited recently, but how can one not to?;)

Speaking of some exciting, though not in the best shape paint-wise buildings… Mediaeval L’Espluga de Francoli has a great number of wonderful odd-shaped historical buildings; here is one of them.

Here are two more older houses in Lisbon, an example of why walking in Lisbon is very pleasant. Architecture walking and exploration is one of the best things to do in Lisbon. Check out my post about Lisbon to see a great number of beautiful old houses.

Palaces and Castles in Europe

There are also many palaces and castles in Europe. They are the most impressive buildings in Europe and I am on a mission to see them all, eventually!

Here is Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal with Yellow and Lilac colored towers. Its architectural style is Romanesque Revival, or Neo-Manueline. It looks great from the outside. Check out which is the best palace in Pena to visit

Don’t forget to visit the interior of the former Royal Palace, when visiting Sintra!

And here is the dramatic-looking Ovo Castle in Naples, Italy, built in Norman Architectural style.

Can you feel how it oozes history? Can you imagine the battles it has seen?

Unusual buildings and structures in Europe

Europe, rich with different old architectural styles, has some very unusual-looking buildings and structures.

Like this multistory masonry spiral staircase structure in Regaleira Palace in Sintra, Portugal, called the Initiation Well. It leads to some underground tunnels.

church buildings in Europe

And of course, when I think about different old architectures in Europe, I should also mention church buildings. They interest me from an architectural point of view, and there are many either magnificent churches, exquisite or one of a kind.

This white old whitewashed church is standing at the end of a narrow alley in Cordoba, Spain. And it felt very special to me, even though I don’t know much facts about it!

Or, look at this beautiful SANTO ILDEFONSO church in Porto, Portugal, that was built in a proto-Baroque style. Isn’t it special?

Not just pretty but a reminder

But old buildings in Europe are not just pretty or stunning structures.

They also help us remember important things from the past like how people used to live and the way they used to build things. These buildings are valuable for the history and culture they represent.

It’s important to take care of them so we can keep our European heritage alive and teach future generations about our past. Old buildings are precious and should be passed down for people to enjoy and learn from.

If you would like to discover some other interesting destinations in Europe, check out my other blog posts.

Do you like old buildings? Let’s connect on social media and you can share with me your favorites!

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