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

A row of medieval houses in Sicily on a beach & a custom sign: 'Old buildings in Europe'
A row of medieval houses in Sicily on a beach & a custom sign: 'Old buildings in Europe'

Old buildings in Europe: so special and unique!

A busy medieval square with outdoor café in front of colorful old houses in Barcelona, Europe
A busy medieval square with outdoor café in front of colorful old houses in Barcelona, Europe

What is the best part of Europe?

While Europe has everything for everyone, I am the most fascinated with its beautiful older buildings and castles, oozing rich history and European charm.

A narrow old alley with a row of old beautiful houses and cobblestone pavement in Europe
A narrow old alley with a row of old beautiful houses and cobblestone pavement in Europe

Old architectures and architectural styles of buildings in Europe

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. 

The hall of Ambassadors in Royal Alcazar built in the Mudéjar style
The hall of Ambassadors in Royal Alcazar built in the Mudéjar style

The hall of Ambassadors in Royal Alcazar in Seville built in Mudéjar style.

a staircase with colorful azulejos used in old Mudejar architecture in Europe
a staircase with colorful azulejos used in old Mudejar architecture in Europe

Architectural use of azulejos in Portugal.

Alonga travel the author in Dubrovnik smiling happily about being there
Alonga travel the author in Dubrovnik smiling happily about being there

Hello, I am Tatiana—an architecture addict fascinated with beautiful old buildings and discovering the gems of Europe. Check out my in-depth travel tips and reviews of the best European destinations and city breaks. Let's connect on social media!

Historical buildings in Europe

Some buildings are recognized as historical buildings of Europe. Like this one - the Colosseum in Rome.

The Colosseum - a famous historical building in Rome
The Colosseum - a famous historical building in Rome

The Colosseum - a famous historical building in Rome, one of the best European destinations!

Other 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!

Ancient building with many addition all in different architectural styles in Napoli, Europa
Ancient building with many addition all in different architectural styles in Napoli, Europa

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!

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 ancient marvel of the ancient Roman architecture!

Round tall arches of Teatro Marcello in Rome is an example of architectural marvel in Europe
Round tall arches of Teatro Marcello in Rome is an example of architectural marvel in Europe

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

A clothing line in front of corral and gray old buildings of an undefined shape in Italy
A clothing line in front of corral and gray old buildings of an undefined shape in Italy

And some houses are just cute while, technically, perhaps not in the best shape paint-wise!:)

Cute bright blue old building with pilled painting on Burano island in Venice
Cute bright blue old building with pilled painting on Burano island in Venice

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. Its architectural style is Romanesque Revival, or Neo-Manueline. It looks great from the outside.

Don't forget to visit the interior of Sintra National Palace when visiting Sintra!

Neo-Manueline architectural style of Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal
Neo-Manueline architectural style of Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

And here is a picture of a dramatic-looking Ovo Castle in Napoli, built in Norman Architectural style.

Can you feel how it's oozing history? Can you imagine the battles it has seen?

Dramatic walls of an old Ovo Palace in Napoli, Europe
Dramatic walls of an old Ovo Palace in Napoli, Europe

Unusual buildings and structures in Europe

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

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

Round multistory spiral staircase structure in Regaleira Palace
Round multistory spiral staircase structure in Regaleira Palace

Different architectural STYLES of churches in Europe

And of course, when I think about different old architectures in Europe, I shouldn't avoid mentioning churches. They interest me from an architectural point of view, and there are many magnificent ones, 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!

Small old whitewashed style of an old church in Cordoba, Europe
Small old whitewashed style of an old church in Cordoba, Europe

Or this beautiful SANTO ILDEFONSO church in Porto, Portugal, that was built in a proto-Baroque style.

beautiful SANTO ILDEFONSO church built in a proto-Baroque style in Porto, Europe
beautiful SANTO ILDEFONSO church built in a proto-Baroque style in Porto, Europe

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 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.

Do you like old buildings? Let's connect on social media and you can share with me your favorites! The links are below in the footer.