HISTORIC DESTINATIONS - Centres of Heritage, Arts & Culture

All locations listed are links to their respective tourism authorities.

The Hauptplatz, Graz

"No other royal line on the continent lasted so long, left its mark on so many centuries, or so many countries as the Habsburgs. Their Golden Ages were also high points in the cultural, artistic, and scholarly development of Europe. No country enjoys more associations with the Habsburgs than Austria and no city enjoys more links to this great dynasty than the Imperial city of Vienna."

Links to tourism & cultural organizations in the following Austrian destinations.

Arlberg
"Where the rich and famous come to ski and be seen."

Graz
"This beautiful city, favored by Emperor Frederick was the cultural capital of Europe for 2003."

"Innsbruck

Fine examples of the Baroque Age are the Imperial Palace, Abbey of Wilten, Hall of the Diet, mansions and patrician residences."

Linz
Linz offers a vast range of varieties for planning your individual stay: a walking tour, a ride on the Linz City Express, a visit to the Pöstlingberg with all its attractions or taste the delicacies at the markets – satisfaction guaranteed! Editor's note: Linz will the the European Capital of Culture in 2009

Salzburg
"Until 1803, Salzburg was an independent domain, a church state ruled by prince-archbishops. So evidence of connections with the Habsburgs are quite recent."

Vienna
"Austria's capital has enjoyed a special position in imperial history since the election of Rudolf I as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, Vienna is a marvelous, sophisticated city offering visitors historical, arts and cultural treasures."

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B E L G I U M

"There’s just something about Belgium. Maybe it’s the friendly & welcoming people who with three official languages still find it easy to converse in English, the 4th unofficial language. Maybe it’s the stunning architecture decorating the quaint cobblestone squares. Or perhaps it’s the incredible cuisine found in the vast array of restaurants where each meal seems better than the last. Energetic and carefree, the overall mood in Belgium is infectious, summoning in all of us to live as Belgians and enjoy life to the fullest.

This little kingdom, about the size of the state of Maryland, is Europe in a nutshell. It is brimming with medieval cities, quaint towns and villages, gothic cathedrals, town halls and castles."

Links to tourism & cultural organizations in the following Belgian destinations.

Antwerp
"Home of the Flemish Baroque master Rubens, not only has a wealth of outstanding museums, picturesque galleries, sculpted streets and beautiful architecture, but is also laced with refreshing greenery and urban haunts. Its culture, history, vibrant nightlife and world class shopping are within easy reach, thanks to excellent access by air, train, motorway and even water."

Brugge
"Upon visiting Bruges, you will immediately notice that this city has always carefully cherished its architectural and artistic treasures from the past. What makes Bruges so typical though, is the way it deals with this past today. The people of Bruges would like to invite you to join them and to enjoy it as much as they do."

Brussels
"Brussels is a city of contrasts with enormous diversity when it comes to places of interest and things to do. The Grand Place, with its ornate baroque and gothic guild houses, is usually the first port of call for most visitors to Brussels and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Built as a merchants market in the 13th century, it serves as the center of the city and is a great place to experience Belgian hospitality at one of the many terrace cafes dotting the charming square. It also serves as a venue for numerous concerts and events throughout the year and during the warmer months is adorned by a vibrant, daily flower market.

Flanders
"The historic cities of Flanders share a heritage of cobbled streets, guild houses, churches, cathedrals and monuments."

Ghent
"In medieval times, Ghent was the second largest city in northwestern Europe after Paris. In the historic heart of the city, visitors can explore traces of the Middle Ages."

Tournai
This, the ' Cité des Cinq Clochers ' (the town of the five towers) welcomes and invites you to its festivities and the rhythm of the seasons at the borders of the Walloon provinces of Belgium. Tournai is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Stes Tournai cathedral one of the most beautiful religious monuments in the Western world and the Belfry of Tournai which is the oldest building of it's type in Belgium and Northern Europe.

Ypres
"Ypres was one of the main martyr towns of the First World War. A few months after the German invasion of Belgium on August 4th, 1914, the front came to a standstill near the small, mediaeval town. From October 1914 to October 1918 the battlefield was barely a few kilometres away from the town centre. The trenches ran from north to south in an arc around Ypres. In this famous Ypres Salient no fewer than five bloody battles were fought."

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F R A N C E

Maison de la France

The National Tourism Organization of France

Producers of FranceGuide.com

Above: The Country Club Chateau, de la Ragotterie
at Yvre l'Eveque, near Le Mans, France

Links to tourism and cultural organizations in the following destinations in France.

Bordeaux
The squares of Old Bordeaux are superb examples of 18th and 19th century architecture. The Old Religious Quarter reflects the wealth of the city in medieval times.

Cannes
Between festivals and major events, Cannes lives to the beat of the arts year 'round.

Evian www.eviantourism.com

Guerande
The wall of this fortified medieval city, bolstered by six towers and four gates is one of the best preserved in all of France. Discover thatched cottages, period homes, mansions, public buildings and the Collegiate Church.

La Baule
With beautiful south-facing sandy beaches, this picturesque seaside town is reminiscent of Belle Epoch lifestyles.

Le Mans
Saint Julian Cathedral is one of the largest in France and the most prominent feature of this Royal Plantagenet City. Old Le Mans offers the visitors a glimpse on Renaissance times and the Classical period. Parks, gardens, museums and great restaurants make for enjoyable explorations. A fine museum at Le Mans Raceway illustrates a history of the automobile.

Loire Valley
A region with a wealth of monuments, parks and gardens, chateaus, picturesque towns and villages.

Western Loire
This is a place of the chateau, manor houses, abbeys and churches, formal gardens, spacious parks and spectacular beaches. At chateaux such as Brissac, Le Lude and Goulaine, which are still family homes, the past is part of the present. See the burial place of three English Kings at Fontevraud, marvel at the cathedrals and churches of Le Mans, Evron, La Ferte-Bernard or Guerande.

Nice
A city with a rich architectural and cultural heritage. You may wander the narrow streets of the old town, then stroll along the famous Promenade before entering the heart of the city.

Paris
This world class city is known for its museums, monuments, and boulevards lined with cafes, restaurants, designer shopping and nightlife.

Reims
Famous for four monuments listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: Notre Dame Cathedral, The Tau Palace, The St. Remi Basilica and the St. Remi Museum.

Saumur
To discover Saumur is to follow in the footsteps of the founding monks of Fontevraud, Plantagenet Kings and master horse riders of great skill.

Strasbourg
In the shadow of its magnificent cathedral, are a wealth of museums, shops, cafes and restaurants. You may also cruise its waterways, viewing this visual treat from a whole new perspective.

Toulouse
From the River Garonne, to the Canal Du Midi, Toulouse offers the visitor many opportunities for discovery.

Versailles

In the XVIIth and the XVIIIth centuries the royal estate of Versailles was the main home of kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. Closed during the Revolution, it was transformed into museum in the XIXth century by the last king having reigned in France, Louis-Philippe. In the Chateau, the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Chapel, the King's Chamber, the Opera and he " Grand " and the " Petit Trianon "are popular with visitors to Versailles as are the French formal gardens, the Coach Museum or the room of "Jeu de Paume

Follow this link to visit the Château de Versailles on-line

Western Loire/ The Vendee
The Poitevin Marshes, at the heart of the Vendée’s Atlantic seaboard, form a region of greenery and waterways, a place rich in fabulous discoveries that open out in a mosaic of landscapes that bear the imprint of man’s influence over the last ten centuries

A Very Special Experience
Puy du Fou, a major historically based theme park on a 40 hectare site that offers authentic replications of eras in French history from earliest times to the 20th century. Editor's Note: With a cast of 1000 players La Cinescenie ® portrays the story of France in the most compelling multi media enactment we have ever witnessed.

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G E R M A N Y

"Germany enjoys a history of three centuries as a major tourism destination. It offers the visitor a blend of old world traditions, as well as the finest contemporary living. Its arts and culture make it one of Europe's favorite destinations."

Links to tourism and cultural organizations in the following destinations in Germany

Aachen
"The city has a flair and atmosphere of its own. The attractive layout of the old city centre, the important historic monuments, the wells and baths over the hottest natural springs in Europe, the bustling activity in the streets and squares, the cultural diversity and quality and the many recreational and leisure activities make Aachen an exciting and pleasing whole."

Arnstadt
"An inviting countryside, vast forests, and world-class cultural centers."

Berlin
"This great city attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique mix of history and modern times, Eastern and Western Europe, classic and contemporary architecture, arts and culture."

Bremen
A famously historic city - 1,200 years have woven a rich tapestry of Hanseatic heritage and cosmopolitan culture in Bremen. Strife for independence left an indelible mark on the city. Today, Bremen and Bremerhaven are near neighbors banded together in a two-city state, which is Germany’s smallest Federal state from sixteen.

Brühl
The pearl of the Erft district, offers an exemplary selection in the fields of culture, gastronomic enjoyment, leisure and sport, as well as the natural environment. The Augustusburg electoral palace is a cultural and historical highlight of the town. Its grand European history can be traced back to medieval times.

Cologne
This "Old Town" is not really all that old. After it's destruction during World War II, the people of Cologne lovingly rebuilt it. Today its narrow lanes and many original pubs attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Whether you want to relax in the park along the Rhine called Rheingarten or enjoy a Kölsch in one of the typical breweries – it is worth while to take a look.

Dessau
The Bauhaus Building together with the Masters' Houses and the Garden Realm Dessau-Woerlitz are adopted to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage.

Dresden
After the floods of 2002, Dresden is now fully recovered and better than ever.

Erfurt
The capital city of Thuringia (Thüringen) located in the "green heart of Germany".

Frankfurt
Where Goethe was born, and its innumerable cultural and historical treasures, famous museums and active art scene.

Goslar

Old Town, strongly influenced by mining, also belongs to the world heritage site. The Imperial Palace built under the Ottonians was extended by the Salian emperors to form their biggest palace complex.

Leipzig
Leipzig has a reputation as a city of music, historic associations with Bach, an opera company dating to 1693, and Gewand House Orchestra founded in 1743, making it the oldest city orchestra in Germany. Link: Leipzig City of Music

Lubeck
Let yourself be swept away by the incomparable atmosphere of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck. This means moments bursting with beautiful panoramas and one-of-a-kind sights. The 15th century fortified gate is a landmark of Lübeck, and symbol of the fortified medieval town - the former Queen of the Hanseatic League.

Munich
The legacy of seven centuries of rule by the Wittelsbach Family is foundation for Munich's present day importance as a centre of European culture.

Potsdam
The Brandenburg State Capital and former centre of Prussia with its castles and gardens which are part of UNESCO’s world cultural heritage.

Quedlinburg
The Old Town covers an area of some 80 hectares. UNESCO declared it to be an outstanding example of a European city of medieval origin which has preserved through the centuries its precious architectural heritage of Romanesque and half-timbered buildings, partly in exceptional quality. Quedlinburg was at the heart of the East Franconian Empire at the time of the Saxon dynasty - the Ottonians.

Reichenau
The itinerant Bishop Pirmin knew already in the year 724, why he had taken up residence and found a monastery on this island in the "Untersee", even as it was really inhospitable at that time. During three centuries, the monastery had an extraordinary heyday. Until today, the magnificent churches are showing this "cradle of occidental culture". With the "Reiche Au", which means Rich Island, with its fertile grounds and the rich fishing grounds, the islanders have created a jewel.

Trier
The Romans founded Trier in 16 B.C. By the end of the 3rd Century the city was an Imperial Residence and capital of the West-Roman Empire. Six emperors held court here, and as early as the 4th century, Trier had a population of 80,000.

Upper Middle Rhine Valley
The history that is visible even today in the towns and villages of the Middle Rhine Valley, to some degree goes back to Roman times. In the high Middle Ages, the region represented one of the core locations of the Holy Roman Empire. The struggle for the control over the Rhine since the 13th century resulted in numerous fortified towns on the banks of the river. The wealth of the region at the time is expressed by many ambitious buildings.

Wartburg
The Palais, the main building of the medieval castle, was constructed between 1155 and 1180. It is one of the best preserved secular buildings of the late Romanesque period north of the Alps, and it is surely one of the most beautiful.

Weimar
A UNESCO world heritage city known to Goethe, Bach, and Liszt.

Discover Living History at Germany's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Bach 2000

Berlin city of Arts and Culture

Dresden: A New Beginning

H O L L A N D

The Netherlands

Holland: beautiful countryside, vibrant cities, picturesque villages, rich in history, arts and culture.

Links to tourism and cultural organization in the following destinations in Holland.

Amsterdam
A compact city so you are never far from your destination. "Quaint districts" include The Red Light district, "Jordaan" with bars restaurants and shops, "Museums Quarter," "KNSM Island", "De Pijp" home to artist, writers, laborers a real melting pot, and fashionable "Between the Canals".

The Hague
With its broad tree lined boulevards Holland's Royal city is long on history and tradition. More info

Maastricht
Holland's most southern city is a culinary delight and a shopper's heaven. Stroll past the historic sights, and enjoy the atmosphere of energy and relaxation. More info

Rotterdam
Holland's "other" city. The city on the Maas, which the Dutch call Manhattan on the Maas, it's a young, exciting place with great architecture and an exciting culture. More info

Utrecht
The old medieval center of Utrecht kindles a passion for the past! Stroll along the century-old canals, and past the stately houses and wharves. More info

Rembrandt 400

Vincent van Gogh on Expressionsim in Amsterdam

TEFAF 2006 (29)

Dutch Master Museums

Helene's Favorites

Fine Arts, Antiquities at TEFAFF 2005

I T A L Y

Visit Travelit Consulting

Italy has more of the world's great art than any other country. When not immersed in cultural pursuits the visitor can indulge in marvelous food, wonderful wines, fashionable shopping and enjoying everything Italian.

Links to tourism and cultural organization in the following Italian destinations.

Genoa
Cultural Capital of Europe for 2004 (with Lille)

Milan . . . can trace it's impeccable cultural credentials to the Visconti and Sforza families who ruled from the 13th century through the Renaissance. Today Milan is Italy's capital of the media, design and fashion.

Pisa
Pisa has so much more to offer than simply the spectacular leaning tower for which it has become so famous.

Rome
This ancient city is a must for travelers who visit Italy. Its artistic and architectural heritage is justifiably world famous. Great shopping, outstanding cuisine wonderful entertainment.

Venice
is filled with museums and buildings of great historical and artistic importance.

Related Article

From Venice to Como

D E N M A R K

Copenhagen
This marvelous Scandinavian city offers the best of the modern and traditional, friendly Nordic hospitality, plus wonderful arts and culture. Much of the city's architecture reflects its long history in ancient castles and palaces. The historical city centre is a maze of narrow streets and cobbled squares, while beyond you may enjoy open spaces, parks and gardens.

Article: Copenhagen

F I N L A N D

Finland stretches from the Arctic Circle to the Baltic Sea. This is a country where sophistication and technology exist in complete harmony with nature.

Helsinki
Without doubt, Helsinki is one of Europe's trendiest and most fashionable capitals. A centre of traditional and contemporary arts, great performances, shopping and a traditional cuisine in transition to contemporary tastes.

The Gastronomy of Finland

N O R W A Y

Cities in Norway tend to be small compared to their counterparts in other European countries. However, this makes for easy movement as you explore a culture that includes Vikings, famous authors, actors, composers and artists.

S W E D E N

From untouched wilderness, to relaxing on a cruise in the island-rich archipelago, or standing on the top of a snow-covered mountain, to hanging out at a bar at one of Europe's finest nightclubs, this is Sweden where life is to be enjoyed.

S P A I N

Barcelona
Barcelona is a modern, cosmopolitan city on the sea. A city which is the perfect place for a stroll. Barcelona opens its doors so that you can enjoy its wealth of history and culture, its attractive range of shops, excellent cuisine, and a whole host of leisure attractions. The climate, the Mediterranean light, the people, the beaches and its atmosphere invite you to experience it to the fullest at any time of the day or night

Links to tourism and cultural organizations in the following destinations in Spain

Granada
The history of Granada can be dated back further than even ancient times, perhaps its founding lay at the hands of Noah’s daughter or, conversely, the daughter of Hercules named Granata
History, invariably an aesthetic option, assures us that in Granada there once stood important Iberian and Roman settlements. Though its origins of both the Alhambra and Generalife are confused, there are clear remains from the 9th century, the Alhambra’s most brilliant creations date from the Nasrid Empire and the reign of Carlos V, between the 13th and 16th centuries.
Madrid
The history of Madrid dates from its 9th century origins by the Moors. A modern city offering visitors a wide variety of arts and cultural attractions including an architectural heritage of the highest quality. Features a preserved medieval village, a quarter known as Madrid of the Austrian, the Plaza Mayor the Plaza de la Villa with a superb Baroque City Hall Building, and the Royal Palace. The Museo del Prado heads an impressive list of museums, galleries and botanical gardens.

Seville
Numerous and varied cultures have been present in Seville's history. The city's cultural, monumental and artistic legacy gained over the centuries can be admired in it's streets and museums. Seville's dark origins have provided legends such as the one that attributes Hercules as it's founder. In order to appreciate the ancient history of Seville, one must visit the Museo Arqueológico (Archaeological Museum), a spectacular site in itself; once a Pavilion of the 1929 Exhibition. Here one can observe the remains of cultures that traveled from across the Mediterranean, bringing with them their distant gods.

Toledo
Toledo is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. Known as the “city of the three cultures”, because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together there for centuries, behind its walls Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. This great diversity of artistic styles makes the old quarter of the capital of La Mancha a real open-air museum, which has led to it being declared a World Heritage Site.

The Art of Spain

The First Castilian,

Manet at the Del Prado,

Tiziano at the del Prado

The Spanish Portrait: from El Greco to Picasso

Tinteretto at the Museo del Prado

Palace of the Planet King

A Thousand Years of Art in Barcelona

SW I T Z E R L A N D

Links to tourism and cultural organizations in the following Swiss destinations.

Lucerne

The “Quality Label for Swiss Tourism” programme is supported by all major Swiss tourism associations. Its purpose is to encourage establishments to enhance and safeguard the quality of service in Switzerland.

Baden (Zurich Region) (no local website, visit My Switzerland)

Baden
The Roman spa city of Baden has kept much of its earlier appearance, with the old town stamped by late-Gothic style. City tower, church and town hall bear witness to the city`s high status in old Switzerland. Baden was also the seat of the Brown and Boveri industrial families. It is to their passion for Impressionism that the city owes its gratitude for the Langmatt Museum, one of Switzerland`s loveliest art collections.

Basel
In this former centre of humanist scholarship, art and culture still occupy an important position. With the city's enormous range of culinary and cultural offerings, visitors may enjoy themselves to the fullest.

Bern
The Old Town of Bern has been featured in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983. Take a stroll aound this fabulous cultural site and enjoy the charm of the covered arcades, cobbled streets and decorated facades. Also of note are: the Cathedral, Clock Tower, Bear Pits, Houses of Parliament and Bundesplatz, River Aare, over 100 fountains, arcades, Zoological Gardens. These and many more are key sights of Bern.

Chur (no local website, visit My Switzerland)
The "gateway to Graubünden", Chur, is proud of its 5000-year-old cultural history. This considered Switzerland`s oldest settlement, with a city centre that retains an old-town charm. The influence of neighbouring countries is still evident in the Gothic old town (built in the 15th & 16th centuries) and testifies to the skill of Italian master builders.

Geneva
"The smallest of the big capital cities" boasts a wide array of music, opera, theatre, musicals, dance and cinema events, as well as an exciting nightlife."

Interlaken
This capital of Switzerland's Bernese Oberland is located between the lakes of Thun and Brienz, at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Lausanne
Dominated by the Old Town, bearing witness to its rich medieval past with its Gothic Cathedral and historic homes, has its opera, theatres, corps de ballet, musical ensembles, museums and Summer festivals – a really exceptional European city of art and culture!.

Locarno, Ticino (no local website, visit My Switzerland)
The Piazza Grande is the heart of Locarno`s city centre. In the old town, patrician houses with concealed balconies bear witness to the supremacy of this once-wealthy trading metropolis. The Casa Rusca Gallery is one of Locarno`s most beautiful palaces: its huge collection includes works by celebrated Dadaists. Galleries, shops and cafés line the lanes of this city which boasts the mildest climate in Switzerland. Locarno`s landmark is the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso - a place of prayer with extraordinary views over the lake and mountains.

Lucerne
Whether it be opera or theater, contemporary dance or cabaret, technological rarities from the history of transportation, precious works by Picasso and Klee, a large-scale panorama painting, findings from the Stone Age, folklore from the region, doubtful records and comical events, concerts and festivals with classical or modern music, world music or folk music - Lucerne has the right program for every cultural taste.

Lugano
The architectural beauty of Lugano, Switzerland`s third most important banking city, is awe-inspiring. It's no wonder that over the last 50 years, Ticino has become one of the most important regions in terms of architecture. The most renowned representatives of the Ticino School are Luigi Snozzi and Mario Botta. Botta`s Banca del Gottardo building on Viale Franscini, Palazzo Ransila on Via Pretorio and his atelier on the Via Ciani are examples of his striking style.

Lake Maggiore Region
Lake Maggiore or Verbano, Switzerland's second largest basin, with its t blue waters offers nature, parks, reserves, mountains, flowers, valleys and everything you could wish for in an invigorating filled with relaxation and excitement! A mountain range encloses the lake basin: dominating this incredible landscape is the huge Alpine chain of Monte Rosa, Europe’s second highest peak. Only 50km as the crow flies separate Lake Maggiore’s waters from this “Himalayan” region with mountaintops that reach over 4000 metres in height.

St Gallen
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lake adjoining three countries in the north of Switzerland are the main elements of the region St.Gallen-Lake Constance. Come and experience the city of books close to the beautiful landscape of the "Swabian Sea"!

St. Moritz
St. Moritz is one of the most famous holiday resorts in the world, and its name is synonymous with quality and elegance.

Stein am Rhien (no local website, visit My Switzerland)
Stein am Rhein, a picturesque country town in the county of Schaffhausen, is a medieval gem that exudes tranquility and charm - painted facades, pretty oriels and a riverside promenade invite you to stroll and enjoy the sights. The square is bordered by houses with painted facades and neat bays, and by splendid half-timbered houses. Overlooking the town is the Castle of Hohenklingen, built into the forest and vineyards. St. Georgen, a very well preserved Benedictine Cloister, was built from the 14th to the 16th century, and is, together with the museum, well worth visiting.

Winterthur
The sixth largest city in Switzerland with around 96,000 inhabitants and the largest interconnected pedestrianized area in Europe is waiting for you. The city’s medieval centre pulsates at every hour of the day. Shops, restaurants, markets and festivals bring the historical walls alive. The varied cultural offer, from experimental theatre to internationally-famed museums, will thrill all culture enthusiasts.

Zurich
In Zürich everything is that bit smaller - but with so many things to do, this simply means you have all the more time for an unforgettable visit. Located next to Lake Zürich with stunning views of the Swiss Alps, this exciting city is just 10 minutes away from its international airport.

Links to Regional Tourism Offices

Lake Geneva Region

The Matterhorn Region