Top capitals of Europe: we travel to little-known places of popular cities

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When we are not when we go to Rome, London or Madrid for the first time, we often make the same mistake. We travel along already known routes, stop at familiar attractions and visit our favorite establishments.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located in the province of North Holland. It is constantly compared to Venice. All because of the large number of channels. There are more than 150 of them here, and there are also 1200 bridges.

First we recommend going to The Zaansche Mill. The Museum of Local History was opened in 1928. Large models of industrial mills are kept here. The highlight of the attraction is Molenpanorama, the world's largest picture of windmills. Its width is 11 meters.

Next, visit the Church of St. Nicholas, the main Roman Catholic church of the capital. In 2021, a fragment of the miracle worker's rib was brought here. And here you can see the old Sauer organ from 1889.

Also visit Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, a 17th-century house. During the Protestant Reformation, Catholics could not worship openly, so they set up hidden churches in their homes. Here travelers will be able to see one of these shrines.

Rome, Italy

The largest commune in Italy by territory. The city was founded in 753 BC.

We recommend visiting the pasta museum. It was dedicated to the history, evolution, production and consumption of pasta. Ancient equipment is stored here. In particular, a kneading machine and drying.

Also take a stroll through the fabulous Coppede quarter. Initially, it was planned for the middle class, but later the popularity of this place increased among the elite. Therefore, luxurious palaces and buildings were purchased by wealthy citizens.

And also go to Villa Farnesina. It is located in the Trastevere district. The building was built in 1506-1510 for the famous Italian banker Agostino Chigi. Today, the National Academy of Sciences dei-Linchey is located here. By the way, you can see Raphael Santi's frescoes on the walls of the building.

London, Great Britain

One of the largest cities in Europe. If historians are to be believed, it is more than 2 thousand years old.

We recommend starting your journey from St. Dunstan's West Church. The shrine was first mentioned in 1185. It also survived a great fire in 1666. King Henry III once received it as a gift from Westminster Abbey. At the beginning of the 19th century, the religious center was demolished to enlarge Fleet Street. Therefore, in 1831, according to the project of the architect John Shaw, a new construction was started.

Also take a walk through Kensington Gardens. The location is located near the palace of the same name. Here we advise you to see the statue of Peter Pan. It was built by playwright James Matthew Barry in 1912. By the way, it was he who invented the famous character.

And also go to Dennis Severs' House. The unique museum reproduces the atmosphere of the XVIII-XIX centuries. Each room in the house is a kind of “living canvas”. Here they depicted the daily life of an imaginary family that lived in the house since 1724. The place is interesting because visitors are offered to feel the smells, sounds and learn the details of life at that time. In this way, the creator of the attraction wanted to awaken the consciousness and imagination of tourists.

Lisbon, Portugal

The westernmost capital of mainland Europe. And also the political, economic and cultural center of the country. Before traveling through the historic streets, we advise you to taste a traditional pastry – Pastel de nata. Dessert is made from puff pastry and custard.

Next, head to the Free Waters Aqueduct. The engineering construction began to be built during the reign of John V to provide the population with water. It also withstood the great earthquake of 1755. By the way, be sure to visit here in the evening, when the attraction shimmers in the lights of the spotlights.

And also go to the National Museum of Azulejos. It was dedicated to unique Portuguese tiles. Here, tourists will be able to hear about the methods of tile production and its history. Ceramics, porcelain and a large number of canvases are also stored here.

Madrid, Spain

The city is located in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of the sunniest in Europe. An interesting fact: archaeological findings show that primitive people lived here about 100 thousand years ago.

First, we recommend visiting the Museum of Romanticism. It was opened in 1924. The exposition of the mansion shows the everyday life of the Spanish aristocracy and bourgeoisie. Furniture, paintings and sculptures are stored here. And also paintings by various artists. In particular, Leonardo Alentza and Antonio Carnicero.

We also recommend a walk in the largest public park – Casa de Campo. Once there was a royal hunting estate. And on its territory there is a zoo-aquarium — Zoo Aquarium de Madrid. More than 6 thousand animals live here: giant pandas Bing Xing and Hua Zui Ba, koalas and primates.

And, of course, go to the chapel of St. Anthony of Florida. Here travelers will be able to see the frescoes of the painter Francisco-José de Goya. By the way, the artist was buried here.

Well, are you ready to discover new horizons?