In honour of Europe Day on May 9th, we wanted to celebrate by doing something truly monumental. What better than showcasing some of the continent’s most amazing monuments?
We’ve all swooned in delight at the romantic wonder of Paris’ Eiffel Tower, and been struck by London’s most efficient timekeeper, Big Ben, but what about some of the underrated treasures of Europe? With 28 member states to choose from, here are our top seven European landmarks you have to visit.
The Buzludzha Monument, Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s abandoned Buzludzha Monument. © KamrenB Photography
This derelict landmark has to be seen to be believed. Erected at the peak of the Balkan Mountains in 1981, it stands at the final battleground between Bulgarian rebels and the Ottoman Empire in 1868, which later became the location for the birth of the first social democratic party in the Balkans some 23 years later.
Ever since the Communist reign came to a close in 1989, the once thriving former headquarters has turned into an important, but shabbily kept monument of times past. Officially, the front doors are bolted shut, but if you follow the ‘FORGET YOUR PAST’ graffiti emblazoned on the dome’s side, you may just be able to find a small, unofficial portal into this crumbling gem.
The Monument to the Revolution, Podgarić, Croatia
Croatia’s Sci-Fi inspiring war monument in Podgarić. © tomislavmedak
World War or Star Wars? This otherworldly Croatian monument could easily commemorate both. Erected in 1967 by the Macedonian sculptor Dušan Džamonja, the isolated landmark is dedicated to the local Moslavini people involved in World War II. While the Berek region of Croatia is hardly a hotspot for international guests, if you happen to be in the neighbourhood this winged beauty really is a must-see
The Sibelius Monument, Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki’s monument to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. © Dorron
Not only does the late, great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius have a national park named after him, he also has this striking steel landmark singing his praises. Designed by fellow Fin Eila Hiltunen, the tribute features hundreds of hovering steel pipes brought together to resemble a wave form. When the monochrome monument was unveiled in the park in 1967, it sparked national outrage and a debate about the benefits of abstract art. The national outcry resulted in the addition of a silvery effigy of Sibelius face.
The Lion of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
Switzerland’s weeping lion monument. © kevinpoh
Tucked away in a beautifully cultivated quarry, the Lion of Lucerne is dedicated to the Swiss guards who died during the French Revolution in 1792. The 10 x 6 meter wounded beast is carved directly into the cliff face, sporting both the fleur-de-lis of France and the coat of arms of Switzerland. An emblem of national pride for the Swiss, it’s also famous for being a favourite sculpture of American author Mark Twain, who claimed it to be “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”
The Motherland Calls, Volgograd, Russia
Russian’s gargantuan mother statue. © Christiaan Triebert
The most imposing of our selection, this Russian monument was erected in 1967 and instantly took up the unofficial title of “the tallest sculpture in the world”. Standing tall at 52 meters – and flaunting 33 meter sword – Mother Russia is not only the tallest mother in existence, she proudly symbolises the epic Battle of Stalingrad.
While she was forced to bequeath her title – now held by to China’s Spring Temple Buddha – the monument continues to be held as an incredible (and audacious) national treasure.
Molecule Man, Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s Molecule Man in the River Spree. © Wolfgang Staudt
Despite being the youngest of our seven monuments, this aluminium trio have been delighting Berliners since 1997, following several brotherly sculptures in the US. Designed by American artist Jonathan Borofsky, the three holey men symbolise the molecular structure of humankind; made up mostly of water and air, coming together to create our unified existence.
The Atomium, Brussels, Belgium
The Atomium, Brussels. © Foti di Spalle
Our final monument is another scientifically inspired masterpiece. Originally devised for the Expo 58 by engineer André Waterkeyn, this intricate shiny structure closely resembles a unit cell of an iron crystal, blown up into nine, apartment-sized spheres connected by tubes.
After the spheres were restored in 2004, they were opened up for public eyes. Now the capital city’s most visited tourist attraction, eight of the spheres are used for study trips and private events, while the top orb hosts Brussels’ most exclusive restaurant.
