Europe has long been associated with the art and architecture which has helped to inspire even the most sullen of traveller and if you’re hoping to stroll over the canvases of Caravaggio or gasp at the greatness of Gaudi then this is the continent that holds some of the finest examples of art on earth.
From galleries and graffiti to cathedral spires and castle walls, there’s always a fascinating prospect around every corner and if you’ve ever wanted to motivate young artists or simply fancy indulging in your own private pleasures then why not jump aboard and see where the mood takes you.
Below are just five of Europe’s most popular art-blessed cities and if you’re hankering for any more motivational pearls of wisdom then please feel free to enjoy the quote from Henry David Thoreau prior to exploring the examples underneath.
“This world is but a canvas to our imagination.”
Barcelona
From the Museu Picasso to the Fundacio Joan Miro, the Catalan capital is ablaze with art galleries exhibiting works from its prodigal Spanish sons, and a walking tour of the city will open up myriad chances to discover the unique and fascinating architecture which has placed Barcelona at the top of the pile when it comes to European art. Gaudi, of course, will form the backbone to any outdoor art experience with both the Sagrada Familia and the Parc Guell providing breathtaking evidence of the man and his art.
Berlin
Germany’s capital city has become a ‘must visit’ for iconic European architecture with the Brandenburg Gate, Schloss Charlottenburg and the Berlin Cathedral all providing a quintessential glimpse at the importance of this north European powerhouse. Berlin’s art galleries are numerous and manage to combine the contemporary and the historic across a wide range of spacious (Hamburger Bahnhof) and small (Carlier Gebauer) settings with no art trip to be taken seriously without a visit to the Kochstrasse district.
Dubrovnik
Just the red tiled roof tops of Dubrovnik’s walled citadel are enough to encourage art and architecture lovers to rejoice in Croatia and if you’re hankering for more inspiration then some of the views over the Adriatic are simply spell binding. Medieval fortresses aside, Dubrovnik is also home to its very own contemporary art gallery, the Banac Mansion, as well as an array of workshops and independents squirrelled away within the narrow streets that form the veins of the city’s Old Town area.
Rome
If you only get the chance to take in one of Europe’s art capitals then make sure it’s Rome įduring the winter months as although there’s a proverbial procession of architectural achievements around every cobbled corner, this place can get packed during the summer season. The Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica and the Trevi Fountain, to name but a few of the ‘must sees’, all need to be experienced first hand to put them into context and if you’re in any way interested in religious iconography and art work then the frescos to be found en-route to the Sistine Chapel provide a veritable banquet to be devoured at your leisure.
Prague
There’s just something about life in the Czech Republic that encourages the slightly bizarre and nowhere is this more in evidence than within the country’s capital city of Prague. The National Gallery alone covers pretty much every artistic genre that you’d hope to discover, with the city’s Old Town locations harbouring the lion’s share of the exhibits. Architecturally speaking, Prague is awash with castles, clocks and cathedrals, which all adds up to one of Europe’s greatest outdoor art exhibitions and not to be missed by any stretch of the imagination.