Europe Castles & palaces, Gardens & parks, Historic buildings, Peaceful + Winter pictures

• World

Visit the capital of Russia, a large modern city that combines dazzling architecture with cultural riches and a fascinating history.

See the majestic gate that was once Madrid’s eastern entrance but is today a symbol of the Spanish metropolis.

Stop by a 16th-century meeting room inside the Cathedral of Seville that is stunningly decorated with religious paintings, sculptures and reliefs.

A canal filled with boats laps around the scenic gardens at the front of this neo-Renaissance palace known as the Venice of Seville.

Its grandiose colonnade and refurbished 19th-century interior make up an exquisite setting, with excellent acoustics for operatic shows and music concerts.

Learn about the roots of Western civilization and build a nice tan on a Mediterranean island in this ancient southeastern European nation.

Scotland’s capital is filled with attractive landmarks, parks and gardens, and hosts cultural festivals that draw millions of visitors each year.

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

Giotto’s Bell Tower, the resplendent Baptistery, as well as the cathedral and its dome draw the crowds to this square in the heart of the city.

Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university. 

The golden foyer and the glitzy restaurants here compete for attention with the range of spectacular ballets, operas and recitals.