Europe Castles & palaces, Food + Religious pictures

• World

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance, with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacious homes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from its cliff. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

See rare examples of an ornamental art form that has become synonymous with Portugal in this museum dedicated to azulejo ceramic tiles. 

Enjoy the spicy Spanish influence on the cuisine, visit a pilgrimage site and ski in the snowy Pyrénées mountains.

Containing parts of Limousin history from Roman times to the present, this magnificent Gothic house of worship is an important part of the skyline of Limoges.

Study the art canvas by Rubens, enjoy the mesmerizing opulence of the nave and note the influence of the Jesuits at this elegant church.

Find out why literary masters, such as Goethe and Victor Hugo, heaped praise on this remarkable, pink-hued cathedral.

Marvel at rich Baroque decoration, precious artworks by the likes of Moretto and Grazio Cossali, and a pretty cloister in this 16th-century religious complex.

See rare examples of an ornamental art form that has become synonymous with Portugal in this museum dedicated to azulejo ceramic tiles. 

This serene mountain town has rustic charm and natural beauty and is the site of one of Europe’s most famous divine encounters.

Renaissance art, iconic architecture and a medieval baptistery adorn this cathedral on Piazza Vecchia. It’s Bergamo’s main church.

With an opulence worthy of the former monarchs buried inside, this 15th-century chapel is the go-to spot for royal ceremonies and weddings.

Romanesque and Byzantine architecture meld together in the monumental façade of this superb basilica, which was built in the years following St. Anthony’s death.

One of the most eye-catching monuments in Lourdes is the basilica that sits above the grotto, part of a wider sanctuary of impressive churches.

This serene mountain town has rustic charm and natural beauty and is the site of one of Europe’s most famous divine encounters.

A picturesque medieval town spills down rocky cliffs to spectacular bays and beaches at this seaside resort in southern Italy’s Calabria region.

Marvel at the shiny gold leaf décor and stunning art pieces adorning the magnificent interior of this domed 16th-century church.

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps.