Five European cultural treasures that are portals to the past

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Five European cultural treasures that are portals to the past

By Ben Groundwater
Cologne Cathedral was first constructed in 1248.

Cologne Cathedral was first constructed in 1248.Credit: Shutterstock

This is sponsored content for Avalon Waterways.

History in Europe is tangible – you can reach out and touch it. You can feel it. You can stand in an ancient square and stare at centuries-old buildings and so easily picture yourself in another time.

In 2023, Avalon Waterways' Magnificent Europe river cruise is the perfect way to cruise through time. Visit some of Europe's most historic and spectacular sights while enjoying panoramic scenes from one of Avalon's luxury 'rooms with a view' and indulge in dining delights from breezy al fresco lunch to elegant four course dinners on board.

For those craving a time-travelling adventure, here's our pick of Europe's must-see cultural attractions.

Zaanse Schans, Amsterdam

It's almost impossible to believe that people still live in Zaanse Schans – but they do. This village, just outside Amsterdam, is such a perfect preservation of 17th and 18th-century Holland that it can come as a surprise to see its modern-day residents going about their business. And yet there they are, keeping Zaanse Schans alive.

Zaanse Schans is home to 11 working windmills.

Zaanse Schans is home to 11 working windmills.Credit: Shutterstock

This is a gorgeous little riverside village, where 11 traditional Dutch windmills still turn, tulip fields abound, original houses still stand, and museums further capture the impressive past.

It's a joy to simply stroll around and soak up the historic atmosphere; though, save time for a traditional Dutch pancake by the canal.

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Cologne Cathedral, Cologne

Arrive in Cologne and you will soon spot one of the truly great sights of Europe: the twin Gothic towers of the Cologne Cathedral, a World Heritage site and Germany's most visited landmark.

It's easy to step into the romance of the past here, in this building that was first constructed in 1248, and wasn't completed until 1880.

Cologne Cathedral houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, a collection of sacred relics kept in a golden sarcophagus, gifted to the city by the Holy Roman Emperor in 1164. The shrine makes this cathedral a major site of pilgrimage for Catholics from around the world.

The city of Cologne is an attraction in itself, too. It's a portal to the past, an area with history that dates back to Roman times, and it's very easy to tap into that sense of deep tradition.

​Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, Ruedesheim

Culture lovers will fall deeply in love with Ruedesheim, a town on the Rhine River in the heart of Germany's Rheingau winemaking region. The hills above are strewn with grape vines and the town itself is quaint and rich with ancient landmarks, medieval castles and towers, and a swoon-inducing Old Town.

One of Ruedesheim's highlights is Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, a quirky step back into the past. The museum features more than 350 self-playing musical instruments that span three centuries, housed in a knight's residence built in the 15th century. This is a fascinating journey into a time when these instruments were the height of technological ingenuity.

Imperial Palace, Vienna

Vienna's Imperial Palace dates back to the 13th century.

Vienna's Imperial Palace dates back to the 13th century.Credit: Shutterstock

Spend a little time digging into European history and you will soon come across the House of Habsburg, the royal dynasty that ruled over Austria and much of Europe for almost 700 years.

For most of that time, the Habsburgs were based at Hofburg, also known as the Imperial Palace, which is still the residence of the President of Austria, and one of the largest palace complexes in the world.

This stunning building dates back to the 13th century, though it has been regularly extended, and thus functions as a stroll through the many architectural styles of the proceeding eras.

Take time here to visit the opulent Imperial Apartments, the historic Spanish Riding School, the Imperial Treasury, and the impressive Art History Museum.

Enjoy panoramic European scenes from one of Avalon's award-winning Panorama Suites.

Enjoy panoramic European scenes from one of Avalon's award-winning Panorama Suites.Credit: Avalon Waterways

Heroes' Square, Budapest

This sprawling plaza in central Budapest celebrates a quite incredible moment: the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of the Hungarian state. That's some serious history.

Heroes' Square is probably best known for the Millennium Monument, a towering column and set of statues of the "Seven Chieftains of the Magyars", leaders of the seven tribes who came together to form Hungary in 895 AD.

Modern-day visitors can easily feel 1000 years of history at this important site, which is adjacent to two of Budapest's most important buildings, the grand Museum of Fine Art, and the Palace of Art. History and beauty in perfect alignment.

Experience all of these destinations and more on Avalon Waterways' 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise, sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest. Cruise in relaxed luxury with a limited-time saving of up to $8,000 per couple available on 2023 departures! To learn more and to check out Avalon's wide range of cruises, visit avalonwaterways.com.au.

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