Immersion in other cultures is undoubtedly one of life’s greatest pleasures, and for those who enjoy soaking up history and culture, Europe should always be high on the list. The buildings and landscapes throughout Europe tell their own stories, and fans of architecture will be spoilt for choice – as art conservator Jeremy Casson knows from experience.

1. A N A R C H I T E C T U R A L
A N D H I S T O R I C A L
J O U R N E Y A R O U N D
E U R O P E
By Jeremy Casson

2. T O P T I P S F O R
P O T T E R Y W H E E L
T H R O W I N G
Learning how to wheel throw pottery can be
challenging and often requires a lot of practice to
master. While there’s no magic track to getting to
grips with wheel throwing, the right instruction and
plenty of practice will inevitably pay off.
© Jeremy Casson

3. C L A S S I C
A R C H I T E C T U R E
S T Y L E S
Two of the most renowned architectural periods are the overlapping
Greek and Roman classic eras, with the Greek classic style running
from approximately 900 BC to 1st century AD and the Roman classic
style from approximately 590 BC to 4th century AD. The notable
characteristics of these styles include columns, temples and oblong-
shaped enclosures. These buildings can be identified by their innate
sense of symmetry and stone beams and posts. To discern the
difference between these two classics, the Romans preferred more
intricate flourishes on their structures while the Greeks favoured a
simpler column.
Drawing inspiration from the Romans, the Byzantine era included
touches from both East and West. Taking the traditional Roman stone
columns and arches as a base, Byzantine buildings expanded further
with towering dome ceilings, intricate mosaics and gold detailing.
There are notable similarities between the Romanesque and Gothic
styles, with colossal, fortified walls and narrow windows. Gothic
buildings also feature sharply pointed arches and ribbed vault ceilings.
© Jeremy Casson

4. I C O N I C B U I L D I N G S
N O T T O B E M I S S E D
Many European countries boast some remarkable architectural
highlights. Any visit to Spain must include a trip to La Sagrada Familia.
Situated in the heart of Barcelona, this celebrated basilica was
designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and is truly
unique, featuring geometric shapes and three grand façades.
For an iconic example of Gothic architecture, taking in the Old Town
Hall in Prague is ideal. Built in 1338, the town hall features a famous
astronomical clock known as Orloj within a Gothic tower. For an
excellent illustration of a more Romanesque structure, St. Stephen’s
Cathedral in Vienna was constructed in 1137 and has been restored
many times over the decades.
As well as the classics, there are more modern architectural marvels
that are well worth a visit. Constructed in the 1990s, the Dancing
House in Prague is stunning and particularly original, featuring a tall
concrete tower alongside a twisting glass one, while Iceland is home to
the Harpa Concert Hall. With its geometric shape and steel framework,
the building appears as if it is almost entirely constructed of glass.
© Jeremy Casson