EUROPE

You’ve likely heard at least one tale that starts with the line.

Why So Many Stories Begin With ‘Once Upon a Time’

‘Once Upon a Time’ appears in many fairy tales and stories. The phrase has a long history and a practical narrative purpose.

10 European Midsummer Celebrations

If you’ve seen 2019’s 'Midsommer,' you probably associate the holiday with flower crowns, maypoles, and a dash of human sacrifice.

Charlemagne gazes at his cathedral at Aachen, wondering how he’s going to divvy up his kingdom among 20 kids.

The Royal Rundown on Charlemagne’s 20 Children

Charlemagne, the 7th-century king of the Franks, had about 20 children who went on to establish Europe’s royal houses and populate most of Europe.

“The Plague Hospital,” a painting by Francisco Goya.

13 Facts About the Black Death

The Black Death—the world's second bubonic plague pandemic—decimated the populations of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe in the 14th century. But there was a silver lining.

Don't believe everyone who claims to have royal blood.

8 People Who Impersonated Royals—And Almost Got Away With It

Whether driven by opportunity, coercion, or simply the desire to belong, here are the unbelievable true stories of eight people who claimed to be royal—and nearly got away with it.

How Ireland Became the ‘Emerald Isle’

The origins of Ireland's ‘Emerald Isle’ nickname trace back to the 18th-century physician, poet, and activist who penned the poem “When Erin First Rose.”

The Yule Lads didn't always look like Santa.

Iceland’s Yule Lads Bring Gifts, Steal Meat

Thirteen bearded wild men descend upon Icelandic homes to reward children who behave and punish those who don’t.

Several health ailments hindered the Tudors.

10 Medical Misfortunes that Plagued the Tudor Royal Family

The powerful royal family was not immune to the many illnesses of the 16th century.

A camel caravan travels along the ancient Silk Road in Xinjiang Province, China.

8 Trade Routes That Shaped World History

Whether they carried salt, incense, or tea, traders on these eight historic roads helped make the world as we know it.

In Iceland, Christmas Eve is one for the books.

The Christmas Book Flood: Iceland’s Literature-Loving Holiday Tradition

Jólabókaflóðið, Iceland's long-running Christmas tradition, involves books, bed, and chocolate—all our favorite things.

Jacques Louis David’s portrait of Antoine and Marie Anne Lavoisier. Antoine Lavoisier was a chemist during the Enlightenment who was later beheaded.

10 Illuminating Facts About the Enlightenment

The period of scientific, artistic, and political revolutions isn’t known as the “Age of Reason” for nothing.

Charlemagne surrounded by his principal officers by Jules Laure.

13 Facts About Charlemagne, the First King of the Franks

Charlemagne built one of the greatest empires in world history, but less than a century after his death, it was gone.

Why Do We Only Say “Merry” for Christmas?

Americans favor 'Merry Christmas,' while Brits opt for 'Happy Christmas.' Here's how we got here.

These spiders and their webs aren’t meant to be scary.

Why Ukrainians Hang Spider Webs on Their Christmas Trees

The Eastern European tradition is rooted in a beloved folktale often known as 'The Legend of the Christmas Spider.'

Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco.

4 Royal European Families Have Twins—But Only One Set Includes a Future Ruler

With more twins being born than ever, it should be no surprise that a handful have royal blood. In Europe, four ruling families of Europe currently have a set of twins.

Norwegian Blue Cheese Wins Prestigious World Cheese Awards

Nidelven Blå, a semi-solid blue cheese from Norway, is the best cheese on Earth according to the prestigious competition.

Guinness Storehouse Crowned Europe’s Best Tourist Attraction of 2023

The best thing you can do in all of Europe is treat yourself to an Irish pint.

5 European Princesses Who Are Preparing to Reign

In the coming decades, five princesses are expected to ascend the thrones of Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

The 10 Best Destinations for Solo Travelers

If you're planning a solo trip abroad, consider one of these destinations.

Her reign was short, but her legacy is long.

The Lasting Legacy of Elizabeth Stuart, the ‘Winter Queen’ of Bohemia

The daughter of King James VI and I was Electress Palatine of the Rhine and Queen of Bohemia, and through her grandson, the founder of a new British ruling dynasty.

Here's which European cities are best prepared for a "smart city" future.

The 10 “Smartest” Cities in Europe

Which European cities are best prepared for a “smart city” future? According to researchers, London leads the way.

The Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

8 Facts About The Giant’s Causeway

In Northern Ireland, thousands of hexagonal stone columns of various heights rise out of the North Atlantic Ocean and climb up to the foot of a cliff, as if they had been placed by a massive mythical creature.

A lion as depicted in a French Book of Hours, circa 1432.

Why Medieval Artists Drew Such Goofy Looking Lions

Just because lions were depicted frequently in medieval art and design doesn’t mean they were depicted well.

An Irish family at the ruins of their house In Killarney.

Ireland’s Great Hunger: 13 Facts About the 19th-Century Potato Famine that Devastated the Emerald Isle

The lack of proper aid paired with layers of broken policies and a fractured response from a distant British government led to unimaginable—and likely avoidable—suffering in Ireland.