EUROPE

A bonfire is a common way to celebrate the season.

10 Ancient and Contemporary Yule Traditions

For millennia, people have celebrated the longest night of the year with these Yule traditions.

Why Aren’t Classical Statues Very Well-Endowed?

Cultural values have changed a lot since ancient Greece.

Christmas trees are an essential part of the holiday.

How Did Evergreen Trees Become a Christmas Symbol?

Discover the origins of the Christmas tree tradition that brings joy to millions each season.

A historical landmark comes back to life this December.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Is Ready to Reopen Five Years After Fire

The long wait for the Notre-Dame Cathedral to reopen will be over in December.

Local Canned Air Is Being Sold as a Souvenir at Italy’s Lake Como

Forget the snow globes and ornaments. Buy souvenir air instead.

If you want to visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome, you should probably wait until maintenance is done.

Visitors in Rome Settle for Makeshift Pool as Trevi Fountain Undergoes Maintenance

People won’t get to throw coins in the Italian city’s biggest fountain for a while.

DNA Identifies Medieval Man Thrown Down a Well, Confirming a Norse Saga’s Tale

According to a medieval saga, the Norwegian “Well Man” might have been used as a biological weapon.

Add these destinations to your travel plans.

The Top 10 European Cities for Free Attractions

Traveling can be expensive, but tourist attractions in these cities cost a grand total of nothing.

Italian Organization Confirms the World’s Best Pizza Is in New York

The best pizza in the world has a strong link to New Jersey.

Notre-Dame has been the site of a mystery.

Mysterious ‘Horseman’ Found in a Lead Coffin Beneath Notre-Dame May Have Just Been Identified

The 2019 fire at the cathedral brought a mystery to the surface: a lead coffin containing an unknown skeleton.

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.

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.