Rick Steves Says This Relatively Normal Sight In America Is 'Essential Sightseeing' In Europe

If you are planning a trip to Europe in the future, you probably have a list of things you're excited to see. Europe is filled to the brim with fascinating architectural wonders, like the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or one of the many must-see castles dotted throughout Germany. While sites like these are probably high on your list, there are also lesser-visited architectural marvels that deserve attention — and some are found in possibly unexpected places: on college and university campuses. 

While visiting colleges in the United States is typically saved for excited new students and their parents, universities in Europe are on a whole other level. Many of the universities are some of the oldest in the world – like the University of Bologna established in 1088 — and their beauty, grandeur, and historical significance remain to this day. In fact, travel guru Rick Steves writes on his website that visiting a university in Europe should be an essential part of any European sightseeing tour, as "some are home to great architectural, artistic, and cultural treasures." Visitors can spend time simply wandering the grounds and taking in the stunning architecture, or they can pay a visit to one of the many extraordinary historical items displayed inside — the possibilities for a unique day steeped in history are endless. 

As of 2024, there are currently 2,692 officially recognized universities in Europe, and some are much older and more unique than others in terms of their architecture. "In medieval Europe, higher education was the domain of the Church and was limited to ecclesiastical schools," Steves writes. "Scholars lived in a community of monastic-type residential 'halls,' with lecture halls and often elaborate chapels in easy reach. This is especially true in Great Britain, still deservedly known for its prestigious universities." 

While Steves enjoys Cambridge for its gorgeous King's College Chapel and Wren Library, fans of the magical world of Harry Potter should also pay a visit to its rival, Oxford, which played a part as a filming location for "The Sorcerer's Stone." The masonry in both of these universities will have architecture and history lovers swooning. Another Harry Potter-esque school is the University of Glasgow, which fans say inspired J.K. Rowling's depiction of Hogwarts. With its stunning cloisters and gothic-style architecture, it is easy to see where the inspiration might have come from. 

Across the water in Ireland sits one of Europe's oldest university sights, nestled in the gorgeous library of the Trinity College in Dublin — one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Book of Kells, an important historical artifact, is an "illuminated manuscript depicting the four Gospels of the Christian New Testament, written in Latin," according to the college's website. Its popularity lies in its sheer beauty — and in the fact that it has survived over 1,200 years. Steves suggests buying a timed-entry ticket in advance if you would like to visit inside the library. Otherwise, visitors are free to simply walk about the grounds.  

While the U.K. and Ireland are known for having some of the oldest and most beautiful universities, areas like Portugal and Italy are also excellent contenders. For example, the University of Coimbra in Portugal is home to the beautiful King João V library (Biblioteca Joanina) — a 300-year-old Baroque-style marvel filled with a whopping 60,000 books. To preserve the books here, the walls are thick and the shelves are made from oak. According to the library website, something very unique about this library is that "for about two and a half centuries, two colonies of bats have lived in the library to help with pest control." They keep to themselves, however, and are rarely seen by visitors or workers. Steves notes that the library is only accessible during appointed times, so it's good to plan your visit in advance. 

From Portugal, travelers can make their way to Italy to visit the University of Bologna. Founded in 1088, this stunning university is not only the oldest in the world, it's one of the most beautiful as well. Visitors can explore the university grounds, including the Collegio di Spagna, a beautiful pink, cloistered building; three museums with different exhibitions; and a 2-hectare botanical garden. Over in Padua, Italy, sits another of Europe's oldest universities, established in 1222. "Famously independent of Catholic constraints, this haven for free thought ushered in intellectuals from all over the continent, including Copernicus, who studied here, and Galileo, who taught here," Steves says. One of the major highlights of the university is its Anatomical Theatre, which opened in 1595 and stood as an important participant in the scientific and medical world. From ancient libraries to striking architectural wonders, universities throughout Europe offer visitors a glimpse into the past, present, and future.