Things to Do in Europe

Most cities have iconic buildings that serve as the symbol of the city – the Eiffel Tower, for instance, suggests Paris to even those who have never been there. The city of Turin in northern Italy has such a symbol, but both Turin and its iconic building are just enough off the tourist radar that they aren't quite world famous. This, of course, means you'll be one of the rare people “in the know” when you visit Turin and see the Mole Antonelliana.

The Mole Antonelliana looks a bit like the top of a tower that's missing most of the actual tower. The dome isn't round, but instead the four sides of the dome curve upward toward a spire that shoots up to a height of 550 feet.

Turin's low skyline makes the Mole Antonelliana stand out for its height, but the shape of the building and its tall spire would make it noticeable almost anywhere. The building was built in the late 1800s, and is named for the architect Antonelli. It was originally designed to be a synagogue, but the unfinished building changed hands and it became the home for Turin's Museum of the Risorgimento.

In 2000, the National Museum of Cinema moved into the Mole Antonelliana, with the distinction of being the tallest museum in the world. The museum has some screening rooms, as well as artifacts from the history of cinema – Darth Vader's mask from “The Empire Strikes Back,” the alien costume from “Aliens,” a mask from Fellini's “Satyricon” - alongside pieces of film sets, and an extensive collection of film posters.

With a name that translates into English as "Lake of Love," you might be tempted to dismiss Minnewater as a little clichéd. That would be a mistake, however, as this canalized lake is genuinely charming and can even create the feeling of traveling back in time to Bruges’ medieval heyday.

The lake is surrounded by trees and old brick houses and the adjacent Minnewater Park is often the site of live musical performances during the summer months. You will likely spot many swans on the lake, they are one of Bruges’ symbols, but be warned that they can be known to be quite territorial. The best views of the Minnewater can be had from the 18th-century bridge that crosses the lake.

Minnewater is certainly a romantic place to stroll around with someone special, but anyone can appreciate the peacefulness and scenery and it can make a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city center. The best time to visit is the early morning when it is at its most peaceful and a light mist still hangs over the lake.

It might seem surprising that a cemetery features on Zagreb’s list of top tourist attractions, but the exquisite Mirogoj Cemetery is no ordinary graveyard. Laid out in 1876 by acclaimed German architect Hermann Bollé, the 7-acre plot is renowned as one of Europe’s most beautiful cemeteries, fronted by a grand 500-meter long neo-Renaissance arcade and set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Medvednica.

Strolling the tree-lined walkways through Mirogoj Cemetery unveils an elaborate series of mausoleums and chapels, landscaped gardens and monumental statues, most notably the Bollé-designed Chapel of Christ the King; the modern Crematorium and Urn Grove; and sculptures by Ivan Mestrovic and Mihanovic. Read the inscriptions on the ornate tombstones and you’ll recognize the names of many of Croatia’s most prominent artists, politicians and soldiers, including playwright Miroslav Krleza, American NBA basketball player Drazen Petrovic, poet Petar Preradovic, Croatia’s first president, Franjo Tudman and, fittingly, Hermann Bollé himself.

The bronze statue of Molly Malone commemorates the young woman featured in the local ballad, 'Cockles and Mussels'. As the song goes, this beautiful woman plied her trade as a fishmonger through the streets where her statue now rests, until she suddenly died of a fever. As a nod to the folk song, a statue was erected on the corner of Grafton and Suffolk streets and unveiled at the 1988 Dublin Millennium celebrations.

This tune has been adopted as Dublin's unofficial anthem, boosting this heroine to eternal fame. Though there is debate as to whether or not a Molly Malone like the one in the song ever existed, she is real to the people of Dublin and is remembered both in song as well as on June 13, National Molly Malone Day. The statue also acts as a popular rendezvous spot for groups as the beautiful bosomy woman with her cart cannot be missed.