Salzburg: The Capital Of Music And Art
November 7, 2019
Strolling through an art gallery, enjoying the peace and quiet as you go, is a great way to relax whilst on a European city break. Art may speak to us in many different ways, but when you find something that strikes the right chords inside, it's hard to hide that feeling of admiration.
There are many galleries and exhibitions littered around Europe, but where are the best places to go if you want to truly immerse yourself in art culture? Here are a few cities that represent the perfect place to start.
Florence is one of the first cities that comes to mind when you think of the perfect place to have an arty break. The fact that it was at the centre of the Renaissance movement means that you will be spoilt by an embarrassment of works by the Italian masters such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo.
The Uffizi Gallery is arguably one of the most famous in the world and is filled with masterpieces that span five different centuries. Among the halls, you'll find 'The Birth of Venus' by Botticelli, self-portraits by Rembrandt, and 'Medusa' by Caravaggio. Away from this iconic building, there's the beautiful ceiling of the Florence cathedral to admire, as well as Michelangelo's David in the Accademia Gallery.
Barcelona is known as a modern cultural metropolis and so it definitely doesn't disappoint in the art department. There are museums dedicated to both Joan Míro who was born here and adopted son Pablo Picasso who lived here until he was 23. Incidentally, the Picasso Museum houses over 3500 works and will feature an exhibition that looks at the relationship between Picasso and Dali throughout the summer of 2015.
Although still unfinished and in its 133rd year of construction, the Sagrada Familia basilica is a must see for art lovers on a Barcelona city break. Featuring the architectural ideas of Gaudi, the church is a work of art in itself and houses a museum which will take you inside the Catalan master's mind and on a journey of how the basilica has developed over the years. You may also choose to take a wander down Carrer Enric Granados, where you will be greeted by a hip selection of arty cafes, bars, restaurants and galleries.
Athens is a city that proves art doesn't always have to be in a frame and hung on a wall. As one of the world's oldest cities, it is full of ancient buildings, striking monuments, and elegant structures that showcase art in its most tangible form.
The Benaki Museum is a great place to see how art has developed from the times of Ancient Greece right up to the modern day. Whilst temples such as those of Apollo at Didyma and Athena Nike will help you get to grips with the city's fascinating past.
If Athens is a window into the past then Vienna showcases the world of modern art and Art Nouveau (with a little bit of Baroque thrown in for good measure). There are plenty of museums and galleries to explore, including those that showcase art made from different materials during the Middle Ages and works from modern greats such as Andy Warhol and Gerhard Richter.
You can even create some art of your own with the camera as you capture the interesting way that the three buildings of the Museum Quartier contrast against one another.
The best place to start your search for art on your Frankfurt city break is along the Museumsufer or 'museum riverbank' in English. Here, there are many different galleries that line the banks of the Main, including the extensive collection in the Städel and the delicate architectural drawings and models in the German Architecture Museum.
There's something for every kind of art lover here. If you are into sculptures, then the Liebieghaus houses works by many different international artists; if you love decorative art, then an afternoon in the Museum for Angewandte Kunst should be top of your priorities; and if you enjoy a night in the footlights, the largest English-speaking theatre in continental Europe is right on your doorstep.
If you would like to enjoy the art on display in any of the cities around Europe, Fred. Holidays can put together a package that is perfect for you. Call us today or use our online contact form.
