Rick Steves' Europe Video Rick Steves

The artistic works and relics that filled the churches of the Middle Ages carried messages that packed a religious, political, and emotional punch. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Ancient Rome's imposing structures were marked by their practical design, nods to Greek style, and colossal scale, while its grand statues stood tall. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Exquisite, realistic mosaics adorned ancient Roman homes, along with colorful frescoes that give a peek into domestic life in the great civilization. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Athens' Parthenon, with its clever design aspects and organic beauty, is among the temples that trumpet the sophistication of the ancient Greek world. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Europe's love affair with art reaches back to its prehistoric societies, and the artifacts they left behind give us a glimpse into their way of life. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

In the ornate, dramatic churches of Austria, elements of art, architecture, and music work in harmony — with a style bold enough to reach the heavens. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.