Rick Steves' Europe Video

The "Michelangelo of Baroque," Bernini made Rome his gallery, showcasing his creations from the finest statues to his design of St. Peter's Square. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Paintings evolved to appear more life-like, thanks to Giotto's early exploration of 3-D, Masaccio's mastery of depth, and the realism of Fra Angelico. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

The Renaissance master sculpted "David" and the "Pietà," painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and designed the majestic dome of St. Peter's Basilica. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

Art in service to religion was joined by a new aesthetic, reflected in grand city halls and fanciful tapestries celebrating life's earthly pleasures. For European travel information, visit https://www.ricksteves.com.

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.