EUROPE

The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War from 1961 to 1989.

11 Chilling Facts About the Cold War

The U.S. and USSR employed spies, quelled internal dissent, made allies abroad, and stockpiled nuclear weapons in this proxy war.

How Did Latin America Get Its Name?

Latin isn’t widely spoken in Latin America, so why is it called that?

The Dame of Sark, Sibyl Hathaway, in March 1953.

How the World’s Only Feudal Lord Outclassed the Nazis to Save Her People

Dame Sibyl Hathaway protected her people with the unlikeliest of weapons: Feudal etiquette, old-world manners, and a dollop of classic snobbery.

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, home of the Lion Rock Fortress, ranks number one on the list.

The 10 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth

Planning a vacation? Check out these friendly destinations.

“Gaslighting“ is the most commonly searched term in the U.S.

The Word Definitions Each Country Looks Up the Most, Mapped

If you’ve ever looked up the definition of “gaslighting,” you’re not alone.

These are some of the most romantic train rides for couples to enjoy.

The 10 Most Romantic Train Routes in Europe

Here’s some inspiration for your next romantic excursion.

A child witnessing the will-o’-the-wisps.

10 Captivating Creatures From Celtic Mythology

Although there are a few distinctive beasts that are place-specific, many ghosts, fairies, and goblins pop up in similar forms across the various Celtic mythologies.

Why Do We Say Storks Deliver Babies?

There comes a point in every child’s life when they ask where babies come from, and some parents—not wanting to explain the details of reproduction just yet—turn to the story of storks. We explore the origins of a myth that has been around for centuries.

1897 year. Snowball fight colorized in 2021

Colorized Footage Captures Massive Snowball Fight From 1897

This historical clip challenges our modern perceptions of “stuffy” Victorians.

10 of the Most Popular Street Foods Around the World

From tacos to phở, Spanish empanadas, and everything in between, discover the most iconic street foods that the world just can’t seem to get enough of, according to TikTok.

Next time someone confuses the two drinks, you‘ll know how to correct them.

Champagne vs. Prosecco: What’s the Difference?

Don’t let wine aficionados hear you confuse these two sparkling beverages.

America’s Most Popular International Travel Destinations in 2024, Mapped

Some of the destinations might surprise you.

Pubs Fear Guinness Shortage as the Beer Skyrockets in Popularity

Some pubs are rationing the Irish stout ahead of the holidays.

A bonfire is a common way to celebrate the season.

10 Ancient and Contemporary Yule Traditions

For millennia, people have celebrated the longest night of the year with these Yule traditions.

Why Aren’t Classical Statues Very Well-Endowed?

Cultural values have changed a lot since ancient Greece.

Christmas trees are an essential part of the holiday.

How Did Evergreen Trees Become a Christmas Symbol?

Discover the origins of the Christmas tree tradition that brings joy to millions each season.

A historical landmark comes back to life this December.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Is Ready to Reopen Five Years After Fire

The long wait for the Notre-Dame Cathedral to reopen will be over in December.

Local Canned Air Is Being Sold as a Souvenir at Italy’s Lake Como

Forget the snow globes and ornaments. Buy souvenir air instead.

If you want to visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome, you should probably wait until maintenance is done.

Visitors in Rome Settle for Makeshift Pool as Trevi Fountain Undergoes Maintenance

People won’t get to throw coins in the Italian city’s biggest fountain for a while.

DNA Identifies Medieval Man Thrown Down a Well, Confirming a Norse Saga’s Tale

According to a medieval saga, the Norwegian “Well Man” might have been used as a biological weapon.

Add these destinations to your travel plans.

The Top 10 European Cities for Free Attractions

Traveling can be expensive, but tourist attractions in these cities cost a grand total of nothing.

Italian Organization Confirms the World’s Best Pizza Is in New York

The best pizza in the world has a strong link to New Jersey.

Notre-Dame has been the site of a mystery.

Mysterious ‘Horseman’ Found in a Lead Coffin Beneath Notre-Dame May Have Just Been Identified

The 2019 fire at the cathedral brought a mystery to the surface: a lead coffin containing an unknown skeleton.

You’ve likely heard at least one tale that starts with the line.

Why So Many Stories Begin With ‘Once Upon a Time’

‘Once Upon a Time’ appears in many fairy tales and stories. The phrase has a long history and a practical narrative purpose.