Culture adds another dimension to travel. Beyond famous landmarks and beautiful scenery lies the history, art, architecture, food, religion and ideas that shaped each destination. Understanding these stories helps explain why cities look the way they do, why great monuments were built, how artistic styles evolved and why local traditions, food and beliefs differ from one destination to another.
The Arts and Culture section of Travelpillar explores the people, movements and ideas that have shaped civilisations around the world. From Renaissance masterpieces and ancient mythology to wine regions, architectural styles and famous historical figures, these guides provide useful background before you travel and help bring museums, historic sites and cultural landmarks to life.
Art
Whether you’re visiting the Louvre, the Uffizi Gallery or a small local museum, understanding the stories behind famous artists and artistic movements can make every gallery visit far more rewarding.
- Art Movements
- Famous Artists A-Z
- Famous French Artists
- Famous Italian Artists
- Famous Dutch Artists
- Famous Spanish Artists
- Famous British Artists
- Greek Mythology Art Themes
- Christian Art Themes
History
Every destination has been shaped by its past. Discover the people, empires and events that changed the world and continue to influence modern society.
- Top 30 Famous Historical Figures
- Famous British Historical Figures
- Famous French Historical Figures
- Famous Italian Historical Figures
- Famous Spanish Historical Figures
- Famous American Historical Figures
- Moments in History
- The World’s Great Civilizations
Architecture
Architecture tells the story of changing societies, religions and technologies. Learn how different styles evolved and how to recognise them while travelling.
- Architectural Movements
- Romanesque Architecture
- Gothic Architecture
- Renaissance Architecture
- Baroque Architecture
- Neoclassical Architecture
- Art Nouveau
- Art Deco
- Modernism
- Brutalism
- Byzantine Architecture
- Islamic Architecture
Food and Drink
Food is one of the easiest ways to experience another culture. Explore wine regions, grape varieties and culinary traditions from around the world.
- Popular Red Wine Grape Varieties
- Popular White Wine Grape Varieties
- Introduction to French Wine
- Introduction to Italian Wine
- Introduction to Spanish Wine
- French Wine Routes
Philosophy
Many of history’s greatest thinkers continue to shape politics, science and ethics today.
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Famous Philosophers
- Ancient Greek Philosophy
- Eastern Philosophy
- Modern Philosophy
- Branches of Philosophy
- Metaphysics
- Epistemology
- Ethics
- Logic
- Aesthetics
- Social and political philosophy
- Philosophy and Travel
Science
Science has transformed our understanding of the universe and produced many of history’s greatest discoveries.
Religion
Religion has inspired some of the world’s greatest buildings, works of art and cultural traditions.
- Introduction to Religion
- Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Sikhism
- Shinto
- Taoism
- Zoroastrianism
- Gnosticism
- Religious Architecture
- Pilgrimage Sites
Spirituality and Worldviews
- Foundations: belief, doubt, and meaning
- Foundations: mind and reality
- Broad spiritual perspectives
- Experiential and philosophical spirituality
- Modern and evolving approaches
Mythology
Myths helped ancient civilisations explain the world around them and continue to inspire literature, art and popular culture.