The World's Most Beautiful Doors EVER
Knock, knock. Who's there? From a museum in Havana to the Holy Door at Rome's St. Peter's Basilica, here are six of the most stunning front doors around the world. But enter at your own risk -- these portals are known to cause a serious case of wanderlust.
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Museo de Arte Colonial in Havana
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10 Downing Street in London
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Lavirotte Building at 29 Avenue Rapp in Paris
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Chefchaouen in Morocco
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False Doors in Egypt
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Holy Door in Rome
This gorgeous door in Havana, Cuba is the first thing you'll see at the Palacio de los Condes de Casa Bayona. Built in 1720, today it operates as the Museo De Arte Colonial, a museum that houses colonial furniture, fine china, and artifacts from old Cuba.
Stay at the nearby Hotel Saratoga in Old Havana. The 96-room property boasts a rooftop pool with stellar views, stately rooms and plush suites, swanky bars, and free Wi-Fi (rare for Havana!).
Photo courtesy of Flickr/Number 10
10 Downing Street, also known as Number 10, is the headquarters of the Queen's government and the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury, who is also usually the Prime Minister. A popular place for snapping selfies, the building is over 300 years old and houses roughly 100 rooms, which include a mix of private residences and office areas.
Feel like a royal yourself by checking in to the luxe Langham Hotel London, which features amenities like an upscale spa, 16-meter pool, and salt sauna.
Photo courtesy of Flickr/Steve Cadman
There are hundreds of swoon-worthy doors in Paris, but the Lavirotte Building at 29 Avenue Rapp ranks high on the list. Located in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower, the building was designed by famed architect Jules Lavirotte with sculpture and glazed ceramic tiles on its facade.
Check out the building, and when you do, stay at Hotel Montalembert. Situated in Saint Germain's shopping district, the 56-room boutique hotel exudes a posh vibe. In the summer, enjoy the outdoor terrace, which is prime for people-watching. Come winter, warm up by the cozy fireplace inside the Library Bar.
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Surrounded by the Rif Mountains, the city of Chefchaouen gives new meaning to having the blues. The photogenic Moroccan destination is known for its brilliantly blue houses, mosques, buildings, stairs, sidewalks, and more. It's said that the blue palette dates back to the 15th century when Jewish refugees fled the Spanish Inquisition and settled here.
Call it a night at the charming Casa Perleta. While the rooms are compact, the sunset views from the roof terrace can't be beat.
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The ancient Egyptians had a habit of building false doors to confuse tomb raiders and allow a passage for the dead to pass through, like this one located in Saqqara.
Crash at the Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah while you're in town. The 433-room hotel has its own riverfront promenade and deck that features an open-air bar floating in the water (not to mention, accommodations with views of the Nile).
Photo courtesy of Flickr/daryl_mitchell
If you're lucky enough to walk through the Holy Door in Rome's St. Peter's Basilica (it's only opened during Jubilee years designated by the Pope), you'll join the small number of Catholic pilgrims who have had the opportunity to do so. The door is typically sealed shut, but either way, it's gorgeous.
While the 15-room Relais Vatican View doesn't go above and beyond on amenities (there's not even a restaurant on site), it does boast a rooftop terrace with views of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
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