Top Total War Places to Visit (Remotely)

The world is a somewhat different place since we did our original top Total War places to visit blog post – but worry not! Museums around the world have been hard at work, meaning there are now plenty of ways to check out some of their incredible historic sites – and all remotely. Time to go on an adventure…

The Palace of Versailles, Versailles

Website: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/

The Palace of Versailles needs little introduction, having housed French royals from Louis XIV’s reign in 1682 until the start of the French Revolution in 1789. When Napoleon Bonaparte became Emperor in 1804 he considered living there himself, and although he ultimately decided against it due to the renovation costs (a tale as old as time) he did restore the Grand Trianon as a springtime residence for him and his family.

While you are currently able to visit the Palace of Versailles while observing appropriate safety guidelines, there are quite a lot of interesting resources you can access from afar. The Palace’s website itself is chock full of fascinating historical information and breathtaking photos, leaflets such as this one on the Estate of Trianon are freely downloadable, and the official Palace of Versailles app – which includes an audio tour of the Palace, Gardens, Trianon Estate, and the Gallery of Coaches as well as an interactive map – is also available free of charge.

Curator Tour – Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, Victoria and Albert Museum

Playlist: https://www.vam.ac.uk/

During the initial UK lockdown, the Victoria and Albert Museum released a five-part personal curator tour of their exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk. In this, curator Anna Jackson escorts you through the museum’s many exhibition spaces, providing a slew of fascinating personal insights into the collection and the history of the kimono, a dynamic and constantly evolving icon of Japanese fashion. A must for the stylish shogun.

Rome: A Virtual Tour of the Ancient City, Future Learn

Website: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/rome

The University of Reading is currently offering a free online course via Future Learn that explores the architecture and history of Rome. Take a stroll round a digital 3D model of the ancient city to ready yourself for your next campaign!

The Roman Baths, Bath

Website: https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/

The Roman Baths are one of the most impressive historic sites in Europe, featuring a remarkably well-preserved ancient religious spa as well as original Roman pavements, the ruins of Temple of Sulis Minerva, and a collection of unique Roman artifacts. In addition to a walkthrough via Google Street View, the website also includes a 3D model of the Roman Baths and Pump Room and a number of informative videos.

The British Museum, London

Website: https://www.britishmuseum.org/

The iconic British Museum in London has made a variety of his exhibits open to visitors virtually. Check out the artifacts courtesy of a collaboration with the Google Cultural Institute, listen to some choice extracts from the museum’s audio tours, take a virtual gallery tour (we like the mummies in Rooms 62 and 63), or peruse a list of 14 things not to miss upon the British Museum’s reopening.

Vatican Museums, Rome

Website: http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html

Ever wanted to visit the Vatican without coming to blows with the Papal States? The Vatican Museums have made a wide variety of virtual tours available on their website, allowing you to take in 360-degree views of everywhere from the stunning Sistine Chapel to the excitingly named Profane Museum.

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

Website: https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/pergamonmuseum/home/

The Pergamon Museum is one of Germany’s largest, and is home to a dazzling array of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate and eponymous Pergamon Altar. In addition to lots of fascinating online resources, you can also explore virtual reality tours via the Google Arts & Culture app.

Still want to do some online exploration? Be sure to check out the latest from the rest of the Total War blog!