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Europe's landmarks on terror hitlist
A major terrorist plot to target cities in UK and other European countries was unravelled recently, with intelligence agencies saying that an estimated 20 British youths were being trained in Al Qaeda run terror camps in Pakistan's tribal areas to be sent to attack European cities.
The reports of plots to launch 26/11-style attacks in London and other European cities have prompted a US travel alert, warning Americans to be careful around transportation hubs and other popular tourist locations in Europe.
The names of the high-profile targets were revealed as the US issued a travel advisory asking its citizens to guard against potential terror threats while in Europe.
Click on NEXT to see the European landmarks on the terror hitlist...
Europe's landmarks on terror hitlist
Location: Champ de Mars, Paris (France)
Details: The Eiffel tower was built in 1889. It is not only a global icon of France but also one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The tallest building in Paris, it is the most-visited paid monument in the world. Named for its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.
Europe's landmarks on terror hitlist
Notre Dame Cathedral
Location: Fourth arrondissement (administrative district) of Paris (France)
Details: The name Notre Dame means 'Our Lady' in French. The cathedral contains the cathedra (official chair), of the Archbishop of Paris. The Notre Dame de Paris was among the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress (arched exterior supports).
Europe's landmarks on terror hitlist
Berlin Central Station
Location: Germany
Details: The Berlin Central Station is the largest crossing station in Europe. It was built in 1871.
Europe's landmarks on terror hitlist
Hotel Adlon
Location: Berlin city centre (Germany)
Details: The Adlon Hotel currently operates as Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, part of the Kempinski chain. Due to the hotel's success, it has been expanded twice, with new wings along the rear on Behrenstrasse. They are known as the Adlon Palais and the Adlon Residenz. First built in 1907, the hotel was damamged extensively in the second wrold war. Following the war, the East German government reopened the surviving rear service wing.
In 1964, the remaining part of the building was renovated and the facade was redone. However, in the 1970s what remained of the original Hotel Adlon closed to guests and was converted to a lodging house for East German apprentices.
Finally, in 1984, the building was demolished. With the reunification of Germany, the site was bought by a West German investment firm. A building loosely inspired by the original was designed and on 23 August 1997 the president of the Federal Republic of Germany opened the new Hotel Adlon, rebuilt on the same location as the original hotel.
Europe's landmarks on terror hitlist
Brandenburg Gate
Location: Berlin city centre (Germany)
Details: One of Europe's most famous landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate is the only remaining gate of a series through which Berlin was once entered. One block to the north stands the Reichstag building. The gate is the monumental entry to Unter den Linden, the renowned boulevard of linden trees, which formerly led directly to the city palace of the Prussian monarchs. Having suffered considerable damage in World War II, the Brandenburg Gate was fully restored from 2000 to 2002 by the Berlin Monument Conservation Foundation.
Europe's landmarks on terror hitlist
Alexanderplatz TV tower
Location: Berlin city centre (Germany)
Details: The tower was constructed between 1965 and 1969 by the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) administration who intended it as a symbol of Berlin, which it remains today. It is easily visible throughout the central and some suburban districts of Berlin. With its height of 368 meters, it is the tallest structure in Germany.