One of the greatest museums in the world, the Louvre counts over over 35,000 masterpieces of art in its permanent display. The collection is divided into 8 departments located on 4 floors and spans 10,000 years of history. Even if only to take a look at da Vinci’s painting of the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is on everybody’s must-see list. The impressive building was built in the 11th century as a fortress on the Western edge of the city, and it eventually became the preferred residence of French kings. Following the revolution a museum was established here.