Why do euro banknotes show stylized buildings instead of real national landmarks?

Euro banknotes do not feature real national landmarks or people to avoid favoring any single member state and to emphasize a shared European heritage.12

Instead, the banknotes utilize stylized architectural imagery—such as arches, gateways, bridges, and windows—that represent different periods of European history. These designs are intentionally fictional, serving as symbols of European unity rather than highlighting the specific identity or history of one particular country. This approach stands in contrast to the euro coins, which feature a common design on one side while allowing the issuing country to choose the imagery for the obverse.12