The photoluminescent properties of one-dimensional LaPO4:Eu nanowires were studied in contrast with the corresponding zero-dimensional nanoparticles, micrometer particles, and micrometer rods. The results indicate that in nanowires Eu3+ ions occupied two different symmetry sites, unlike in nanoparticles and micrometer particles. Furthermore, the radiative transition rate of 5D1 - sigmaJ 7FJ or 5D0 - sigmaJ 7FJ and the internal luminescent quantum efficiency of Eu3+ in the nanowires showed obvious improvement over that in the other powders.