In this travel blog, learn the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe.
#20 Prague, Czech Republic
During the World War 2 period, bombs and missiles were everywhere in the corner. Still, Prague in Czech Republic is the best well-preserved city in Europe. It has stunning ancient structures, interesting culture, a fascinating atmosphere that will embrace you. Don’t forget about the impressive urban castle. Explore a different world in this historic castaway!
#19 Heiligenbrunn, Austria
In Austria, there is a village that is known for its adorable architectural style of houses seemingly inspired by a famous Hollywood fiction movie. This magical village is famously known as Heiligenbrunn, and there are only 1,000 residents! Wine may have been banned there in 1225 AD, but now they have grape vines growing everywhere!
#18 Eze, France
Eze is among Europe’s Medieval cities that was originally built in the Alps. You don’t need a car to see the beauty of the place. There are countless streets that are old and narrow which one can only access by walking. At this place, you can see astonishing elevated ocean scenery. You can even enjoy it while having a drink at the terrace area of Michelin-Starred Chateau Eze.
#17 Edinburgh, Scotland
Remember the Loch Ness Monster? In this town, you can hear about the town’s \ intriguing stories of the Loch Ness Monster from the North. You can also wonder about the tales of Braveheart and William Wallace. In addition, listen to melodies from kilt clad bagpipers and make sure to visit the Royal Castles that have been standing since the 1100s!
#16 Ávila, Spain
Ávila, Spain, is recognized as one of the best Medieval city walls around the world as it spans for over 2 miles! It has over nine stunning gates and 100 drum towers with 2,500 merlons on its top part. It is also 10 feet thick and 40 feet tall! There is no wonder why it has become so popular and a legendary landmark of the city.
#15 Nuremberg, Germany
This paradise was greatly affected by the terrible bombings of World War 2, and though it was devastated when it was one of the Nazi’s strongholds, Nuremberg has successfully been reborn after several decades, and started becoming a popular tourist hub once again. One famous traveler’s spot is the Kaiserburg Castle. It’s a perfect site to view spectacular sceneries that surround the whole town.
#14 Chester, England
This place has untouched architecture that has been well-kept and preserved despite horrendous attacks. Typically, you must go to the little areas and sites that hide in Germany or France for that. A huge part of Chester is owned by the Duke of Westminster, and there has been extra hard work and effort put into preserving its treasures of Medieval and Roman elements. Among the best activities to do here is stroll around the vintage city walls along the endless renovated gates.
#13 Città di San Marino, San Marino
Observe this magnificent site that is perched on the peak of a high mountain. Città di San Marino proudly boasts its great rock wall formation and its pathway that leads all the way up to the stunning castle. This haven is among the independent city states that are situated in Italy. Reaching its peak will give you a breathtaking view of the whole town!
#12 Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes, Greece, has been passed and sold to different nations with different beliefs over the years. It was once sold in 1309 to the Order of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem where they crafted and created their own identity and image of the town. With those actions, Rhodes developed and bloomed in the world. The city was then sold to the Ottomans in 1522. They dominated the entire area, bringing about a total change by putting mosques and injecting Arab culture into Rhodes
#11 Tallinn, Estonia
This medieval haven in the Baltic Sea is one of the overrated places by travelers. This medieval place is popularly known as the Reval village of the Middle Ages. It is only one of the few Eastern European sites that possess a real captivating look of Medieval charm. Tallinn is situated in Estonia and highlights it’s majestic wall. If you explore more, you will see a little central castle paradise. If you are into a walking tour, then head over to cobblestone streets and view the houses along Town Hall Square.
#10 Sighișoara
You might hear of a familiar name in this town. Sighișoara is actually the hometown of Peles Castle and Bran Castle in Dracula folklore. Did you know Vlad the Impaler was mysteriously born in this place though he had no connection to Bran Castle? Visit some of the Dracula spots like the ruins of Târgoviște Castle and learn how he ruled and dominated the site in the 1300s.
#9 Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is composed of five wonderfully shaded small towns and it is sitting right on wine terraced cliffs. There’s no doubt why this magical hub is a Medieval delight in Europe. Cinque Terre also exhibits fantastic fishing villages which have already existed for over 100 years!
#8 Vitré, France
Have you heard of this amazing place in France? Vitré can be a best pick. This haven has a mesmerizing fairytale wall and an astounding towered chateau where you know that you will be left speechless.
#7 York, England
This one-of-a-kind site is one of the rarest within the vicinity of England where you can still step foot in an authentic and original Medieval city hall. York has several bewildering facts, so take note of the basics so you won’t get lost and can avoid misunderstandings when you stroll around the site. This town has countless stunning city gates, and there a gate is referring to a street, and the city gate is called a bar. If you are heading for a drink, keep in mind that you are searching for a pub and not a bar.
#6 Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey, rests between the line of Europe and Asia. Istanbul is not all about richness in history or visiting tourist sites, but about the fascinating fantasy vibe. Though it may not be the best when it comes to preserved Medieval houses, unlike the other towns, almost half of the area is surrounded by the most amazing massive structures from old times.
#5 Venice, Italy
Even though this place has been one of the famous destinations to go, Venice is still something you have to explore more. One of the most popular activities in this place has a special mark on Medieval times. The Gondola may be a fancy ride today, but this famous and popular attraction was actually a mode of transportation in Venice back then and the entire canal was filled with 10,000 gondolas!
#4 Rothenburg, Germany
This is a quaint paradise that became a powerhouse in the Middle Ages for it has served an important role in crossroads of European trade routes. In Rothenburg, you will get to see authentic and untouched original city walls. Because of its fancy aura and atmosphere, the town was featured in some of the famous and popular Disney shows. It’s been one of the reasons travelers visit this place.
#3 Colmar, France
Have you seen the famous Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast?” You can reminisce your favorite scenes from the movie when you check out the village featured in it. Colmar features its artistically toned half-timber houses alongside weeping willow trees that stand on the edges of canals. Another must see is the Oeuvre Notre-Dame Art Museum that possesses the best masterpieces from the Middle Ages.
#2 Carcassonne, France
This village is surrounded with astounding great walls that looks like a castle from outside! In Carcassonne, you can witness the phenomenal trademarks that make up the city. There is a stone arch bridge and few ramparts that will head you over to the town.
#1 Mont Saint Michel, France
This hideaway destination is a glorious village in France. There are only 44 residents that live in this small town! This magnificent little place is known as Mont Saint Michel. Reaching this majestic town isn’t as easy as you might think. You have to wait for low tide so you can cross over the tidal basin safely before the strong current of the ocean rushes back. Mont Saint Michel is also recognized as the most unspoiled Medieval Town in Europe for it has miraculously remained as is over the centuries.
Thanks for reading, Revellers! Diversity and abundance in historical remains are part of what makes Europe so interesting to visit. Places have been preserved and places have been rebuilt. Which one of these splendid Medieval towns in Europe would YOU want to visit first? Comment below, we’d love to hear where you want to go!
