12 Stunning Medieval Destinations That Will Leave You in Awe
In Europe and beyond, medieval destinations attract millions of travelers every year. With 20,000 castles in Europe alone and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listing over 1,000 World Heritage Sites with medieval beginnings, the potential to explore history is immense.
These destinations, from tall fortresses to cute cobblestone streets, will take you back in time.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a city where time seems to have stopped, with its cobblestone roads, gothic structures, and widely known landmarks. The largest ancient castle in the world began its life in the 9th century on its current site in Prague Castle, which is today home to the Czech president, and the Charles Bridge, flanked by 30 baroque statutes. It links the city’s romantic past to its pulsating present.
You don’t want to miss the famous Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, which has been charming bystanders since the 15th century. Prague’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site as it is an established architectural and cultural area.
San Gimignano, Italy
Known as the “Town of Fine Towers,” San Gimignano is a jewel of Tuscany. Of the 72 medieval towers that once made up this UNESCO World Heritage Site, 14 have survived, reflecting the wealth and status of its medieval families.
Walk through Piazza della Cisterna and soak up the enchanting atmosphere. Try the Vernaccia di San Gimignano, which is a white wine. Climb to Torre Grossa, the highest tower, for an excellent view of the town and its countryside.
Carcassonne, France
The fortified city of Carcassonne in southern France looked like a place pulled out of a storybook. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has double-walled fortifications and Cité de Carcassonne. This place, with a 12th-century castle, winding streets, and majestic ramparts, is a must-see for medieval military architecture fans.
The fortifications were essential to the area’s history during the Albigensian Crusades.
Sighisoara, Romania
Amongst Transylvania’s most walled medieval citadels best preserved, Sighisoara is nestled in the heart of Europe. Famed for its colorful houses and cobbled lanes, one will find galleries, darts obsessions, and intriguing hand-painted signs as you walk its sinewy streets to feast your eyes on this beguiling town.
The birth house of Vlad the Impaler is a museum and restaurant in the medieval spirit.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
This picturesque medieval town is home to half-timbered houses and charming squares and is reached along Germany’s Romantic Road from the past. Rothenburg is a destination for any season because of its medieval town walls, quaint boutiques, and the legendary Christmas Market.
Take a look at Plönlein, one of the most photographed spots in Germany, and stroll down some of its intact town walls.
York, England
York is full of history—medieval walls, York Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral, and the Shambles, which inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, are just a start.
York, too, has the most vibrant Viking heritage and hence qualifies itself as a multidimensional historical city. Take a ghost tour to explore the city’s scariest secrets—one of Europe’s most haunted cities.
Bruges, Belgium
Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges enchants with its canals, medieval architecture, and vibrant culture. Colorful, gabled houses make for picture-perfect Markt Square. You can also climb the Belfry of Bruges to see beautiful city views.
Then, close with Belgian waffles and Belgian craft beers. Bruges historic center is a UNESCO world heritage.
Toledo, Spain
Dubbed the “City of Three Cultures,” Toledo is a vibrant mosaic of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences. The high Alcázar of Toledo above the city and Toledo Cathedral, with its ornate architecture, are testaments to its history.
If you want a touch of authentic medieval and amazing views, wander around Toledo’s soaring steeples at dusk.
Tallinn, Estonia
One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, Tallinn’s Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can wander its cobblestone streets and see Toompea Castle, St. Olaf’s Church, and ancient fortifications.
The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform offers sweeping views of the enchanting skyline. Visit Tallinn’s Christmas Market for a magical medieval winter experience.
Visby, Sweden
Surrounded by a 13th-century city wall punctuated with watch towers, Visby is a charming town on the island of Gotland filled with culture and charm.
Visby is a UNESCO-recognized location, home to historical ruins such as St. Mary’s Cathedral, and hosts an annual Medieval Week, during which audiences reenact, feast, and engage in tournaments. Cyclists will enjoy cycling paths around Gotland to appreciate Visby’s stunning coastal setting.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
For history buffs, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a sanctuary with dramatic stone walls. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” its mix of red-roofed homes, Gothic palaces, and marble streets feels like walking through a film set (which it was for Game of Thrones). Walk a city wall and be rewarded with endless views of the Adriatic Sea.
Mont Saint-Michel, France
Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is located on a small, rocky island in Normandy. It is crowned by one of Europe’s most stunning abbeys and surrounded by tidal waters. The island is magical because of the interplay of architecture and nature.
You can walk the exposed sandbanks during low tide (although the tidal schedule must be checked).
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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