Medieval Cities In Europe That Will Make You Fall In Love
We are going to visit some of the most charming medieval cities in Europe. They all hide spectacular historic centers. And yes, there are many more, but we have chosen one per country, in order to show the great variety of medieval corners and monuments that the Old Continent offers us. Join us, this is a trip back in time that you are going to love.
1. Medieval cities of Europe : Toledo, Spain
There are not enough words to describe the beauty of Toledo, one of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe. Here you will find the traces of three cultures: Christian, Arab and Jewish. A network of narrow streets to get lost, synagogues, old mosques, beautiful doors, an incredible Gothic cathedral and a thousand other treasures will take you back in time.
2. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is pure medieval spirit, thanks to its walls and medieval towers. Also to its cobbled streets, its Gothic town hall, the old merchants’ houses or places as special as the Santa Catalina passage. And don’t forget the Church of St. Olaf, which was for a long time the tallest building in Europe.
3. Strasbourg, France
Two jewels stand out in this beautiful French city. On the one hand, La Petite France, an old fishing district crossed by canals and dotted with beautiful half-timbered houses. On the other, its magnificent cathedral, a jewel of Gothic art that hides a small treasure inside: a unique astronomical clock in the world.
4. Quedlinburg, Germany
When you step foot in Quedlinburg you will think you are entering one of the Grimm brothers’ tales. The city hall is one of the oldest in Germany and its hundreds of half-timbered houses will blow your mind. But there is more: a well-preserved medieval palace and a labyrinth of alleys where you will discover the most idyllic corners.
5. Bern, Switzerland
The capital of Switzerland hides an incredible medieval old town. A walled old town where you can discover beautiful fountains, charming alleys, old towers, a Gothic cathedral or commercial arcades that are six kilometers long and whose origin dates back to the 15th century. One of the medieval European cities that most surprises those who visit it.
6. Bruges, Belgium
This city has many corners that make it special. For example, its beautiful Market Square, with its imposing Belfort, an 83-meter bell tower. But do not miss its Gothic town hall or the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a highly revered relic: a cloth with the blood of Christ. And all seasoned by wonderful channels.
7. Sighisoara, Romania
It is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. And a city of legend, since Vlad the Impaler was born here, who inspired the character of Dracula. Sighisoara makes us travel back in time with its cobbled streets, the preserved towers of its old citadel or a wonderful covered staircase. And yes, you can also visit the house of the terrible Vlad Tepes.
8. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Leaving aside Prague, Cesky Krumlov is said by many to be the most beautiful city in the Czech Republic. Embraced by a bend in the river Vltava, here you can visit the second largest castle in the country, stroll through alleys that have not changed for centuries, or cross an old wooden bridge that connects the old city with the castle.
9. Siena, Italy
It is one of the most incredible medieval cities in Europe. Not only for treasures like its unfinished cathedral or for the spectacular Piazza del Campo, with magnificent buildings like the Palazzo Pubblico. It is also so because here you can see a unique spectacle of medieval origin: the Palio, a horse race that faces the city’s neighborhoods.
10. Chester, England
It was an important port city, with a great commercial development that ended when the sea receded and the port was rendered useless. But in Chester the old medieval shopping arcades, covered and with two levels, are still preserved. And next to them, in this city you will see beautiful half-timbered houses and a Norman cathedral that will enchant you.
