12 Medieval European Towns So Beautiful, You’ll Feel Like You’ve Stepped Into a Fairytale
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During the Middle Ages, Europe was a very different place. A far cry from today’s advanced cities we bear witness to, Europe was dominated by medieval cities and towns featuring grand castles, knights in shining armor, royal courts, and legends of Robin Hood himself.
However, if you’ve always wanted to step back in time and glimpse what life might have been like in medieval times, you can still do it. Across Europe, many medieval locations still exist, offering us a look into the fascinating world they hide away. To learn more, here are 12 beautiful medieval cities and towns in Europe you must visit during your lifetime.
Prague, Czech Republic
We’ll kick things off with Prague, arguably Europe’s most well-preserved and iconic medieval city. Luckily, Prague’s medieval city center was left largely untouched during WWII, so its iconic landmarks, winding streets, and vast squares still stand proudly, offering visitors an insight into the past.
You’ll find the finest examples of medieval architecture in Prague in and around the Old Town. You’ll find the famous Old Town Square and its beautiful landmarks in the Old Town. This includes the Astronomical Clock Tower and the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn. If you cross Mánesův Most Bridge from the Old Town, you’ll come across Prague Castle, a fascinating medieval castle built in the 9th century.
Read also: Most Beautiful Small Towns in Europe
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, the capital of West Flanders, is a beautiful city in northwest Belgium famed for its gorgeous architecture, charming scenery, and delicious cuisine. However, the city enjoyed its heyday as a sophisticated trading center between the 12th and 15th centuries. As a result of the city’s success, grand medieval buildings were constructed across Bruge.
Today, you can explore the city center’s narrow cobblestone streets, discover medieval wonders, and admire the impressive canal system. In Burg Square, you can surround yourself with breathtaking sights, such as the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall). Meanwhile, the streets surrounding the square are lined with centuries-old buildings begging to be visited. Don’t miss Markt Square and the 13th-century belfry during your visit.
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Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Reminiscent of the Disney Castle, Mont-Saint Michel is a fairy-tale destination that will captivate your imagination and impress you with its mind-blowing architecture. It’s a small village on a tidal island off the coast of Normandy in northern France. Surrounded by picturesque coastal scenery, the 8th-century town is most recognizable for its iconic abbey.
The gravity-defying Abadía del Monte Saint-Michel, which sits above the village, has been an important Christian pilgrimage site for centuries. During your visit to the island, make sure you explore the interior and exterior of the abbey before strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets of the village in search of the old Town Hall.
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Carcassonne, France
Another fascinating medieval city in France is Carcassonne. A history enthusiast’s dream destination, this historic city will transport you back in time before you even set foot inside. The double-walled fort and 50+ watchtowers surrounding the city’s medieval citadel, La Cité, allow you to slip into the pages of your favorite medieval stories.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval walls and watchtowers protect a stunning 12th-century castle, Château Comtal, and historic landmarks, such as the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, the Museum of the Inquisition, and Porte de l’Aude. The best way to experience the citadel is to simply lose yourself wandering the winding streets.
Read Also: Fairytale Villages in France
San Gimignano, Italy
San Gimignano is a small medieval town southwest of Florence in Italy’s Tuscany region. Generally, most tourists visit the nearby medieval city of Siena, but this village offers a more relaxed atmosphere and authentic feel as it isn’t jam-packed with modern amenities. Maintaining much of its medieval charm, San Gimignano is encircled by 13th-century walls.
You’ll find 14 impressive towers along the city walls and be treated to amazing views of the Tuscan landscape. Inside the walls, you can discover medieval houses, an old town center, and a beautiful church. Medieval points of interest you don’t want to miss include Torre Grossa, Piazza della Cisterna, and Duomo di San Gimignano.
Read Also: Peaceful Places To Retire in Italy
Monsanto, Portugal
Portugal is no stranger to medieval towns and cities, but Monsanto takes the crown. This fairy-tale village features a medieval castle and wall ruins in the Castelo Branco District of Central Portugal. However, Monsanto is best known for its fascinating medieval rock houses.
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At first glance, you might not even notice some medieval houses in the village because they sit underneath huge boulders. You read that right: many of the homes in this historic village are built underneath or between large rocks. Incredibly, people still live in these houses today. When you’re not exploring the medieval houses in the town, explore the ruins of the former Templar Castle.
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Rothenburg, Germany
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The following medieval destination on our list is Rothenburg, a German town in Northern Bavaria frozen in time. This authentic Medieval town is famed for its medieval architecture, rich history, and Bavarian culture. Vibrant half-timbered houses line the winding cobblestone lanes of the Old Town, and the well-preserved town walls feature beautiful towers and gatehouses.
The most famous sights in the city include Plönlein, the Church of St. James, the Medieval Crime Museum, and Alte Burg (Rothenburg Castle). It’s also worth noting that you can walk along Rothenburg’s city walls and that a medieval Christmas market, started in the 1440s, takes place in the town yearly.
Read Also: Stunning Places to Retire in Europe
Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is the largest city on the island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese, Greece. It’s loved for its beautiful beaches, delicious Greek cuisine, and luxury vacation resorts. However, the city is best known for its medieval city. Between approximately 1309 and 1523, under the order of St. John of Jerusalem, the Medieval City of Rhodes was transformed into a stronghold for the Order of Knights’.
Today, it’s a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers impressive sights at every turn. The Old Town is surrounded by medieval city walls and features narrow cobblestone streets that hide historic masterpieces. Once you’ve walked along the city walls, head into the city to find the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Street of the Knights, and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes.
Read more: Rhodes, Greece
Mdina, Malta
During the medieval period, Mdina, a fortified city in Northern Malta, served as the island’s capital for antiquity. Mdina only stopped serving as the Maltese capital in 1530 upon the arrival of the Order of St. John. The city never regained its medieval importance, making it a quiet and peaceful place to visit.
The city has been dubbed the “Silent City” due to its lack of noise, cars, and quiet alleys. However, Mdina is still a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a main tourist attraction in Malta, so you need to visit. You’ll find medieval churches, houses, and grand old mansions in the honey-colored city, surrounded by protective ramparts. One of the most beautiful locations in the city is Palazzo Falson, an impressive Middle Age mansion.
Read Also: European Cities To Avoid the Crowd
York, England
Next, we have York, one of the most historic cities in the United Kingdom. Founded by the Romans, this iconic city is famed for its ancient city walls, winding medieval streets, and beautifully preserved buildings. You’ll find many impressive medieval locations across the city, but most of the action centers around the Shambles.
Often dubbed the best-preserved medieval street in Europe and believed to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter novels/movies, buildings along the Shambles date back to the 14th century. The narrow street is lined with many beautiful timber-framed buildings with jettied floors that hang above the street. You’ll get a sore neck from looking up all the time. Make sure you visit the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral, too.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
The penultimate city on our list is Dubrovnik, arguably the world’s most well-recognized medieval city. Built between the 11th and 17th centuries, it’s most famous for its Old Town, surrounded by resolute stone walls to this day. Like many people, you’ll quickly fall in love with the city’s historic architecture, charm, and elegance.
Start your journey by walking the entire length of the 6,360-foot (1,940-meter) city walls. You can see most of the Old Town’s iconic orange-tiled roofs, Lokrum Island, and famous Game of Thrones filming locations like Fort Lovrijenac from the walls. Then, walk along the Stradun (Main Street) and get lost down the narrow alleyways. Other notable attractions in the Old Town include St. Blaise Church, Pile Gate, and Sponza Palace.
Read also: Fairytale Towns in Europe
Oviedo, Spain
The final destination on our list is Oviedo, a beautiful city in northwest Spain. This small city is home to many buildings dating back to the early medieval period, including churches and monasteries, squares, and fountains. Furthermore, many of the medieval attractions in Oviedo are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Even if you don’t like medieval history, plenty of modern attractions keep you busy. You’ll find medieval landmarks all over the city, but the Historic Center of Oviedo is a great place to start. You’ll find interesting landmarks here, such as Plaza de la Catedral and the 9th-century Oviedo Cathedral. Other medieval sights in the city include Santa María del Naranco, Foncalada’s Fountain, and Muralla medieval de Oviedo.
Read also: Fairytale Villages in Spain
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Sad to see Visby is never on these kind of lists, fabolous place.
Thanks a lot for sharing. It looks like a wonderful place indeed. We will keep it in mind for our next trips. Thank you again.