European Walled Towns
cities, and historic fortified towns in Europe. We try to maintain and strengthen these walled
towns that are a gateway to the charms of the old world.
What is European Walled Towns
Historic Towns Working Together
We want to preserve the rich heritage and culture these walled towns hold. And we promote the mutual interests shared by the walled city to maintain and strengthen them.
Promoting International Co-operation
We are an association that boosts international cooperation to promote Europe's untapped heritage and culture. We aim to bring together Europe's civil society organization and the history of cities and towns, heritage professionals, cultural landscapes, planners, etc., to safeguard and enhance the historical landscapes and cultural diversity.
Sustainable Development
We are working to promote revitalizing, regeneration, and sustainable development across Europe's historic walled cities and towns.
The European Association of Historic Towns and Regions
maintain and strengthen the historic walled towns for future generations
- International Association For Sustainable Development
- European Funding And Partaking
- Many Mutual Interests Shared
- Historic Walled Towns
to promote the many mutual interests shared by walled towns
"Building Peace through Heritage"
Latest News & Updates
What Are The Famous Places In Croatia?
If you are looking for adventure and beauty, Croatia is the perfect destination. Keep reading this article to learn about the famous places in Croatia. If you love cliff-hanging vistas, this country has plenty to offer. You can spend an entire day hiking or biking along the coastal areas and return with beautiful memories of the experience. If you’re not interested in cliff-hanging cliff-side villages, then you can visit the more peaceful places like the small towns and cities.
Island of Hvar
A popular destination for vacationers is the island of Hvar, where the town is set in a beautiful natural bay. This is one of the most famous places in Croatia, and the town is also home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world. It is a charming old town protected by the Pakleni island chain. A dash of small villages also lines the coast.
Zadar
Zadar was founded in the middle of the 13th century and is a famous tourist destination. Hikers and hunters visit the area, and the town has beautiful Baroque architecture. It’s a popular day trip from Zagreb. The center of town is King Tomislav Square, where you can find many eateries. You can also sample some of the local cream cake, a popular food, and drink in the area.
Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is one of the famous places in Croatia. It was once a secret, but now tourists flock to this limestone cave. Until 1884, this cave was only accessible to boats. It is a unique place, with an entrance carved into the stone. The cave’s entrance is illuminated by the rays of the sun, which make entering the cave an experience like no other.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Another one of Croatia’s famous places is Plitvice Lakes National Park, a natural wonder. The area contains 16 emerald-blue lakes surrounded by a chain of striking waterfalls. There are also numerous footpaths and boat rides across the lakes. Wildlife can be found here, too, including wolves, eagles, and falcons.
Komarna
If you’re looking for peace, try Komarna, a small coastal town 70 kilometers north of Dubrovnik. This is the picture-perfect destination for those who are looking for an isolated coastal town with incredible views. You can visit other nearby sites and enjoy some quiet time. It is also home to the emerald island in Croatia, the island of Mljet. Its Old Town is picturesque but still bears the scars of the Yugoslav war in the 1990s.
Konavle Valley and Peljesac peninsula
If you want to enjoy a bit of wine-growing, try the Konavle Valley and Peljesac peninsula. This is about an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik. You can also visit the olive and lavender fields to taste fresh Croatian produce.
Final views
Croatia offers a stunning coast with more than 1,000 islands and rocky shores if you love the coast. Many of its coastal towns have a fascinating history and are full of historical ruins dating back to the Roman and Venetian periods. These towns are also home to beautiful nature and a variety of wildlife.
Guide To Visit the Most Scenic Town in Europe
If you’re traveling to Europe, here’s your guide to some of its most scenic towns. This region is an unforgettable vacation spot, from picturesque Lake Como to quaint villages topped with windmills. Europe is packed with several scenic locations. You can visit these places with your family or friends to spend quality time with them. These places also offer myriad activities, such as strolling around the famous destination and having a closer look into the culture and heritage of the country. Here is a list of some of the most scenic European towns you can visit.
Bled
You cannot miss out on visiting the most scenic town in Europe. The picturesque town of Bled is a popular holiday destination in Slovenia, nestled between the highest peaks of the Julian Alps. The town is also known for its azure-blue water and the quaint wooden walkway that spans the Radovna River.
Giethoorn
Although most travelers are drawn to the bustling cities of Europe, small towns in the countryside are just as beautiful. These destinations offer the same historic architecture and culture as larger cities but with less tourism. Giethoorn, for example, is often called the Dutch Venice. The town is surrounded by water, with no cars permissible in the center.
Marktplatz
There’s a pretty market square, the Marktplatz, a popular tourist spot. In the background, the spire of the 19th-century Evangelical Church punctuates the view of the town. Across the street from the Marketplatz, you can visit the 15th-century Roman Catholic Ascension of Our Lady Church, with its winged altars and Late Gothic frescoes.
Bastei
Bastei is nestled in the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park and is accessible by day trip from Berlin and Dresden. The town is situated amidst the jagged rocks. Visiting this picturesque town is a great way to see the beautiful scenery in a short amount of time.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is another scenic destination you should visit, particularly if you are a Game of Thrones fan. You can catch some Game of Thrones filming in this ancient town. It’s also the location of King’s Landing, which was filmed in the town. The city’s old town is one of the most stunning in Europe. You can also book a cable car to Srd Hill for a stunning view.
Kotor
Another underrated European destination is Kotor, a medieval town on the Adriatic Sea. Most visitors pass by it, but it is a gem in Europe that you shouldn’t miss. There’s a lot to see and do in this beautiful town. The Bay of Kotor is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful villages.
Rothenburg
Known as the “Plonlein Corner,” this charming town has been the location of plentiful films. To see it in person, you should plan your visit early in the day. Also, don’t miss out on Cesky Krumlov, a hidden gem in the Czech Republic. With a massive castle overlooking the city and a winding river, this charming town is worth the trip.
The Secrets of European Walled Towns: What Makes Them So Special?
From the medieval-era fortresses of France to the Renaissance-era city walls of Italy, Europe’s walled cities are a treasure trove of history and culture. They’re also popular tourist attractions that can be visited by anyone willing to make the trip.
But how exactly did these cities come about? What makes them so special? And how do they compare to other European cities? In this article, we’ll explore all these questions and more as we dive into the world of European walled towns!
Location, Location, Location
Location, location, location. This mantra is not just for real estate. It can also apply to the great European walled towns. These fortified cities were strategically located in areas that had good access to trade and travel routes, as well as other important resources like water or fertile soil for growing crops.
The Barrier to Security
The walls were also a barrier against disease. In the Middle Ages, it was extremely common for armies to march through towns and villages and spread illness. The world was not yet fully aware of how to treat or prevent diseases like smallpox, influenza, bubonic plague and cholera.
If you were fortunate enough to survive your initial encounter with one of these illnesses—and many did not—you might find yourself disabled or disfigured by them.
The walls also prevented famine and other disasters from outside sources like war or natural disasters.
Life Inside the Walls
Within the walls, the townspeople lived in a crowded community. The streets were narrow and winding, and someone was always walking around. Because this was their only option for safety, they had to live close to others in danger.
Since everyone could be killed by disease or outside forces at any moment, the townspeople would stay indoors as much as possible. Even though they might have liked being outside more than we do today (we love going outside because we don’t have to worry about being murdered), they couldn’t go out because it wasn’t safe enough.
History at Your Fingertips
The history of a particular European town can be seen at every turn, from the ancient walls to the old buildings and streets. Each city has its unique history and stories to tell.
Some of these stories are very interesting, such as how some towns were destroyed by war or natural disasters while others flourished for centuries before falling into ruin.
European Walled Towns are Perfect for Travelers seeking a Unique Escape from the Modern World
The more you learn about European walled towns, the more it becomes clear that they are a unique and memorable part of our world.
While we’re not saying everyone should pack up and move to one of these towns tomorrow, we think it’s worth taking a closer look at what makes them so special—and maybe even planning your next vacation around one!
A Glimpse Into the Quaint and Charming European Walled Towns
Traveling is all about experiencing new places, cultures, and even cuisines. But sometimes, it’s fun to visit somewhere you can really sink your teeth into—literally. What do we mean by this?
Well, if you love the old-fashioned charm and quirky culture, we’ve got the perfect place for you: walled towns. You might not have heard of these charming European enclaves before, but they’re worth checking out if you like history and don’t mind being a little bit off the beaten path.
Mont Saint-Michel, France
Located on an island in Normandy, France and linked to the mainland by a causeway, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most iconic medieval sites in Europe.
Located on an island in Normandy, France and linked to the mainland by a causeway, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most iconic medieval sites in Europe. The town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It was founded as a monastery during the 8th century. It became an important pilgrimage site during this period because it is home to some of France’s most sacred relics, including those from St Peter.
Palmanova, Italy
Located in northeastern Italy, Palmanova has a population of around 10,000 people. This walled city was built by the Venetian Republic in the 16th century and lay on the Adriatic Sea. It has become increasingly popular with tourists since it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1996.
Campeche. Mexico
The capital of Campeche State and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, Campeche is a walled city with Spanish Colonial architecture. Fortifications and defensive buildings have connected the walls surrounding it since the 16th century.
They are constructed from limestone and coral stone and feature several gates, including San Juan de Ulna Gate, and bastions on its perimeter.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia, is a walled city. It is the largest city in Colombia and has a population of approximately 1.3 million people. The city is located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, making it a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy tropical weather and beaches.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a walled city founded in the 7th century and has since been an important trading center. It is known for its medieval architecture, including some of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe. These fortifications encompassed two-thirds of Dubrovnik’s urban area and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Dubrovnik was once part of the Republic of Venice (7th – 18th centuries). During this period, it became one of the most significant trading centers in the Mediterranean basin due to its strategic location on maritime routes connecting Western Europe with Constantinople and Alexandria.
Each one of these cities is charming in its way. As you can see, they all have something to offer and a history that makes them unique. The best part about visiting any of these places is that there really isn’t a right or wrong way to experience them.
You could go for an hour or two and walk around town taking pictures (and eating your fair share of gelato). Or you could stay for days exploring every nook and cranny. Either way, everyone will fall in love with these walled towns!
Top Best Preserved Walled Cities of Europe
Out of all the continents, Europe takes the place of the land of dreams. Every person dreams of going to Europe and exploring its beautiful cities with their loved ones. European countries are the ones that hold one of the best scenic tourist spots in the entire world. Europe is the destination for solo travellers, explorers, and honeymoon couples across the world. Apart from the scenic and romantic places like Paris, Europe has the best-walled cities which are well preserved from the medieval age that captivates the eyes of tourists to this day. Let’s go on a trip to a fairy tale land where you can see castles and their ruins in each preserved city.
Carcassonne, France
When asked about Europe, almost every person thinks about the city of Paris in France. It is one of the most popular and romantic cities in Europe. Carcassonne is the city that holds the oldest walls built in the 6th, 7th, and 8th centuries and is still well preserved. The city is the landscape of the romantic castle ruins which will take us back to the age-old eras.
Rhodes, Greece
The architecture of Rhodes is spectacular and its streets are wonderful to wander through. The city of Rhodes has walls surrounded by 7 gates and a moat which is now filled with a beautiful garden. The Knights of Saint John also wandered in these streets in 1309.
Avila, Spain
Avila is the highest town in Spain and its walls are well preserved from the 11th century when they were built in. The medieval walls of Avila are certainly one of the best attractions in Spain with over 2.5 kilometres in length and around 40 feet in height.
Lucca, Italy
The walls and forts of Lucca are remarkable as the paths are covered with a beautiful lawn and garden through which you can walk or cycle around them. It has a peaceful vibe as vehicular traffic is also restricted on this premises.
Girona, Spain
Girona was founded by the Romans. The walls of Girona were destroyed in the 19th century and have been reconstructed to some extent. Girona is the hub where Christians, Jews, and Arabs met making it an interesting city to visit. This place also has the filming location where the most popular series, Game of Thrones was filmed.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik has the most scenic walls located along the Adriatic Sea. These walls were built in the 13th century and Dubrovnik is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea due to the scenic walls. The walls here depict the Rome Colosseum with an uninterrupted run of 6365 feet in length and 25 meters in height. The walls are so perfectly retained that Dubrovnik has been included in the World Heritage List from UNESCO since 1979.
The trip to the top best-preserved wall cities of Europe has come to an end and now, it is time for you to pack your bags and plan to visit these extravagant walls.
European Cities You Must Visit If You Like Architecture
Europe is has some of the best architecture in the world, and there’s no shortage of places to experience it. With a long, diverse history and rich cultural heritage, Europe has something for every architecture lover. If you love architecture, you’ll love these European cities. The country has a long history of architectural heritage. Be it the detailing or the large pillar, Europe has it all. If you have a knack for beautiful buildings and construction, here are some European cities you should visit once in your life.
London
From the world-famous Tower of London to the elegant and iconic architecture of the Barbican housing estate, London is sure to delight architecture lovers. There’s something to appeal to all tastes, and the city has a plethora of attractions that will keep you busy for days.
Amsterdam
In particular, Amsterdam is a treasure trove for architecture lovers, with more ancient buildings and historic sites than any other city in Europe. Its architectural style has international significance, and its historic city center is one of the biggest in Europe.
Paris
Paris is another city to visit if you love architecture. Paris’ architectural diversity spans from the middle ages to the 21st century. It is the homeland of Gothic construction and the epicenter of the French Renaissance. This city will delight any architecture lover with its Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arch De Triomphe, and Sacre Coeur. The Eiffel Tower’s latest landmark is another must-see for architecture lovers.
Malmo
If you want to experience something more avant-garde, visit Malmo, a city across the Baltic Sea in Sweden. This city is well connected to the rest of Europe, together with Copenhagen and Stockholm. Malmo is also home to the impressive Oresund Bridge, an engineering marvel. You’ll also want to see the Turning Torso, a Santiago Calatrava design in the western harbor.
Budapest
Another European city with a world-class architectural scene is Budapest. This city is often referred to as the Paris of Eastern Europe and is filled with beautiful buildings. Its architecture combines different architectural styles, including Baroque and Renaissance. Its history as a port makes it an important city for architecture lovers.
Prague
You can also visit Prague, which combines modern and traditional architecture. This city is an architectural masterpiece featuring Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance-Baroque buildings, and even postmodern architecture. The city’s historic center is also well preserved, making it an ideal destination for architecture lovers. Its architecture is an incredible display of eight centuries of history.
Barcelona
Barcelona is another city that’s worth considering if you love architecture. The city is home to many buildings designed by the fabulous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. The Sagrada Familia is his signature work and is unquestionably one of the places of interest of the city. Although this is a work of art that’s never finished, it is a genuinely magnificent landmark in this city.
Everything You Should Know About Segovia
Segovia is a city rich in history. Its walls, or Murallas de Segovia, have been acknowledged a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s walls date back to the Roman period, approximately 200 AD. By the 16th century, they were no longer used as defensive barriers, and houses were attached to them instead. Nowadays, it is possible to explore these ancient walls and take in some of the city’s historical sites, including the Alcazar. While this may be a gist, read on to learn more about the town.
A home to Jewish Quarter
Segovia is home to the Jewish Quarter, which was once the most affluent portion of the city. However, it was destroyed by a violent anti-Jewish movement in the 15th century. In its place, the Iglesia del Corpus Christi was built. You can also visit the medieval walls of the city, which date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Though they have undergone many renovations, they still provide stunning city views.
Best time and best way to explore
If you are traveling from Madrid, the best way to enjoy Segovia is to take a day trip. This historic city is home to a 2,000-year-old aqueduct and a fort that stirred Walt Disney. If you plan to visit Segovia, take out travel insurance, which will safeguard you in instance you become stranded or injured.
Getting to Segovia by car will allow you to enjoy the city’s history from a completely different angle. Its pillars are huge and are made of massive blocks of stone. You can see them from a distance of 6 kilometers, and they are a sight to behold. You can also walk along the Aqueduct, which is 92 feet high.
Segovia aqueduct is the most well-known attraction
One of the most iconic attractions in Segovia is the Segovia aqueduct, built in the 1st century AD. It was put up to carry water from the nearby Rio Frio river. Today, the Aqueduct, spanning 15km, is one of Europe’s most remarkable Roman structures. Its stonework and construction made it a world-class engineering marvel.
Known for its delectable food culture
In addition to its cultural heritage, Segovia is known for its food. Local cuisine is rustic and full of protein. One of the city’s most prevalent dishes is the roasted suckling pig. Candido Lopez made this dish famous in the 20th century, and it has become a tourist favorite. You can find this dish at the original Candido restaurant in the city, near the Aqueduct. The restaurant, which dates back to the mid-18th century, is run by the same family and has been declared a city landmark.
Visit Alcazar de Segovia
Another Segovia attraction is the Alcazar de Segovia. This structure is easily recognizable and hard to miss. In the late 15th century, the Catholic Queen Isabella was crowned in the castle. The ancient Aqueduct still runs through the city, and a tourist route follows the water flow throughout the old town.
Best-Walled Tourist Towns in Europe
When visiting Europe, you should visit the best-walled tourist towns. These historic towns can make for a wonderful family trip and are particularly rewarding for children. Both children and adults can dive into the beauty of these places.
These towns often feature walled city centres, which are excellent places for kids to explore and climb. The walls in these towns are open to the public for free during daylight hours, but you should check ahead of time to make sure you can visit after dark. Europe is filled with beautiful walled towns. Some of the best ones are mentioned in this article.
Avila
There are several walled cities to explore in Spain. One of the best-preserved walled towns is Avila. The city is in Castile and Leon, which is located about 100km from Madrid. Its walls are among the most preserved in the world. If you want, you can walk around it in the daytime or simply experience an illuminated beauty at night.
A walk along the city walls offers a chance to experience medieval life up close. The town walls, about two and a half miles long, are lined with trees and great places for walking, biking, and people-watching. The medieval ramparts also house a museum with exhibits about the punishments of the time.
Dubrovnik and the walls of York
Another walled tourist town in Europe is Dubrovnik. The walls of this town date back to the Romans, with some portions still intact. Visitors can wander along the medieval city walls and see remnants of Roman brickwork. Another example is the walls of York, which are 3.4 km long and one of the best preserved in England. They feature a number of towers and are home to 50 little alleys called ginnels.
Orvieto
During your stay in Italy, you can also visit the medieval hilltop town of Orvieto. Located on an ancient tufa plateau, this hilltop town is home to a 14th-century cathedral with a stunning rose window. Its church also contains significant frescos by Luca Signorelli, a precursor to Michelangelo.
If you love Renaissance architecture, a visit to this walled town will be a worthwhile experience. Its medieval streets are traffic-free, and the buildings themselves are beautifully preserved. There are also multi-coloured stores, chalets, and eateries. Despite the town’s popularity, the town remains relatively quiet, aside from tourists.
To sum it up
If you’re a history buff, you will want to explore one of Europe’s many walled tourist towns. These ancient places are filled with a fascinating history. In addition to walled cities, there are many smaller towns throughout Europe that you can visit.
These places are hidden gems that offer the same great architecture and beautiful natural landscapes as their more famous counterparts. Exploring these medieval villages while taking in the Old World charm is fun. There are 16 walled cities in Europe that still have their walls standing. Its ancient walls have been preserved by time and are dotted with stunning churches and colourful squares.
Why Are Walls Important in European Towns?
The walled town of Europe do look picturesque. But the history behind those walls are contains years of struggle, protection, battle and preservation of their culture. The main reason for building walls was to protect the settlement. They surrounded the settlement, and were often massive structures punctuated by guard towers. Some walls were even built on top of hills or on oceanfronts. Therefore, those walls are not just mere walls but a tale of the preservation of the country’s identity.
Meaning of wall
The word ‘wall’ comes from the Latin vallus, which means a post or stake. The earliest walls were made of earth or wood and were used to protect a town from attack. As time went on, these walls evolved into more elaborate structures. The walls of medieval European towns and cities became more complex, but they still have some similarities.
To provide protection and safety to the country
The walls of European towns were important for a number of reasons. They provided protection and safety, which was important in a time of turmoil and conflict. For example, the walls of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, were important for defending the territory against Islam’s advance from Arabia.
Acted as a symbol of peace and prosperity
Other than providing protection to the country the walls also acted as a symbol of peace and prosperity. With peace walls in places like Belfast were erected to separate Protestant Unionists and Catholic Nationalists during the Troubles. Today, peace walls are a place for tourists to leave messages of hope for peace.
Preserve social and cultural identity
Walls are also important for preserving social and cultural identities. The Berlin Wall was built to avoid migration from East Germany. This division of the city was important because emigration was killing East Germany’s economy. In 1960, people were able to cross the Berlin Wall. However, emigration was a problem and the walls were essential to the survival of East Germany. In August 1961, barbed wire was installed along the Berlin Wall in a single night.
To protect the people from invaders
In medieval times, cities were required to build defensive walls to protect themselves from invaders. These walls have since fallen into disuse, but they remain important in many places today. Nowadays, cities that retain their old walls are special places to visit. Ancient walls provided protection for citizens from invading armies, and were essential for the development of civilization. The walls also helped to protect against the spread of disease and epidemics.
Served as a social purpose
Although walls served a defensive function in medieval times, they also served a social purpose. For example, in the Neolithic village of Ilipinar in Turkey, walls were essential in establishing a group’s identity and defending it from outsiders. A significant threat to Ilipinar’s inhabitants was not military incursion, but fragmentation into different hunter-gatherer groups. Eventually, these villagers moved back to semi-nomadic lifestyles.
Things You Can Do In Rhodes
There are many ways to enjoy your trip to Rhodes, including exploring the city’s ancient history, beach hopping, and water parks. There is also an incredible collection of food and drink on the island. You can relish a variety of foods and wines or indulge in some local delicacies.
Enjoy water sports at Tsambika Beach
Water sports are another great option for travellers visiting Rhodes. Whether a first-time visitor or an experienced islander, there is a lot to do on Rhodes. The city has several water parks that are ideal for families. You can go banana boating, jet skiing, or paddle boarding. Other activities you can participate on the island include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and snorkelling.
For example, if you prefer water sports, you can head to the city’s Tsambika beach. The golden sand and cerulean waters make for an ideal swimming spot, and the beach is large enough not to be crowded even during the high season. You can also check out one of the many water sports hubs located on the island.
Explore the Pelekanos Valley
The beautiful Pelekanos Valley is also worth visiting. It is a 600-acre area located 5 km from the township of Theologos. This area is home to rare Rhodian deer and several species of butterflies. There is also a museum here that displays these creatures.
Live in affordable hotels
You can stay in one of the island’s cheaper hotels. Luckily, many affordable options are available, including bunk beds and rooms starting at EUR25. If you want to stay close to the historic center of Lindos, check out the Melenos Art Boutique Hotel. Its elegant but inexpensive rooms are sure to impress.
Move around the city by foot or public transport
Whether you are traveling to Rhodes for work or for your own, you will need to know how to get around. Luckily, Rhodes is a relatively developed island, and most places are easily accessible by foot or public transport. There are plenty of places to explore, as well as shops and restaurants, within walking distance of the Old Town. There are also numerous taxi ranks in the town.
Wander around the Old Town
During your visit, you can explore the medieval city’s Old Town. Many of its structures date back to the 7th century. Some of them are beautiful examples of fortification architecture and stonework. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum. There is also an Orthodox Cathedral, which was later transformed into a Catholic Cathedral. The Byzantine Museum is another attention-grabbing place to visit. There are numerous stores and eateries to browse through while in the Old Town.
Taste the best wine in Embonas
If you are a wine lover, Rhodes has many vineyards. There are also many tavernas throughout the countryside. You can also enjoy the wine made in the town of Embonas, located in the heart of the grape-growing region. Try a tasting while you’re in the town.