One of the most magical things about traveling around Europe and beyond is strolling into places that seem to be stuck in time. You can still find medieval buildings like big cathedrals, sturdy castles, cobblestone streets and half-timbered dwellings in numerous areas. It brings travelers back in time. Modern skylines and skyscrapers are ubiquitous in many parts of the world, yet these historical cities still have their old-world charm. Visitors may observe history in person.
We’ll talk about the best cities that still retain medieval buildings in this blog post. Bruges has twisting alleyways, while Carcassonne has walled wonders. If you love history, architecture or just want to go somewhere you’ll never forget these medieval beauties should be on your bucket list.
Bruges, Belgium: The City of Fairytales
Bruges is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in all of Europe. A lot of people call it the “Venice of the North.” The gabled homes, canals, stone bridges and Gothic churches in Bruges make it feel like you’re in a storybook.
The Belfry Tower at Markt Square gives you a magnificent view of the region.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a chapel from the 12th century that still has relics.
Taking a canal boat ride allows you to observe historic buildings from the water.
Bruges’ tight rules on preserving its medieval charm make it a great place for romantic getaways and heritage tourists.
Carcassonne, France: A Fortified Marvel
One of the most famous walled cities from the Middle Ages is Carcassonne. The castle’s double walls, watchtowers and large gates are all from the 12th century and are examples of the best military construction.
Walk along the two miles of city walls that gaze out over the French countryside.
Go inside the castle, Château Comtal.
Go to medieval events that give life to the town’s history.
Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most attractive medieval cities in Europe. It’s also really pretty.
Prague, Czech Republic: Gothic Beauty
Prague is famous for its “City of a Hundred Spires” and features some of the most spectacular Gothic architecture from the Middle Ages in Europe. You have to view the Old Town Square, where vibrant Baroque structures combine with medieval ones.
Prague Castle, erected in the 9th century, is the biggest old castle in the world.
The 14th-century Charles Bridge is made of stone and has statues all along it.
The Astronomical Clock has been ticking since 1410.
Prague was a great place to visit in the Middle Ages because it had a lot of affordable trips to other European cities and excellent cultural experiences.
Tallinn in Estonia: Gem on the Baltic Sea
Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval neighborhoods in all of Northern Europe. The stone walls, merchant homes and cobblestone streets make it feel like time has stopped.
One of the oldest Gothic town halls in Europe is at the Town Hall Square.
St.Olaf’s Church used to be the highest building in the world.
You can journey back in time during medieval fairs and markets.
Tallinn is a terrific city for digital nomads and anyone who wants to learn about other cultures since it has the appropriate blend of old-world charm and modern comfort.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: The Jewel of Bavaria
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an outstanding example of a German town from the Middle Ages. People know this walled city for its half-timbered homes and fairy-tale charm. It is on the Romantic Road.
One of the most photographed streets from the Middle Ages is the Plönlein.
The Christmas Museum pays tribute to seasonal customs that have been present for hundreds of years.
City Wall Walk where you will see buildings and homes with red roofs.
People who enjoy history and photography should definitely visit Rothenburg which is a living museum.
Siena, Italy: Gothic Beauty in Tuscany
Siena is a magnificent Italian city with historic Gothic buildings and the unique shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Unlike many other cities that have changed throughout time, Siena has preserved its medieval look.
The Siena Cathedral is a superb example of Gothic architecture from Italy.
Torre del Mangia which boasts beautiful views of Tuscany.
The Palio Horse Race is a custom that has been going on since the Middle Ages.
Siena is one of the best medieval cities in Europe to visit since it has a lot of history, stunning structures and authentic Italian culture.
York, England: A Stronghold in the Middle Ages
York is one of the oldest cities in England. It was essential in Roman times and even more so in the Middle Ages. The York Minster is one of the biggest Gothic churches in Europe and stands out in the sky.
The Shambles is a tiny street from the Middle Ages that is lined with stores that have wooden frames.
The walls of York City are the most complete in all of England.
Viking and medieval museums showcase the city’s lengthy and complicated past.
People who want to study medieval English history and go on heritage tours in the UK should go to York.
Kraków, Poland: A Royal Legacy
Kraków’s Old Town and Wawel Castle are great examples of how spectacular the Middle Ages were. When it was the royal capital of Poland, the city still had a lot of Gothic and Renaissance buildings.
The inside of St.Mary’s Basilica is gorgeous and the building itself is a Gothic masterpiece.
In the Middle Ages, Cloth Hall was a busy market.
Wawel Cathedral where Polish kings were crowned.
Kraków is also recognized for offering affordable means to get across Europe which is helpful for folks who don’t have a lot of money.
Toledo, Spain: The City of Three Cultures
Toledo is a stunning medieval city where buildings are made in a mix of Christian, Jewish and Muslim styles. The twisting streets, cathedrals, synagogues and mosques show how people from different traditions can live together.
The Toledo Cathedral is one of the outstanding Gothic constructions in Spain.
For hundreds of years, the Alcázar of Toledo has been a fortification.
People created products like swords and ceramics in shops in the Middle Ages.
Toledo boasts the best medieval living experience in all of Spain.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Charming Old Town
With medieval tenements, cobbled alleyways and the famed Edinburgh Castle atop Castle Rock, the Old Town of Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Royal Mile is a street from the Middle Ages that goes between the castle and Holyrood Palace.
St. Giles’ Cathedral is a superb Gothic edifice from the 12th century.
You may get a flavor of what life was like in the Middle Ages by going through underground vaults and alleys.
Millions of people visit Edinburgh every year because it does such a good job of mixing Scottish medieval history with modern living.
These cities are like time capsules of buildings from the Middle Ages. Bruges has canals, Carcassonne has fortified walls and Tallinn has streets made of cobblestones. When you visit a place it’s not just about gazing at the architecture, it’s also about traveling through history, learning about customs and connecting with civilizations that have been present for hundreds of years.
If you’re going to Europe soon make sure to add these medieval gems on your list. They are not only some of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world but they also lead to fantastic cultural experiences.
Get your luggage ready, put on your walking shoes and go back in time to the Middle Ages. These cities still have a lot of history.