Beyond the big tourist cities, there are villages and fortified settlements where the architecture and streets have remained almost unchanged for hundreds of years. Some were prosperous trade centers, others military strongholds or isolated religious communities. Today, they are impressive cultural destinations. We invite you on a virtual journey, where you can discover seven of the most beautiful such settlements.
Carcassonne
Where is it located Occitanie, southern France
Since when do you date: Ancient origins, majorly redone in the century. XII–XIII (Era of the Crusades)
Carcassonne is one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in Europe, included in the UNESCO heritage. Its unique character comes from the double system of fortifications, extremely rare on the continent, and from its exceptional preservation, which makes it seem more like a living reconstruction of the Middle Ages than a simple historical site. The 19th century restoration, coordinated by Viollet-le-Duc, returned the fortress to its medieval glory.
A visit to Carcassonne can include exploring the inner citadel, visiting the Comtal castle and the defensive walls, but also participating in medieval events and themed evenings that recreate the atmosphere of that era.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Where is it located: Bavaria, Germany
Since when do you date: Sec. XIII–XVI
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, with an almost intact urban structure and a complete system of defensive walls surrounding the historic center.
Visiting Rothenburg offers an unforgettable experience: from walking along the cobbled streets full of colorful houses to discovering the central Marktplatz square and the famous Plönlein corner. Museums dedicated to the medieval period complete the image of a well-preserved era and bring tourists closer to history.
gent
Where is it located: Flanders, Belgium
Since when do you date: Sec. XII–XV
Ghent was one of the wealthiest medieval cities in Western Europe, an important center of guilds and trade, with a network of canals and impressive Flemish Gothic architecture. Charles the Fifth, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, one of the most powerful figures in 16th century Europe, was born here.
A boat ride on the canals that run through the Old Town is amazing. And some areas of the city seem detached from the Harry Potter universe. Besides, the atmosphere in Ghent can be described as magical.
San Gimignano
Where is it located: Tuscany, Italy
Since when do you date: Sec. XI–XIV
San Gimignano is famous for its silhouette dominated by medieval towers, remnants of the rivalry between the town’s noble families. dubbed “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”the city retains a special atmosphere.
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A visit here can include climbing the Torre Grossa for panoramic views of Tuscany, strolling through Piazza della Cisterna and tasting Vernaccia wine.
Castle Combe
Where is it located: Wiltshire, England
Since when do you date: Sec. XII-XIV
Castle Combe is often called ‘the most beautiful village in England’ and is one of the best preserved medieval rural settlements in the United Kingdom. Unlike the fortified cities on the mainland, this village evolved as a feudal community, based on agriculture and a small textile industry, keeping its original structure almost unchanged to this day.
Cotswold stone houses, the old bridge crossing the River Bybrook and the absence of visible modern construction create an authentic atmosphere where time seems to have stood still
Riquewihr
Where is it located: Alsace, France
Since when do you date: Sec. XIII–XVI
Riquewihr is a medieval village located between wine-growing hills, with a perfectly preserved historic center. The colorful wooden and stone-framed houses also reflect the region’s German influences.
Walking through the narrow streets, tasting Alsatian wines and exploring the medieval towers turn the visit into a cultural and gastronomic experience at the same time.
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Saint-Emilion
Where is it located: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bordeaux region, France
Since when do you date: century VIII–XII
Saint-Émilion is one of the most spectacular medieval towns in the south-west of France, famous both for its exceptional historical heritage and for its world-renowned winemaking tradition dating back to medieval times. The village is built on a limestone plateau, with cobbled streets, churches and even an underground complex of catacombs and galleries dug directly into the rock.
Visiting Saint-Émilion is an experience that combines history, architecture and gastronomy, and walking through the narrow streets inevitably leads to viewpoints over the seemingly endless surrounding vineyards.
