These are the top 20 medieval cities in Europe worth visiting, according to European Best Destinations. Among them is a Greek one.
Europe is filled with medieval towns and villages that transport you back in time. As you stroll their streets, you feel as if youre in a vast open-air museum. Fairytale castles, colorful houses, cobbled alleys and romantic canals invite visitors to play a game of... treasure hunt.
The tourism promotion website European Best Destinations has handpicked 20 of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval European towns for unforgettable getaways. Among them is the impressive medieval city of Rhodes.
Rhodes: The magic of the Medieval City
The Old Town of Rhodes is the island’s main attraction, a living UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. A stroll here reveals a colorful mosaic of traces left behind by the island’s successive conquerors. From the moment you pass through one of its gates, you’ll feel as though you’re walking onto a movie set that fires the imagination. Highlights include the Palace of the Grand Master (the most imposing building in the Old Town), the Street of the Knights, the Clock Tower, the Archaeological Museum and Sokratous Street. It’s a town that blends past and present in a uniquely seamless way.
Below is the complete list of 20 medieval towns in Europe selected by European Best Destinations. See which they are and get ideas for your next trips.
Europe: 20 medieval gem cities
Ávila, Spain
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, Ávila, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, is a perfect day-trip destination from Madrid. Set at an elevation of 1,113 m, it’s known for its medieval walls and for having one of the highest ratios of churches to population in the country.
San Gimignano, Italy
This small hilltop medieval town, about 60 km southwest of Florence, is perhaps the most recognizable in Tuscany thanks to its striking towers (today just 14 of the original 72 remain) visible from afar. With its medieval defensive architecture and gorgeous churches and squares, San Gimignano draws visitors like a magnet.
Rocamadour, France
The village of Rocamadour is perched above the Alzou River gorge in southwestern France and dates back to the 12th century. Houses spill over different levels on the cliffside, while stairways lead from the lower town up to the great churches that dominate the top. Rocamadour is a popular destination thanks to pilgrims who come to visit the tomb of Saint Amadour on the rock with the statue of the "Black Madonna".
Dubrovnik, Croatia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the Old Town of Dubrovnik - one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe - is encircled by 2 km of walls. Dubrovnik has drawn visitors from around the globe, thanks in part to Game of Thrones. Wander the cobbled lanes, walk along the city walls or take a short ferry ride to the island of Lokrum.
Oradea, Romania
Oradea is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. It lies among hills that harmoniously separate and connect it with the Crișana Plain, while the Crișul Repede River flows right through the city center. The city’s fortress dates back to the Middle Ages and attracts travelers from all over Europe. Its Renaissance palace is surrounded by five bastions. It houses the Institute of Fine Arts and hosts cultural events.
Cochem, Germany
The natural beauty of the region, with vineyards and the meanders of the Moselle River, together with the old town center that has retained its medieval character, make Cochem a dream destination. This German town boasts one of Europe’s most beautiful castles, Reichsburg, perched atop a lovely hill.
Carcassonne, France
Located in southwestern France, this city has a rich history and is one of the few fortified medieval towns whose ramparts and old medieval center have been preserved. It consists of the fortified Cité de Carcassonne and the Lower Town outside the ramparts. In 1996 the medieval city was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn overflows with charm thanks to its fairytale historic center and ideal setting on the Baltic. The capital of Estonia has one of the best-preserved historic centers in Europe, with many medieval churches, Baroque palaces and other buildings under UNESCO protection. Don’t leave Tallinn without admiring the view from Toompea Hill with its namesake castle.
Bruges, Belgium
About 80 km from Brussels, Bruges feels lifted from a medieval fairytale. It’s no coincidence it’s called the "Venice of the North". Its medieval architecture remains intact and the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With beautiful canals and quaint bridges, cobbled streets, soaring cathedrals, colorful houses and postcard-perfect lakes, this small universe in West Flanders will enchant you.
Colmar, France
Where the Lauch River meets the Rhine, 68 km from Strasbourg, lies Colmar, one of Europe’s loveliest small towns. Here you’ll see fairytale Alsatian houses and striking Gothic architecture, enjoy a romantic boat ride along the canals in the "Little Venice" district, and visit unique museums such as the Bartholdi Museum dedicated to the works of Frédéric Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. The town sits on the Wine Route, serving as the "capital" of Alsatian wines.
Óbidos, Portugal
An hour from Lisbon lies the fortified town of Óbidos. In the 13th century, Queen Isabella fell so in love with this place that her husband gifted it to her. Today, Óbidos is a perfectly preserved medieval settlement, ideal for getaways in every season.
City of San Marino, San Marino
The landlocked state of San Marino, surrounded by Italy, is the world’s fifth-smallest country, spanning just 61 sq km with 33,000 inhabitants. What it lacks in size it makes up for in natural beauty. The historic center of the City of San Marino has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Among its best-known sights are the three towers - Guaita, Cesta and Montale - built between the 11th and 14th centuries atop the three peaks of Monte Titano.
Motovun, Croatia
Motovun is a beautiful medieval village in Istria, Croatia, set 300 meters above sea level. Fewer than 1,000 people live here. The area is renowned for its gastronomy and stunning landscapes.
Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany
Part of the popular Romantic Road that runs through southern Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its well-preserved medieval town. A walk through the historic center with its ancient houses, cobbled alleys, towers, gates and fountains is a journey back in time. The town has appeared in many films and inspired the village in Walt Disney’s 1940 Pinocchio.
Sully-sur-Loire, France
A fairytale backdrop on the left bank of the Loire. Sully-sur-Loire boasts many monuments from the medieval period, including its famous castle, which has hosted numerous important historical figures. The castle is surrounded by a moat that still holds water and continues to protect its great treasures.
Saint-Émilion, France
This small medieval town in southwestern France, near Bordeaux, delights visitors with its beauty, narrow lanes, small squares, world-famous wines and culinary heritage. The medieval town and its surrounding area have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Besalú, Spain
Besalú is a well-preserved medieval town in northern Spain, in the province of Girona and close to the Spanish Pyrenees. It rises beside the Fluvia River and features a fortified Romanesque bridge.
Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It sits in northern Bavaria, about 60 km from Nuremberg. The city is famed for its monuments and architecture, and is also famous for Rauchbier (smoked beer).
York, England
York is one of the oldest cities in England. Built at the confluence of the Ouse and Foss rivers in North Yorkshire, it has a long history. York is home to one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and many exceptionally well-preserved old buildings.
Rhodes, Greece
The atmosphere in the lanes of the Old Town of Rhodes feels so medieval that as you walk along the cobbled Street of the Knights you half expect to see a knight on horseback by your side. The most imposing building in the castle is the Palace of the Grand Master - the most important monument from the era of the Knights Hospitaller on the island.
