14 Incredible Medieval Cities You Should Visit
If you are a fan of medieval history, this one’s for you! For me, there’s nothing better than walking through the walls of a medieval city. There’s just something about knowing that people have been living here for hundreds of years that instantly makes a place feel special.
There are medieval cities worldwide, some you will know, but others you’ll have never heard of. Here are the most incredible medieval towns you should visit.
Carcassonne, France
Carcassonne is by far my favorite medieval city I’ve been to. This massive walled city was first settled in 3500 BC, but everything here is 100% medieval. It’s one of the largest castles in Europe and has 52 towers and barbicans to protect the city. In medieval times, this city was considered impenetrable.
The castle that the wall surrounds was built in the 1100. There’s also a church, cobblestone streets, many little shops, and much more! If you are looking for a city that is built around history and preserving medieval architecture, then this is a city that can’t be missed!
Hanoi, Vietnam
When people think of medieval, they usually think of Europe. However, Asia has just as many (if not more) medieval cities as Europe. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and has been around since 257 BC.
When it went through its medieval period it was under the rule of China and was the capital of the Ly dynasty. Its name back then was Thang Long, which means “Rising Dragon”. The city center of Hanoi used to be a fortified settlement surrounded by tall walls. You can still visit the old city today and feel what life might have been like during ancient times.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This little city in Croatia was one of the main filming spots of Game of Thrones. Everything about Dubrovnik feels medieval, from its cobbled streets to the wall surrounding the city to the forts and castles perched high on cliffs above the ocean.
You can walk the wall surrounding the city for incredible views you can’t get anywhere else. The city is from the 13th century and some of the oldest buildings are the Franciscan Monastery, Church of the Holy Savior, and Pile Gate.
Fez, Morocco
Fez was originally founded in 789 and, during medieval times, was the political power of Morocco. Many mosques and madrasas (Islamic colleges) were built during the medieval period between the 13th–15th centuries.
They were built using the Moorish and Moroccan architectural techniques of the day, which can be seen in Spain, Portugal, and even Mexico. Some of the most famous buildings from medieval times are the Abu al-Hassan Mosque, the Great Mosque of Fes el-Jdid, and the Saffarin Madrasa.
Rostov, Russia
This city in Russia was first mentioned in 862 and, in medieval times, was a major city in Russia. For over 200 years, it was part of the princedom of Tatar until it was taken over by the Moscow princedom in 1474 and has remained part of Russia.
Some medieval places you should visit in Rostov are the Assumption Cathedral, the Judicial Office, and the Church of the Resurrection. The Assumption Cathedral is the oldest building in the city that is still standing today. It was originally built out of wood but burned down in 1060. It was rebuilt for the final time hundreds of years later, from 1508 to 1512.
Pingyao, China
This city was founded in the 14th century toward the end of the medieval period. It’s very well preserved, so if you want to see what life was like in medieval China, this is probably the best city to visit.
Some of the best medieval architecture in the city is the Market Tower constructed in the 14th century, the city wall constructed in 1370, and the Shuanglin Temple built in the 6th century and has over 2,000 statues from the 12th to 19th century. This city is filled with history and is the perfect place to learn about many dynasties and rulers of China.
Girona, Spain
This is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The first people to settle here were the Iberians until it was taken over by the Moors in 715. In 878, it was incorporated into the County of Barcelona and still, to this day remains part of Spain.
In the 12th century, the Jewish community of Girona grew and continued to grow until 1492, when the Catholic Monarchs outlawed Judaism in Spain. Some Medieval buildings, you won’t want to miss are the Girona Cathedral, the city walls, and the Sant Feliu.
Istanbul, Turkey
This city is beyond ancient. The first settlers of Istanbul were from 6700 BC! Fast forward to medieval times, this city was one of the most powerful in the world. It was the hub of the Ottoman Empire and the Byzantine Empire and holds so much history.
Some of the most incredible medieval buildings here include Istanbul and Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century, the Yedikule Fortress from 1458, and the Chora Church from 1261, are just a few examples of ancient architecture from the Middle Ages. This is one of the oldest cities in the world and there’s so much to explore and see here.
Rhodes, Greece
This is one of my favorite medieval sites that I’ve ever been to. When I arrived here by ferry in 2018, I was immediately captivated by the beauty of this island and its medieval charm. Walking into the old town and seeing places like the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master was one of the most incredible experiences.
The old town of Rhodes has more history than you can fathom. Before reaching the city, you can see the Fortifications of Rhodes built in the 14th century. Upon entering, you’ll walk the medieval cobbled streets and see storefronts, churches, and castles, just as they were in medieval times.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and, one of the most underrated cities in Europe. If you are interested in medieval history, this is a place you can’t miss. The cobbled old city of Tallinn has a 15th-century tower called Kiek in de Kök. The Town hall is from the 13th century and is built in a Gothic style with a 64m-high tower that overlooks the market square.
Then there’s the St. Nicholas Church, also from the 13th century, filled with art from this period. Every building you see in the old city is from medieval times, so booking a tour would be great if you want to learn more about this city.
Nara, Japan
Nara was the capital city of Japan from 710 to 794. This means there’s lots of ancient buildings to see and history to learn about here. Tōdai-ji is the world’s largest wooden Buddhist temple built in the 8th century. This might be the biggest temple in Nara, but it’s not the oldest!
The oldest temple and building in Nara is the Horyuji Temple which dates back to 607! This temple also has the world’s oldest wooden structures inside. This city is the perfect place to learn about Japan during the Middle Ages.
Siena, Italy
Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. It’s famous for its hilltop towns that dot the landscape of its never-ending sea of green vineyards and forests. Rick Steve’s called Siena “Italy’s Medieval Heart and Soul” and anything that Rick says, I trust.
When I visited Siena, I was in awe of the city’s main square, Piazza del Campo, which dates back to 1169. This square also hosts a horse race that has been happening here since 1232! If you’ve never heard of Palio di Siena, look it up, you won’t be disappointed. Another thing that caught my eye was the Torre del Mangia, dating back to 1325. This is another place you’ll never run out of things to see and do even though the city itself, is one of the smallest on the list!
Bergen, Norway
During the medieval period, this city was the capital of Norway. Now, a colorful port, famous for its mountainous landscape and the starting point for most Fjord cruises. However, it’s still managed to keep a little of its medieval charm.
Some of the oldest buildings in the city are Haakon’s Hall from 1247, St. Mary’s Church from 1198, and the Bergenhus Fortress from the 1240s. So before you head off on your Norwegian cruise, check out the medieval spots around town.
Krakow, Poland
Last on the list is Krakow, Poland. This is another one of my favorite medieval towns in Europe. The main square, Rynek Główny, is filled with historical sites. St. Mary’s Basilica from the 14th century, Church of St. Adalbert from the 11th century, and the square was built in 1257.
The city center isn’t the only medieval part. There’s the St. Andrew’s Church from 1098, the oldest building in Krakow, and Wawel Castle from the 14th century. The medieval styles of this city are different from the rest and worth checking out!
What do you think?
Which medieval city do you want to travel to the most? Have you been to any of the cities on this list? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading!
