The Spanish city of Besalú is also on the list.
A traveler named Vinicius Costa visited more than 100 medieval towns in Europe. It took years of traveling.
In an article for the Travel Off Path resource, he named 5 of his favorite cities in the Old World that he has visited. He claims that he could travel there forever and never stop being amazed.
Czech Krumlov, Czech Republic
Many people travel around Europe from capital to capital, as if this is the whole essence of the country. Czech Krumlov is a typical town from a fairy tale, which has been perfectly preserved since the Middle Ages. There you will see cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored houses, picturesque church squares surrounded by family cafes, and a monumental castle on a hill.
It is also worth visiting the Coat Bridge, which connects the castle courtyard to the gardens. It is a three-story bridge lined with statues of saints. From there, you can also enjoy charming views of the bell towers and gables of the Old Town.
However, there is one nuance: Czech Krumlov is overcrowded with tourists, especially on weekends.
Lindau, Germany
The city of Lindau is bordered by Austria and Switzerland and is located on the crystal-clear shores of Lake Constance. According to the author, it is an old and upscale city.
“This is home to one of the most amazing medieval churches I’ve ever seen: the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady, with its painted ceilings, exquisite stucco work, and bright white interior adorned with colorful paintings. Its Protestant counterpart, the less opulent Cathedral of St. Stephen, may not be as impressive on the outside, but its solemn interior with its ornate patterns and wood carvings is just as captivating,” writes Costa.
The real pride of Lindau is the Gothic building of the Altes Rathaus, or the Old Town Hall. It is worth taking the time to walk along the promenade of the local lake.
The capital of Rhodes, located in the Greek archipelago of the Dodecanese, meets all the requirements of medieval charm.
The city owes much of its appearance to the Knights Hospitaller, legendary crusaders who fought in the Holy Land and brought with them their skills and military experience.
This city is a fortress that has been fortified over the years with walls, bastions, gates, and moats. The local Knights’ Street is protected by UNESCO and is often referred to as the most beautiful medieval street in Europe.
“This street, which is lined with 15th-century knight houses divided by nationality into French, Italian, German and Spanish quarters, is perhaps the most characteristic street of Rhodes and the main artery that cuts through the walled Old Town,” the man added.
In fact, Rhodes is a tapestry of history. You can see the ancient Greek, Ottoman, French, and Italian influences that give the city its unique charm.
Torun, Poland
The Polish city of Toruń is located on the banks of the Vistula River. It is built of red brick, and its street layout has been preserved since the 1200s.
The city is distinguished by its majestic defensive walls and market square.
It is noteworthy that Toruń was not heavily bombed during World War II. Unlike Warsaw or Gdańsk, which had to be rebuilt from scratch, much of what you will see in Toruń has been preserved over the centuries.
By the way, this city is famous for its original medieval gingerbread recipe. So, it is definitely worth trying.
Besalu, Spain
Having preserved its original 11th-century layout, the city resembles a historical film set. Visitors can explore the narrow stone streets, Romanesque churches, and medieval gateways that define the old town.
“The most iconic monument in Besalu, the zigzag Pont Vell, is a seven-arch stone bridge that crosses a turbulent river and features a watchtower-style checkpoint in the middle, as well as breathtaking views,” adds Costa.
In addition, Besalu is home to one of Spain’s best-preserved Jewish neighborhoods, or El Call. The 12th-century Jewish ritual bathhouse Mikvah is worth visiting there. It is one of the last remaining intact sites in Europe.