world's coolest medieval cities

Hey there! today I am going to take you on a trip around the world's most beautiful medieval towns. it's a trip down history.

CARCASSONNE

Carcassonne is perhaps the most medieval-looking medieval town. well! Carcassonne is one of the few medieval towns that still preserve its fortifying walls around it. of course, today there's no need to protect the Village from the dangers of the outside world. but the wall gives the landscape an ancient and bucolic touch. Carcassonne is located in the southern region of France. a region of great food and especially you guessed it cheese.

you can opt to enter the city through one of its main entrances. but if I were you I choose to go inside through the twin towers entrance or better yet the entrance of the city's Castle. to enter the castle also known as Chateau Commo. you'll have to pass through a drawbridge a stone bridge and a wooden bridge. the castle was last renovated in the 19th century and is extremely well-preserved. today it serves as a museum. you can peruse around and learn about medieval France. walking around the city you'll find many picturesque restaurants where you can sit and enjoy a sip of coffee. the town has over 52 Stone towers and over 10 miles of ramparts all built with massive Stones. this city dates back to about 2 500 years. so, a stroll around Carcassonne will definitely help to take you back in time.

SAN GIMIGNANO

San Gimignano is perhaps the most famous of all medieval towns. you'll probably recognize it from some Hollywood movie. this town has been around since the 8th century and you can easily get there. San Gimignano is located an hour's Drive outside of Florence Italy. Travelers that are looking for a feel of what Tuscany was like in medieval times must visit San Gimignano and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets. the town will win you with its surrounding Vineyards and picturesque Olive Groves. but the architecture is also unique. you'll easily notice that the city is filled with towers that paint the town Skyline. today San Gimignano boasts 14 medieval towers of the 72 that once existed. these towers represent the historical practice of Rich families competing for status. whoever had the tallest tower had the most money. lucky you if you want to go inside one of the towers you can't, and you're sure to have an enriching historical experience. today you'll find a museum inside some of the towers filled with old furniture and artwork from the families that originally lived there. another must-see Landmark is the San Gimignano 1300. a mixture of a store and a museum. the place holds a miniature model of what the city looked like back in 1300. when the town lived in its Glory Days the model covers over 290 square feet of the original town and was painted by hand. they say they've got the world's best gelatos.

BRUGES MEDIVAL STREETS

Belgium is home to more than just delicious waffles and chocolate. it's home to Bruges one of Europe's Most picture-perfect medieval towns. Bruges' medieval streets are dreamy to explore. These delightful Cobble streets give way to Cafe line squares and Meandering canals. for being one of the most scenic places in Europe Bruges has gained the nickname Venice of the north. wandering around this charming city you'll find hidden cafes amongst the city's alleys. perfect for sampling some of these Belgian waffles I just mentioned.

oh! and on a curious note did you know that the town owes its name to the Vikings? Bruges was what the Vikings called docks also known as the place where a Nordic man used to park their ships back in the 9th century CE. the Vikings may have left town. but the town remained called Bruges oh and chocolate lovers' attention here. in Bruges you can still find homemade chocolate in most of the stores. so enjoy your visit there to do some sweet tasting and if you're looking for a bucolic and romantic time in the city. you can book a chariot ride around the town. it's a great way to get down all the alleys and pretend you are indeed in another century.

YORK

the medieval city of York is an English site to behold. the city's architecture is a testament to its age. there you'll find buildings that reflect the constructions of the Romans and even the Vikings like most medieval towns. you'll be strolling along beautiful cobblestone streets. Among the many landmarks, you'll find Clifford's Tower. perhaps one of the most iconic monuments of the city. the stone tower sits above a steep hill and it was built during the reign of William the Conqueror back in the 9th century. the tour gives you a panoramic view of the medieval city. so, it's definitely worth a visit. on a similar note, do visit the York Minster.

this iconic piece of architecture has an English Gothic influence 800-year-old-stained glass windows. and take a stroll down the Shambles Market. in medieval times this part of town was home to a meat market. but today it's where most of the best restaurants are located. the market is a great place to whine and dine and find the best Antiquities. most of the Brownstone buildings in this area were built in The Tudor area. it seems like a great romantic getaway in case you're planning one. moving towards Eastern Europe you'll find the Queen City of Mostar located in Bosnia and Herzegovina Mostar was built near the Neretva River the most famous and also the oldest landmark in town the old bridge named Starry most.

now if you thought the name of the bridge kind of sounds like the name of the town well that's because it's on purpose. most are actually derived from the word Mostar. which means Bridge keeper. and if you get the chance to cross it know that you are crossing a 15th century Bridge. the city of Mostar is truly stunning. complete with ottoman constructions soaring minarets and colorful buildings that Overlook the Emerald Waters of the river. if you stroll along the ancient Town Bazaar on the Left Bank of the river, you'll get a glimpse of most stars' medieval constructions.

this street has not changed its look since the middle of the 16th century. and while you're there you have to go grab Bosnian coffee; I tell you this is much more than just coffee. this is an ancient and ritualistic practice. they say Bosnian coffee is much like Turkish. but even stronger the secret is in the process they don't filter it but rather mix the ground beans with hot water and let it sit for a while. The Taste is strong, and it will come in a beautiful copper cup. you know what they say when in Bosnia do as the Bosnians do.

GHARDAIA

a town called GHARDAIA in Algeria is a medieval city known for its dazzling and one-of-a-kind architecture. the town was built around the 11th century and is often referred to as the pearl of the Oasis. most of the buildings vary in color from white to sand-like tones. because they were mainly built using clay gypsum and sand. now adding to the uniqueness of Ghardaia the city is located in the Sahara Desert which makes for a beautiful mixture of the urban and desert landscape.

the town is traditionally known for its carpet manufacturer. which has been going on for ages manufacturers in Gardenia's hand produce their own rugs in ancient wooden machines the result is truly magnificent as rugs boast vibrant and multicolored patterns. and if you visit in March and April you'll get to take part in the carpet Festival, can you imagine what that would be like now walking inside the old Town's Market will also give you a feel of the old days. streets are narrow and packed with different stands selling traditional clothes and goods.

you'll find an infinite variety of spices herbs and dates yes there are multiple kinds of dates and luckily for tourists. that visit the town they are all on display and available for purchase yes here you can set a date to go on a date and eat some dates. the town was considered a UNESCO heritage site in the 1980s. and its preservation allows visitors to be fully immersed in ancient traditions.