Explore the Most Beautiful Medieval Towns of Europe, and may be one of them will be included into your next travel itinerary.
The Middle Ages is one of the most interesting period in the history of Europe. Today we can enjoy plenty of folklore items, amazing Middle Ages castles, unique armor, and numerous fairy tales from the period of Medieval Ages.
Fortunately a lot of cities have preserved the medieval layouts and architectural sights – the old towns, tiny villages, Gothic castles.
Today we have amazing opportunity to see what were medieval towns like and find out more details about life in a medieval town.
Check these best medieval cities in Europe and decide where to go next!
Prague, Czech Republic
Today Prague is a very cozy city with lots travel destinations to discover. Prague is one the cities, which was best preserved from the bombings in the World War II, and today this is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe and in the World.
Prague attracts millions of tourists each year to enjoy marvelous architecture, find out more about the history and culture of Prague.
To explore this historic gateway you should visit the Church of Our Lady Before Týn in the old town of Prague, the Storch House and House of Gold Ring. One of the most popular features is the oldest operational astronomical clock.
Also, there are a number of Gothic watchtowers in Prague.
You can even climb on 2 of them at the end of the Charles Bridge. You can also visit amazing Prague Castle and walk around this magic destination.
Prague is also famous for the Medieval taverns.
To see more of the medieval Europe you can travel to Karlovy Vary and visit Karlštejn Castle and Bone Chapel, which is made of 40 000 human skeletons.
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Mont Saint Michel, France
The Mont-Saint-Michel island is for sure among the top medieval places to visit in France. Mont Saint Michel is a tiny medieval town with 44 residents only.
The Mont Saint Michel village is located on the top of a rocky hill, in the Northern coast of France.
The Mont-Saint-Michel must be one of the best preserved Medieval cities in Europe. It can be easily reached by foot and walking to the island will take approximately 30 minutes.
A nice modern road to Mont Saint Michel Medieval city has been built in 2013, which makes the city more convenient to access.
For many years this magical spot was one of main pilgrimage destinations in Europe. Today Mont-Saint-Michel island is the world known travel destination and UNESCO World heritage site.
If you are visiting France, make sure to plan a trip to this breathtaking bay to find out what were medieval towns like.
Siena, Italy
To see the real jam of Italy you should visit Siena. This is a small medieval city located in Tuscan region. In the center of the town of Siena you will find Piazza del Campo, built in 1300s. This medieval square is still very popular and various local public events are often organized here.
Plenty of medieval buildings are surrounding this charming square, which looks like an inverted clamshell in shape. 2 times a year Piazza del Campo turns into scene for horse racing. Famous Palio di Siena horse racing has been organized in Siena since 1200.
This medieval square can accommodate 30 000 visitors, who travel to Siena to watch the exciting horse race.
But Siena is famous also for amazing medieval architecture, and Palazzo Pubblico is of them. Palazzo Pubblico or Town Hall is located on the main city square, so you should be able to find it easily.
Construction works of Palazzo Pubblico started in 1927 and the purpose of this building was to create the seat for the Government of Siena. Palazzo Pubblico is an impressive building and one of the top tourist attractions in the medieval city of Siena.
If you are traveling to Siena make sure to visit the Town Hall, and the Torre del Mangia, or the Tower of the Eater. You can climb the tower and enjoy the stunning views of the medieval city. The construction works of the Tower of the Eater were completed in 1348. The height of the tower is 289 feet.
In 1215 another beautiful spot was built in Siena – Duomo. This is Cathedral of Siena, which is very popular among the tourists visiting Italy. Beautiful mosaic floors, Donatello and Michelangelo artworks attract thousands of people from different parts of the world.
If you would like to learn more about the medieval Italy, check Santa Maria della Scala – a medieval museum, which used to be a hospital. Santa Maria della Scala is situated next to the Cathedral.
You will also like visiting medieval castles: Castello Meleto Castle Winery, Castello di Barone Ricasoli and Castello di Celsa.
Carcassonne, France
In order to see the most beautiful medieval towns of Europe you need to visit Carcassonne – a fortified city in Aude department, France. The whole village is surrounded by a huge medieval wall.
This medieval citadel is also called Cité de Carcassonne and is now in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The construction works of the Carcassonne fortifications started in 100BC by the Romans. Due to a convenient trading crossroads location the Carcassonne developed into a powerful military fortification.
You will enjoy walking in the Medieval streets of the city, stunning views opening from the height into the countryside and the medieval town layout.
Carcassonne is one of the most beautiful medieval destinations to visit in France.
Colmar, France
Colmar is located in the North-Eastern France. This is an amazing town, where you will see a mixture of brightly colored buildings, the Little Venice district, canals, and plenty of awesome buildings related to 1600s.
You can plan a trip to the Oeuvre Notre-Dame Art Museum in Colmar, and Fishmonger’s District.
Colmar is famous for winery production, so if you are visiting Colmar do not miss a chance to try one of the best white wines.
Make sure to include 2 more destinations, which are located near Colmar – Eguisheim and Riquewihr. These are the two wine towns and you can travel there by car or take a local bus from Colmar.
San Gimignano, Italy
San Gimignano is another medieval city you will enjoy visiting. It is a bit smaller compared to Siena city, which by the way is located not far from San Gimignano.
The main distinctive feature, which makes San Gimignano stand out from the list of the medieval towns in Europe are the watchtowers. San Gimignano is located on the hill and numerous watchtowers make this place look even taller.
As of today there are 15 tower houses, which still are in a good condition. The towers, which make San Gimignano look fabulous, belonged to famous and powerful families.
Ownership of such a tower was an indicator that the family was rich and influential in the region.
Similar towers had been built in other cities of Italy as well, but because of the wars and time they were destroyed unfortunately.
San Gimignano is one popular tourist destination in Tuscan, and you will enjoy visiting it.
Saint Paul de Vence, France
Visiting Saint Paul de Vence would be one of your best travel experiences for sure! Saint Paul de Vence is a small village, located between Antibes and Nice in the South of France.
The best time to visit Saint Paul de Vence and really enjoy this amazing travel spot is early in the morning if you are traveling in summer. In high season it is always full of tourists and you will not be able to enjoy the real atmosphere of this cozy medieval city.
Saint Paul de Vence is an absolutely beautiful destination to visit and this is why so many famous people had chosen to live in Saint Paul de Vence.
You will find plenty of art galleries and shops in the medieval streets of Saint Paul de Vence.
Also you will enjoy the marvelous views opening from the Saint Paul de Vence city walls.
Venice, Italy
One of the most romantic medieval cities of the world is Venice. This is a dream place for many couples, who travel to Venice to spend their honeymoons.
What makes medieval Venice so special? First of all Venice is an unusual city – it is located on 118 tine islands and counts more than 400 bridges. There is no other place like that. The layout of Venice remains for centuries unchanged, and tourists travel to Venice to see one of the most beautiful medieval cities of the world.
And even though the architecture of Venice had a great impact by the Renaissance period, there are plenty of Medieval buildings and streets.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a medieval city in Europe, where you will admire the calm lifestyle, beautiful surroundings and find out more interesting facts about this destination. The village is located near the lake Hallstatt, in Salzkammergut region of Austria.
There are plenty of cozy cafes and shops in Hallstatt and most of them are located in medieval houses!
In Hallstatt you can visit Market Square, the Bone Chapel, see the wooden headstones in the local cemetery, and to make your trip to Hallstatt even more romantic – take a boat tour on the lake.
If you travel itinerary permits, you can also plan a trip to Salt Mine – this is one of the oldest mines in the world.
These are some of the Most Beautiful Medieval Towns of Europe and we hope you will share your travel experience once visiting them.
Just a note for everyone, who plans to visit Prague – the best view over Prague is from the Old Town Hall Tower! Good luck and enjoy your trips!
Prague is beautiful! By the way, you can take 1 day trips from Prague to see more beautiful places nearby: Terezin, Karlstejn, Karlovy Vary, Cesky Krumlov, Telc, Ostrava, etc.
Hi, did medieval cities have walls?
Yes, medieval cities had walls, they were meant to protect the cities and their inhabitants from the enemies. The walls were massive structures, usually with the guard towers to observe the territory nearby. Today we can enjoy a number of places, where the medieval cities have well preserved walls.
Great article! thank you very for sharing these beautiful images of the medieval towns in Europe!
Does anybody know, what is the most well preserved medieval city in Europe? Thank you!
Prague is considered to be the most well preserved medieval city in Europe, as it was almost undamaged after the World War I and WWII. Today Prague remains one of the top travel destinations in Europe.
I agree with the previous comment, Prague is one of the best preserved cities in Europe, also Colmar is a well – preserved city, I am sure everyone will enjoy this travel site!
Hello, What were towns called in Medieval times? I think I read somewhere the towns were called in a bit different way in Middle Ages.
Hi, as far as I remember towns in the Medieval times were called Castles towns in Europe.
Hello, I like visiting places and medieval towns are very interesting in my point view. What was life like in medieval towns in Europe? Can you please tell more?
Well, according to historical facts life in the medieval towns was not easy. Most of people worked on farms. Things began to change only in the 12th century, when these towns started to develop, new trade routes and castles were built.
I highly recommend visiting Saint Paul de Vence, if you are will be traveling to France. This is a beautiful medieval town, located in amazing place among the mountains. We have spent there half a day, this is was enough for 1 day trip. But next time I would love to visit Saint Paul de Vence again, there is definitely some magic in this place!
Hi Natalie! I have been in Saint Paul de Vence, and totally agree with you – this place is worth visiting! Beautiful village near French Riviera is awesome.
Hi All, I am going to Prague with my boyfriend in April, what places would you recommend to visit first of all?
Prague is a beautiful city and there are plenty of places where you should go to feel the atmosphere of the city and the medieval spirit of this place. I would suggest you visit the Old Town Hall, look at the city from the rooftop, visit the astronomic clock and watch the show, which is on every hour, and if time permits, walk the Royal Route. These are the top things to do when visiting Prague in my view, but I am sure you will find more when start exploring this beautiful city!
I think Venice is the most beautiful medieval city to be honest. This is a special place with its own atmosphere and charm. I am trying to visit Venice as often as possible 🙂 This is my favorite destination to travel!!
Are there any medieval towns left? Thanks!