Get Lost in the Charm and Beauty of These Well-Preserved European Cities and Unleash Your Inner Medieval Traveler
Europe boasts countless picturesque towns and cities that have retained their medieval charm and character for you to road-trip to. If you’re a history buff or love exploring new places, you’ll find plenty of options.
In this roundup, we’ll look at five medieval cities in Europe to road-trip to. These itineraries can quickly fill a week of your travel itinerary. From Bruges’s canals to Carcassonne’s fortified walls, these towns offer a glimpse into a bygone era and provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Here are five medieval cities in Europe that you could visit in a week:
- Bruges, Belgium: This picturesque town is often called the “Venice of the North” due to its network of canals and well-preserved medieval architecture. Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts charming cobblestone streets, historic churches, and quaint shops and cafes.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: Rothenburg is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany to road-trip to. Its well-preserved ramparts and towers make it feel like you’ve returned in time. The town is also home to the famous Christmas Museum and the Gothic St. Jakob’s Church.
- Tallinn, Estonia: Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved medieval center. Its cobbled streets are lined with historic buildings, including the Gothic Town Hall and St. Olaf’s Church.
- Carcassonne, France: Carcassonne is a fortified town in the Languedoc region of France. Its well-preserved walls and towers date back to the 13th century, and one of the medieval cities that history dates back to Roman times.
- York, England: York is a historic walled city in northern England. Its medieval center is home to numerous historic buildings and attractions, including the York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the Shambles, a narrow street lined with medieval buildings.
One road-trip options could combine Bruges, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Carcassonne into a more extended trip as they are located in the central part of Europe.
Another combination could be road-trip frrom Tallinn and York, as they are both in northern Europe. However, as they are far apart, you would need to factor in the logistics of getting from one place to another.
Did you know?
Bruges, Belgium, is known for its chocolate-making heritage, and visitors can find numerous chocolatiers throughout the town. The famous Belgian chocolate brand, Godiva, was founded in Brussels, but its first boutique was established in Bruges in 1958.
Visitors can still indulge in Bruges’ chocolate scene by taking chocolate-making workshops, visiting chocolate shops, or simply enjoying a hot chocolate or a chocolate dessert in one of the town’s cozy cafes.
A little history:
During the Middle Ages, these towns were often important trading centers and played a significant role in shaping Europe’s economic and political landscape.
Many of these towns were fortified to protect against enemy attacks and were built with narrow, winding streets to make it difficult for invaders to navigate.
Over the years, some of these medieval cities fell into disrepair and were forgotten, while others were preserved and became popular tourist destinations.
Road-tripping to medieval cities in Europe can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to see some of Europe’s most picturesque towns and villages, but you also get to experience the beauty and diversity of the continent’s landscapes.
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rugged coastlines of the British Isles, road-trip to explore stops along the way and discover hidden gems.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Europe, a road trip to medieval cities is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the continent.
