The Most Enchanting Medieval Europe Towns
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Europe has been a seat of many kingdoms for centuries; the result is that Europe is sprinkled with ornate cathedrals, resilient fortifications, and beautiful castles everywhere you look.
So, let’s check some of these medieval towns from Europe each with a thrilling legend attached.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague oozes history in every inch that truly transports you back into the medieval era. The entire city is like an open-air museum and best explored by strolling around especially across the 600-year-old Charles Bridge with its charming sandstone, architecture, and 30 bewitching Christian statues lining the balustrades. Just under the bridge floats the Vltava River which offers an enticing cruise to soak in the illuminated city including the Prague castle. Its gothic architecture is spellbinding and it has seen many royal coronations over centuries gone by but the most exciting legends come from the Golden Lane.
BERGEN NORWAY
Believed to be established by Olaf III of Norway after the Viking age has been one of Norway’s most important trading cities. Known for its stockfish trade, the city became one of the largest trade centers in Europe. Its most historic district Bergen means the dock in German, you can still find the colorful wooden houses preserved from olden times that served as merchant buildings. Although trading has significantly reduced, these houses still offer amazing intense worthy backdrops.
Some of these wooden houses were destroyed in fires but over the years it is restored using the traditional method to keep the visual appeal intact.
TALLINN ESTONIA
Tallinn the capital of Estonia has seen many rulers come and go. Located on the south coast of the Gulf of Finland it has witnessed a rare mixture of history and traditions. Although Tallinn offers so many legends nothing even comes close to the legend of the Olaviste church which is now known as Saint Olaf’s church. Back in the day Tallinn was undergoing an economic slowdown and needed to become a prominent seaport. The people there decided to build the highest church on what was then a hilltop to attract the sea merchants after searching for a craftsman for days.
SAN GIMIGNANO ITALY
San Gimignano is a Tucson hill town that is stunning whose towered skylines steal many hearts every day and so it’s deservedly known as the city of fine towers. Originally comprising 72 towers, now there are only 14 lefts. Climb upon any of these to enjoy a surreal bird’s eye view or check out the festive frescoes at the museums depicting how people dressed and lived in the 14th century. One particular tower that should grab your attention is the Torri de Salvucci. Salvucci was one of the wealthiest spice traders of medieval times and arch enemies of another wealthy family. When Arden jellies built one of the towers in the city the Salvucci couldn’t stay behind they built two towers.
AVILA SPAIN
Castles and towers are pretty common, medieval relics in most towns but its city wall distinguishes Avila. Situated at the west of Madrid in Spain’s Castile and Lyon region Avila always became the battlefield for the war between the two Kingdoms in Spain. The Christians ruled the north and the caliphate of the south during the 11th century. Avilas population was in imminent need of protection and thus the wall was constructed. With 88 circular towers and nine gates, the wall spans over 2.5kms enclosing the entire old town. The towers look like the rook in the chess game making the whole tower look all the more beautiful. Even after 900 years the walls still stand strong protecting its 12th to 16th-century monasteries, basilicas, and convents.
SIGHISOARA ROMANIA
Central Romania instantly reminds you of count Dracula and rightly so because it’s the birthplace of Vlad Dracula the ruler of Wallachia from the 15th century who inspired the fictional character Count Dracula. But the region also offers many more intriguing legends dating back to the 12th century. During this time the Saxons from north Western Europe raided this region and built their new home Siebenbergen which means seven fortresses in German. Sighisoara is one of these fortresses enclosing the medieval town of the same name. This perfectly intact gem of the town offers unique architectural treasures such as nine towers, burger houses, narrow passageways, and cobblestoned and ornate churches.
CITTA DI SAN MARINO SAN MARINO
San Marino is a small but independent republic situated on the slopes of Mount titans. Although surrounded by Italian territory on all sides. It has remained independent since its origin in the 4th century except for a brief German occupation in WW II. Not even Napoleon tried taking over its independence as the legend goes in the 4th century. Saint marines fled to this region to escape persecution, its rich mineral resources also always interested the neighboring bishops and lords to protect themselves. The city built three intimidating stone fortresses.
MONT SAINT MICHEL FRANCE
Remember the iconic castle where Rapunzel was locked away, well that was inspired by Mont Saint Michel a gothic Benedictine Abbey surrounded by a medieval village and it is situated on a tidal island near Normandy. The abbey was constructed because of a dream in the year 708, the archangel Michael appeared in bishop Auberge of France’s vision and instructed him to build this church. After ignoring him the first two times the bishop went on with it when the archangel chastised him the third time. In the 10th century, the abbey became a very popular pilgrimage site because of its arduous yearning. The region still experiences the largest tides in Europe some can even reach 14 meters, so pilgrims could visit only during low tides.
We hope you have enjoyed this article written by Angel Halam. To read more travel stories and articles you can check out our travel site.
Europe has been a seat of many kingdoms for centuries; the result is that Europe is sprinkled with ornate cathedrals, resilient fortifications, and beautiful castles everywhere you look.We hope you have enjoyed this article written by Angel Halam. To read more travel stories and articles you can check out our travel site. Month-end cash problems? Get your Booking today to enjoy some real-time bonus. From exciting travel offers and discounts to coupons, it’s just a few clicks away. Grab them now!!
Author: Angel Halum from sooperarticles.com
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