Medieval Cities of Europe: 10 Places to See on the Route
Explore 10 medieval cities in Europe that have preserved their historic architecture over the centuries. The route covers Rottenburg in Germany, Eguisheim in France, Bruges in Belgium, Carcassonne in France, San Gimignano in Italy, Óbidos in Portugal, and Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, totaling 9,263 km of travel through urban centers with Gothic and Renaissance characteristics.
- Distance
- 9263.0 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Alemanha
- End
- Ghent, Bélgica
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Alemanha — An intact walled city with cobblestone streets, medieval towers, and half-timbered houses that preserve the atmosphere of the 16th century.
- Eguisheim, França — A concentric Alsatian village with colorful spiral houses, surrounding vineyards, and architecture typical of the Alsace region.
- Bruges, Bélgica — A medieval Belgian town center with picturesque canals, a Gothic belfry, and cobblestone squares that retain the charm of the 14th and 15th centuries.
- Carcassonne, França — A fortress with double medieval walls and superimposed defensive towers, dominating the plateau of southern France since the 12th century.
- San Gimignano, Itália — A Tuscan town crowned by 14 medieval stone towers that rise dramatically above the vineyards and rural landscape.
- Óbidos, Portugal — A fortified village with white walls, surrounded by intact ramparts, featuring narrow, labyrinthine streets and houses with blue tiles.
- Český Krumlov, República Checa — A city with a Gothic-Renaissance castle reflected in the Vltava River, with pastel-colored Baroque houses surrounding the historic center.
- Tallinn, Estônia — A medieval capital with preserved walls and towers, and red-roofed mansions in the old town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Monschau, Alemanha — A Rhine village with half-timbered houses nestled in the rocky valley of the Rur River, surrounded by a landscape of densely forested hills.
- Ghent, Bélgica — A medieval Flemish center with romantic canals, historic abbeys, and Gothic architecture that rivaled Bruges in commercial importance.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber at sunset, when the long shadows transform the city into a golden and magical setting.
- Tip
- Don't miss the Plönlein, Rothenburg's iconic intersection with a little yellow house in the center and two medieval towers in the background.
- Food
- Try the ginginha served in chocolate cups, a local tradition that unites tourists and locals in Óbidos.
- Timing
- Visit Tallinn in winter when everything is covered in snow, creating a magical epic movie atmosphere.
- Tip
- Camine through the circular streets of Eguisheim that swirl around the old castle in a spiral for beautiful perspectives.
- Tip
- Explore Bruges especially along the banks of the canals in Rosen Hodkai to see the most romantic and cinematic side of the city.
- Timing
- Visit Carcassonne at night when the yellowish lighting transforms the fortress into something completely magical.
- Tip
- Climb the walls of Óbidos to enjoy breathtaking views with red roofs, a castle in the background and soft light.
- Tip
- Visit the Gravenstein Castle in Ghent, which looks like a sleeping giant in the heart of the city.
- Food
- Explore the vineyards that surround San Gimignano and enjoy the aroma of wine, fresh bread, and local artisanal cheeses.
Video on this route
10 Medieval European Cities So Magical They Look Like Fairytale Settings | 10k Special!