Inspiration Blog: Top Medieval Cities in Europe - Part 1

Top Medieval Cities in Europe - Part 1

Nothing delights me more than finding a medieval gem, whether it’s an imposing castle, a glorious gothic cathedral, or a narrow cobbled street with chocolate-box leaning buildings. Most European cities will have a glimpse to the medieval world, with buildings surviving the ages and enduring various historical events on route, but some cities have stood the test of time with how much of this era has survived. Here are my top five places in Europe for medieval architecture, along with stand out places to get your renaissance or gothic fix:

Where to Go:

1. Prague, Czechia: Prague is one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, and is often called the “Paris of Central Europe”. It’s home to an impressive collection of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, influenced by its position between Eastern and Western influences throughout its history, and being one-time capital of the wealthy Bohemian crown. To fully appreciate this medieval beauty, take a few moments getting to know the Old Town Square and the colourful houses that surround it, wander across the Charles Bridge, and look up at the soaring St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle on the hill opposite. While in Prague, don’t miss out on a walk through the Jewish Quarter to see the historic synagogues and cemetery, enjoy a beer (after all it is the capital of Pilsner) at one of the city’s many pubs, and don’t miss the chance to see a classical music concert at one of Prague’s beautiful concert halls.

2. Bruges, Belgium: The “Venice of the North” is often called this because of its huge network of canals, built by the merchant Hanseatic League to expand and capitalize on easy access to cross channel trade with medieval Britain. Bruges became rich because of this trade, and spent its Golden Age being a hub of medieval culture and design with trading links stretching as far as Russia and even Lebanon. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the medieval centre is a magnet for history-lovers, including the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady, the amazing Belfry tower, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. You should also take a canal boat tour to see the city from the way the medieval merchants would have to transport you back to the Flemish Golden Age. While there, immerse yourself in one of Belgium’s most famous passions at a chocolate-making workshop, or take a break from shopping at one of the many small boutiques with some of the city's famous waffles.

3. Tallinn, Estonia: Tallinn is a charming city with a beautifully preserved medieval old town, crowned with the imposing Toompea Castle always glimpsing above the buildings of the town below. Other jewels of the city include the Town Hall Square, and Gothic-Style St. Olaf’s Church, while the museum-obsessed will also appreciate the Estonian Maritime Museum (built within one of the huge towers of the town wall rather uncharitably called “Fat Margaret”) and the KUMU Art Museum on the edge of the vast Kadriorg Park. Why not walk through the suburb of Kalamaja, filled with traditional timber houses, to the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour - which is now also an arm of the Estonian Maritime Museum - to learn more about modern maritime history.

4. Carcassonne, France: If your idea of a medieval city is of Disney like confection of conically topped towers and honey-coloured city walls, then Carcassonne will definitely scratch your itch. Like Bruges, the Old Town of Carcassonne was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1997, citing its exceptional preservation and historical importance. The entire city is surrounded by huge walls, towers, and ramparts and are a must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in medieval military architecture. The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire is another impressive remnant of Gothic architecture, with beautiful vaulting and stained glass grandeur inside. You can also explore the narrow streets (they’re easy to get lost in) and try the fantastic Occitanian wine and cuisine while you’re here.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Scottish capital is a city with a rich history, and the medieval Royal Mile is the most spectacular showcase of medieval architecture in the country. At one end, Edinburgh Castle looms above the New Town (not that new) from its position on top of remains of an extinct volcano. Next stop, the magnificent St. Giles’ Cathedral, notable most recently for the laying in state of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, and at the bottom of the hill, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland. The Royal Mile is lined with medieval buildings and really comes alive during the Edinburgh Festival in the Summer, arguably Europe's (if not the world’s) pre-eminent cultural festival. While you are here, make sure you also climb Arthur’s Seat for spectacularly wild inner-city views of Edinburgh old town, and get to grips with Scottish whisky at one of the many bars that line Cockburn Street.

Extra One: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a small town that packs a huge medieval punch, with a fantastically preserved core of half-timbered houses surrounded by city walls, and the impressive St. Jakob’s Church and Town Hall. Take a tour of the Medieval Crime Museum to learn about the history of crime and punishment in Europe, but Rothenburg really comes alive at Christmas. Take in the lights and culture of the traditional Christmas market, or visit the Christmas Museum to learn about traditions from around the world. 

Travel Consciously:

All of these cities have withstood many trials and tribulations in their histories to be as well preserved as they are today, so when visiting, be mindful of leaving the city as you left it for other travelers in years to come:

• Never buy artifacts or antiques that may have been sourced unethically, and consider buying gifts that are made by locals.

• Walking is a great way to see the architecture of a city, and is eco-friendly.

• Try local cuisine, rather than cuisine native to different cultures, but be mindful of foods that are sourced or made unethically, and consider exploring vegetarian meals too.

• Think about visiting these cities out of the traditional tourist season to minimize your impact on locals and to avoid becoming part of an over-tourism problem.

To end, Europe is home to some incredible medieval architecture, and I've barely scratched the surface of all of the amazingly preserved cities that can be found all across Europe. So whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just taking in the sights, a visit to any of these cities will be a memorable experience.

If you want to discover more Middle Age gems in Europe, then why not check out my part two of the Top Medieval Cities in Europe post.