Do Fence Me In: Discovering Europe’s Walled Cities

How ironic that the walls built around European cities centuries ago to keep people out are now drawing them in. Part of what makes European walled cities so special is that finding one with its walls intact is extremely rare. But when you do find it, it’s like finding a time machine and traveling back to the distant past. Here are some European walled cities that you’ll never forget.

Avila, Spain

Not only does Avila have its medieval city walls intact, but it’s also got one of the largest collections of Romanesque and Gothic churches anywhere. Known as the City of Song and Saints, this city in Castile-Leon boasts walls dating from the 11th century. You can get up close and personal every day as the wall walk (Passeig del la Muralla) is open daily from 8 am until 10 pm. If you want views of the walls rather than from them, then take the Passeig Arqueologic, which circles the walls from outside. Located just 115 kilometres northwest of Madrid, Avila makes a wonderful daytrip from the capital city, and as the rest of the city doesn’t have too many sights to offer, you can combine it with a visit to Escorial, which is on the way. If, however, you want to linger, there are many great Avila hotels as well.

Carcassonne, France

With Europe’s most complete 6th, 7th and 8th century walls, Carcassonne provides an experience unlike any anywhere. Whether you stay in a Carcassonne hotel in the old town surrounded by history or along the river below, with its romantic view of La Cite lit up at night, Carcassonne offers many unforgettable views. The walls actually span a much longer time period, with a section dating back to the Romans and a tower (one of many) dating from the 13th century Inquisition, which is still known as The Inquisition Tower. There’s even a good old-fashioned drawbridge, and if you want to experience the dark side of the dark ages, you can visit the Musée de la Torture to see some of the original torture devices used by the Catholic Church. Inside the city, be sure not to miss the Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse, the Cathedral and the Church of St. Vincent.

Rhodes, Greece

If it’s a moat you want, you’ll find it surrounding the medieval walled City of Rhodes. Along with seven gates, a castle and lots of leftover cannon balls. Though that ancient wonder of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes is long-gone, you can still see the 15th century Grand Master’s Palace, walk down Knights Street and see all the ancient crests and visit the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, named for the city’s 1522 conqueror. It’s no wonder that one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. For a special treat, head to the ancient Byzantine Harbour, which was recently excavated, uncovering shipwrecks spanning the centuries. One of the most unique experiences is wandering the crooked stone walkways of the old city at night, after the shops have been shuttered and with nothing but the occasional electric light to tell you that you’re in the 21st century and not the 12th. This can be easily achieved by staying in a Rhodes hotel.

Rothenburg, Germany

Nowhere is Germany’s famed Romantic Road more romantic than in the walled city of Rothenburg. One of the country’s favorite tourist attractions, this ancient city offers a large collection of traditional half-timbered houses and a large town square that offers concerts in the summer and delicious food all year round. There’s even a Puppen und Spielzeugmuseum featuring dolls and toys. If you need a break from all the good feelings and charm, you can head to the Kriminalmuseum and get an exhaustive view of 1,000 years of judicial punishment, which takes the form of instruments of torture and information about the witch trials for which they were used. Ah, yes. The walls. Rothenburg’s ancient covered walls are open to all who want to walk them. Which is easy when you stay at one of Rothenburg’s many hotels.

York, England

If you’re looking for the United Kingdom’s best preserved city walls, you’ll find three and a half kilometres worth surrounding the medieval city of York. Set between London and Edinburgh, York was always a strategic city, which explains why it boasted such impenetrable walls. It also explains its mind-boggling array of 45 towers. Don’t miss the famous York ginnels, which are fifty-plus small thoroughfares within the walls which can be used as medieval short-cuts to explore the city. And don’t miss all the historical treasures inside the city, from the iconic cathedral to the York Dungeon to the York Castle Museum to the world’s largest Railway Museum. Though the modern city has far outgrown its walls, many of York’s hotels can be found within the old city limits.