Looking for an authentic medieval experience beyond the crowded tourist cities?

Medieval walled towns in Europe offer travelers the rare opportunity to walk ancient ramparts, sleep within centuries-old walls, and explore perfectly preserved streetscapes that seem frozen in time.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated fortress-hopping journey or seeking unique stops for your European adventure, these 15 remarkable walled towns deserve a place on your itinerary.
Most Magnificent Medieval Walled Towns in Europe
Ready your camera and walking shoes as we guide you through Europe’s most impressive walled towns, each offering a unique glimpse into the continent’s dramatic past.
1. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
One of the best medieval towns in France, Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s remarkable 16th-century ramparts crown a hilltop in the French Riviera.
Built from local stone, the perfectly preserved walls feature distinctive rounded bastions and the imposing Porte Royale gateway.
These classic Renaissance fortifications offer breathtaking views over the Mediterranean and Provence countryside.
2. Óbidos, Portugal
Among the finest medieval European towns with walls, Óbidos rises dramatically from the Portuguese countryside, encircled by imposing crenellated fortifications reaching heights of 13 meters.
The 1.5-kilometer circuit features four square gates, including the stunning azulejo-decorated Main Gate, and offers panoramic views of whitewashed houses and the surrounding landscape.
3. Monteriggioni, Italy
This perfectly circular medieval town sits atop a Tuscan hill, looking much as it did when Dante mentioned it in his Divine Comedy. It is one of the best hidden gems in Tuscany that you should see!
The 570-meter circuit, built in 1214-1219, features 14 square towers and varies between 6-14 meters high, offering stunning views over the Chianti countryside.
4. Korčula, Croatia
One of the most distinctive medieval walled towns in Europe, Korčula showcases impressive Venetian maritime fortifications built between the 13th-15th centuries.
The oval-shaped walls feature round towers and innovative elements like the revelin, with stepped battlements and strategic gates offering magnificent views over the Pelješac channel.
Not only is it one of the best medieval towns in Europe, but Korčula is also one of the best islands to visit in Europe for a vacation!
5. Montagnana, Italy
Rising from the Veneto plain, Montagnana’s imposing walls form one of the most complete medieval circuits in existence.
The 2-kilometer ring of fortifications includes 24 hexagonal towers and reaches heights of up to 24 meters, creating an imposing defensive system.
Built in the 14th century, the walls feature three original gates and maintain their original walkway around the entire circuit.
6. Tossa de Mar, Spain
The Vila Vella (Old Town) of Tossa de Mar stands as the only remaining fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast.
Its 14th-century walls incorporate three impressive cylindrical towers – Codolar, Homenatge, and Joanàs – alongside four smaller towers.
7. Aigues-Mortes, France
Standing stark against the Camargue marshlands, Aigues-Mortes, one of the most unique towns in France, presents a textbook example of 13th-century military architecture.
The perfectly rectangular walls stretch for 1,640 meters, punctuated by six towers and five principal gates.
Built under Saint Louis as a crusader port, the fortifications remain remarkably intact, rising 11 meters high with an imposing presence across the flat landscape.
8. Mdina, Malta
Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina’s honey-colored walls rise dramatically from the Maltese landscape. It is one of the most unique cities in Europe, that warrants a visit!
The fortifications combine medieval architecture with baroque elements, featuring deep moats, robust bastions, and the impressive Greek’s Gate entrance.
The walls, built and modified between the 13th and 16th centuries, reflect multiple architectural influences from the island’s rich history of defensive innovation.
9. Morella, Spain

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, Morella’s walls stretch for 2.5 kilometers, encompassing both the town and its castle.
The 14th-century fortifications feature 14 towers and several well-preserved gates, including the impressive Portal de San Miguel.
10. Cittadella, Italy
This remarkably preserved town features a perfect circle of medieval walls, stretching 1.7 kilometers with a unique elliptical shape.
The 13th-century fortifications include 36 towers, four gates, and a complete wall-walk offering 360-degree views.
The recently restored rampart path allows visitors to circle the entire town at rooftop level, providing an unparalleled perspective of medieval military architecture.
11. Gradara, Italy
This perfectly preserved medieval town rises above the hills of Le Marche, crowned by its 12th-century castle and encircled by a rare double wall system.
The inner and outer defensive walls, built in the 12th and 14th centuries, feature an 800-meter circuit with towers, battlements, and walkable parapets offering panoramic views of the countryside.
12. Albarracín, Spain
Rising dramatically in a curve of the Guadalaviar river, Albarracín’s pink-hued medieval walls climb steep rocky outcrops.
The defensive system, blending 11th-century Islamic and 14th-century Christian military architecture, includes towers and gates that integrate perfectly with the dramatic terrain.
13. Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Though technically a commune rather than a town, Le Mont-Saint-Michel’s medieval walls rank among Europe’s most spectacular fortifications.
The ramparts ascend the iconic rocky island in a spiral, incorporating multiple defensive towers and gates.
Built primarily in the 13th and 14th centuries, the walls seamlessly integrate with both the abbey complex and the natural rock formation, creating an unparalleled example of medieval military and religious architecture.
14. Anghiari, Italy
Dramatically positioned above steep slopes, Anghiari’s 13th-century walls demonstrate classic medieval military architecture.
The fortifications include robust bastions and well-preserved gates, with the walls following the natural contours of the hillside.
The defensive system incorporates unique architectural elements adapted to the challenging terrain, showcasing medieval builders’ skill at working with the landscape.
15. Hostalric, Spain
Dominating its hilltop position, Hostalric’s medieval walls showcase classical Catalan military architecture.
The 12th-century fortifications feature an impressive series of towers and walkways, with the walls connecting to a formidable fortress.
The defensive system takes full advantage of the natural topography, creating an impressive example of medieval military engineering that remains largely intact today.
Final Thoughts on Europe’s Best Medieval Walled Towns
From sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines to mist-covered hilltops, these 15 remarkable walled towns offer travelers an authentic journey into medieval Europe.
Each preserves not just its ancient fortifications, but the timeless atmosphere of life within the walls.
Visit one or visit them all – each offers its own unique glimpse into Europe’s dramatic past.
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