Foreign passports and documents

Ancient names of medieval cities: list, history and interesting facts. The most beautiful small medieval cities in Europe Internal fortifications of the city

December 19, 2012, 21:11

Hello, gossip girls! Recently I visited my friends in the Carpathians... skied, visited stunningly beautiful and original Western Ukrainian cities, and even visited St. Nicholas. In general, I had great pleasure and was absolutely fascinated by Zapadenschina :-) I would like to introduce you to my favorite places on this earth 1. Yaremcha is a city of regional significance in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine.
This is a small cozy town on the Prut River, in the heart of the Carpathians, on the territory of the Carpathian Natural National Park and Biosphere Reserve. This is the land of the Hutsuls. Ideally clean air and water, which have never known industrial waste, the aroma of endless coniferous forests and healthy natural food can give a heroic experience. In the 19th century it was a favorite holiday destination for wealthy people from Poland and Austria-Hungary.
2. Mukachevo is a city of regional subordination in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine. Holidays in Mukachevo attracts tourists primarily due to the abundance of historical and architectural monuments. Particularly popular are the ancient building of the Transcarpathian State Russian Drama Theater, St. Nicholas Convent, the Greek Catholic Monastery of St. Basil the Great, a branch of the Catholic monastery of the Eastern Vicariate of the Dominican Male Order in Ukraine, and Palanok Castle. The atmosphere of the city is steeped in history and encourages leisurely walks along the ancient streets.
3. Ivano-Frankivsk is the administrative center of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, a significant economic and cultural center in western Ukraine.
Ivano-Frankivsk is a beautiful ancient city with a long history, located between Nadvirnyanska and Solotvynska Bistritsa, just before the Carpathians. Holidays in Ivano-Frankivsk are mainly chosen by tourists who have already fallen in love with Lviv, Prague and other cities with an aristocratic character and extensive history. Thanks to French and Italian architects, the city has many beautiful buildings in the Renaissance style, medieval castles and temples - representatives of the Baroque.

4. Lviv is a city of regional subordination in Ukraine, the regional center of the Lviv region
Lviv is the eternal city of the Ukrainian-Polish borderland, where traditions, cultures and languages ​​have been mixed for centuries. Thus, as a result of mutual borrowing, at the end of the 19th century, “Lviv Govirka” was formed in the urban environment - a dialect formed as a result of mixing Ukrainian and Polish languages ​​interspersed with German and Jewish vocabulary. This is the language that residents of the Lviv region communicate in. Residents of Lviv are considered to be right-wing and the city is a “stronghold of nationalism.” Majestic, unique architecture, narrow medieval streets, original restaurants... There is a lot of different information about Lviv, often contradictory, but one thing is certain: this city is large, ancient and so beautiful that it resembles an open-air architectural museum. Moreover, you don’t need to look for beautiful views here, Lviv is one of those cities where there is interest in every nook and cranny and here’s why: throughout its existence, Lviv was part of several European countries. The memory of those times lives in his houses...





5. Uzhgorod is a city in western Ukraine, the administrative center of the Transcarpathian region.
Uzhgorod is truly a “Window to Europe”: it is rightfully considered one of the most important Ukrainian and European historical centers, known far beyond the Old World. Throughout its more than thousand-year history, Uzhgorod has changed hands more than once, changing its rulers and “masters.” The almost six-hundred-year presence of the Hungarians especially affected the architectural appearance of the city - many streets and alleys of Uzhgorod are very similar to the residential areas of Hungarian Debrecen or Budapest: picturesque houses of two or three floors that have preserved medieval ornaments on their walls. This ancient European city has a linden alley, the longest in Europe, as well as magnificent medieval castles and cathedrals, and many other attractions.
6. Chernivtsi is a city in western Ukraine, 40 km north of the Romanian border, on the right bank of the Prut River, the administrative center of the Chernivtsi region. Chernivtsi has long been inhabited by different peoples - Ukrainians, Romanians, Austrians, Armenians, Jews. But this only benefited the architectural appearance of the city. For centuries, living nearby, different peoples - over the centuries - forged something that cannot be taken away, taken away or banned. This is the spirit of Chernivtsi, which can only be felt on the streets of this city.
7. Lutsk is a city in western Ukraine, the administrative center of the Volyn region. One of the oldest cities in Ukraine. The first written mention dates back to 1085. Lutsk is a beautiful historical city, which is already about 925 years old!! This city has an interesting history; many times it was ravaged, destroyed, conquered, and rebuilt. One of the most important buildings, which is already over 800 years old, is the Lutsk castle (also known as Lubart’s castle), located on a hill near the Styr River. Lutsk is an ideal place for those who want to go somewhere for the weekend, have a fun walk, and eat delicious food and feel the atmosphere of antiquity.

Many of these settlements are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These corners of Europe are so beautiful that humanity is obliged to preserve them in their original form.

Albarracin

This medieval small town of 1,097 inhabitants is located in the province of Teruel, Spain, and usually ranks high in all rankings of the most beautiful villages in this country.

Vernazza


It is one of the five gems that make up the Cinque Terre region of Italy - five small fishing towns with World Heritage status. Choosing one of them is an almost impossible task. Vernazza, perhaps, has best preserved the spirit of a maritime citadel.

La Roque-Gageac


Situated at the foot of a cliff on the banks of the Dordogne River, this French city, inhabited since prehistoric times, is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Josselin


This city is located in France, in the Brittany region. This is a fairytale town, famous not only for its beauty, but also for its famous and impressive castle, built around 1008.

Murren


The highest and most beautiful village in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, at an altitude of 1650 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley. Here you can observe three of the most famous mountains in Switzerland: the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

Castle Com


The village of 350 inhabitants is located in Wiltshire, England. This oasis of peace and tranquility was rated as the second best village in the country by the famous British newspaper The Times, and it certainly deserves it.

Rhonda


The “City of Bullfighting” stands on a huge picturesque rock, which makes it so amazingly beautiful.

Tropea


This Italian city is located on the coast of Calabria and is one of the main points of the Italian resort coast. One of its features is the huge cliff that overlooks the beach.

Bibury


For many, including the poet William Morris, Bibury is the most wonderful village in England. Its fourteenth-century houses will transport you to another era.

Freudenberg


The small town of Freudenberg is one of the most charming towns in Germany and Europe. It is located in the region of Siegen-Wittgenstein in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Dinan


The small town with a population of only 14,000 inhabitants is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and spectacular parts of Belgium. It is located on the banks of the Mosa and is sandwiched between rocks, which adds to the uniqueness of the place.

Gengenbach

This fabulous city is located in southern Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, in the Ortenau district of Baden-Württemberg. Due to his extraordinary beauty, he was chosen for the filming of several films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Mykonos Town


Mykonos, also known as Chora, is a beautiful small town on the island of Mykonos (Greece). Its distinctive feature consists of small white and square houses with balconies, doors and windows painted in different colors.

Mortsund


Norwegian Mortsund is an enclave, a haven for fishermen. Its extraordinary beauty and solitude surrounded by nature beckons travelers.

Gruyere


Gruyères is a historical town and municipality in the Swiss canton of Fribourg. Amazing buildings and a medieval castle where nineteen counts lived make it one of the most interesting cities in Europe.

And I


A small town belonging to the island of Santorini, Greece. Hundreds of visitors come to Oia to watch its world famous and beautiful sunset. Oia is also famous for its white volcanic rock houses and blue domed churches.

Mont Saint Michel


The magnificent architecture and bay make Mont Saint-Michel the most visited tourist destination in Normandy and one of the first in France (about 3.2 million visitors per year).

Bled


Bled is a city located on the shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. It is famous for its glacial lake, castles and churches in the surrounding forests. Every year the place attracts more and more tourists.

Reine


Reine was declared the most beautiful village in Norway in the 70s. It has been a trading port since 1793 and a regular destination for cruises on the Norwegian fjords.

San Gimignano


San Gimignano is a small medieval walled town built on top of the hills of Tuscany in Italy. Its characteristic feature is the towers, which make the city a European medieval Manhattan. Academic.ru

Belongs to the district of Ansbach in Bavaria, Germany. It is a world famous tourist attraction due to its well-preserved medieval center. In addition to its beauty, Rothenburg ob der Tauber served as inspiration for the village in Pinocchio.

Colmar


This beautiful fairytale city belongs to the Haut-Rhin department in the Alsace region of France. Walking along its streets, you can enjoy the view of early Renaissance buildings.

Nice-places.com

Hallstatt is a village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. In 1997 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is simply amazing, very cozy and incredibly beautiful!

Today, the phrase spoken by the writer and photographer Ilya Ehrenburg has become a catchphrase: “To see and to die.” But in fact, in Europe, besides Paris (as well as Rome and Naples, where this saying “grows from”), there are so many beautiful places that half a lifetime is not enough to see and explore them. We at TravelAsk decided to make our selection of the most fascinating places in Europe that you need to see before you die. And they are so beautiful that you will definitely want to pack your bags for a trip!

Galesnjak Island, Croatia

Welcome to the Island of Love! A few kilometers from Zadar there is an amazing heart-shaped island called Galesnjak. The island is very small (only 130 square meters) and completely uninhabited. Imagine what a wonderful trip you can take here, or fly over the island in a hot air balloon!

Village of Hallstatt, Austria


This wonderful Austrian village, home to just 800 people, is so beautiful that an exact replica of it has been reproduced in China. It is located near Salzburg, and has been known since the beginning of the 14th century.

Mont Saint Michel, France

One of the most visited places in France, perhaps only surpassed by the Eiffel Tower. This is another symbol of the country that is photographed by travelers from all over the world.

This island-fortress is located in Normandy; the city appeared here in 709! No more than 40 people live here, and the number of guests every year is about two million!

Faroe Islands, Denmark



The Faroe Islands are located between Scotland and Iceland and are autonomous within Denmark. Serenity, green roofs and beautiful landscapes, it seems that here nature has been preserved in its original form. However, not everything here is as calm as it might seem. The locals have a bloody tradition called Grindadrap: they hunt black dolphins. They are driven on boats to the shore and killed with knives and axes.

About a thousand pilot whales are slaughtered here every year. And during the hunt, even the sea turns red.

Meteora, Greece


You've probably seen these majestic monasteries of Greece, famous throughout the world. But you can feel all the harmony of nature, the strength of the human spirit and incredible architecture only here. Monasteries seem to hang in the sky!

Until the beginning of the twentieth century, it was possible to climb to the peaks only using a rope ladder or in special baskets carried by monks. Now there is a permanent staircase, so tourists have much more opportunities to see this miracle.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall is an incredible sight, especially during sunset. Well, its main feature is that you can go behind the waterfall and see it from all sides.

Bled, Slovenia


This wonderful resort town with a population of 5 thousand people has established itself as one of the most beautiful in Europe. The city is located on the shores of Lake Bled and there is definitely something to see.

Bled Castle, built at the beginning of the 10th century on the top of a steep cliff.

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, located on a small island in the middle of Lake Bled.


Oludeniz, Türkiye


Do you think Turkey can no longer surprise you? Check out this beach, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is located, surrounded by mountains, on the territory of a nature reserve, and the hotels here are only first-class. One of the best places to enjoy the turquoise water and peace under the blue flag.

St Kilda, Scotland


St Kilda is a Scottish archipelago located inland from the United Kingdom. And this place is of particular value: marine, natural and cultural; there are very few such places on the planet. The thing is that no one lives here, and in the most densely populated times there were hardly more than 200 people living here. The people here left behind stone houses, giving the islands a special flavor.


However, it has its own inhabitants: birds and animals, you can observe them in the wild.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia


You will surely fall in love with Plitvice Lakes: it is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. 16 large lakes with sky-colored water, which are connected to each other by waterfalls. There are about a hundred of them here. The most interesting thing is that waterfalls appear constantly: the fact is that the mountains here are limestone, they are constantly eroded, and tree trunks that have fallen into the water form natural barriers over time.

Lavender fields, France


These incredible landscapes seem like a fairy tale, but they really exist! To capture this enchanting beauty, millions of travelers travel to Provence. Fluffy lavender fields stretch for several kilometers to the horizon and look more like a soft carpet on which you want to lie down and fall asleep to see even more fantastic dreams, isn’t it?

Dark Hedges Alley, UK


If you think that this fabulous and slightly scary forest is a prop from a science fiction film, you are mistaken. See how amazing nature can be.


These beech trees are about three hundred years old and grow near the village of Armoy in Northern Ireland. Thousands of photographers come here to capture this beautiful alley.

Zaanse Schans, Netherlands


These mills, surrounded by tulip fields, are famous all over the world. - this is not just a village, it is an open-air museum where the best examples of Dutch wooden architecture are presented.

Etna, Italy


By far, Etna is the most famous volcano in Europe. But it is also one of the most active volcanoes in the world: it has more than 100 eruptions in one century. All this power and strength is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes.

Fjords, Norway


This is one of the best places for meditation: rocks and mountains rising from the water, covered with dense greenery and snow caps. You simply must visit here at least once in your life.

The most beautiful cities in Europe are of interest to all tourists who are going to see something new, enjoy a pleasant holiday and just good impressions.

It’s not every day that you get to travel to Europe, so you need to know the top 10 amazing cities that are worth visiting.

If you decide to live in a beautiful place for some time or go for permanent residence, we still recommend paying attention to the very beautiful and quite cozy cities from our rating.

The top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe are revealed by two cities in Italy. Rome is in the first position, but Venice is not far behind, its place is in second.

1 place


Rome is considered the Eternal City; it unites centuries-old history, culture and modernity. Probably the first thing every tourist in Rome will rush to see:

  1. Coliseum. Indeed, this place has become a real symbol of the city and the most famous archaeological site of Rome.
  2. The Roman Forum and the Palatine are considered the center of public life in Ancient Rome. Here were the most important buildings of the city, which now attract many tourists with their picturesqueness. The Roman Forum is simply mesmerizing when viewed during sunset.
  3. Piazza Venezia is considered the most important intersection of the Italian capital; there are always a lot of travelers here, and the main attraction is the impressive Vittoriano monument.
  4. You can see the grandeur of the Christian building dedicated to the pagan Gods if you visit the Pantheon temple. The dome of the structure is considered the largest in the world, in addition, it gives an amazing lighting effect. The Pantheon houses the tombs of famous people, for example, there is the tomb of the world famous artist Raphael.

On a note! The Colosseum is the name of the ancient Roman amphitheater, which at one time saw gladiator fights.

By the way, those who want to return to Rome again should definitely look at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin into it. The size of the fountain is surprising; it is considered one of the examples of Roman Baroque.

2nd place


Venice is not just a pleasant city, but a whole country of love, romance and kisses. You only need to come here with your significant other to plunge into this atmosphere. The fact that the city is located on the water already makes it special, unlike any other. In addition, there is also something to see and enjoy here.

You should carefully examine San Marco, the main square of Venice. All the buildings on it are unique, so if you have time, you should try to examine this place as carefully as possible and record it not only in your memory, but also in photographs.

St. Mark's Cathedral captivates with its charm and grace - it is simply impossible to take your eyes off it. It is a place of pilgrimage and a Christian shrine.

The Doge's Palace will surprise you with its unrealism and grandeur, and the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario will enchant you with the splendor of its facades. The Bridge of Sighs is considered the place where you can see all lovers; there is even a legend that says that a couple who kissed here will be together until the end of their days.

Beautiful Athens and magical Amsterdam

Places 3 and 4 in the top 10 beautiful European cities belong to Athens and Amsterdam.

3rd place


Most travelers come to Athens solely for the sea, but there is a lot to see here. The first thing that will attract the attention of guests of this wonderful city is the Acropolis. This architectural monument is known all over the world; moreover, all of Greece is proud of this historical complex.

An interesting place is the ancient market, which is located at the foot of the Acropolis; it once existed not only as a place of trade, but also as the cultural heart of the city.

Fans of historical sights will be surprised by Keramikos (an ancient city), as well as the archaeological museum and the port of Piraeus, which welcomed merchant ships for more than 2,000 years.

Those who love panoramic views will love the beauty of Philopappou Hill, and those who like something original should visit the Monastiraki market. This is where you can buy amazing souvenirs and gifts for your family.

4th place


To enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam, you must first see the flower market. Just for this place you can fall in love with the city, because here you can find different flowers, the existence of which is difficult to even imagine in your head.

There are other attractions thanks to which Amsterdam attracts tourists. We are talking about Dame Square, where the Royal Palace is located, considered the most famous building in the city.

It’s hard to imagine Amsterdam without a walk through the Red Light District and a tour of the Van Gogh Museum.

Stylish Prague, incomparable Warsaw and Hallstatt

The middle of the top 10 beautiful cities in Europe is Prague, followed by Warsaw and Hallstatt.

5th place

Prague is truly a very beautiful city, it has a lot of incomparable architecture, interesting places and attractions.

You can fall in love with Prague at first sight, regardless of the weather and time of year. Its Old Town Square will convey the atmosphere of medieval architecture and allow you to travel back in time for several hours.

The Old Town Hall will attract special attention. You can enjoy the beauty of the old town with the Charles Bridge, which is considered the most romantic place in Prague. If you make a wish while on this bridge, it will definitely come true. Picturesque views open here in the evening.

6th place

The beauty of Warsaw opens from Palace Square, next to which is the beautiful St. John's Cathedral, and if you look at the ancient streets, you can feel the flavor of the old city, feel the atmosphere and spirit of the history of Warsaw.

Every tourist will be enchanted by the Market Square, where there are a lot of museums. You can just take a walk and see the outskirts of Warsaw in the Royal Lazienki Park, there are many castles, pavilions and interesting landscape compositions.

7th place

7th place in our TOP 10 belongs to Hallstatt, although this city is not very advertised by travel companies, but it will give real beauty.

This small town is considered a piece of paradise, because its nature will not leave anyone indifferent. There are beautiful views from the lake here; Hallstatt combines amazing architecture, mountain nature and the stunning beauty of the lake.

Strict Madrid, charming Geneva and Helsinki

8th place

Madrid is eighth in the top 10. The beauty of this city lies in a large number of amazing places that are not found anywhere else. There are a huge number of museums here that present paintings by world artists.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, the Cibeles Fountain, as well as a large number of theaters and parks will surprise you with their pomp. You can truly “get imbued” with the spirit of this city at a bullfight.

9th place

The ninth line belongs to Geneva, the calling card of which is considered to be the Jet Deaux fountain.

You can explore the surroundings of Geneva by walking along the embankment, visiting the historical center of the city, admiring the flower clock, and also enjoying the beauty of St. Peter's Cathedral.

10th place

The last place in the top 10 is occupied by Helsinki. Modernity and lightness are combined here; each street surprises with its elegance, memorable buildings and museums.

Incomparable views open up at Senate Square in the capital of Finland, in Esplanade Park, at the Old Market and Trade Square. The ensemble of copper pipes located near the monument to the composer Sibelius will also charm tourists.

Each city from the TOP 10 will attract and surprise tourists with something of its own, and will be able to give extraordinary emotions and a sea of ​​impressions.

Also, before visiting the cities, we recommend watching video blogs about the first two Italian cities in a rather interesting, funny, but no less educational format, which were made by bloggers Ruslan Usachev and Mikhail Kshishtovsky in their program “It’s time to get out!”:

From the same guys you can watch another fun video with an overview of the standard and not so attractions of Venice:

But here is a more serious video, filmed for television, about number 3 from our ranking - Athens: