Small medieval towns. The most beautiful small medieval towns in Europe

In addition to worldwide famous resorts and popular tourist places There are completely unnoticed corners in the world that can charm their visitor and leave him with no less pleasant impressions. What secrets does Europe hide? What places that very few people know about can you go to in search of an intoxicating and leisurely vacation?

1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Tucked away in the south of Czech Bohemia is the charming town of Cesky Krumlov, which captivates the hearts of its visitors with its fairytale-like atmosphere of cobbled roads, bridges, everywhere you look... and, best of all: there is not a single McDonald's there! A short one-day trip to this place, especially in the warm season, will turn into a pleasant adventure. To complete the experience, it is also worth rafting down the Vltava River.

2. Colmar, France

Located in Alsace, the city of Colmar is a unique blend of French and German architecture, culture and spirit. In reality it is as colorful as you can see in the photographs. Colmar can absolutely rightly be called one of the hidden gems of France.

3. Marsaxlokk, Malta

Cute and playful, full of true Maltese spirit, the town of Marsaxlokk is essentially the most important fishing village in the whole country.

4. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, a small, picturesque town in Austria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered by many to be the world's most beautiful lakeside village. Visiting Hallstatt in the summer or winter time, you will definitely fall in love with the quiet charm of this place.

5. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is extremely popular with people who want to bring home wonderful photographs of houses, as if built from Lego, that stand in the city center. Despite the tourist rush, this place remains one of the delightful classic corners of Europe.

6. Bled, Slovenia

The Slovenian city of Bled offers many pleasant places to visit, but the most notable attraction is famous lake Bled, which is one of the most beautiful bodies of water on our planet.

7. Bibury, England

This small town It's full of Old World charm and deserves to be considered the most charming town in England. The photo shows one of the most beloved streets of Biburi by tourists, which most often attracts the lenses of photographers.

8. Albarracin, Spain

Just two hours from Valencia and 30 minutes by train from Teruel brings you to Spain's most charming village, Albarracin, a trip that will be hard to forget.

9. Pucisca, Croatia

Although Croatia has only recently opened up as a tourist destination, its popularity is currently growing rapidly. The town of Pucisca, located on the coast, is especially good to visit. Adriatic Sea. What's special about it? Once you see with your own eyes the beauty of this pearl of Breg Island, you will surely understand everything.

10. Eze, France

In the south-east of France, near Nice, is located cozy city Eze is the perfect place for a short holiday!

11. Annecy, France

The town of Annecy is built around a 14th century castle. Its streets are filled with an indescribable charm of antiquity, and the surroundings of the French Alps ideally complement the picturesque picture of this wonderful place.

12. Manarola, Italy

This photo speaks for itself: how can you not agree that Manarola is a delightful tiny town on the Italian coast?! However, this country is fraught with more than one such gift for tourists - you just have to set aside more time to travel around it, and you can find a whole constellation of similar places.

13. Illokqortoormiut, Greenland

Do you think it’s difficult to read the name of this city out loud? As practice shows, it is no more difficult than getting there. Only once a week, a flight departs from Iceland to the coast of Greenland, upon reaching which, stubborn people trying to get to Illokqortoormiut must use the services of a helicopter. However, this amazing place is worth the effort!

14. Reine, Norway

The small fishing village of Reine is incredibly picturesque! If you imagine that one image can replace a thousand words, then just a photo of this place expresses twice as much.

15. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

For some reason, pretty Mostar unfairly does not receive the tourist attention it deserves. But those who were lucky enough to be there appreciate the beauty of such an unexpected and pleasant find. By the way, when visiting Mostar, you should pay attention to the nearby town of Blagaj, which is also capable of providing its visitors with many pleasant experiences.

16. Odense, Denmark

Although it is the third largest city in Denmark, Odense has a real small town charm that is hard to find elsewhere in the country. A true treasure!

17. Freiburg, Germany

Perhaps this colorful photo will say more than any description; why use unnecessary words in the presence of such beauty? Just a note for general information, that about 230 thousand people live in Freinburg, a city with almost a thousand years of history located in southwest Germany.

18. Goreme, Türkiye

This incredible ancient city was built by the Romans, who literally carved it out of the rocks.

19. Ghent, Belgium

Sharing the title of Flemish delight alongside the city of Bruges, Ghent is equally charming, if somewhat less famous. However, the city's charm is decidedly different from that of its more popular neighbour. It will be a very difficult task to explain exactly how, so it is easier to advise you to see it with your own eyes.

20. Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is one of the cities that have not yet been explored by tourists. Being a place of central importance, Ljubljana nevertheless retains some of the charm of a small European city.

21. Torun, Poland

For those who want to move a little away from the tourist bustle of popular Krakow and Warsaw, we advise you to visit the quiet Torun, located in the north of Poland and captivating with its simple but sincere comfort.

22. Rotenberg, Germany

Does this cityscape remind you of anything? Walt Disney used Rotenberg's images when creating his cartoon "Pinocchio".

23. Arosa, Switzerland

The relatively small town in the Swiss Alps is a favorite destination for members of the English royal family, so if Arosa is good enough for them, ordinary tourists will probably like it too.

24. Bergen, Norway

Located on west coast Norway Bergen was founded around 1070. Fascinating with its seemingly toy houses, this city is loved by Norwegians and tourists from different countries.

25. Leavenworth, USA

Of course, Livingworth is not located in Europe, but to maintain the perfect balance, we decided to crown our selection with this city. Despite the fact that this city is located in the United States, it is built on the model of a Bavarian village and has a European spirit that is unusual for the American continent. For those who want to enjoy the classic European atmosphere even in the USA, the city of Livingworth unexpectedly provides such an opportunity.

Based on materials from worldofwanderlust.com; translation and adaptation by Katrin Straszewski|

Old Europe has many ancient and very picturesque cities. We are accustomed to what the most beautiful small towns in Europe look like: German settlements with “chocolate” houses, picturesque Scandinavian villages, flirty old Italian towns on the coast. Mediterranean Sea, a magnificent backdrop of the Alps for ancient Swiss towns, the feeling of being in a fairy tale from French towns and the Middle Ages - from the Spanish. It is impossible to choose the most picturesque of them; here we only offer a dozen that are by no means the worst.

1. Ronda (Spain)

Located in southern Spain, in Andalusia, about 100 km from Malaga, Ronda is one of the oldest Iberian cities. There is a rich historical heritage left here from the Phoenicians and Celts, Arabs and Romans. The town is located on a rocky plateau, 750 meters above sea level, so the city is surrounded by picturesque mountains. At the very beginning it was a modest village, but during the reign of Caesar in Rome, a castle was built here, to which people began to flock. Gradually the village turned into a city. There is a lot to admire here - the views from anywhere in the city are incredible. beautiful scenery, and in a small area of ​​the city, a huge number of different attractions are concentrated, scattered among the white houses. Ronda is considered the birthplace of bullfighting; at least, it is here that the oldest bullring in the country is located, which appeared back in 1784.

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2. La Roque-Gageac (France)

The town of La Roque-Gageac stands on the banks of the Dordogne River, supported by a high cliff. This is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe and has been inhabited since time immemorial. In 1957, disaster struck when a huge piece of rock overhanging the city broke off and fell on the city. Then he destroyed 10 buildings and killed several local residents and blocked a city road for several years. But then the city was gradually restored with a slightly new appearance, which allowed it to claim the title of one of the most beautiful small towns in France.
La Roque-Gageac not only has beautiful landscapes, but also rare Mediterranean and tropical plants that are not typical for Aquitaine. Such flora has taken root here thanks to the presence of the same rocks that create a barrier to the north winds, so the climate here is almost tropical. The facades of the houses here are made of very beautiful cream and pink shell rock, thanks to which they are in perfect harmony with the rocks. Many city streets lead to the foot of the cliff, and from here a wonderful view of the Dordogne opens up. There are ancient troglodyte caves in the rock - that’s what the French called hermit monks who settled in natural grottoes, and sometimes carved them out of the rocks themselves.

3. Tropea (Italy)

The picturesque town of Tropea is located on the Calabrian coast and is one of the important resort towns in Italy. It is famous for its huge cliff overlooking the beach. Thanks to this, Tropea is considered especially beautiful and attracts many tourists. It seems that the town seems to grow out of a huge rock. The city is very compact - all its attractions can be explored in less than an hour, and further time can be spent with a clear conscience on the local beautiful beaches.

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4. Dinan (Belgium)

In the North-West of Belgium there are the most picturesque Ardennes Mountains, on the slopes of which this small town. It attracts tourists with its beautiful scenery and ancient architecture, so it became important tourist destination for the residents of the country. Dinan, although small, has many attractions that are especially appreciated by travelers. The population of Dinan is only 14 thousand people. The city, sandwiched between rocks, stands on the banks of the Mosa River, which makes its position unique. From here its main attraction is obvious - the fortress, towering a hundred meters above the city. In the vicinity of Dinan there are caves decorated with stalactites.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Germany)

This ancient town is located in the Bavarian lands. Travelers who come here seem to be immersed in medieval times, since this city has almost completely preserved its historical authenticity. Here, fortunately, no modern architecture, skyscrapers and blinding neon advertising. Even the appearance of telephone booths maintains the flavor of antiquity here. The city authorities strictly ensure that the city does not lose the appearance of a 17th-century settlement. Understand what this is all about modern city, is possible only by the modern cars running through the streets, mobile phones and clothes of passers-by. The view of Rothenburg from the outside is also impressive - it seems to float above the Tauber Valley. By the way, the name of the city just means “fortress over the river.”

6. Manarola (Italy)

The unusually picturesque Italian town of Manarola belongs to the Cinque Terre (“five lands”) group. But of them, it is perhaps the most beautiful, and also the oldest, according to the cornerstone laid in the foundation of the Church of San Lorenzo in 1160. In Manarola, along the sea coast there is an impenetrable stone wall made up of houses of various colors. In this fishing town you can taste the wonderful Sciacchetra wine. Paintings by Antonio Discovolors are exhibited here, an artist in love with this city, who devoted most of his later creations to the landscapes of Manarola. The city does not allow driving cars, so you won’t hear the nasty squealing of tires here. You can get to Manarola, but you will have to leave the car outside the city, and then take a bus or travel on foot.

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7. Colmar (France)

Once in french city Colmar, a person seems to find himself in the 9th century. Even then it was called “little Venice”, since Colmar also has many canals. In fact, it is a large and well-preserved village in Alsace. Its region produces excellent wine with an exquisite aroma. Since Alsace has always been influenced by both France and Germany, local bakeries make croissants with various fillings and German sweet pastries equally well, and in local eateries you can taste foie gras and sauerkraut. Different styles are visible in the architecture of Colmar - German Gothic coexists with the French neo-baroque style.

8. Marsaxlokk (Malta)

When in the 9th century BC. e. The Phoenicians first landed on the island of Malta, they founded a trading port there, which became quite busy. And now this small town supplies Malta with fish. Marsaxlokk is famous for its fish markets, where you can see all sorts of things on the shelves, but sea crucian carp, which the Maltese love, is especially popular here. In this ancient locality no modern buildings have appeared, which is for the best, since the more valuable historical authenticity of Marsaxlokk is preserved. Here you can see “luzzi” - copies of fishing ships that were used by the Phoenicians, study the centuries-old history of the town and simply enjoy your vacation.

9. Albarracin (Spain)

In northern Spain there is a perfectly preserved medieval small town called Albarracin, whose history dates back to the 11th century. In the vicinity of the city there are caves in which rock paintings dating back to the period of Levantine prehistoric art have been found. Fragments of medieval Spain are visible here in the town walls. Albarracin itself has all the medieval trappings: narrow winding streets, chapels, towers and ancient castles. Therefore, the traveler feels here as if in a medieval novel.

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10. Hallstatt (Austria)

One of the most ancient settlements in Austria is the town of Hallstatt, which existed several thousand years BC. e., since it was a place of extraction of precious salt in those days. Salt mining provided prosperity to the small town for thousands of years. Now there is beautiful square, which is surrounded by cute houses covered with ivy. Salt is still mined here today, but the town is now more important as a treasure trove of a long history, as well as an extremely picturesque Austrian town located near Lake Hallstätter. Beautiful alpine peaks rise around it, and magnificent sunrises are visible from the surface of the lake.

The capitals of any country are, of course, known throughout the world, and they are the most visited cities in the state. But, for example, Europe is not only Rome, Berlin and Paris. This is also a whole series of small pretty cities, traveling through which can be no less enjoyable. And maybe even more. Here is a list of small European towns that may be of interest to tourists.

Manarola, Italy

The population of this city is just over 350 people, but it is one of the most famous cities of the Cinque Terre, national park Italy. Manarola is famous for its scattering of houses of rainbow colors, built in the most picturesque way on the rocks near the coast, and its fabulous wine. There are no cars, no traffic lights, no squealing tires. You can get to Manarola by car, but you will have to park somewhere near the city and then walk.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

The charming Bavarian mountain resort with a population of 26 thousand is just an hour and a half train ride from Munich. This town was formed as a result of the merger of two ancient settlements - ancient Roman and ancient Teutonic, which were united in 1935 for the 1936 Winter Olympic Games. Particularly impressive is the former Partenkirchen, founded in 15 AD, and its narrow cobbled streets and Bavarian-style buildings with pastel-colored walls with frescoes on historical or religious themes.

Portree, Scotland

Portree is the most large city to the Scottish Isle of Skye and its thriving cultural center, although the population of the town is less than 2500 people. Portree Harbor has a row of pubs, seafood restaurants and spectacular views across the bay. It is in Portree that it is worth stopping if you plan to explore the incredibly picturesque wild island regions, in addition, in the immediate vicinity of Portree there are unique attractions - Mount Storr and Kilt Rock Falls.

Reine, Norway

Fewer than 250 people live in this tiny fishing village on the picturesque island of Moskenesøy, but the town is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in Norway. Located north of Arctic Circle the city is a sapphire bay, mesmerizing northern lights, breathtaking mountains and fjords. Many of the bright red rorbuers, or fishermen's cottages, have been converted into cozy cottages overlooking the Norwegian Sea - ideal for a couple of nights.

Colmar, France

The history of the town of 67,000 people dates back to the 9th century. Even in old sources, this city is often referred to as “Little Venice” because of its numerous canals. This ancient Alsatian village is also considered the region's wine capital, and German and French influences are evident as you wander the medieval-flavored streets, with bakeries offering kugelhopfs and croissants, and cafés serving sauerkraut and foie gras. In architecture there is the same mix: from French neo-baroque to German gothic.

Marsaxlokk, Malta

The bustling trading port of Marsaxlokk dates back to 900 BC when the Phoenicians first landed on Malta. Today this picturesque town of 3,200 people is the island nation's main fish supplier in the Mediterranean. The uniqueness of the town lies in the fact that there are no modern buildings - only traditional fish markets, old houses and brightly painted luzzu fishing boats.

Bled, Slovenia

Protected by majestic mountains, the town of Bled was founded in 1004. The Holy Roman Emperor liked Bled so much that he even gave it to the Bishop of Brixen. Bled Castle, the main attraction of a town with a population of 5 thousand people, is located on an island in the center of the picturesque Lake Bled with glacial blue waters.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, with a population of less than 1,000 people, is one of the oldest settlements in Austria. It was founded in 5000 BC for salt miners in the mountains. The city on the shores of Lake Hallstatt continuously prospered thanks to this business - it still has salt mines, but today they are more of a tourist attraction, and the whole city has become a monument World Heritage UNESCO. The town is incredibly beautiful, especially its square surrounded by buildings covered with ivy.

Annecy, France

This is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on earth. Maybe it’s even more beautiful here than in the stunningly majestic French Alps that surround the city. Situated 35 km from Geneva, the city of 51,000 people is famous for the small canals that run through the city from the blue, sparkling Lake Annecy, giving the city a Venice-like feel. Among Annecy's main attractions is the Palace of the Islands, a picturesque 12th-century castle built right in the middle of one of the canals.

Albarracin, Spain

Albarracin is a beautifully preserved medieval town in Northern Spain whose history dates back to the 11th century. The cave paintings in the caves of the Albarracin Cultural Park are one of the most important evidence of Levantine prehistoric art, and the ancient fortress walls with winding paths, narrow alleys, ancient stone towers, castles and chapels. A trip to Albarracin feels like transporting you back to the Middle Ages.

The history of mankind goes back centuries. The study of different eras is of great interest. In this article, the reader will become acquainted with the names of cities and their history in

General characteristics of medieval cities

The period is complex and contradictory in the history of mankind. Its significance in the formation of cities is enormous. Their development in the Middle Ages was influenced by the following factors:

• inherited the main features from the reign of the Roman Empire. They have survived to this day.
• Trade routes that connected Europe with the East played a huge role in the formation of medieval cities.

• It mattered where the monasteries and castles were located, which were the beginnings of future cities. Although only some residences of kings and feudal lords contributed to the growth of economic development of the city.
• The wars that lasted continuously for centuries were of great importance. For defensive purposes, the buildings were high, the streets were narrow, and amenities were of a low level.
• A phenomenon of the Middle Ages was the development of cities among the Arabs. They built military camps everywhere. To control the conquered country, they built citadels, which the Arabs called shakhristans. Everyone settled there: rulers, their servants, courtiers, artisans, military squads. Settlements were built around the shakhristans, fenced with fortress walls.
• The cities of the East in the Middle Ages were different from European ones. They existed in a unified state system, but had no rights.

Mdina

The medieval city is the first capital of Malta. It is also called the Silent City. The first human settlement dates back to the Bronze Age, 900 BC. The Phoenicians chose the top of the hill as their place of residence. The settlement was surrounded by fortress walls to protect against attacks from other tribes.

What attracted ancient settlers to this place? There are underground water sources here, thanks to which people could long time withstand a siege without going beyond the boundaries of the defensive structures. The city reached unprecedented prosperity when it was ruled by the Romans. Later, when the rule of Mdina passed to the Arabs, the city was divided into parts, one of which became known as Rabat.

The Middle Ages for Mdina were marked by the migration of aristocrats to it. In the thirties of the sixteenth century, the city was recognized as independent and received the status of an autonomous settlement. Only after this did the knights take possession of the keys to the city. Later, the owners of Mdina changed many more times, and with them the status and name of medieval cities.

Constantinople

The origin of the names of medieval cities is symbolic. Constantinople is a Byzantine city with strong ancient traditions. Its occurrence is associated with ancient Greek city Byzantium. Constantinople was built on its site, and it was of great strategic importance: its location ancient city became a peninsula that went out to the Bosphorus Strait, and it went out to the Black Sea.

Byzantium was founded by Greek colonists in 660 BC, but Constantinople surpassed it. The city's territory occupies seven hills, just like Rome. In his image and likeness, power was organized in Constantinople, and houses were built for rich people. The history of the early Byzantine period is marked by the status of a world power, where road networks, like those of Rome, were preserved, and Constantinople held the main hubs of land and sea routes. The city occupied the main position between two seas: the Black and Mediterranean.

Medieval cities of Romania

Of great interest to people of different professions, especially scientists, are medieval cities. The list of names of some of the saved cities is as follows:

• Sighisoara is the most beautiful city Transylvania, located on a hill. It is considered the birthplace of Dracula. This city has the German name Shessburg and the Hungarian name Shegesvar. Founded by German colonists in the eighth century. They built a fortress, churches and the Clock Tower. For several centuries in a row, the city was a refuge for politicians and military men. Ammunition, looted treasure, valuable documents and food supplies had to be stored somewhere. The clock tower was surrounded by a strong wall, and everything was stored there. Chessbourg received the status of a free city and became a leading center of trade and craft in Eastern Europe.

• Brasov is a city not inferior in beauty to Sibiu, for which it received another name - the Romanian Salzburg. Located in the center of Romania. The first written sources about the city date back to 1235. The names of medieval European cities changed frequently. This is what happened with Brasov. It was called Brasco, Stephanopolis, Brasso, Kronstadt. Profitable geographical location and connections with other settlements allowed the city to rapidly develop its economy, thanks to which Brasov soon became a major center of Transylvania.

Names of medieval cities: Georgia and Armenia

Large cities of this era consisted of a citadel, the city itself and suburbs. The city was called Shahastan, the ruler was called Amir. He was appointed by the king. The inhabitants of the cities were people of different classes, but the majority were merchants and artisans. We will consider the specific name of medieval cities (for each of them) in Georgia and Armenia below:

• Ani received city status only in the tenth century. Before that it was a fortress on the Akhuryan River. It developed rapidly since 961, when it received the status of the capital of the Bagratid kingdom. Fifty years later it became an important center in the Middle East. The rapid development of the city was due, first of all, to its geographical location: Ani was located in the center of the kingdom and bordered on other countries: Russia, Byzantium, Iran, Aghvank and Georgia.
• Karin is an ancient Armenian city. It has other names: Theodosiopolis, from the eleventh century - Erzurum. Karin became a fortified city with double walls, towers and defensive ditches. Caravan routes that connected the West and East passed through Karin. But Karin did not become the most important city in the country due to frequent wars.
• Wang - ancient city Armenia, whose founding date is the ninth century BC. appeared largest center handicraft production and trade. The craftsmen were engaged in weapons, pottery, jewelry and weaving crafts.

Medieval cities of Kazakhstan

The cities of the country of this era have interesting story. But now only remnants of them remain. The names of medieval cities in Kazakhstan are unusual to the contemporary ear. Some of them are presented below in the article:

• Otrar. The location is the valley of the Syrdarya River. Scientists call the confluence of the two and the Arys the Otrar oasis. The city had an advantageous geographical position: it was located at the intersection of many roads. It was the most profitable and most dangerous place location in Central Asia. Wars of conquest that lasted for centuries turned the once thriving city into ruins. Today it resembles an open-air museum.

• Sauran. This city was founded by the Kimak and Oghuz tribes, where they concluded treaties and traded. The city was a powerful fortress with powerful fortifications with special structures that made it possible to withstand a long siege without the supply of water and food. The city received the status of the capital of Ak-Orda in the fourteenth century. At this time, ceramic production reached an unprecedented peak. Written sources indicate that Sauran was a large and rich city.

Internal fortifications of the city

The fortification fences surrounded not only the outer perimeter of the city, but also the territory inside it. At that time, this was necessary to protect the city from constant clashes with foreign and internal troops. During an attack by enemies, people had to seek protection by going outside the walls of the city, where inevitable death awaited them, so they built fortifications inside the city to protect themselves from danger that could be expected at any time. There was always danger, even if there were no official wars.

The name of the internal fortification in a Russian medieval city depends on the type of fortification. The simplest was the cape type. Typically, a place surrounded by ravines or formed by the confluence of rivers was chosen for settlement. Nature itself fenced the city on the sides, but it was open on the floor side. In this place they built fortifications: ditches, ramparts, palisades. In general, the fortifications in the Middle Ages were the cities themselves, monasteries and castles.

As a rule, their construction was carried out by the authorities, and if it was weak, then by the clergy or secular feudal lords, as in France or Italy. Cities in Germany that had internal fortifications were called burgs. They had their own laws and rules.

• People in the era described very rarely washed themselves, as they believed that water that got on the body could infect it.
• Residents of London in the Middle Ages threw fifty tons of excrement onto the streets in one day.
• Medieval cities did not have sidewalks or asphalt on their roads. People had to walk on land covered with rotting remains of animals, food scraps, and excrement. Thus, the excessive pollution of the streets of London led to the emergence of people with a new specialty who removed excrement and other garbage. These people were called gold diggers because they were paid more money for this dirty work.

Paris, London, Rome, Madrid - these cities are famous throughout the world and attract millions of tourists every year. At the same time, in Europe there are no less beautiful and wonderful cities that, although not so famous, do not lose their attractiveness for travel. That is why the American website BudgetTravel has compiled a list of the ten most beautiful small towns in Europe. Today we will introduce you to the first five that are included in this list.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

One of the oldest towns in the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov is located in Southern Bohemia, south of the Blanske Forest on a bend in the Vltava River. The main attraction of this medieval town is the ancient Krumlov Castle, the first mention of which is found in a knight's ballad dating back to the 13th century. The narrow cobblestone streets of the city resemble an intricate labyrinth, which stretches along quaint houses typical of the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance periods. In order not to get lost in this maze, a guide can be high tower Castle. The town is filled with art galleries, cozy cafes and guesthouses offering overnight accommodation. This is a city of lovers and newlyweds with a unique romantic atmosphere.

One of the best ways to see Český Krumlov is to ride down the Vltava on a wooden raft (450 CZK or €17.80; en.ceskykrumlov-info.cz).

Palmanova, Italy

The fortified city of Palmanova is located in the province of Udine, close to the Slovenian border and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city and fortress were created in 1593 in honor of the victory of the Venetians over the Turks. The architects specifically planned to design Palmanova so that it would have the shape of a regular nine-pointed star. If you look at the city from above, its structure and pronounced contours of straight streets create a distinct image of a snowflake. Nearby, vineyard valleys stretching to the Adriatic Sea provide the area with high-quality Chardonnay, while local waters supply the town with mullet, sea bass and other tasty fish. When planning to visit one of Palmanova's restaurants, pay attention to the presence of a green branch of ivy or Frasca near the entrance - a guarantee that here you can taste traditional regional dishes (for example, Venetian baccalà, made from dry salted cod).

This city is especially beautiful at night, under the lights.

How to get there: Palmanova is located 115 km northeast of Venice and 50 km northwest of Trieste. The city can be reached by car via the A4, A23 and highway 352, or by train from Trieste with a direct flight ($8.00), and from Venice from Santa Lucia station with a change at Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado station ($15) (italiarail.com).

Bibury, UK

Bibury is located on the River Colne in the hilly, limestone Cotswolds of west-central England. The English writer and artist William Morris called him the most beautiful village in England, which is famous for its unique views for watercolor landscapes. Located on Arlington Row, the honey-colored cottages, built in the 14th century from local oolite shell rock, are Bibury's must-see relics. Among the main attractions are the Saxon church of St. Mary, mentioned in chronicles since the 12th century, as well as a fishing farm, founded in 1902, which still operates today.

How to get there: The nearest railway station is 20 km from Bibury in Kemble. Trains leave from Paddington Station in London every day. Journey time: 80 minutes (nationalrail.co.uk; return from £29).

An alternative is to travel from London by bus to Cirencester, 10 kilometers away (nationalexpress.com; from £24 return).

Public transport has no connections with Biburi, but taxis go here, and local hotels often organize transfers for their visitors.

Binn, Switzerland

Many years ago, the residents of this small town of 145 people decided to stop all construction there, preserving the surrounding area as a park. Now, instead of the chic ski resorts and high-speed highways typical of southwestern Switzerland, thanks to Binn, you can be transported to a wonderful alpine corner where time has stood still. Gravel lanes winding between well-kept pine chalets with flowerpots of geraniums placed in the windows, and an ancient 16th-century bridge where residents walk or use goats instead of cars are clear indicators of easy village life.

If you go up the Binna River, you can see a fabulous picture of a real alpine meadow. It would be an ideal place to have a picnic with local wine and raclette cheese while the bells ring from the high mountain pastures. And if, after crossing the bridge, climb up mountain path, you can go to the Imfeld restaurant, which is a wooden chalet with a cozy living room and a viewing terrace of the Alps. The restaurant is located at an altitude of 4,983 meters. Here it would be a good idea to enjoy fresh trout or the restaurant’s signature dish - raw beef, seasoned with spices and herbs, and left to dry in the cellar for a month and a half.

How to get there: Due to the remoteness of the town from civilization, traveling to Binn from major cities in Switzerland is difficult. To get here from Zurich, you need to make two transfers on PostBus buses. The travel time will be a little more than three hours (