10 Charming European Towns Are Frozen in Time

York, England

Despite its Roman origins, York prospered during the Middle Ages. The city's riches were established on wool and textile trade, and society's most affluent individuals invested in property such as Our Lady's Row in Goodramgate, which dates back to 1316. The Shambles, a street that looks like something out of Harry Potter, gets its name from the butchers' benches that are put outside stores to promote their products. York Minster, built between 1230 and 1472, is also one of the world's best examples of Gothic cathedral architecture.

Česky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Česky Krumlov, also known as 'Crooked Meadow in Czechia', is located in a bend of the Vltava River in the Czech Republic's south. It's little yet well-constructed, with tiny, twisting alleyways and a massive castle dating back to the 13th century. Only three aristocratic families have possessed the property throughout its history. The Gothic church of St Vitus, the city's other notable landmark, was dedicated in 1439.

Hanoi, Vietnam

The historic capital of Vietnam, located on the banks of the Hong River in the north of the nation, has a fascinating maze of alleyways that date back a thousand years. Medieval shopfronts, where merchants once resided above their establishments, stand out among modern architecture. The Temple of Literature, which originally served as a university in the 11th century, was where Confucius' teachings were usually given.

Fez, Morocco

The city of Fez in northern Morocco was first referenced in 789, although the majority of its iconic landmarks are from the 13th and 14th centuries. In reality, the old town, or Medina, is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in the Arab world. It is said to have the world's largest pedestrian zone, with a patchwork of small alleyways, lively squares, and souks brimming with merchandise. The city also boasts a historic university and religious schools, and the traditional trade of tanning leather is being practiced today.

Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg was first recorded in 902 and is located in the southern German state of Bavaria. The town is famed for producing beer, particularly black smoke beer, and there are still a few breweries in the city, several of which have their own pubs. One such place is the wonderfully crooked Schlenkerla bar, which is located in a 15th-century edifice. Another attractive site in town is the Little Venice neighborhood, which features historic fishing homes along the banks of the Regnitz River, while the eccentric town hall is located on an island connected by two bridges.

Sighisoara, Romania

Given that this Transylvanian town stood on the frontier of the Ottoman Empire and was subjected to several invasions during the medieval period, it's remarkable that so much of its early architecture has survived. Sighisoara, located in the center of Romania, dates back to the 12th century when the Saxons occupied it. Today, a beautiful castle rises atop the main hill, surrounded by a ring of walls and nine turrets, including a clock tower.

Monsanto, Portugal

The Portuguese settlement of Monsanto, located near the Spanish border, served as the region's largest town in the 12th century. The fortress was built in 1171 as a protection against the Moors, and its remnants may still be seen today. Other lovely attractions are the red-roofed homes and small alleyways, which have recently won Monsanta the title of "most Portuguese village in Portugal". The geology, however, is what truly strikes out: massive granite boulders litter the area, appearing to crush the little cottages.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg, located in the southern German state of Bavaria, was first documented in 1050 as a village around the castle. As the Middle Ages proceeded, the city became a hub for business, trade, industry, and the arts. Albrecht Durer, an artist, was born here, and his half-timbered home from 1507 still stands. Other highlights include the stunning 14th-century Schöner Brunnen fountain and the Hauptmarkt, which is still a bustling commercial hub today. You may also read this: Most Haunted Places in America

Chester, England

The majestic walls that encircle Chester, on the River Dee in northwest England, were finished by the middle of the 12th century. They span about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) and include a lovely city with medieval architecture. The unusual Chester Rows, or galleries, were created in the 13th century and consist of a series of covered pathways with the city's stores behind them. The Three Old Arches on Bridge Street are said to be the oldest business front in Britain.

Pingyao, China

Pingyao, located around 360 miles (579 kilometers) southwest of Beijing, prospered throughout the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Turtle City got its name from the shape of its spectacular walls, which resembles a turtle's four legs, head, tail, and patterned shell. The Ming-Qing retail street preserves its medieval architecture, with two grooves on the stone thresholds left by centuries of wheeled carts.