Real gems for travelers: four medieval cities in Europe that are especially beautiful in spring.

Medieval cities in Europe in spring
Medieval cities in Europe in spring

As spring approaches, European cities become appealing for travel. Spring is fast approaching, and soon it will be warm in Europe to explore again, writes traveloffpath.

There are four medieval gems in Europe that look particularly beautiful in spring. You can sit with a cup of coffee in a square surrounded by ochre buildings made of red brick that date back centuries, stroll through narrow streets under the chime of church bells, or get lost in the secret passages of a castle.

Gdańsk, Poland

Located on the Polish Baltic Sea coast, Gdańsk is a colorful port city most famous for its northern mannerism architecture. These buildings, including a monumental red-brick cathedral, have a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages.

The Old Town, with many landmarks scattered throughout its streets, will certainly not leave you indifferent. The streets of Gdańsk, lined with cozy cafes, the Fahrenheit thermometer, and the best-preserved medieval crane in Europe, will long remain in your heart.

As the weather is likely to improve by then, spring is the perfect Time for a boat ride on the Motława River. This river cuts through the heart of Gdańsk all the way to Westerplatte, where World War II officially began.

Rouen, France

Just an hour's drive north of Paris lies the city of Rouen. It is easily accessible by numerous trains. Rouen is not as bustling as the French capital.

Imagine half-timbered buildings of every possible color and narrow pedestrian paths. The soaring Gothic cathedral overshadows the world-famous Milan Duomo. Rouen also has an incredibly beautiful astronomical clock.

By the way, the local Place du Vieux-Marché is precisely where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.

Brno, Czech Republic

Prague is a popular tourist destination, so why not visit the much more unusual yet equally appealing city of Brno?

This is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, and it boasts a magnificent historical center with landmarks from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. From the 13th-century Špilberk Castle, proudly standing on a strategic hilltop, to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul with its two spires.

And the Church of St. James, lying beneath the city, is Brno's answer to the Paris Catacombs, where meticulously arranged remains of over 50,000 people are kept in the labyrinth.

Vilnius, Lithuania

The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is a tranquil mid-sized city that looks as though it has been carved from a children's fairy tale.

You might think that Vatican City is the only country within a capital in Europe, but that's because you've never heard of Užupis. This is a district that proclaimed its independence from the rest of Vilnius in 1997 - they did it as a joke, and it has no practical effect. However, Užupis truly lives by its own rules. There is a thriving hippie scene and plenty of pubs frequented by the young. In Užupis, there is even a constitution with 38 articles, including stipulations like 'a person has the right to be lazy or do nothing' and 'a dog has the right to be a dog.'

If you are looking for a place that combines stunning natural beauty with a rich history and culture, the Greek regions of Santorini and Thessaly should be at the top of your list.

Santorini, with its iconic whitewashed buildings perched on the top of spectacular cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, is a must-visit for any traveler. The volcanic origin of the island has created unique beaches with black and red sands, while its ancient ruins and charming villages provide a glimpse into Greece's rich past.


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