There’s something mysterious about cities behind walls. Fortified cities and towns, with defensive walls surrounding them are a unique sight no matter where you find them. Here are a few must-see walled cities around the world.
Xi’an, China
The walls around Xi’an, China were built in 1370, during the Ming dynasty, and stand 12 metres high and 14 kilometres long. You can walk the entire length of the wall in about four hours depending on how fast you’re going, or there are bicycles for rent as an alternative. If you don’t want to explore on foot or on two wheels, you can also hire a golf cart to whisk you around as you snap photos.
York, England
The charming historic city of York is home to the longest medieval town walls in England. The well-preserved walls are 3.4 kilometres long and you can walk the length of them in about two hours. York is also home to one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in the world, as well as many museums, restaurants, pubs, shops and cafes.
Taroudant, Morocco
Taroudant, sometimes referred to as “little Marrakech”, is surrounded by six kilometres of adobe fortifications that circle nearly the entire town. Taroudant has a much more laid back pace than often chaotic Marrakech, and it’s worth a stop for a few days.
Avila, Spain
This city in Castile-Leon region of Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by a wall that dates back the Middle Ages. The impressive defence structure has 87 turrets, nine gates and a perimeter of 2,516 metres. A walk along the wall is a great way to see the city, which also has some noteworthy cathedrals.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s ancient walls were built between the 13th and 16th centuries and are still intact. A walk along the walls means you get stunning views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea and the city’s old town below, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Dubrovnik. The city itself is hard not to fall in love with, with its intriguing mix of sophistication and old world charm.
Campeche, Mexico
Campeche, in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site and the only walled city in Mexico. The walls were originally in place to protect the city from pirate attacks and took roughly 18 years to complete. The walled enclosure has a perimeter of 2,560 metres and a height of eight metres. The city is a colourful one, with pastel painted buildings and charming cobblestone streets.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is the only remaining fortified city in North America. The walls are nearly 4.6 kilometres in length and offer picturesque views over the city when you stroll along them. Not only do visitors get photo-worthy views, they also get to learn about the military history of Quebec and what the city did to protect itself.
Lead photo: Dan
