There are some places in the world where simply living there gives you a rush of adrenaline. And these three cities make no exception, giving a whole no meaning to the phrase “living on the edge”. The surprising architecture and favorable natural surroundings made it possible for the cities to be built on cliffs. Here are some of the most surprising examples of extreme architecture in the world.

Located on the southernmost point of Corsica, Bonifacio is a town like no others placed on a narrow peninsula of white limestones. The town is split into two sections: the vieille ville (old town), or la Haute Ville (the Upper city). The ladder is located on a limestone 1,500 meters long and 200 meters wide and contains most of the city’s heritage monuments and buildings. As tempting and incredible as it may be, Bonifacio has its drawbacks: it is a luxury destination with exorbitant prices and big crowds in August but it has one of the most breathtaking spectacles on the Mediterranean. Being a windy area, Bonifacio is a great destination for sailing while the lack of water pollution makes Bonifacio a leading site for diving in the Mediterranean. [website]

photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Castellfollit de la Roca in Gerona, Spain, has a total area of less than a square kilometre, being one of the smallest towns in Catalonia. The village is located on the top of a rocky spur at the confluence of the Fluvià and Toronell rivers. The basalt crag where the village is located is over 50m high and is a result of the erosive actions of the two rivers on lava flows from thousands of years ago. The village has its origins in medieval times, with many narrow streets and houses made from volcanic rock. Although small, the village has several open spaces for children, such as the Plaça de Catalunya, and a swimming pool perfect for the hot summer days. [website]

photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Being one of the fastest growing cities in Andaluzia, the Spanish town of Ronda still retains much of its vintage charm. Apart from its spectacular views, Ronda is also famous for being the place where modern bullfighting first appeared. On one side of the town the old Moorish can be found, while on the other side is occupied by El Mercadillo, a more recent urban development. Ronda stands on a towering plateau, split in two by a plunging river gorge known as El Tajo. The Feria Goyesca held every year, the the beginning of September pays homage to one of the oldest sports in Spanish history. There is also a tradition dating back to the beginning of the 20th century that attracts many tourists, when a pilgrimage is held in honor of Virgen de la Cabeza. [website]

photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4