In a time when warlords and kings fought over every piece of land, a thick stone wall was all that stood between a man’s soft throat and a cool steel blade. Nowadays, although the walls have outlived their usefulness they still stand tall, defying the ages, as a reminder of times long past. Let’s have a look at five of the most amazing walled cities of our world:

Avila – Spain

The best preserved and most impressive walled city in Spain, Avila is built atop a rocky hill, 1130 meters above sea level, offering an excellent view of the surroundings. Conquered by the invading moors in 714 AD, it was reclaimed by the Spaniards in 1088 and its high walls were built in the 11th century. They stretch for 2.5 km and are enforced by 88 towers and six massive gates. There are several fascinating religious monuments within Avila, but the walls are by far its most magnificent attraction.

[Photo Credits]

[Photo Credits]

Tallinn – Estonia

The best preserved walled city around the Baltic Sea, Tallinn was once one of the best fortified settlements in Europe. Out of the 66 towers that dotted its walls in medieval times, only 20 remain standing around what is now the Historic Center, but its wonderful architecture more than makes up for the city’s relative small size.  German, Russian and Baltic styles combine to offer visitors of Tallinn a truly unforgettable trip back in time.

[Photo Credits]

[Photo Credits]

Pingyao

Located 715 km from Beijing, Pingyao is one of the few Chinese cities that retain its original layout, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Its 12-meters-high, 5-meters-thick walls surround a perimeter of 6,000 meters and feature a series of giant watchtowers from where defenders could keep enemies at bay. Nowadays Pingyao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most popular tourist destinations.

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Carcassonne

Over 3 million people travel to Carcassonne every year to see France’s most famous medieval walled city. Fortifications have existed on the hill where Carcassonne now lies, ever since pre-Roman times, but it wasn’t until the Middle-Ages that it attained the “impregnable fortress” look we see today. It remained unconquered through several sieges and even survived the French government’s decision to have it demolished.

[Photo Credits]

[Photo Credits]

Novgorod Kremlin

Moscow and Saint Petersburg may be the most popular cities in Russia, but none of them can hold a candle to Novgorod when it comes to medieval architecture. Despite its name, which translates as “The Great New City”, Novgorod is one of the oldest settlements in Russia and also served as its first capital. Its tall reddish walls date back to the 15th century and managed to protect the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, one of the oldest Russian structures.

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