While there are many good reasons to visit Europe, for most people, history, and culture rank at the top. There is no greater place to go if you are interested in medieval architecture.

Here are a few of Europe’s most stunning medieval towns:

• Carcassonne, France – you’ll get a sense of sliding into a fairy tale as you get closer to Carcassonne. It is an outstanding representation of a medieval walled town, with its extensive walls enclosing the castle and surrounding structures, its streets, and its beautiful Gothic cathedral.
• Bologna, Italy – here, you’ll discover a charming maze of little lanes leading to imposing, cobblestone squares. For its hospitable environment, rich cultural, historical, and artistic history, Bologna is well-known around the world.
• Besalu, Spain – is a stunningly maintained medieval village that can be found in the northern region of Spain, in the county of Girona, not far from the Spanish Pyrenees. It’s one of Catalonia’s best preserved medieval towns. A fortified bridge will allow you to enter the town of Besalu and explore its numerous medieval structures.