Cultural Perspective: The MostHistoric Walled Cities

Avila, Spain

Located in the Castilla and Leon region of Spain,this city often known as the “Town of Stones and

Saints,” is the perfect example of medievalSpanish architecture at its finest. Interestingly

enough, the walls were built when fightingCastile and Leon Kingdoms engaged in battle as

rivaling towns at a time when the Spanish crownwas not unified.

Cartagena,Colombia

During the height ofcolonization, the Spanishcrown created anotherstunning, walled citywhich acted as a port citythat enabled tradebetween along with theeasy access of cargo. Togain a more authenticcultural vibe within the oldcity, be sure to visit thevarious Spanish inspiredplazas that underline howimportant socializationremains in Colombianculture.

Unlike Avila which isquite serene or calm innature, Cartagenarepresents a very visualexciting, culturallyvibrant town during allhours of the day. Theoldest plaza in the city iscalled Plaza de Aduana,which is widely knownfor its colonial archesand houses withornately beautifulbalconies.

Carcassonne, France

This medieval hilltop town located in theLanguedoc region in France is known for itswalled fortifications along with its 53 watchtowers which are designed to overlook the

beautiful city. Although the upper town wasbuilt in Roman times, many tourists are

unaware of the fact that many sites in thecity were built throughout the 13th and 14th

centuries.

This medieval hilltop townlocated in the Languedoc regionin France is known for its walledfortifications along with its 53watch towers which aredesigned to overlook thebeautiful city. Although theupper town was built in Romantimes, many tourists areunaware of the fact that manysites in the city were builtthroughout the 13th and 14thcenturies.

Jerusalem, Israel

Arguably one of the mostancient towns in our globalhistory, Jerusalem has been asalient religious center sincethe biblical era, with shrinesand compounds dating backfrom as early as the 4thcentury. Within the old city,you can explore importantreligious buildings such assynagogues, churches andtemples which markedJerusalem as a primarycornerstone in ancient history.

Some unique neighborhoods toexplore is the upscale luxuriousdistrict of Rechavia, along with

the busy, well-known streetmarket called Mahane Yehuda

Shuk, which sells local goods orsouvenirs.