Walled Cities That Are Simply
Ten Amazing Walled Cities That Are Simply
Maintaining the safety of the city is not very easy. Cities tend to experience crime threats or intruders who disturb their peace. Since time immemorial, making a barrier has been one of the easiest ways of keeping intruders away from your space. Though cities were fortified in the past, technology has brought a better way of achieving the same. However, some cities remain walled till toady. Check them out!
10. Heusden, Netherlands
The city is a municipality at the southern part of Netherlands. The walls were first constructed in 1579. By the nineteenth century, the walls had been destroyed. They were later rebuilt in 1968. The city attracts about three hundred and fifty visitors who come to see the walls.
9. Hulst, Netherlands
The city has walls that are three and half kilometers long. There are four gates that lead to the town. Hulst is one of the towns in Netherlands, which has managed to preserve its history. Despite its fortification, there is so much cultural heritage in Hulst. For instance, there is a historic market square which is mostly operational on Mondays. There are several buildings that were transformed into museums due to their rich cultural heritage. These buildings can serve as proof of the town’s rich history.
8. Carcassonne, France
The fortifications of the city are a remarkable feature. They can be seen from the Aude countryside and is composed of two enclosures. The walls extend to about three kilometers. The city consists of two outer walls and about 52 towers. This provided security and protected the inhabitants from attack by siege engines. There are two entrances to this fortified city. The first occupants of the city inhabited the city in about 3500BC. The city almost suffered demolition in 1849. However, uproar was ensued which ensured its restoration that started in 1853. Since then, the city has been up and running.
7. Lucca, Italy
This city is found in Tuscany in central Italy. It is situated on river Serchio on a fertile plain next to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its walls are some of its outstanding features. This is because, even after its expansion, the walls were still intact which does not happen commonly. The walls were primarily for military importance. However, they were used for car racing in a few years during the 20th century. The four sides of the wall are all lined with various tree species. Today, the walls are used as a pedestrian promenade. The walls are of great historical importance.
6. Fredrikstad, Norway
The walls of the city were never constructed on a permanent basis. On the other hand, they were constructed for temporary use during the war of Hannibal in around 1640. They were intended to keep off the Swedish forces. However, after the war, they did not find it needful to demolish the walls. Thus, they left the city to remain walled, till date. One of the most intriguing features about the city is a beautiful star pattern that the moats seem to make. The city was established by king Fredrick II in 1567.
5. Taroudant, Morocco
Taroudant in found in Sous valley at the southern part of Morocco. The city was used as the capital of Saudi long before Marrakech. This caused it to be known as the grandmother of Marrakech. The walls of the city have been in use since 1528. There are nine gates in place that regulate movement in and out of the city. The inhabitants are well known for their art of crafting as well as making jewelry and carpets. At the moment, another part of the city is under development, though outside the walls.
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
The walls of the city are prominent. They run about two kilometers round the city. This has caused movie producers to want to have the walls featured in their movies. Despite having been affected by an earthquake, the city still managed to preserve its beauty. The walled city is located in Dalmatian coast and has grown to be a vital Mediterranean Sea power. It was established by a few refugees who named the place Laus. Its current name was adopted officially in 1918 though it had been used long before then. This city is one of the main tourist attractions.
3. Pingyao, China
The city is found in Shanxi province and is one of the best known walled cities. It is complete with shops, worshiping areas, streets and dwelling areas. Its history dates back about two thousand seven hundred years ago. It is said to have been founded in the 14th century. It covers an area of about two hundred and twenty-five kilometers. Today, its population has been approximated to be about five thousand. Since time immemorial, it has been one of the leading cities in northern china for commercial purposes. It is sometimes called the turtle city because of the six huge gates surrounding it which make it look like a turtle.
2. Shibam, Yemen
Shibam city is surrounded by a fortified wall. Despite having been constructed in the 16th century, it still has a young urban look. It has an impressive tower like buildings that has led to the city being referred to as the Manhattan in a desert. The architectures of the time must have given lots of energies in the construction of the city. Besides the great architecture, the city is built on a hillock. This allowed the occupants to escape floods.
1. Toledo, Spain
A while back, Toledo city was overlooked. It history dates back in 192BC, when romans were its main occupants. Technically, it has one wall while its other three sides are surrounded by the Tagus river. Toledo is a municipality in Spain and is located 70 kilometers south of Madrid. It was affirmed a world heritage in 1986. The declaration was due to the diverse monumental and cultural heritage. It is well known for the harmonious co-existence between the three major religions found in the town. The religions are Christians, Jewish and Muslim. The climate of the town is semi-arid. The metal industry is one of the industries that flourish in the area.
