These Walls Can Talk: 5 Amazing Walled Cities

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

There's an undeniable romantic charm to the ancient walls that once protected the heart of a city. That’s because their ancient landscapes have been sheltered through centuries by great walls that have witness wars, captivity, triumph and destruction. So if you’re in the mood for a good story, each of these destinations has a tale to tell for anyone willing to listen.

Pingyao, China

We can thank the Pingyao’s huge walls for preserving its archaic features, although they served a much greater purpose during the Qin Dynasty, when the city was a vibrant financial center. You’d want to build massive 12-meter-high walls around your home too, if it concealed the majority of your money. However, the city’s six gates are constantly flooded with tourists in awe of its moat and numerous watchtowers. 

And once you’re inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site, its ancient streets take you on a journey throughout a profound landscape, which is speckled with shops and markets bursting at the seams with local crafts.  Visiting Pingyao is like traveling back in time as Ming and Qing dynasties reemerge the more you delve deeper onto its streets.

Laon, France

Thankfully some of the ancient walls of Laon are still undamaged, even after having its title as the French capital stripped away when Hugh Capet entered its gates and seized the town centuries ago. 

However, behind its various gateways, Laon revels in medieval beauty, a motif dominated by the famed Cathedral Notre-Dame of Laon flaunting huge towers and gothic gargoyles. A great meal perfectly complements the history lesson of the city, in which Laon’s restaurants will come in quite handy. 

With dozens of monuments serving as testaments to the city’s past, what is concealed behind its monolithic fortifications is every historian’s dream come true. Although it no longer acts as a capital city, its picturesque landscape is so capitvating that even the world-famous city of Paris cannot compete against its mighty walls.

Lucca, Italy

It’s quite difficult not to get lost in Lucca’s charm. Its towering Renaissance walls alone are as imposing as the intimidating, and what lies inside is a city every visitor of Italy should see. In fact, you’ll want to hop out of that car and use some foot power to explore its cobbled streets lined with quaint cafes and promenades sheltered by Lucca’s trees.    

Much of its history remains a present force due to its surrounding walls and classic architectural gems speckled across its landscape. From the moment you enter into this old Italian city, its grand fortifications command your utmost respect.

Taroudant, Morocco

Rustic mud walls set the city of Taroudant apart from its Moroccan neighbors although it is sometimes referred to as "Little Marrakesh." However, the city stands strongly on its own as a vibrant trading center echoing friendly haggling while tourists and locals alike bargain for local merchandise. 

Even though it no longer reigns as Morocco’s capital, its encompassing fortifications prove that Taroudant was once a force to be reckoned with.  And with much of its ancient features still perfectly preserved inside of its walls, which are wrapped around the entire city, Taroudant is the ideal destination for anyone willing to take a stroll through history.

Old Quebec, Canada

Not many North American cities have a wall they can proudly flaunt. That’s why Old Quebec City deserves a mention on this list. Measuring a little over four kilometers, its walls have withstood the test of time, even suffering destruction by its own people who thought they were useless. 

Enter a British public servant who strongly felt the walls should be preserved. He was able to change the public’s perception of the ramparts, resulting in the reconstruction of the St Louise Gate. There is a certain charm when entering inside of its old walls, so much so even UNESCO World Heritage took notice.