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10 Fascinating Cave Dwellings in the World -
Cave dwellings have been found in many regions of the world. These caves served as dwellings and as places of worship and were usually combined with surface structures. After the cave cities ceased to be inhabited, the surface structures fell into ruin and only the caves remained. Not all cave dwellings have been deserted however. In certain areas of northern China cave dwellings are still common serving as the homes for more than 40 million people.

Sometimes called the biggest maze of China, Guyaju is an ancient cave house located about 92 kilometers (57 miles) from Beijing. No precise record of it has ever been found, so no one knows its exact origins. The house was hewn from the craggy cliffs overlooking Zhangshanying Town. The intriguing house complex has more than 110 stone rooms, and is the largest cave dwelling ever discovered in China.
Matmata is a small village in southern Tunisia. Some of the local Berber residents live in traditional underground “troglodyte” dwellings. These cave dwellings are created by digging a large pit in the ground. Around the perimeter of this pit caves are then dug to be used as rooms. These homes were made famous by serving as the location of the home of Luke Skywalker and his aunt and uncle Lars. The Hotel Sidi Driss was actually the Lars Homestead and is the must-stay location in Matmata for any Star Wars fanatics.
Bamiyan in central Afghanistan is famous for two gigantic statues of standing buddhas carved into the side of a cliff. Created in the 6th century, they were the world’s tallest standing statue of Buddha. The statues were destroyed by the Taliban in March 01, on the grounds that they were an affront to Islam. The cave dwellings at the foot of the statues, which at one time housed thousand of monks, were used by Taliban for storing weapons. After the Taliban were driven from the region by American troops, civilians made their homes in the caves. Many of the caves have remains of painted frescos. In 08 a 19 meter (62 ft) reclining Buddha was discovered near the ruins of the Bamiyan buddhas.
The Sassi di Matera (“stones of Matera”) are cave dwellings situated in the old town of Matera in southern Italy. The Sassi originate from a prehistoric settlement, and are among the first human settlements in Italy. Many of the houses, which are dug into the tufa rock, are really only caverns, and the streets in some parts of the Sassi often are located on the rooftops of other houses. In the 1950s, the government forcefully relocated most of the population of the Sassi to areas of the developing modern city. However, some people continued to live in the Sassi just as their ancestors of 9,000 years ago.
Mesa Verde, located in southwestern Colorado near the community of Cortez, is home to the famous cliff dwellings of the ancient Anasazi people. It may be the most significant archeological preserve of Native American culture in the United States. In the 12th century, the Anasazi start building houses in shallow caves and under rock overhangs along the canyon walls. Some of these houses were as large as 150 rooms. The most famous of these are called Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree House. By 1300, all of the Anasazi had left the Mesa Verde area, but the ruins remain almost perfectly preserved. The reason for their sudden departure remains unexplained. Theories range from crop failures due to droughts to an intrusion of foreign tribes from the North.
The Bandiagara Escarpment is a sandstone cliff in the Dogon country of Mali that rises almost 500 meters (1,640 ft) from the lower sandy flats below. These cliffs are dotted with ancient cave homes of the Tellem people. These people carved their caves into the cliffs of the escarpment so that their dead could be buried high above the flash floods that are common to the area. They built dozens of villages along the cliffs above the caves. In the 14th century, the Dogon people drove out the Tellem and they remain the inhabitants of this area to this day.
Situated in southern Georgia, Vardzia is a 12th century cave monastery and city carved out of a cliff overlooking a river gorge. It is one of the most spectacular sights in the country. The cave dwellings were constructed during the reign of Queen Tamar as protection from the Mongols. They consisted of over 0 apartments in a 13 story complex. The city included a church, a throne room, and a complex irrigation system watering terraced farmlands. The only access to the complex was through some well hidden tunnels near the Mtkvari river. Today Vardzia is maintained by a small group of monks and can be visited for a small fee.
Located in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province, Kandovan is a mysterious thirteenth century village. Many of the homes at Kandovan have been made in caves located in cone-shaped, naturally formed compressed volcanic ash formations that make the landscape look like a gigantic termite colony. Most of the cave houses are two to four storeys in height. In a typical four storey house, the ground floor is used as an animal shelter, the next two floors are used as living areas, and the top floor is used for storage. The hardened material of the pillars is an efficient insulator and the cave dwellings remain cool in summer and warm in winter.
Ortahisar means “middle castle” and as its name implies, it is central among the Cappadocian towns of Goreme in central Turkey. Its most pronounced structure is the castle of Ortahisar situated at a 86 meter (282 ft) high cave. The castle has been used strategically and for accommodation. The caste has partly crumbled away revealing some of its interior. Today it has been restored and the peak is accessible by a staircase.
Another town in Cappadocia, Uçhisar is situated at the highest point in the region just 7km from Nevşehir. The rock castle of Uçhisar can be seen for miles away. The cave dwellings inside this rock used to be the most populated area of Uçhisar. However, as the danger caused by erosion became greater, people moved away. The last residents left in the 1950s. The top of the castle provides a magnificint panorama of the surrounding area.
10 Fascinating Cave Dwellings in the World10 Fascinating Cave Dwellings in the World

10 Top Attractions in Banff National Park -When railroad workers discovered a hot springs in 1883, it created a movement that culminated in Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. The park is filled with stunning scenery provided by the majestic Canadian Rockies, valleys, forests and abundant wildlife (think mountain goats on the roads, moose, elk and bears). Because of all this grandeur, the park soon became one of Canada’s premier destinations any time of year, from hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter. The park is popular with just about everyone, from travelers who stay in campground to those who prefer relaxing in luxury after a long day outdoors. An overview of the most popular Banff attractions:

Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Day Trip from Banff

Evening Wildlife Safari

Movie buffs may recognize Bow Falls as the falls Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum went over while escaping from Indians in 1953’s River of No Return. The 9-meter (30-foot) high falls is a major waterfall on the scenic Bow River that joins with the Spray River just outside of Banff. Visitors can get a better view of the roaring rapids by taking a ¾-mile trail along the river to the falls. There are separate trails for pedestrians and bikers; bicycles, however, are not allowed on the cliff top section since it involves climbing some steps.The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is a good place for travelers to kick off their visit to the majestic Canadian Rockies. The museum originated with a collection of paintings, documents and other archival materials amassed by Peter and Catharine Whyte starting when the couple moved to Banff in the 1930s. It is dedicated to preserving the history of Banff and the culture of the Canadian Rockies. Besides the magnificent gallery and thousands of photographs of life in the Rockies, the museum complex includes four log cabins and two heritage homes, one of which belonged to the Whytes.Banff Upper Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax after a day on the hiking or ski trails. Visitors have been coming to this Banff attraction since the 1880s to bask in the therapeutic mineral waters, though First Nations were doing that long before the railroad opened up this section of Canada; the native people considered the hot springs a sacred place. Banff Upper Hot Springs is the highest in Canada. Water temperatures are maintained between 98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit (37-40 degrees Celsius).Johnston Canyon was caused by erosion of limestone rock as Johnston Creek empties into the Bow River. The main activity at Johnston Canyon is to hike to the Lower Falls, Upper Falls and Ink Pots. Getting to the Upper Falls involves a 2.7 km (1.7 mile) hike that starts from behind the Johnston Canyon Resort. This trail is considered one of the busiest in the Canadian Rockies, with hundreds of tourists making the 45-minute hike every day. While going to the 30-meter (98-foot) high falls, hikers may want to watch for ouzels, gray birds that bounce up and down on the rocks. After viewing the falls, visitors can take the less crowded two-mile trail to the Ink Pots, mineral springs bubbling along Johnston Creek.The scenic blue Lake Minnewanka has much to offer the outdoors recreationalist: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and booing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is a nature photographer’s dream, with gorgeous scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bears, mountain sheep and elk. Located just 13 km (8 miles) from the town of Banff it is a popular escape from downtown. The nonchallenging trail around the lake is a good option for a walk. Minnewanka Lake Cruises also offers a 60-minute informative cruise on the lake.Travelers will want to make sure they have plenty of memory cards before they board the Banff Gondola from. That’s because the views from the four-passenger gondola cars are spectacular going to and from the top of Sulphur Mountain. But the views of six mountain ranges from the observation deck are even more incredibly stunning. Once at the top, visitors can take the skywalk to get to an historic site and meteorological station. There are also interpretive hiking trails. The gondola closes in winter.Melting glaciers are responsible for the gorgeous turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, making it popular with photographers. The lake, which sits at an elevation of 1,00 meters (6,100 feet), is accessible from the Columbia Icefields Parkway. Considered one of the prettiest lakes in the world, Peyto Lake is best seen from Bow Summit, about 39 km (24 mile)s from Lake Louise, on the parkway. It takes about 15 minutes to walk a paved trail from the parking lot to an observation deck overlooking the lake. The lake is so popular with tourists that it can sometimes be difficult to find a spot to see the lake on the viewing platform.Getting to Sunshine Meadows, high in the Canadian Rockies atop the Continental Divide and the border between Alberta and British Columbia, might be a challenge, but the spectacular scenery is worth the effort. The meadows is considered to have the best alpine hiking and scenery in the Canadian Rockies. As spring turns into summer the meadows are in full bloom and ablaze with colorful wildflowers. Visitors start by taking a shuttle bus to the drop-off point. There, they can decide if they want a gentle one- to two-hour walk through the meadows or opt for a more challenging all-day hike to Quartz Ridge or Healy Pass. Either way, they’re in for a scenic treat.With its emerald green waters, Lake Louise is a sight for sore eyes. Visitors can feast on its pristine beauty as they hike around the lake, named for British Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. This iconic lake is one that needs to be experienced in all seasons to really appreciate the lush greens of summer and the snow-capped mountains in winter. Fairmont’s Chateau Lake Louise, a luxury resort hotel built at the turn of the 20th century by the Canadian Pacific Railway, is located on Lake Louise’s eastern shore. Lake Louise is also a winter sports paradise, home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America. The best way to get here is by following the Bow Valley Parkway, a 48-kilometer (30-mile), scenic, secondary highway paralleling the Trans-Canada Highway between the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise.Fed by glaciers, Moraine Lake is known for its stunning blue waters. The coloration is thanks to light refracting off the glacier flour. Located just 12.5 km 7.5 miles) from Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is surrounded by the beauty of the impressive Canadian Rocky Mountains. There are a number of hiking trails around Moraine Lake. Just be sure to check the trail conditions before you set out to go as they are sometimes restricted because of grizzly bear activity. One of the most popular trails is the Rockpile trail, a short path with little gain in elevation, and yet rewards visitors with one of the most beautiful views in Banff National Park. From the top of Rockpile, you’ll see the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the ten glacier-cut peaks that surround Moraine Lake. This includes Mt. Temple, the third highest peak in Banff National Park, at 3549 meters (11,636 feet).10 Top Attractions in Banff National Park10 Top Attractions in Banff National Park

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia -One of the most diverse and scenic destinations in South America is the country of Colombia. Boasting everything from beaches to mountains to swamps surrounding the Amazon River, Colombia truly has it all. Visitors planning the perfect trip to Colombia will want to venture beyond the cities and check out national parks, historic attractions and the vibrant culture the nation has to offer. Let this guide serve as an itinerary highlighting the top tourist attractions in Colombia.The symbol of Colombia is the wax palm, and the Valle de Cocora is the ultimate spot to see these trees in a stunning environment. The surreal landscape is a lush green, and as the fog lifts it is possible to see the tremendous height of the wax palms growing upright on the hills of the valley. The landscape itself is the main attraction at Valle de Cocora, but there are multiple ways to see it all. Popular options include horseback riding, Jeep tours and a six-hour hiking loop.Much of Colombia is still undeveloped jungle, and Ciudad Perdida is nestled right in the heart of that jungle. Also known as the Lost City of Teyune, Ciudad Perdida is a pre-Columbian settlement that was constructed around the eighth century by the Tayrona Indians. The settlement was once a thriving hub of culture, but today all that remain are stone terraces in circular shapes, many of them overgrown by the surrounding jungle. The area is popular for longer guided treks, where participants can hike from camp to camp and experience the pristine, natural environment of the jungle.Whether it is known as Caño Cristales, the Liquid Rainbow or the River of Five Colors, this is one natural landmark that should be on every traveler’s itinerary. Unfortunately Caño Cristales, has been closed to tourism since 1989 due to FARC presence in the surrounding areas but a few tourist agencies have recently began offering carefully crafted tours to the area. The river is located just outside of the small town of La Macarena in the national park known as Serranía de la Macarena. Plants, rocks, sand and algae give color to the river, which can look black, white, green, yellow or bright red depending on location. Hiking along the banks of the Caño Cristales is an adventure on its own, but travelers can also head to the waterfall of Los Cuarzos or swim in the natural pools formed by the river itself.The Los Nevados National Park is perched at a high elevation and is centered around some of the country’s most incredible volcanic peaks. The snow-covered Nevado Del Ruiz and Nevado del Tolima, among others, serve as the park’s main attraction. Hiking is a popular pastime, and those with a streak of adventure can camp in the park’s backcountry. There is also the opportunity to spot the local wildlife, which includes spectacled bears, tiger cats, Andean condors and pumas.While most people associate Carnaval with Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the Colombian city of Barranquilla is actually home to the world’s second largest Carnaval. During Carnaval de Barranquilla, the city is overrun with festivals, live music and street parades. The festivities kick off with La Batalla de Flores, or the Battle of the Flowers, where parade floats are decorated with flowers in magnificent and colorful designs. Attendees often wear bright colors or costumes that represent a figure or a fable in Colombian heritage.Just north of the border with Ecuador is the Santuario de Las Lajas, one of the most fascinating religious structures in all of Colombia. Built spectacularly on a bridge that spans the Guaitara River, the Santuario de Las Lajas looks like it is straight from a fairy tale. The Gothic style cathedral was built in the early 20th century thanks to a financial donation from locals, and there is now a small museum located within the building. Getting to the Santuario de Las Lajas is easy from the nearby town of Ipiales, where travelers can join guided tours to the cathedral.The Colombian city of Bogota is a unique capital because of its high elevation, something that becomes pronounced with a visit to Monserrate. At the top of the mountain of Monserrate, which overlooks the city, there is a 17th century church that serves as a mecca for religious pilgrims. One of the best ways to experience Bogota is by riding either the funicular train or the aerial tramway to the top of Monserrate. From there, it is possible to view the sun setting over Downtown Bogota in a truly spectacular fashion.Arguably one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colombia is the historic Old Town of Cartagena. This city was the first of the Spanish settlements in Colombia, and the Old Town is bursting with historic colonial architecture. The walled Old Town, which is also known as the Ciudad Amurallada, contains several older neighborhoods and landmarks. Of particular note is the Plaza Trinidad in the Getsemaní neighborhood, which is the oldest part of the colonial city and a hub for local eateries. Take advantage of the coastal location and try fried fish with a side of arroz de coco, or coconut rice.In the northernmost part of Colombia is the Tayrona National Park, which borders the Caribbean Sea and offers remarkable beaches and scenery for visitors. One of the top spots in Tayrona National Park is the lagoon called La Piscina, where a natural reef turns the lagoon into a protected swimming area. While snorkeling in La Piscina, it is possible to spot lobsters, fish and rays among the seagrass and in the reef. There are also plenty of sandy hiking trails leading to and from the coast, many of which provide spectacular views over the Caribbean.Just an hour’s drive north of Bogota is Zipaquirá, a city known as the salt mining capital of Columbia. As a result of salt mining, Zipaquirá has long had a concentration of extreme wealth. One of the things that highlights this is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, which is a Catholic church constructed almost entirely of salt within a now defunct mine. Although this is a major tourism destination, the Salt Cathedral actually accommodates nearly 3,000 parishioners every Sunday, and attending a church service can be an unforgettable experience. Surrounding the cathedral is an area known as the Salt Park, where visitors can see other landmarks within the mines and learn more about the industry at the Brine Museum.10 Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia10 Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia

22 Most Impressive Walled Cities in the World -

Throughout history city walls were made as protection from the enemy. They were usually massive structures, punctuated with guard towers. Some were built on hills, making invasions more difficult, while others fronted seas and oceans to protect the towns from invaders in ships or, in some cases, pirates. Today well preserved walls bring tourist from the whole world to wonder around these medieval walled cities.

Located on a small natural hillock, this completely walled medieval town was built in the 13th century by the overlords of Siena to command the Cassia Road running through the Val d’Elsa and Val Staggia just to the west of Monteriggioni. Very little work has been done to Monteriggioni’s walls or buildings since they were first erected. Subsequently, Monteriggioni’s walls and the buildings that make up the town are the best preserved example of their kind in all of Italy, so it is not surprising that this little town attracts buses full of tourists.

Znojmo is one of the most historic cities in the Czech Republic, with the city wall one of the key elements to see. This medieval wall is actually several walls with ditches or moats in between. Once known as a fortified royal city, Znojmo’s wall served as part of the line of defense on the border with Austria. Znojmo visitors recommend walking around the wall, using a map obtained from the city tourist office.

The first city wall surrounding Diyarbakir, Turkey, was constructed by the Romans in the late third century, though the present wall dates back to the Byzantines. The black basalt walls are second only to the Great Wall of China in length and how well it’s been preserved. The four-mile-long wall has five gates, 16 keeps and 82 watchtowers. The fortifications, which are up to 11 meters (36 feet) high and 3 to 5 meters (9 to 15 feet) wide, are considered a good example of Middle Ages military architecture.

Briançon is a small town in the Hautes-Alpes that is the highest altitude city in France. The old town is heavily fortified with a wall built in the 17th century to protect the region from Austrian invaders and to guard the road to Italy, less than 16 km (10 miles) away. Located on the Durance River, Briançon is built on a peak, with the wall surrounding it. The Fort des Tetes is the most important part of the wall.

Budva, on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro, dates back to 500BC. Its city wall, however, is only a few hundred years old, built by the Venetians in the Middle Ages to protect the city from Ottoman invaders. Only one side of the wall faces the sea today; the other sides have been incorporated into the old and new towns. Within the walls, travelers can find narrow cobblestone streets and stone buildings. Great sea and Old Town views can be seen from atop the wall.

When the Spanish conquered parts of South America in the 16th century, they sent the riches back to Spain from Cartagena. The Caribbean Sea port became a favorite target for pirates, who attacked it one after another. The Spanish fought back by erecting a sea wall that is up to 18 meters (60 feet) wide in some places. Fortifications began in the late 16th century, with the initial walls enclosing what is now San Diego and El Centro.

The wall at Lugo, Spain, stands out from other walls, which are rectangular; Lugo’s wall is shaped like a quadrangle. Much of the original wall, built in the late 3rd century by the Romans, is still intact, though the moat is missing. The 2.5-km (1.5-mile) long wall still has two towers and 82 of its original 85 turrets. The wall originally had five gates; today it has 10 to accommodate the increased need to get from the old town to the new.

Mdina, Malta, stands out among ancient walled cities because, just like when it was built, the entire city remains inside the walls. In Mdina’s case, this is easy since it has only about 250 residents left. Sitting in the center of the island, Mdina’s thick, stone fortifications were first built by the Phoenicians, with the Normans adding the bulk of the wall and a moat. After the Knights Hospitaller arrived in the mid 1500’s the importance of Mdina as the seat of power faded steadily. Today Mdina is known as the “silent city” since few motor vehicles are allowed inside the walls.

Residents of the Baltic coast town of Visby, Sweden, began building their city wall in the 12th century, a time when walled cities were being built throughout Europe. The original city wall was about 6 meters (18 feet) high and did not have towers. The oldest part is a citadel where gun powder was kept. A 13th century war provided the impetus for Visby citizens to continue working on the wall, when extra height and towers were added; 27 of the 29 towers remain today.

The original wall surrounding Tallinn in Estonia was called Margaret Wall because Margaret Sambiria ordered it built in 1265. Only 5 feet wide then, the wall was widened and enlarged over the years. In the 14th century, Tallinn residents were required to do guard duty on the wall, most of which, along with its gates, is still intact today. Key parts of the wall to visit include the Long Leg Gate Tower, and the Nun’s Gate and Tower, and Fat Margaret Tower.

York is an ancient city in the north of England. The city was founded by the Romans, taken over by the Angles, captured by the Vikings and finally incorporated in the Kingdom of England in 954. It boasts the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Since Roman times, the city has been defended by walls of one form or another. The majority of the remaining walls, which encircle the whole of the medieval city, date from the 12th – 14th century.

Harar is an ancient walled city in eastern Ethiopia. For centuries, Harar has been a major commercial center, linked by the trade routes with Africa and Arabia. With 82 mosques, three of which date from the 10th century, and 102 shrines it is one of the most important cities of Islam. Harar was part of the Adal Sultanate, a medieval muslim state located in the Horn of Africa. In the 16th century the city was encircled with a wall including five gates. This wall, called Jugol, is still intact, and has become the symbol of the city.

Taroudant is a fascinating and authentic Berber town in the heart of the Souss Valley, with the best preserved city walls in Morocco. It is often called the “Grandmother of Marrakech” because it is a scaled down, slowed down town that resembles Marrakech with its surrounding city walls. The walls were constructed in the 16th century under the Saadi Dynasty. Today the town is a market town and has a souk near each of its two main squares.

An often overlooked gem, Toledo is one of the former capitals of the Spanish Empire. The history of Toledo dates back to Roman times. Roman occupation was followed by Visigothic rule, Muslim rule and finally the Reconquista of Toledo in 1085 AD. It was the capital of the Spanish empire until the mid 1500’s when the royal court moved to Madrid. The city is surrounded by the River Tajo on three sides and two medieval walls on the fourth side.

Pingyao is a small Chinese city renowned for its well-preserved ancient city wall. The majestic wall, which includes six major gates and 72 watchtowers, encircles an old city which has little changed architecturally over the past 300 years. In 04, part of the southern walls collapsed but were reconstructed. However, the rest of the city walls are still largely intact and Pingyao is considered to be one of best-preserved walled cities in the world.

The town of Óbidos is located on a hill and is encircled by a fortified wall. In the 8th century the Moors established a fortification on top of the hill. It was taken from the Moors by the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, in 1148. The castle of Óbidos and the walls of the village were remodeled in the 14th century. The walls are made out of local limestone and marble. The village was also enlarged around this time, with settlements created outside the city walls. The well-preserved mediaeval look of its streets, squares, walls and its massive castle have turned the picturesque village into a popular tourist attraction in Portugal.

Xi’an one of the oldest cities in China, with a history of more than 3,100 years. For 1,000 years, the city was the capital for 13 dynasties, and a total of 73 emperors ruled here. Xi’an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army. A well-preserved city wall, which was re-constructed in the 14th century during the early Ming Dynasty, surrounds the city. One of the world’s largest city walls, it is wide enough to easily ride 5 bikes across.

Itchan Kala is the walled inner town of the city of Khiva in Uzbekistan. The old town retains many historic monuments and old houses, dating primarily from the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries. The most spectacular features of Itchan Kala are its sun-dried brick walls and four gates at each side of the rectangular fortress. The city walls were destroyed several times, but they were always rebuilt.

Located in western Spain, the medieval city of Ávila is built on the flat summit of a rocky hill, which rises abruptly in the midst of a veritable wilderness. Ávila has a magnificently well-preserved city wall which encircles the entire old town. The ramparts have nine gates and 88 towers many topped with stork nests. The city walls were primarily constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries.

The French city of Carcassonne is one of the most perfectly preserved walled cities of the world and the largest walled city in Europe. The fortification consists of two outer walls, towers and barbicans built over a long period of time. One section is Roman and is notably different from the medieval walls with the red brick layers and the terracotta tile roofs. One of these towers housed the Catholic Inquisition in the 13th Century and is still known as ‘The Inquisition Tower’. Portions of the 1991 film ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ were shot in and around Carcassonne.

Jerusalem is a holy city to three religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, whilst being the modern capital of the State of Israel and the country’s largest city. It is a fascinatingly unique place where the first century rubs shoulders with the twenty-first century, and where picturesque old neighborhoods nestle against glistening office towers and high-rise apartments.

The walled city of Jerusalem, which until the late nineteenth century formed the entire city, is now called the Old City. It is divided into four quarters: The Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Quarters. Jerusalem has been surrounded by walls for its defense since ancient times. In the 16th century, during the reign of the Ottoman empire in the region, it was decided to fully rebuild the city walls on the remains of the ancient walls. The construction lasted from 1535-1538 and these walls are the walls that exist today.

Dubrovnik is a walled city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia. Nicknamed “Pearl of the Adriatic”, it is one of the most prominent tourist destinations of the Mediterranean. The walled city was built on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages it became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice and achieved a remarkable level of development during the 15th and 16th centuries. The world famous walls surround the old city. Constructed mainly during the 12th–17th centuries, they have been well preserved to the present day.

22 Most Impressive Walled Cities in the World22 Most Impressive Walled Cities in the World