Walls are used to divide, display, and often to protect. They are found everywhere because of their utility and function. The walls that are discussed in this series are walls which, for one reason or another, have become tourist sights. They are often visited by travelers as part of specific itineraries. Some have become travel destinations in and of themselves. Here are some walls that Lee and I have encountered over the years that have a particular significance, whether it be historical, aesthetic, or cultural.

There are too many walled cities and towns in Europe to post them all, but here are some of the most special.

City Walls, Avila, Spain — These may be the best-preserved and most impressive walls in Europe.

Avila Walls

City Walls, San Marino — This tiny republic inside of Italy has extremely impressive fortifications.

San Marino walls

Verona, Italy — This ancient Roman city still has many vestiges of that time. The castle walls pictured below, however, are from a later time.

Verona Castle Walls

Rhodes, Greece — Because of its location, the city of Rhodes required heavy fortifications.

Rhodes Walls

Dubrovnik, Croatia — This lovely city is known as the “pearl of the Adriatic.” Its extensive walls are delightful to stroll.

City Walls, Dubrovnik

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany — This delightful town along the Romantic Road has an impressive fortification system that visitors can enjoy by walking.

Rothenburg Walls

York, England — Another city with walkable walls is York, a charming town in northern England.

York City Walls

Hadrian’s Wall, England — This 75-mile long fortification dates to Roman times. It was the northern boundary of the Roman Empire at its height.

Hadrian’s Wall