UNESCO world heritage ground stone (SYLVAIN ROBIN)
When planning a vacation, I look for a single perfect place to settle in and enjoy the local life, a place where I can wander scenic streets and immerse myself in a landscape that oozes heritage. If you are also tired of the go-go-go vacation that involves checking boxes and seeing ALL the sites, opt for experience and culture at one of these UNESCO heritage towns. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a special agency that promotes the preservation of world heritage as a gateway to peace.
Each one offers something a little different, from hilltops or waterfronts to historic art and architecture. Find one that speaks to you.
The Franconian gem of Bamberg
Look no further for half-timbered homes, a medieval dom (cathedral) and scenic bridges. The old town of Bamberg was a vital link between the Slav and Germanic peoples in the 10th century because of its location along the Main and Regnitz Rivers and its many canals and tributaries. It grew to become an important center of the Holy Roman Empire and hasn’t changed much in the centuries since. Wandering for photo ops and ambience in the old town on the west side of the river will take you past many of the nearly 2,400 historic timber buildings. Visit the old Rathaus (town hall) that is still perched on a bridge over the river, tour the Neue Residenz palace built in grand Baroque fashion for the Holy Roman Emperor or check out the religious heritage in the cathedral. Fuel your wandering with a Bamberger Zwiebel, this local specialty is a serious stomach-filler with minced pork stuffed into a baked onion, topped with bacon and served over mashed potatoes with gravy. Later you can settle in at a local brewery to try the Rauschbier – a special Franconian brew with a strong smoked malt flavor.
Lovely City of Bamberg, Germany at the Blue morning Hour in Winter ()
The textile mill village of Saltaire
This village surrounds a textile mill from the mid-1850s. It was a self-contained community built by Sir Titus Salt to provide his workers with quality homes and facilities that supported healthy living. He moved five smaller textile factories (and the employees) out of the slums of Bradford as Victorian enlightenment ideas took off. Today, you can visit the impressive Salts Mill building that now houses artistic shops, restaurants and a top-floor history exhibition. The mill is situated along the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canalway, where you can still cruise the waters and walk or bike along the waterfront. In town, check out the ornate columned exterior of the Saltaire church, the plane-fronted and tidy rows of worker housing and the cute restaurants and vintage shops along Victoria and Bingely Roads. In nice weather, ramble across the river to enjoy Roberts Park, or take the historic tramway up to hike around the green spaces of Shipley Glen like mill workers did back in the 1800s.
Canal boats in Saltaire, England (derek oldfield )
The spiritual old town of Santiago de Compostela
Stepping onto the historic streets of Santiago de Compostela is like walking into a church. It is a religious masterpiece that deeply expresses its faith. Sometime in the early 9th century, a hermit shepherd was led by a bright star to a mysterious tomb hidden in the forest. It was soon reported that this was the lost burial site of Saint James (Santiago), whose remains are believed to have been taken to the furthest reaches of his mission field. Today, you can visit Saint James’ tomb in the crypt below the main altar of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The old town that surrounds the cathedral is full of other chapels and religious iconography adorns the Romanesque buildings. This spiritual center has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, being the end of the Camino de Santiago, or The Way of Saint James. The many routes begin from the furthest reaches of Europe and flow into each other like a river system to eventually converge on the town. The routes are also UNESCO heritage listed, and pilgrims continue to follow the yellow and blue scallop shells to Saint James’ tomb.
Pilgrim finishing the Way of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela (GDM photo and video)
The Renaissance art village of Urbino
Situated on a hilltop in the Marche region of eastern Italy, Urbino seems to have stopped time and remained firmly rooted in the Renaissance. During the 1400s, it became a small epicenter for artists and scholars thanks to the patronage of the Duke of Montefeltro. Today, you can visit the Palazzo Ducale (Duke’s Palace) that dominates the hilltop. It is a grand example of art, architecture and opulence. Below the palace, wander the small cobblestone streets, visit the birthplace of artist Raphael and mingle with students who still come here to study at the university founded in the 1500s. Sit at one of the outdoor cafes to enjoy the local specialties: truffles, soft Caciotta cheese and a glass of Bianchello del Metauro wine from the vineyards that surround the village. Find your own artistic inspiration in the views from the city walls or down the alleyways of Urbino’s steep, stair-stepped streets.
Winter night in Urbino, Italy (Buffy1982)
The medieval town of Toruń
This quaint medieval walled town was overtaken by Teutonic knights in the 13th century as a home base for their military monks to spread Christianity via crusades into Eastern Europe. Their old castle was left in ruins after the local townsfolk rebelled against the Teutonic occupation, and it has remained so ever since. Originally surrounded by city walls, there are still three gates and nine towers (one casually leaning) standing along segments that make for scenic walks, especially along the Vistula River. This was the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, and a few monuments and sites are dedicated to his memory, including a planetarium. Some of the best sights will be those you discover on your own while taking in the traditional brick townhouses or walking along the colorful pedestrian-only Szeroka street full of shops and restaurants. Be sure to try some of the local gingerbread made famous during Toruń’s time as a stop along the Hanseatic trading routes.
The city walls of Toruń in winter (BIERNACKA)
The historic harbor district of Bryggen, Bergen
According to the Icelandic Sagas, Bergen, Norway grew along the harbor (called the Bryggen) in the Middle Ages. It became Norway’s most important city, and you can walk out along the waterfront to a fortress at the harbor’s entrance where King Håkon’s Hall is still used for special events. In the 1300s, the Hanseatic League established an office and Bryggen became a bustling trade town. Filled with traditional wooden buildings in bright whites, reds and oranges, this waterfront area oozes North Atlantic heritage. There are two museums that showcase Bryggen’s heritage and traditional craft shops to poke around. Across the harbor is the fish market, now covered in a decidedly-not-original glass building, this is the best place for tasting Norwegian dishes like creamy cod fish soup and smoked salmon. For a different view, take the Fløibanen funicular to the hilltop above town where you can see over the Bryggen on clear days or wander the misty troll-filled forest.
View across the harbor to the Bryggen in Bergen, Norway (tan4ikk)
