We're focusing on architecture and design in our August features. prioritizingWe've never been more eager to unwind in a cutting-edge coffee shop, travel the globe in Croatia's subways, or check into a dreamy new hotel. Now we're thrilled to celebrate the shapes and structures that make our world beautiful with an encouraging tale of how one historic city is we're accessibility, how a Swedish cemetery teaches us crucial lessons about design, an investigation of how climate change is affecting the future of architecture, and a look at the essential components to build a dream hotel.

Some of the most stunning cities in the world are encircled by walls constructed centuries ago to keep out invading forces. In fairytale cities like Dubrovnik, Croatia, Quebec City, Canada, and Tallinn, Estonia, these fortified constructions were punctuated by gates and guard towers, some of which are still in existence. Visitors can enter Tallinn'Tallinn'sn through a picturesque gateway marked by a pair of sizable watchtowers constructed in the 1300s. Some of these fortifications were built on hills to provide residents with a bird's-ebird's-eye the surroundings and to help them identify potential attackers.

Europe is home to many of the most well-known walled cities in the world, but it's not the only continent where enchanted locales have been fortified with walls. These ten walled cities are among the most beautiful you can visit, and they range from Europe to Asia, Africa, and beyond.

The World's 10 Most Beautiful Walled Citieshttps://t.co/qPBbfBLAQ3 pic.twitter.com/wsjKreBj2k

— TripSavvy (@TripSavvy) September 2, 2022

Dubrovnik, Croatia

This city on the Adriatic Sea might be familiar to you from "Game of"Thrones." More t"6,000 feet of 13th-century walls, dotted with recognisable fortresses, surround Dubrovnik. 1 The city's wgorgeouscity'srovide some of Croatia's most breathtaking views and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities. You came here to see these picture-perfect images, after all. If you choose to walk Dubrovnik's walls, which include sixteen towers, three fortresses, and six bastions, among other fortified features, you should allow yourself at least an hour or two. When purchasing tickets on-site during the busiest summer travel periods, expect to wait in long lines. Tickets, which include entry to Lovrjenac fortress, cost about $33.

Quebec City, Canada

The only walled city in North America north of Mexico is Quebec City. These stone walls, constructed between 1608 and 1871, feature the Citadelle of Québec, once the most significant British fortress on the continent, along with four gates and three towers. Wide-ranging views of the St. Lawrence River, the 17th-century Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, and Château Frontenac, one of the world's most famous hotels, can all be found inside Quebec City's fortified walls. This picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, which still houses the cannons that once assisted in guarding Quebec City, is available for 120-minute guided tours by Parks Canada.

Tallinn, Estonia

The city's 13th-century walls were once one of Northern Europe's most effective defense structures. Twenty-six towers, two complete city gates, and two incomplete city gates are among the more than half of them that are still standing. 3 Take a stroll along the portion of the walls that connects the Nunne, Sauna, and Kuldjala towers for a breathtaking view of Old Town Tallinn. Even though it does cost a few euros to walk this distance, it's a steal considering the priceless views. Alternatively, save your money and visit the Patkuli viewing platform.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

This city in east-central Uzbekistan, one of the oldest in Central Asia, first welcomed settlers in 1,500 B.C. It was a crucial stop on the Silk Route. 4 Samarkand, a city once conquered by Alexander the Great and destroyed by Genghis Khan, has been rebuilt from the ground up but appears to be much more recent. It is best known for its Islamic architecture, characterised by shimmering mosques and vivid turquoise domes. There are still remnants of the city's 11th-century walls and gates, even though Russia destroyed them in the 1800s.

Taroudant, Morocco

This ancient town in southwest Morocco resembles Marrakech, but there are a few significant differences. In addition to being smaller than Marrakech and surrounded by fortified walls for nearly 5 miles, Taroudant has a more manageable atmosphere. The imposing golden ramparts, among the oldest in Morocco, were constructed by the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century to ward off Spanish and Portuguese invaders. 6 Taroudant is a market town today, well-known for its leather and wool goods. You can walk alongside these walls but not on top of them.

Jaisalmer, India

The Rajasthani desert is towered over by the yellow sandstone walls of Jaisalmer Fort, which appear to turn a deep golden color as dusk falls. This fort, among the oldest in Rajasthan, an Indian state dotted with forts, once served as a stop along important trade routes like the Silk Road. Within the city walls today, you'll find several temples, an opulent palace, and expansive mansions constructed from the distinctive yellow sandstone of the region. A quarter of Jaisalmer's population is still thought to reside inside the fort's walls, and these streets have inspired books and films.

Toledo, Spain

The walls of this Spanish city seem more imposing and magnificent as you get closer to them. The Romans of antiquity created them, but the Arabs who later ruled this region modified them. 7 The charming city of today, perched on a hill above the Tagus River, reflects its Jewish, Christian, and Muslim past. It's a great day trip option because it's only about an hour's drive or a 30-minute train ride from Madrid. Wearing comfortable shoes and allowing plenty of time for meandering Toledo's curvy, narrow streets are recommended.

Cartagena, Colombia

More than a million people live in this vibrant city in Colombia, which is situated alongside the Caribbean Sea's glistening blue waters. Over a dozen fortresses and nearly 7 miles of walls encircle the city's historic center. They are more than 400 years old and among the best-preserved city walls in the Americas. It is thought that it took 200 years to build them. 8 You can see slight variations in certain wall sections if you look closely. These walls were constructed over time in areas rather than all at once, resulting in minute variations that are worth noticing.

Xi'an, China

Xi'an, the oldest city in China, dates back about 3,000 years, and its 644-year-old walls are among the best preserved in the whole of China. 9 Along with a moat and a network of drawbridges, watchtowers, and gates, they were constructed during the Ming Dynasty and have since undergone numerous renovations. Today, tourists can tour Xian's 9 miles of walls on foot, by bicycle, or by renting an electric golf cart. If you decide to walk the entire walkway at the top of the walls, allow yourself four hours. The most elaborate gate has nearby bike rentals and is called the South Gate.

Rhodes, Greece

This Greek island town's historic district is encircled by walls constructed in the shape of a crescent during the 16th century. You can find Byzantine and Gothic churches, mediaeval mosques, and fountains within them. Walking on top of the city walls is one of the most intriguing ways to experience them. At around $2, tickets are a steal, and you can purchase them at the Grandmaster's Palace. Hippocrates Square is a great place to start if you want to go out because the old town is well-known for its nightlife.