You must visit world's smallest historic towns
What's the story
Small historic towns give a unique peek into the past, each with its own architecture, culture, and traditions.
Despite their sizes, they're rife with history and charm.
These destinations allow an intimate historical experience, with cobblestone streets and ancient ruins which larger cities can't match.
Here are some that are worth visiting for their historical significance.
Alpine charm
Hallstatt: A picturesque alpine village
Nestled in Austria's Salzkammergut, Hallstatt is known for its stunning lakeside views and ancient salt production.
Its wooden houses and narrow streets reflect a rich heritage.
Tourists can explore the Salt Mine or enjoy the beauty of Lake Hallstatt by boat.
Despite its small size, its picturesque setting attracts a lot of visitors.
Fairytale setting
Colmar: A fairytale town in France
Located in northeastern France, Colmar is famous for its preserved medieval architecture and colorful half-timbered houses.
With canals running through it, this charming town has a fairytale-like vibe making it called "Little Venice."
You can walk through cobblestone streets lined with shops selling local crafts and delicacies.
Colmar's Unterlinden Museum displays art from different periods, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
Unique architecture
Alberobello: Trulli houses of Italy
Alberobello is known for its trulli houses—whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs—that are found nowhere else in the world.
Located in Italy's Puglia region, this UNESCO World Heritage site allows visitors to walk around among these unique structures that date back to the 14th century.
The town gives a glimpse into rural Italian life while providing picture-perfect views of olive groves and vineyards around it.
Medieval charm
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Medieval gem of Germany
One of Germany's best-preserved medieval towns, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, lies along the Romantic Road route.
Its pristine walls surround half-timbered buildings from centuries ago, when trade thrived here on Middle Ages timescales.
Visitors could explore landmarks like St. James Church, or go up Town Hall Tower for sweeping views across red-roofed buildings beneath them.
Stone Legacy
Gjirokaster: Stone City of Albania
Gjirokaster is unique mainly because nearly every structure in this Albanian city has been built with stone, earning the title "Stone City."
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, due to the preservation work of locals who love their heritage, strong Ottoman Empire era influences remain alive today through the narrow alleyways meandering between fortress-like homes on hillsides, gazing down at the Drino Valley beneath.