Europe is a continent that would leave every traveller baffled. Comprised of numerous countries that are blessed with beautiful cities, it is never easy to decide which one to visit. Since many tourists always head towards the most popular European destinations, there are many cities that remain unexplored. And if you take a look at any of these cities, you will find that each one of them is historically rich. Let’s take a look at 5 such unexplored historic cities in Europe. If any one city allures you, use the best vacation planner to plan a vacation and set out on an exciting trip.
Matera, Italy
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Matera in Italy is overlooked by many travellers and waits to be thoroughly explored. It is home to two cave-dwelling districts that date back to the Palaeolithic era. These two districts are collectively called Sassi which was once evacuated for extremely poor living conditions, before being recognized as ‘one of the most unique landscapes in Europe’. Park of the Murgia Materana is a historical-natural archaeological park, where you can visit well-preserved 150 medieval rock churches. Matera Cathedral is yet another fascinating attraction in this Italian city.
Coimbra, Portugal
Coimbra played the capital of Portugal for over a hundred years in the medieval era. Soaked in rich history, the city is popular for the historic University of Coimbra. Wandering in its old town, you will come across numerous attractions that were built in the ancient times. These include the 12th century Romanesque Old Cathedral of Coimbra and National Museum Machado de Castro which houses medieval and Renaissance art. The ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha across Mondego River, the monastery and church of Igreja de Santa Cruz, and the 18th-century Jardim Botanical Garden are also worth visiting.
Maastricht, Netherlands
Maastricht is a historically rich city in the Netherlands with a vibrant culture. Boasting of medieval era architecture, this pretty town is packed with a number of historic places to visit. While walking along the cobbled streets of its old town, you must visit Sint Janskerk which is a huge Gothic Church. The Romanesque Basilica of Saint Servatius and the Basilica of Our Lady are two other attractions that you must not miss. Walk beyond the old town and you will come across tunnels and caves of Fort Sint Pieter which goes back to the 18th century.
Lubeck, Germany
Founded way back in the 12th century, Lubeck is certainly one German city which is steeped in history. Be it the red brick city gate which defended the city’s old town or The Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus which showcases 19th-20th-century German paintings, Lubeck reveals history at every corner of the city. St. Mary’s Church, Lübeck Cathedral, The Burgtor are a few other heritage sites that you must visit in the city.
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is a Polish riverfront city which partly suffered during the Second World War. Rising from the ashes, the city can now be seen as an attractive destination to explore in Europe. From housing a fountain that belongs to the 17th century, to sporting elegant cathedrals built in various styles of architecture, Gdansk does not leave any stone unturned to awe the visitors. The Green Gate, the Artus Court, St. Mary’s Church, and Long Market are a few places that you must include in your itinerary. You can create a Gdansk itinerary using a trip planner like TripHobo. By creating a plan, you will be able to thoroughly explore this Polish city.
These are the 5 cities in Europe that are historical and yet remain unexplored. Why don’t you pack your bags and leave to explore one of them?