32 Enchanting Medieval Towns That Feel Frozen in Time

15. Bardejov, Slovakia

Bardejov may be small, but it’s a giant in terms of medieval character. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by fortified walls and studded with Gothic treasures, including the Church of St. Egidius with its ornate altars and towering spire. The central square is a perfect picture of medieval urban planning, ringed by pastel-colored burgher houses. Nearby, the town’s open-air museum showcases traditional Slovak wooden architecture, giving visitors a glimpse of rural life centuries ago. Quiet, colorful, and incredibly well-preserved, Bardejov is a hidden jewel in Eastern Europe.