In these cities you will not find impressive buildings and landmarks. They do not need them since they are indeed the same architectural monuments. To take our breath away they will not make any effort: just stand aside and to look beneath our sea or land. Wild rocks and gnarled paths compose a dreamy scene in cities hanging from the edge of cliffs.
Castellfollit De La Roca, Spain
It is one of the most beautiful villages in northwest Catalonia Girona and has starred in countless photographs and paintings. And not without a reason. The tiny village of 1,000 inhabitants is situated on a cliff of basalt, between two rivers, with most houses look like that hover on the edge of the cliff and how to tumble at any moment. Here, indeed operates the only quarry basalt country. The oldest part was built in the Middle Ages and consists of narrow streets and dark corners while the houses are made of volcanic rocks. In the village there is the church of Sant Salvador and there are several squares, playgrounds and municipal pool for the summer months.
Rocamadour, France
The tiny village hanging over a gorge on the river Alzou of southwestern France. The houses are built on different levels on the side of the rock and tens staircase leads from the lower town to the huge churches that dominate the upper part. The village dates from the 12th century and was almost deserted during the French Revolution. Today, knowledge and bloom again thanks to tourists and pilgrims come to honor St. Amadour and wooden icon of the Black Madonna who carved himself and kept in the church of Notre Dame. According to legend, St. Amadour witnessed the deaths of St. Peter and Paul in Rome and later traveled to Rocamadour, where he became a hermit. The village has given its name in very small goat cheese produced in the region.
Bonifacio, Corsica
The city lies on the southern edge of the French island from afar looks like emerging from the sea and shining white in the sunlight. Located in a prime location on the cliffs hanging over the only major port of the southern coast of Corsica. The city itself and the walls extending to a great length, at an altitude of 70 meters from the sea. The Bonifacio is the location where the unfolding story of Guy de Mopasan, The Vendetta.
Ronda, Spain
It is the most typical Andalusian city, west of Malaga and is perched in the mountains at an altitude of 760 meters. The city is divided in two by the river that crossed Guadalevin. Thus, Ronda is located on the two sides of the El Tajo gorge with both departments to communicate with each other by three bridges. The architecture has been influenced by the Romans and the Moors who once ruled the area. The Ronda claims the title of the birthplace of bullfighting and here lies the oldest bullring in Spain.
Oia, Santorini
The entire island is a natural wonder as the view from the side of the volcano occurs rocky and steep in contrast with the smoothness of the soil in the balance. Renowned worldwide for its magnificent views, its breathtaking sunsets and its active volcano. The spectacular Oia is built on the highest point of the island. The whitewashed walls of houses and blue domes rising above the blue Aegean Sea, creating a unique setting. At dusk, the city attracts crowds of tourists who come to see the sunset which has the reputation of one of the world’s finest.
View more here: The most affordable cities in Europe, The most beautiful cities on the coasts of Italy.
By Nicole P.
Cities built on cliffs photos: willatravel, DazzlingPlaces.tumblr.com, Allard Schager, franck Bachere, caminanteK.
