Central Europe is fast gaining in popularity. Cities such as Prague, Krakow, Vienna and Budapest are becoming classics, along with famed destinations such as Paris, Berlin or Rome. But Central Europe has much more to offer, unknown even to most Europeans, found in every country. We present you the list of 5 towns that you simply cannot miss on your next trip to Central Europe.
1. Olomouc, Czech Republic
It is the second most important city in Czech Republic, with notable monuments such as Holy Trinity Column which was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. No wonder, since the streets reflect the centuries of history, both of the country and the general culture. In this great city you will find many Gothic and Baroque churches, buildings with stunning baroque facades and you cannot say no to a walk through the Old Town Square. You also have to visit the Olomouc castle, where the monumental Archdiocesan Museum is located as well as several lovely churches.
2. Bled, Slovenia
Bled is the showcase of Slovenia and appears in most guidebooks, thanks to its picturesque landscape that attracts people from all over the world. It is a city located on the shore of a lake holding the same name and has two reference points: a castle build on a high rock hill and a church located on the lake’s small island. In addition, the city is surrounded by the Alps, which reinforces the idyllic scenery of this town. Bled is located 55 kilometres from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, so it is very easy to get there by a train or a bus.
3. Sighisoara, Romania
The capital of Transylvania region, Sighisoara is one of the most beautiful cities in the Carpathian Mountains. Sighisoara’s Old Town district was a part of a fortified medieval town, which was inscribed in 1999 to the list of World Heritage by UNESCO. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the legendary Dracula, who terrorized the region in the fifteenth century. Today it is a very quiet city, where every traveller will find something interesting and above all, where one can relax amidst lovely buildings.
4. Zamość, Poland
Known as the Pearl of the East, is an exemplary city of Renaissance architecture of the late sixteenth century. Many of the buildings have been preserved in their original state and the old town exhibits many sights of the fusion between Italian and traditional architecture characteristic for this part of the continent. It’s impossible not to see the City Hall, standing proudly among other buildings with stairs leading down to the Town Hall Square which itself is one of the most distinctive elements of the old town. The square is surrounded by buildings with walls painted in bright colours. Zamość is also a host of popular music and theatre festivals.
5. Eger, Hungary
When speaking about Hungary most tourists think of Budapest, but Eger is the Hungarian capital of wine. This gem of the baroque style is known not only for its exquisite wines, but also for the monuments such as the Eger Castle, or The Archiepiscopal Palace. The city will enchant you with its narrow streets and craft shops where one can find many local products. What’s more, a beautiful minaret will catch your eye instantly when admiring the city’s landscape.
As you can see, Central Europe has much to offer its visitors and if you decide to go off the beaten track, you can find some real wonders. Moreover, the prices are usually lower than in other, more popular tourist attractions.
