Some cities in the world look as if they came from the pages of a collection of fairy tales or a catalog of children's toys. Before that they are beautiful, clean, elegant. And if you plan to spend your holidays in a cozy, small, and most importantly, beautiful city, we are happy to help with a choice. Introducing the top 10 most fabulous cities in the world.
10. Chefchaouen, Morocco
In the north-west of Morocco, in the mountains of the Reef, is Chefchaouen or Schauen, as the locals call it. It is a small town famous for its charming streets and houses painted in blue and blue. And roofs, made mainly of red tiles, create an interesting contrast with the cold tones of buildings.
The tradition of painting houses in blue went from representatives of the Jewish community, who had long ago settled in Chefchaouen, fleeing Spanish persecution. In Judaism, blue is the color of faith and wisdom, as well as a prayer cover.
Now the city is home to about 35 thousand inhabitants, and it can not boast of a large number of attractions. But we can say that Chefchaouen itself is one big attraction. This is a fairly clean and modern city, its only drawback is the long way that a tourist will have to go. After all, the nearest cities - Fez and Tangier - are about five hours away.
9. Zermatt, Switzerland
You may be familiar with Zermatt, even if you had never heard of one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland. After all, the famous pyramidal peak Matterhorn rises above it. Her image was shown in Ricola commercials, and for many years was applied to each bar of Toblerone chocolate. Probably on Earth there is no mountain with a more picturesque peak.
An interesting fact: car traffic is prohibited in Zermatt, and all movements are carried out using electric vehicles.
8. Queenstown, New Zealand
Another beautiful “toy” city in the world is located in New Zealand. It is located on Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps. This place is called the “Southern Hemisphere Adventure Capital”, and it is here that you will find many travelers who want to receive a shock dose of adrenaline. Bungee jumping, paragliding and canyoning are all common in Queenstown.
7. Banff, Canada
Imagine huge mountains, beautiful blue lakes, dense coniferous forests and a charming Canadian small town. If this sounds like the perfect place to spend the summer, fall, winter and spring, then that is the way it is!
Banff is located in the center of the eponymous national park - the largest in the country. The reserve's area is 6641 km², and the town itself is 19.4 km². About 8 thousand people live in it.
6. Hallstatt (or Hallstatt), Austria
One of the most beautiful cities on Earth is small (59.8 km²) and is “sandwiched” between Hallstatt Lake and the cliffs. In addition to its picturesque views and beautiful old houses, Hallstatt is famous for its interesting tradition associated with the lack of land, including for the burial of the dead.
Previously, every 10 years, the remains of deceased local residents were dug up, and the bones were bleached, the name, profession and date of death of the deceased were written on them. The bones were then put on display in a local chapel. In this way, places in the cemetery were freed.
Now this tradition is a thing of the past, since cremation replaced the burial in the cemetery.
5. Hoi An, Vietnam
There are many unusual and exotic cities in Asia. However, Hoian stands out against their background for its archaic and colorful. According to UNESCO experts, this city has preserved hundreds of cultural and historical buildings, and local residents are doing their best to maintain the atmosphere of antiquity and comfort. After all, it attracts tourists here.
Hoi An's hallmark is the red Chinese lanterns that are hung everywhere. And in the evenings, when they shine, the city seems simply magical.
4. Plyos, Russia
One of the smallest and most beautiful cities in Russia is a real pearl of the Volga region. Ancient merchant houses, many churches, nature, a quiet cozy vacation and a beautiful view of the Volga - all this can be found in Plyos.
There is also a cat monument and the house-museum of the artist Isaac Levitan. After all, it was in this city that he came up with the idea of creating the painting “Above Eternal Peace”.
3. Longyearbyen, Norway
One of the coldest cities in the world would be perfect for the Snow Queen, if she wants to settle in Norway. And in the lovely colorful houses her servants could be accommodated.
In the meantime, ordinary people who regularly watch the flashes of the northern lights and withstand extremely cold temperatures live there (but they are not born and do not die - such a strange ban applies in Longyearbyen).
You may ask: is it like this, ordinary people - and do not die? In fact, they die, but there are no cemeteries in Longyearbyen. And on their last journey, the dead go to the mainland, where their bodies are interred.
2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
If you look at the photo of this provincial city, you can imagine that it is a puppet city for a giant child. So much it is pastoral and at the same time ancient and magnificent. Here you will find half-timbered houses, unusual signs and the charming (as well as free) City Garden, which previously served as a delight for the eyes of local aristocrats.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is known for its long-standing New Year traditions, which are carefully preserved in the Christmas Museum. These are five houses, interconnected and forming the "Christmas Village". The museum is open year round and stores about 5 thousand exhibits, including Christmas tree decorations and Christmas pyramids. And for whom these decorations look small, they can admire the five-meter Christmas tree.
1. Matamata, New Zealand
Once in this New Zealand city, it is easy to imagine that you have become a character in one of the best children's books - The Hobbit. And all because it was in the vicinity of Matamata that the shooting of the Hobbiton and the Shire took place for the most popular film trilogies “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”.
And the New Zealand government decided to leave the hobbits at home as a kind of "bait" for tourists. Even on the main road at the entrance to the city, the inscription “Welcome to the Hobbiton” flaunts.
