Airborn. Amazing Cities on the Rocks

It seems that the houses located in the rocks can fall into the abyss. Sometimes they merge with the stone landscapes surrounding them. People have built beautiful cities on the slopes of mountains and rocks for hundreds of years. Some of them continue to thrive even today. There are many reasons for this "extreme construction". Most often, inaccessible rocks and high plateaus served as natural protective structures for residents. Stone cities, located on steep rocky ledges, look incredible today. They attract with their original architecture, variety of historical sights, and unique way of life. Even a few days spent in such a town will give you a lot of unforgettable impressions.

The amazing town of Castellfollit de la Roca is located in Catalonia. It is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the region. This miniature city is located on a basalt cliff. Its length is about 1,000 meters. The first village was formed in its place in the middle ages. Locals used volcanic rock to build their homes. Many of the buildings in this town are located on the very edge of the cliff. Therefore, it seems that they can fall at any time.

Castellfollit de La Roca is located on a basalt plateau. Its height is about 50 meters. There is only one street in the town. The houses are arranged in two rows here. About a thousand people live in this unusual stone town permanently. Many travelers visit it as part of a sightseeing tour in the nature reserve of the Garrotxa zone. This reserve is interesting for its picturesque volcanic landscapes. The main attraction of Castellfollit de la Roca is considered to be a medieval church. It is also composed of basalt blocks.

According to historical data, this church was built in the 13th century. You can climb its bell tower and admire the unusual stone town from a height. In addition to the old church and unusual houses, there is a small cafe in the town. You can taste popular national dishes there. Some areas of the plateau offer wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding mountain scenery. They have formed as a result of volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Next - Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde, USA

The stone city of Mesa Verde never ceases to attract the attention of travelers, even though it has been uninhabited for several hundred years. This unique city was founded in the prehistoric era. It is the main part of the national park of the same name today. There are about 4,000 objects on the territory of the ancient city at present. There are stone houses built right in the rocks and caves among them. Some of them even have their names. Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, and Balcony House are considered the most interesting houses. Complete article

Pitigliano, Italy

You can visit the charming town of Pitigliano in Tuscany. It was also built on rocks at an altitude of more than 600 meters above sea level. Rocks surround this ancient Etruscan city on three sides. It was founded in such a remote place specifically to provide residents with natural protection from enemies. It is customary to consider Pitigliano as a single and unique architectural complex today. Many beautiful medieval buildings, luxurious palaces, and towers have been preserved in the town. Complete article

Ronda, Spain

The town of Ronda is located in the province of Malaga in Spain. It is located at an altitude of about 760 meters above sea level in a very beautiful and inaccessible mountainous area. Guadalevin River flows through the town. This makes the atmosphere even more unique here. The very first town was formed in this mountainous area during the Roman Empire. Its visitors can admire historical monuments of various eras today. You can enter the town via one of three bridges. They were built over a deep canyon. Complete article

Al-Hajjarah, Yemen

The fortress town of Al Hajjarah is one of the main historical attractions in Yemen. It owes much of its fame and popularity to its relative accessibility. It is extremely difficult to reach many other mountainous areas of the country. Active stone mining was carried out on the site where the old buildings are located today. This was hundreds of years ago. A small settlement was founded near the quarry in the 12th century. It was built into the mountain. Stone extracted from local quarries was used for building houses, granaries, and water vessels. Complete article

Rocamadour, France

The charming village of Rocamadour is located in the South-Western part of France. It is considered one of the most romantic and picturesque villages in the world. It was based on the top of a rocky cliff. The age of this village is more than 800 years. It fell into disrepair for a time during the French revolution. But it is once again full of life and attracts thousands of travelers now. The miniature village is very popular with pilgrims. Saint Amadour is buried in its territory. This is a Christian hermit. Many travelers note that visiting these sacred places allowed them to heal from serious illnesses. Complete article

Bonifacio, France

The Corsican town of Bonifacio also became famous in many ways due to its unusual location. It is built on top of a cliff right at the coastline. Town buildings hang over the coast at an altitude of 70 meters. The cliff has been washed away by the ocean for many years. Nature also worked hard to form the amazing appearance of Bonifacio. The exact date of the founding of this French town is unknown. According to some sources, it was founded by the count of Tuscany Boniface II in the early 9th century. Complete article

Azenias do Mar, Portugal

Azenhas do Mar is one of the most unusual towns in Portugal. It is located off the coast near Lisbon. This charming town was also built on the rocks. Its name can be translated from Portuguese as "sea mill". The town got its current name during the Arab occupation. It was at this time that the first water mills were built on its territory. This town began to attract travelers in the early 20th century. The first tram line was launched on its territory at this time. Complete article

Vernazza, Italy

The incredibly beautiful town of Vernazza is located in the Italian province of La Spezia. It attracts travelers with its wonderful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. This town was built on the rocky coast of a miniature bay. Its tiny houses are located very close to each other. They look just fabulous against the background of green vegetation. Complete article

Mont-Saint-Michel, France

The castle town of Mont Saint-Michel has maintained its status as an amazing attraction for many years. It is located in France. The rocky island of the same name became its location. This rock is directed up to 80 meters. An ancient monastery was built on it once. Its high spire is decorated with a golden figure of an Archangel with a sword. It is one of the main symbols of the town today. The rocky island is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Complete article

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

The beautiful town of Veliko Tarnovo is located on a mountainside in Bulgaria. It was founded in the 5th century. The town, located in the valley of the Yantra River, was the capital of the state in ancient times. It attracts travelers with its outstanding architectural monuments today. The town is located in an incredibly difficult mountainous area. It was built on the slopes of a winding gorge. The ancient fortress remains its main symbol. The historic district is perfectly preserved in the town. Complete article