Most cities bulldozed their past to build the future.

But a few never changed—and they’re better for it.

Here’s what 20 timeless towns still get right about urban design…..🧵 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Walled in and untouched since the 1600s, Rothenburg is a living museum of medieval street planning. Narrow lanes, central squares, and walkable design show why this layout still charms visitors today.

The Most Spectacular Castles in Germany 🧵

1. Hohenzollern Castle – 11th c. (rebuilt 1850s) 2. Eltz Castle – 1157

Modern architecture is silently making people miserable.

But medieval towns? They heal the soul.

Here’s why your brain prefers traditional architecture 🧵 1. Bland buildings raise stress

Monotonous concrete blocks actually trigger your brain’s threat response.

Some cities are built to inspire.

Others feel like they were designed to break your spirit.

A thread of the most architecturally depressing cities on Earth. 🧵 Norilsk, Russia

Stark Soviet facades stand like silent guardians in the Arctic cold—weatherworn, utilitarian, and full of quiet resilience.

Ancient Romans built structures that still stand 2000 years later.

Modern buildings need major repairs after 20 years.

The secrets behind Roman engineering will blow your mind…🧵 The Pantheon in Rome is nearly 2000 years old and it’s still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

Meanwhile, your local mall from the 1980s is probably falling apart.

What did the Romans know that we forgot?

You were taught that Baroque peaked in Europe.

But the most extravagant baroque churches?

They're in Latin America—let’s take a look 🧵 Capilla del Rosario – Puebla, Mexico

Dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World." A chapel completely covered in gold leaf and sculpted detail. No photo does it justice.

Think Gothic buildings are all churches?

Wrong.

These 20 masterpieces will blow your mind….🧵 Palais des Papes (Avignon, France)

In the 14th century, Avignon was the seat of papal power—and this Gothic fortress is a breathtaking reminder.

Wander through grand halls that once echoed with power and prayer.

Museums get all the credit.

But in these 20 places, the buildings are the exhibits—and they’re way more powerful….🧵 Matera, Italy 🇮🇹

A city carved from stone. The ancient cave dwellings (sassi) have been lived in for over 9,000 years.

Locals used to call it “the shame of Italy.” Now, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site—and still home to families.

Most travelers visit the wrong beach towns.

These 20 coastal villages are what you're actually looking for….🧵 Porto Ercole, Italy 🇮🇹

This tiny Tuscan fishing village sits under an old stone fort. Its bright houses line a quiet harbor, and the little Sant’Erasmo church feels peaceful. Grab an espresso in the main square and watch the boats bob.

Modern architecture makes people depressed.

Medieval towns make people happy.

The science behind why traditional buildings heal your soul…🧵 This isn’t just opinion—it’s measurable.

Studies show that growing up in cities doubles your chances of developing schizophrenia and increases risk for depression and chronic anxiety.

But not all urban environments are equal.

They demolished Penn Station and built Madison Square Garden.

Then spent 50 years regretting it.

This single decision changed American architecture forever…🧵 Penn Station opened in 1910 and it was everything America wanted to be.

McKim, Mead & White had studied the Roman baths and built something bigger, bolder, and unapologetically grand.

It was the kind of building that made you stand up straighter.

Most people think skyscrapers are the peak of human ambition.

They’re not.

These 20 churches are older, taller, and more awe-inspiring than anything built today. 🧵 St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)

Step inside and you’re standing in the heart of Christianity.

Michelangelo’s dome soars above you, while centuries of faith echo through the marble.

Plazas hold the soul of a city.

Here are 15 of Europe’s most unforgettable plazas….🧵 Plaza Mayor – Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸

Beneath its red-brick arches, bullfights, markets, and coronations once took place. Now, it hums with conversation, clinking glasses, and the quiet weight of history.

The Most Picturesque Villages on Earth...🧵 Hallstatt, Austria 🇦🇹

Sitting between a glassy lake and towering mountains, Hallstatt looks like it was pulled from a fairy tale. You can stroll its cobbled streets, take a boat out, or just stare in awe.

Not all castles were made for war.

Some were statements of power. Others were fantasies in stone.

Here are 20 of Europe’s most fascinating castles...🧵 Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany 🇩🇪

This dreamy Bavarian castle inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle, but it was built by a reclusive king obsessed with Wagnerian operas.

Its Alpine setting and fairytale look hide a story of isolation, fantasy, and royal ambition.

Most people think roads = progress.

Wrong.

These 20 canal cities prove the most timeless places don’t need streets at all...🧵 Venice, Italy

Built on 117 small islands, Venice's intricate canal system is legendary. The Grand Canal, lined with renaissance and gothic palaces, is a must-see.

Most people look to museums to understand history.

But they’re overlooking something far more powerful.

These 20 cities prove that architecture tells the story of civilization better than any exhibit ever could...🧵 Rome, Italy 🇮🇹

Ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque fountains.

The Eternal City is a history book made of stone.

These 20 streets have been photographed millions of times.

Here’s why they’re iconic….and where to find them: 🧵 The Shambles (York, England)

One of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. Overhanging timber-framed buildings make it feel like a real-life Diagon Alley.

Don’t be one of the travelers who make the same mistake in Italy.

They skip the underrated cities in favor of the tourist traps.

Here’s why Asti should be on your itinerary and what you’re missing if it’s not….🧵 Where is Asti?

Tucked into Italy’s Piedmont region, Asti is a medieval gem surrounded by rolling vineyards — just an hour from Turin.

No cruise ships. No selfie-stick mobs. Just layers of beauty, history, and wine.

Most people think you need to fly to Disneyland to feel like you’re in a fairytale.

Wrong.

Here are 20 real places that look like they were built for storybooks….thread 🧵 1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg is all turrets, timbered houses, and cobblestone lanes. Its preserved walls, quaint Christmas shops, and gingerbread architecture make it feel like time stopped in the 1600s.

Europe didn’t just keep its finest architecture at home — it built it abroad.

Here are 20 of the best cities in the Americas for colonial architecture: 🧵 1. Guanajuato, Mexico

A UNESCO-listed city with colorful houses, underground tunnels, and ornate churches nestled in a narrow valley.