Italy was the home of the great Roman civilization before the medieval period and remained a confluence of different European cultures throughout the medieval period.
It was largely thanks to this rich inheritance and continued exposure to new cultures that Italy’s city-states eventually became the key to a European Renaissance.
The medieval period saw the establishment of many new medieval towns throughout Italy as well as the maintenance of previously existent settlements.
Many of these stunningly beautiful medieval Italian towns are well-preserved and extant today, together with their historical buildings.
Medieval Italy Le Repubbliche Marinare
Verona was a fairly popular medieval Italian town. Before the medieval period, the town was the site of many Roman constructions.
After the collapse of the Roman might, Verona became the seat of influential Italian counts in the north, eventually coming under the control of Otto I in the 10th century.
Verona *Medieval Towns in Italy
In later medieval times, Verona saw a rapid growth of cultural activity which put it almost at par with Florence in terms of the Renaissance culture.
This was particularly true during the 14th century when the town saw many rich patrons of arts and the construction of many buildings such as palaces.
Many Roman and medieval buildings still stand well-preserved in Verona today and the town is a well-populated city.
Verona *Medieval Towns in Italy
Florence was a medieval Italian town that existed since the Roman times and remained the hub of different kinds of trade until the middle of the medieval period.
In the 14th century, the town had grown into a notable city and was severely affected by the Black Death, losing a major part of its population.
Florence Cathedral *Medieval Towns in Italy
Florentine population consequently rose up against the oligarchic rulers and the city soon came under the control of the Medici family.
It was under the Medici family that Florence became home to cultural activities, paving the way for the Renaissance which was to leave a lasting impact on Europe.
Florence Cathedral *Medieval Towns in Italy
Unlike many other medieval towns, Florence has remained a central and highly important city to this day and houses a huge population as well as many excellent medieval-era architectural wonders.
Florence *Medieval Towns in Italy
San Gimignano was a medieval Italian town that rose to power and was prominent during the 13th century.
San Gimignano *Best Medieval Towns in Italy
During this period, the town was home to many rich families who, much like in Florence, rivaled each other to gain control of the town.
It was also during this time that the extensive boundary walls of the town were constructed which are largely extant to this day. The town is sparsely populated now but continues to be home to many medieval-era buildings.
San Gimignano *Best Medieval Towns in Italy
Montagnana is a medieval town that was established in northern Italy during the medieval era. The town is most notably known for its imposing and grand boundary wall which runs all around the town’s medieval extent.
The town is also home to the 14th-century Castle of San Zeno as well as other castles. A 15th-century Gothic cathedral built in the late-Renaissance style is also well-preserved in the town. Today the town remains a popular tourist attraction.