Fortified Village Collection

The fortified village of Ushguli, Svanetia, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Georgia, Caucasus, Central Asia, Asia

Statue of Vasco da Gama in his birthplace of Sines. He was a Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea in the 15th century. Sines, Portugal

The Puente de Alcantara (Alcantara bridge) over the Tagus river, a roman bridge that was the obligatory entry for all pilgrims in the Middle Ages. A Unesco World Heritage Site, Toledo

Maoris in a war canoe in front of a pa on an arched rock in New Zealand. The fortified village or pa is atop
FLO4624432 Maoris in a war canoe in front of a pa on an arched rock in New Zealand. The fortified village or pa is atop the perforated rock at Tolaga

Inside a Maori fortified village or pa (Hippah), New Zealand. Handcoloured copperplate engraved by Andrea Bernieri
FLO4624386 Inside a Maori fortified village or pa (Hippah), New Zealand. Handcoloured copperplate engraved by Andrea Bernieri after John Webber from Giulio Ferrario's Ancient

A fortified village, known as a Pah, 1860 (engraving)
1579608 A fortified village, known as a Pah, 1860 (engraving); (add.info.: Engraving depicting a fortified village, known as a Pah, of the Natives in the Province of New Plymouth (Taranaki)

City walls. Ark fortress, Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uzbekistan

The main gate to the Khuna Ark citadel. Old town of Khiva (Itchan Kala), a Unesco World Heritage Site. Uzbekistan

Traditional brooms for sale. Dekhon bazaar, Khiva. Uzbekistan

The Clock Tower, dating back to the 14th century, defends the main gate to the citadel of the medieval old town. With its 64 meters of height, the tower also served as the town hall until 1556

Morocco, Souss-Massa (Sous-Massa-Draa), Ouarzazate Province. Mud Kasbah buildings at Ksar of Tamedakhte

The castle of Trujillo dating back to the 9th-12th centuries stands at the highest point of the town. It was raised over the remains of an old moorish citadel. Trujillo, Spain

Samsa (samosa), a fried or baked dish with a filling of vegetables and minced lamb or beef. Dekhon bazaar, Khiva. Uzbekistan

Entrance to the Ark fortress. Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uzbekistan

The delicious uzbek melons were already praised by the medieval traveler Ibn Battuta. Dekhon bazaar, Khiva. Uzbekistan

Traditional houses in Sighisoara, Transylvania. Romania

The medieval walled village of Monsaraz. Alentejo, Portugal

House in the medieval old town inside the citadel. A Unesco World Heritage Site. Sighisoara, Transylvania. Romania

The medieval old town inside the citadel. A Unesco World Heritage Site. Sighisoara, Transylvania. Romania

The 13th century medieval castle of Alandroal. Alentejo, Portugal

The 12th century castle of Palmela and the Pousada (Hotel) with wide views to the Arrabida Nature Park. Portugal

The medieval walled city of Estremoz at twilight. Alentejo, Portugal

The medieval walled village of Monsaraz at twilight. Alentejo, Portugal

The white washed houses of the historic village of Monsaraz. Alentejo, Portugal

The 9th century village of Marvao with Arab origin. Portugal

The castle (castillo de los condes de Benavente) of Puebla de Sanabria. Castilla y Leon, Spain

The Tera river and the castle of Puebla de Sanabria. Castilla y Leon, Spain

The medieval castle of Chinchon. Castilla La Mancha, Spain

The 13th century medieval castle of Olivenza. Extremadura, Spain

The medieval Castle of San Servando near the Tagus River. It was occupied by the Knights Templar. A Unesco World Heritage Site, Toledo. Castilla la Mancha, Spain

The main medieval gate, Porta da Vila (Porta de Nossa Senhora dos Rema dios), to the
The main medieval gate, Porta da Vila (Porta de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios), to the castle of Torre de Moncorvo. Tras os Montes, Portugal

The medieval walled city of Estremoz. Alentejo, Portugal

The castle and the 12th century medieval citadel of Braganca at dusk. Tras-os-Montes, Portugal

The Cathedral of the walled city of Miranda do Douro at dusk. Tras-os-Montes, Portugal

The romanic church of Sao Salvador de Ansiaes, dating back to the 12th century, is one the most important romanic churches in Portugal. Carrazeda de Ansiaes, Tras os Montes, Portugal

The powerful 13th castle of Campo Maior. Alentejo, Portugal

Esquina Gate and the Chapel of Our Lady of Conceicao at the city of Elvas. It is one of the entrances to the 17th century fortifications, the biggest city bulwark fortifications in the world

Main entrance to the Graca Fort at the city of Elvas. It belongs to the 17th century fortifications, the biggest city bulwark fortifications in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The 13th century castle and walled village of Campo Maior. Alentejo, Portugal

The city of Elvas and his 17th century fortifications at dusk, the biggest city bulwark fortifications in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alentejo, Portugal

The city of Elvas and his 17th century fortifications, the biggest city bulwark fortifications in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alentejo, Portugal

Amoreira aqueduct dating back to the 16th century, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Elvas, Alentejo. Portugal

The 13th century medieval castle of Arraiolos. Alentejo, Portugal

Sunset at the white washed village of Arraiolos with the 13th century medieval castle. Alentejo, Portugal

The medieval walled village of Evoramonte. Alentejo, Portugal

The 12th century medieval castle of Sesimbra at dusk. Portugal

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The fortified village of Ushguli in Svanetia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its inhabitants. Nestled amidst the majestic Mount Shkhara, this ancient settlement has withstood the test of time, preserving its unique cultural heritage. Traveling across Europe, one can encounter another captivating fortified village in Greece's Peloponnese region. The old fortified village of Vathia in Lakonian Mani showcases an architectural marvel that transports visitors back to a bygone era. In Uzbekistan lies the Ark fortress within Bukhara, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its imposing city walls serve as guardians to centuries-old history and traditions. As dusk settles over Khiva's old town (Itchan Kala), Ota Darvoza emerges on the horizon. This western gate exudes an air of mystery and intrigue, inviting explorers into a world steeped in rich cultural significance. Further south in Morocco's Souss-Massa-Draa region lies Ouarzazate Province - home to stunning landscapes dotted with fortifications that have witnessed countless tales unfold throughout history. Trujillo Castle is yet another remarkable stronghold dating back to the 9th-12th centuries. Perched atop hills overlooking vast expanses below, it offers breathtaking views while narrating stories etched into its stone walls. Across continents and civilizations, bridges have played pivotal roles in connecting communities. The Puente de Alcantara spanning Tagus River stands proudly as a Roman masterpiece that continues to unite people even after millennia have passed since its construction. Lastly but not leastly, Vasco da Gama's birthplace of Sines honors his legacy through an awe-inspiring statue that pays homage to his pioneering spirit and exploration achievements. These fortified villages and structures are more than mere remnants from our past; they are living reminders of human tenacity and innovation against adversity.