Defensive Walls is a fortification and are
constructed to protect a city or settlement from invaders. These defensive
walls are also termed either as city walls or town walls. When said defensive
walls or city walls the first wall that comes to our mind is “The Great Wall of
China.” Are there other famous city walls? If yes, where are these defensive
walls?
10.
York City Walls, England, United Kingdom
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| The wall walk at York City Walls, England |
York City walls are in the city of English
city of York and this place is known for its city walls right from the times of
Romans. York City Walls are also referred to as Bar Walls or Roman Walls. York
city in England has more miles of intact walls than any other city in England.
It was the Romans who first defensive city walls in York city; this was
followed by Danes. It was the Danes who restored the walls built by Romans.
York City walls are a scheduled ancient monument and a Grade 1 listed building.
9. Hadrian’s
Wall, England-Scotland border
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| Hadrian's Wall, England-Scotland Border is a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Hadrian’s Wall is yet another masterpiece
of Roman Britain; it was called as Hadrian’s Wall as this city wall was
constructed during the rule of Emperor Hadrian. It is believed that many of the
gates through the wall have served as customs posts, but not much of evidence
is found. Hadrian’s Walls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This wall is 120 m
long, which is 80 Roman miles. It is believed that this wall was built to
safeguard the empire and was imposed by divine instruction.
8.
Roman Walls of Lugo, Galicia, Spain
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| An original Roman Gate among the five, Roman Walls of Lugo, Spain |
Roman Walls of Lugo was constructed in the
3rd century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Majority of the
wall is still intact and this wall is at the historic center of Lugo in Spain.
Roman walls of Lugo is stated as “the finest example of
late Roman fortifications in western Europe.” The length of the walls
is 2,120 meters and is 4.2 m wide. There were initially 5 gates, which then
became ten as the population of the city increased.
7.
Chester city walls, England, United Kingdom
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| Chester City Walls made of sandstone in England Image via Wikipedia |
Romans started the construction of Chester
city walls to protect Chester city in Cheshire, England between 70 and 80 AD. In
100 AD, the wall was reconstructed using sandstone, but the sad part is that
the construction didn’t get over for nearly 100 years. It was very difficult to
maintain the city walls and therefore, was converted into a major tourist
attraction. Many of the medieval structures like Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower,
Pemberton’s Parlour, Morgan’s Mount, Phoenix Tower, Barnaby’s Tower, etc., have
been incorporated in this major tourist attraction.
6.
Moscow Kremlin Wall, Moscow, Russia
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| Moscow Kremlin Wall by the side of Moskva River, Moscow Image via wikipedia |
Kremlin wall is considered as one of the
symbolic constructions in the history of Russia; this wall was constructed to
protect the city of Moscow Kremlin. During the course of time, Russian borders
expanded and the canons placed in the wall were removed. The outer perimeter of
the Kremlin wall is close to 2200 meters and therefore would look like a loose
triangle.
5.
Kano City Wall, Kano, Nigeria
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| Kano City Walls, the most impressive monument in West Africa |
Kano City walls is
believed to be “the most impressive monument in West Africa.” Majority of the
portions of the wall is damaged; this site is submitted to UNESCO World
Heritage Site to be a part of it. It is said that the best part of the Kano
city wall is the western section. People in Nigeria believe this wall has to be
restored.
4.
Walls of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
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| Walls of Dubrovnik along with Mincenta Tower Image via wikipedia |
Walls of Dubrovnik are one of the UNESCO
World Heritage Sites. These defensive walls are considered as great
fortification during the Middle Ages as any hostile army was unable to breach
the wall and get inside; this stone wall was constructed to protect the people
of Dubrovnik city.
3. Fortifications
of Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China
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| Fortifications of Xi'an, oldest and best preserved city walls in China Image via Wikipedia |
These are definitely one among the best
preserved and oldest Chinese
city walls. These walls were constructed in the year 194 BCE; however, the
existing walls were constructed during the rule of Ming Dynasty in 1370. The base
layer of the fortifications of Xi’an was done by earth, quick lime and
glutinous rice extract.
2. Visby
Rigmur, Gotland, Sweden
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| Visby Rigmur or City Walls of Visby, part of World Heritage City 731. Image via Wikipedia |
This wall is 11 feet high and was constructed
in two phases; Rigmur means ringwall in Sweden. Visby Rigmur or the City walls
of Visby was constructed during the Medieval period; the oldest defensive tower
is called the “Powder Tower.” This wall is part of World Heritage City 731. During
the time of construction, there were 29 towers; however, currently there are
only 27 towers.
1. Intramuros
Walls, Manila, Philippines
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| Intramuros Walls mean "within the walls" in Latin Image via manila.gov |
Intramuros in Latin means “within the walls”
and the seat of the government during the Spanish Colonial Period were the
Intramuros Walls. This wall was identified as “On the Verge” of irreparable
loss and destruction by the Global Heritage Fund.
Make sure to see these famous walls when
you visit these spectacular places.
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