In an age of modern legislation and complex legal systems, a handful of fascinating
towns around the world still operate under centuries-old medieval laws. These
remarkable communities have preserved their historical legal traditions not just as
curiosities but as living, breathing parts of their daily governance.
From ancient property rights to peculiar local customs, these towns offer a glimpse
into how medieval law continues to shape modern life.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
This perfectly preserved medieval town still enforces a 1400s law requiring all
buildings within the city walls to maintain their historic facades. The Night Watchman
still makes his rounds each evening, following a tradition that dates back to medieval
times when he enforced the town’s curfew laws.
Residents must obtain special permission from the Medieval Building Commission before making any changes to their properties, following guidelines established in the 15th century.
Appenzell, Switzerland
This Swiss canton still practices Landsgemeinde, an open-air voting system from
medieval times where citizens gathered in the town square to vote by raising their
hands. The local constitution still requires voters to carry traditional swords or
bayonets to the assembly as proof of citizenship, a law dating back to the Middle
Ages.
The canton’s unique legal system allows citizens to directly challenge laws through a medieval process called ‘Stimmrechtsbeschwerde.’
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Città di Castello, Italy
The town’s medieval statutes regarding the annual Crossbow Festival remain legally
binding, including rules about competition conduct and prize distribution. Local guilds
still operate under centuries-old charters that govern apprenticeships and
craftsmanship standards.
The town’s market square operates under medieval regulations that dictate specific days and locations for different types of vendors.
Rye, England
This ancient Cinque Port still maintains medieval laws regarding the rights of
fishermen and harbor usage established in the 12th century. The town’s unique
‘Cinque Port Courts’ continue to handle maritime disputes using legal precedents dating back to medieval times.
Local property deeds still include medieval obligations to maintain sections of the town walls and contribute to the harbor’s upkeep.
Visby, Sweden
Gotland’s medieval capital enforces ancient building codes that require homeowners
to maintain traditional limestone walls and Gothic architecture. The town’s ‘Ring of
Roses’ festival operates under medieval laws governing street performances and
merchant rights.
Local guilds still follow medieval statutes regarding craft certification and market privileges.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Rye, England
This historic town still enforces the medieval office of ‘Scrambler,’ who has the right
to collect any objects that fall off market stalls. Local property laws include medieval
rights of way called ‘twittens,’ narrow passages that residents must keep clear by
ancient decree.
The town’s medieval courtroom continues to handle minor disputes using traditional procedures.
Rothwell, England
The town maintains its medieval charter requiring the annual inspection of the
market bone house, a unique tradition overseen by the Rowell Fair Society. Local
bylaws still include medieval regulations about the use of the town’s ancient drinking
well and its maintenance.
The town sergeant follows centuries-old protocols for announcing important news and maintaining order during festivals.
Ponte di Legno, Italy
This Alpine town still operates under medieval water rights laws that govern the
usage of mountain streams and irrigation systems. Local farmers follow ancient crop
rotation laws established in the 14th century to maintain soil fertility.
The town council enforces medieval regulations about mountain pasture access and seasonal grazing rights.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Totnes, England
The town’s medieval guildhall still serves as a court for enforcing ancient market laws
and settling local disputes. Residents maintain medieval rights to gather firewood
from specific forest areas according to a 13th-century charter.
The town’s unique ‘Time and Tides’ clock system follows medieval measurements that are still used in local ordinances.
Dinkelsbühl, Germany
The town’s night watchman still carries out medieval duties, including checking door
locks and announcing the hours. Local building codes enforce medieval regulations
about roof angles and window placement to maintain historical accuracy.
The town’s fire prevention laws still include medieval requirements for keeping water buckets ready.
Loket, Czech Republic
This fortress town maintains medieval laws regarding the maintenance of its
defensive walls and towers by local property owners. The town’s brewery operates
under medieval purity laws that have remained unchanged since the 14th century.
Local festivals must follow ancient protocols about parade routes and ceremonial
roles.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Conques, France
The town’s pilgrim hospital still operates under medieval statutes regarding the care
of travelers on the Santiago de Compostela route. Local craftsmen follow medieval
guild regulations about apprenticeship and mastery certification.
The town’s famous abbey enforces ancient laws about bell-ringing times and pilgrim accommodation.
Óbidos, Portugal
This walled town maintains medieval laws about the preservation of its castle and
fortifications by residents. The town’s famous medieval market follows ancient
regulations about vendor placement and product authenticity.
Local wine producers still operate under medieval statutes governing harvest times and quality standards.
Mdina, Malta
The ‘Silent City’ enforces medieval noise regulations that restrict vehicle access and
maintain its ancient atmosphere. Local property laws include medieval rights and
obligations regarding the maintenance of defensive positions along the city walls.
The town’s governing council still follows protocols established during the Knights of
Malta period.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Guimarães, Portugal
The birthplace of Portugal maintains medieval laws about the preservation of its
historic center and castle complex. Local artisans follow ancient guild regulations
about traditional crafts and apprenticeship standards.
The town’s market square operates under medieval rules about vendor rights and festival organization.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
This UNESCO site enforces medieval regulations about building maintenance and
restoration within its historic center. The town’s famous theater still operates under
centuries-old laws governing performance rights and maintenance duties.
Local taverns follow medieval regulations about serving hours and guest accommodation.
Carcassonne, France
The fortified city maintains medieval laws regarding the maintenance of its famous
double walls and towers. Residents must follow ancient regulations about building
materials and architectural styles within the city.
The town’s traditional markets operate under medieval statutes governing trade and craftsmanship.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Ptuj, Slovenia
Slovenia’s oldest town enforces medieval wine laws that govern production methods
and quality standards. Local carnival traditions follow ancient legal protocols about
mask-wearing and parade participation.
The town’s river rights still operate under medieval statutes regarding fishing and navigation.
Monsanto, Portugal
This boulder-built village maintains medieval laws about construction methods using
giant granite rocks. Local property rights include ancient regulations about cave-
dwelling maintenance and usage.
The village council enforces medieval rules about communal space usage and festival organization.
Wells, England
The cathedral city still enforces medieval laws regarding the rights and privileges of
its famous swans. Local market vendors follow ancient regulations about stall
placement and trading hours established by medieval charters.
The town’s water supply system operates under centuries-old laws governing access and maintenance.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Ancient Laws, Modern Communities
These remarkable communities demonstrate how ancient legal traditions can survive
and remain relevant in our modern world. Their medieval laws aren’t mere historical curiosities but living guidelines that help preserve unique cultural heritage while providing practical governance solutions.
More from Travel Pug
- 15 Dangerous European Cities to Avoid
- 15 Caribbean Islands Where Tourists Keep Getting Scammed
- The 20 Most Fascinating Abandoned Places: A Journey Through Time and Forgotten Spaces
- 15 Hidden Places in the Smithsonian Museums Locals Love: A Guide to Lesser-Known Treasures
- 16 Hidden Florida Beach Towns That Aren’t Overrun with Tourists
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.