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Friday 30 March 2012

15 MOST COLOURFUL CITIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD


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Many cities use colour to great effect in their architecture, but not many go to such an extent as these! Using all the colours of the rainbow, these cities from around the world are a bright and welcoming sight for travellers and residents alike.

[Note: The list is compiled from different sources and is not meant to be ranked in the order given]

1. Marrakesh, Morocco

marrakesh morocco1 7 Colourful Cities From Around the World

Known as the Ochre, Red or Rose City, Marrakesh is home to many beautiful pieces of architecture, with its walls, alleys and palaces all painted in stunning rustic colours. Based at the bottom of the spectacular Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh’s exotic sights, sounds, and smells have enchanted tourists for decades, with millions flocking to visit every year.

2. Amer, India

amer india 21 7 Colourful Cities From Around the World
(Images: Saad.Achtar, cc-nc-nd-3.0 & cc-sa-3.0)

Also known as “amber” for its bright, golden buildings, Amer was a city of its own right in ancient Rajasthan before becoming part of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation. The structure which now stands as the Amber Fort was originally a palace built by the great conqueror Raja Man Singh I. Inside, the beautifully painted buildings glow with light: a spectacular sight from every angle.

3. Izamal, Mexico

izamal mexico 7 Colourful Cities From Around the World
(Image: Brian Snelson, cc-3.0)

Nicknamed “The Yellow City”, visitors won’t be able to help noticing the expanse of colour on almost every building! Izamal is located right in the middle of the Yucatan peninsula and is home to an array of beautiful buildings. Almost all of the structures were painted an egg-yolk yellow after Pope Jean Paul II visited the city in 1993, and the impact of this amazing city is undeniable as a result.

4. Seattle, USA

seattle emerald city 7 Colourful Cities From Around the World
(Images: leezbtv, cc-3.0; Wonderlane, cc-3.0)

Surrounded by lush, green forests, it’s no surprise how Seattle came to be known as The Emerald City. As well as its acres of parkland and green spaces, Seattle is currently among the leading cities when it comes to action against climate change in the US. By conserving their urban forestry, providing education to schools and workplaces, and committing to sustainable redevelopment, they’ve established themselves as a truly green city in more ways than one.

5. Jodhpur, India

jodphur india blue city 7 Colourful Cities From Around the World
(Images: The Dilly Lama, cc-3.0; C+H, cc-sa-3.0)

The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is known as the “Blue City” for its array of spectacular blue painted houses which sit around the Mehrangarh Fort. According to ancient regulations, blue was the colour which signified the Bhraman or Priest Class, however non-Brahmins soon followed suit with their own properties. Now, the landscape of Jodhpur is resplendent in indigo: a spectacular sight from the top of the nearby hills.

6. Jaipur, India

jaipur india 7 Colourful Cities From Around the World
(Images: xiquinhosilva, cc-sa-3.0; Russ Bowling, cc-3.0)

Known as “The Pink City”, the beautiful ancient city of Jaipur is a very famous site for tourists with a whole host of forts and monuments to visit. Rose pink houses with lattice windows line the streets, providing an almost enchanting view, which is especially magical at sunset. Surrounded on all sides by rugged hills and ancient embattled walls, Jaipur’s stunning architecture fully reflects its glorious history.

7. Guanajuato City, Mexico

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Nestled in the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato lies the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato. The city was founded in 1554 next to one of the richest silver mining areas of Mexico. The 16th-century mining boom led to the construction of beautiful haciendas and fine colonial buildings.


Guanajuato streets and many colourful alleyways spread out in every direction while most of its traffic is served by a network of underground tunnels making it an excellent city for pedestrians.

8. Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles


Willemstad is the chief town of Curaçao located on the southern coast of the island. The Dutch colonial architecture of Willemstad is decidedly picturesque when set against the Caribbean waters.

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The historic centre of the city consists of two quarters: Punda and Otrobanda. The Punda district is the main shopping area and the seat of government of the Netherlands Antilles. It is the oldest district of Willemstad, established in 1634. The bright and diverse colours of the buildings in Willemstad are justification enough to make the trip.

9. Valparaiso, Chile


Valparaíso is a city and commune of Chile, centre of its third largest conurbation and one of the country's most important seaports and an increasing cultural centre in the Southwest Pacific hemisphere.

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The houses here are painted all different shades of bright colours. This was because when the ships were docked for repairs and repainting, they’d leave the extra paint on the docks. People would grab whatever paint they could find and paint their houses. The colourful houses have become a Valparaiso trademark.

10. St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada


St. John's is the capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and is the primary municipality of the St. John's Metropolitan Area. It is located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland.


St. John's is a colourful place. The older houses with wooden sidings are brightly coloured especially in the downtown area (viewed here).

11. Manarola, Italy


Manarola is one of the oldest towns in Cinque Terre and is nestled in the Italian Riviera. This picturesque village sprouts out of the mountainside to provide a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean sea.


Just climb the winding streets and enjoy an espresso at any of the outdoor cafes and absorb the stunning scenery.

12. Wroclaw, Poland


Wroclaw, located in the south-west, is Poland's most charming city. The town square dates back to the 12th century, and its 14th century brick Gothic architecture is particularly inspiring.


Like most of the country, it has a strong Roman Catholic affiliation. Thus, cathedrals of celebratory hues line the streets.

13. Lima, Peru


Unlike many of the tourist-driven towns on this list, Lima is very much a working city. Unique in its mixture of poverty, native and imported cultures and varied development, Lima is especially noted for its different architectural styles.


Spanish baroque, French neoclassicism and art nouveau buildings make the city an arena of colours and art.

14. Utrecht, Netherlands


Utrecht city and municipality is the capital and most populous city of the Dutch province of Utrecht.


It is located in the eastern end of the Randstad, and is the fourth largest city of the Netherlands, with a population of 307,000.

15. Stockholm, Sweden


Stockholm, one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges.


The beautiful buildings, the greenery, the fresh air and the proximity to the water are distinctive traits of this city.

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[Edited. Top image added.]


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