Vast seas of red buildings: 7 global towns with iconic red houses

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

When traveling across Eurasia, you’ll often spot buildings with red-tiled roofs — one of the most representative symbols of traditional architecture and a once commonly used building material. Once fired, the tiles take on a reddish hue and are laid out across rooftops. Viewed from above, they create a stunning sea of red, offering a uniquely captivating sight.

1. Turkey – Safranbolu
Safranbolu is a town located in central Anatolia, Turkey. The Ottoman-era houses and buildings in the old town have been meticulously preserved, including private museums, mosques, cemeteries, historic fountains, Turkish baths, clock towers, and sundials. After renovation, the area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

2. Czech Republic – Prague
Prague, the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, is not only known as the City of Music but also dubbed the City of a Hundred Spires. Located at the heart of Europe, it has long held an important position in transportation and boasts a rich and enduring cultural history.

3. Italy – Florence
Florence, Italy, was a major cultural, commercial, and financial hub in medieval Europe and once served as the capital of a unified Italy. It is also considered the birthplace of the Renaissance movement and one of the cradles of art and architecture, featuring numerous historical buildings and museums with rich collections.