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Cliff dwellings present us with a striking contrast between the natural world and the amazing architecture that we build to challenge and overcome it. These photos capture stunning views of some of the most epic mountain towns in the world.

Many old cities or dwellings could have been built on cliffs for a variety of different reasons, but this was most often done with defensive advantages in mind. A high altitude city overlooking a sea passage has a superior command of the surrounding waters and is virtually impossible to assault from the water. Ancient cities on steep hills, on the other hand, might have been built there to defend from land-based aggressors or because of their proximity to important landmarks like rivers.

If you've ever traveled to a small town on a cliff-side with stunning views, we'd love to see them! Please add your photos to this list and vote for your favorites as well.

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    HarmButer
    Community Member
    10 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Santorini is an Italian name for a Greek island east of the Peloponnesos peninsula that some 3000 years ago was at least twice as big,

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    Amanda Davies
    Community Member
    10 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Very pretty, a lot of buildings crammed into a little space, but possibly.incrdibly.convenient....

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    #17

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    DarylPungitore
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have now amended my wish list to places i will visit in my next 4 lives!!!

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    Bonifacio, Corse, France

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    Castellfollit De La Roca, La Garrotxa,catalunya.

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    San Marino

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