What does that even mean? I mean, don't you kind of have to experience something before you can compare something else to it? Medieval life was pretty dirty and smelly. I didn't notice any of that. Yes, the narrow alleys and winding streets with lots of elevation changes is pretty different compared to most cities - but that is limited to a fairly small section of the city. Once you get a few blocks away from the castle, it seems pretty similar to most other cities of a comparable size.