There is a tale to be told in every city in the globe. The stories from the ancient cities’ rich cultural history are much more numerous. They exhibit the traces of changing human civilizations and have an enthralling history and architecture. With the exception of invasions by humans and natural disasters, the majority of ancient towns across the world have survived the test of time. So let’s look at some of the world’s oldest cities that are still prospering today.
Athens, Greece
Without discussing Athens, the hub of Western civilization, you can not talk about historic cities. The Greek capital has been continuously inhabited for more than 3,000 years and has always been on the cutting edge, providing us everything from democracy to Western philosophy. Athens is a city that prioritizes the present, but its countless years of history permeate every pore and crevice. The city’s historical features are well known, and a tour of Athens takes visitors on a wild journey through some of the most well-known landmarks on earth. With that in mind, why not stop at Psarras Tavern, which is reputed to be the city’s oldest restaurant.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi has experienced a lot over its history. Despite the fact that An Dng Vng, the monarch of the u Lc state, erected the Vietnamese capital here in 257 BC, people had camped here since the Paleolithic era. Even while Hanoi is now well-known for its cuisine, crowded streets, and cultural attractions, any respectable investigation of this exciting city must take history into consideration. One of the most famous landmarks in a nation full of them is the One Pillar Pagoda, which was built in 1049.
Byblos, Lebanon
Byblos in antiquity has earned a reputation as one of the best day excursions from Beirut, but those who only visit briefly are losing out. The Old Souq and Citadel are both in the town’s center, which was first inhabited circa 8800 BC. Byblos has seen many different civilizations come and go, all of which left their stamp in some fashion. Since the Neolithic era, which was a very, very long time ago, people have lived here. The marketplaces are the main attraction; take a minute to reflect on the numerous peoples who have transacted business here throughout the years.
Quito, Ecuador
The capital of Ecuador, often considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, was actually the first city on the original list to be accorded UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1978, along with Krakow. That fact alone demonstrates Quito’s historic district’s excellent preservation, and visiting the city is like taking a trip back to the Spanish conquests in the middle of the 16th century. Although there are earlier archaeological sites in South America, no other contemporary city is older than Quito. You must mean the old town, right? The central area of churches and monasteries in Quito, which was built on the remains of an Inca city in the 16th century, is where the masses congregate.
Multan, Pakistan
Although Multan is home to several tombs, the Multan Fort is the city’s main attraction. Here, the first fort was constructed between 800 and 1000 BC, and it has since been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. It is a very opulent example of historical construction. Many towns in Central and South Asia make the claim to be the oldest; Samarkand, Peshawar, and Kandahar are just a few of the deserving candidates. However, Multan has the upper hand because to the archaeological wonders in and around the city. Multan’s chronology is a who is who of empires, from Alexander the Great to the British to the Mongol, Mughal, and more. Multan’s history dates back a very, very long time. The City of Saints in Pakistan is a stunning place with many interesting tales to share.
Cholula, Mexico
The juxtaposition of old and modern in Cholula is mind-boggling. The old and new coexist here like a Russian doll inside of the very new and the very, very ancient. Around 500 BC, two towns near water sources in the east were the beginnings of Cholula, which later grew to be the contemporary marvel of 150,000 inhabitants that we know and love today. Along with the vibrant marketplaces and stunning colonial architecture, Cholula is renowned for its numerous churches. Oh, and the whole “largest pyramid in the world” thing. The two most well-known volcanoes in Mexico, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, create a spectacular backdrop for the whole event. It should not come as a major surprise that the world’s tallest pyramid (by volume) was constructed over the course of four stages that spanned nine centuries (3rd BC to 9th AD). It is, after all, very large. The pyramid’s top is occupied by the magnificent Iglesia de Nuestra Seora de los Remedios, one of Mexico’s most attractive churches.
Jericho, West Bank
Jericho is always brought up while discussing the oldest cities in the world. A key trade station for much of its existence, Jericho is situated in the West Bank not far from the Jordan River and has been continuously inhabited for over 11,000 years. It is even referenced in the Old Testament. Jericho was the first city given to Palestine during the 1994 Oslo Accords, and history is still being produced here. Go see the location where Jesus fasted after being baptized by John the Baptist if you can. The Mount of Temptation is where you should go, as a cable car whisks people up there all day long.
Argos, Greece
The historic Argos Theatre had a market that existed before the exhibition center and was largely carved out of rock. Even more than 2,300 years after it was erected, this location continues to host events and concerts. Since history buffs have drawn to Greece since humans have traveled elsewhere, the presence of Europe’s oldest city here should not come as much of a surprise. The winner is Argos, a stunning city in the Peloponnese that was once the most significant Greek city. For such times, you must go back to 1200 BC, and Argos is a charming regional hub with much to keep tourists of all sorts occupied today. History is undoubtedly king.