5 oldest cities in the world existing today
Varanasi, northern India (photo: Wikipedia)
The history of mankind is closely linked to the founding of cities that became centers of civilization, trade, and culture. Some of these cities have existed for thousands of years and still retain traces of their glorious eras.
Damascus, Syria
Damascus is considered one of the oldest cities in the world, having been continuously inhabited for over 11,000 years. Located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, it was a key center of Aramaic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic civilizations.
Its old part is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow streets, bazaars, and mosques are witnesses to a majestic history. Here, you can find such unique attractions as the Umayyad Mosque, considered one of the oldest and most important mosques in the Islamic world.
In addition to its religious significance, Damascus attracts tourists with its traditional markets, where you can still feel the atmosphere of the medieval East. Despite the difficult political situation, the city remains a center of human cultural heritage.
National Museum in Damascus (photo: Wikipedia)
Jericho, Palestine
Jericho is called the “oldest city in the world” because it is over 10,000 years old. This city is located in the Jordan Valley, not far from the Dead Sea, and has a unique geographical location.
Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of the oldest fortifications here, which testify to the high level of development of the community at that time. Thanks to its fertile land and water sources, Jericho was an important agricultural center.
Today, tourists come here to see the ruins of ancient fortifications, the Hashmonean synagogue, and monasteries on the cliffs. Despite the challenges of modernity, Jericho remains a symbol of endurance and continuous development.
Jericho view from above (photo: Wikipedia)
Athens, Greece
Athens is known not only for its antiquity but also for its role in the development of European civilization. The city was founded over 3,400 years ago and became the center of ancient Greece.
Athens is home to the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and other monuments that recall the glory of Greek democracy, philosophy, and art. In Ancient Greece, the city flourished as a center of culture and science, attracting thinkers from all over the Mediterranean.
Modern Athens is a combination of historical monuments and lively city life. Tourists worldwide visit to feel the spirit of antiquity, enjoy the local cuisine, and stroll through the narrow streets of the old neighborhoods.
Parthenon in Athens (photo: Wikipedia)
Varanasi, India
Varanasi, also known as Benares, is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, the city has a deep religious and cultural meaning for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains.
Every day, thousands of pilgrims come to Varanasi for ritual ablutions in the Ganges, considered the path to spiritual purification. The city is also famous for its musical and literary heritage, and its narrow streets are crowded with temples, ashrams, and traditional workshops.
The modern city retains a unique atmosphere where ancient traditions harmonize with dynamic life. Varanasi is a symbol of indestructibility and spiritual strength.
Ganges riverbank in Varanasi (photo: Wikipedia)
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded about 6,000 years ago. Located in the central part of Bulgaria, it became an important center of culture, trade, and art in the times of the Thracians, Romans, and Byzantines.
The city is known for its old quarter with cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture. One of the main attractions is the Roman Amphitheater, which is still used today for concerts.
Plovdiv harmoniously combines historical monuments and modern art spaces, making it attractive to tourists from all over the world. The city not only preserves its unique heritage but also actively develops, remaining one of the cultural centers of the Balkans.
Antique theater in Plovdiv (photo: Wikipedia)
Earlier, we wrote about 8 amazing facts about Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral.
Read also about the 7 legendary treasures that the whole world is still looking for.
Sources: Listverse, Live Science, and Wikipedia.
