In the footsteps of our ancestors: traveling through the oldest cities in Europe

Albina Panchenko News07.01.2024 12:36

The most interesting locations of ancient cities

The newest buildings, majestic skyscrapers, and quaint structures turn our imagination upside down. Of course, almost any trip is not complete without visiting such locations. It's strange to realize that someday these buildings will also become old and even authentic. Future generations will open their mouths in amazement and admire this architecture, imagining how their ancestors built it.

By the way, we also have the opportunity to be in their shoes. Of course, it is impossible to travel to the future, but it is easy to travel to the past. Many settlements that were built a long time ago have retained their original appearance. We will tell you where to go this time.

Athens, Greece

This city has been known to us since Greek mythology. Its appearance dates back to 5000 BC. It has a unique atmosphere and many popular tourist destinations.

Since this time we are going for a walk through the oldest settlements in Europe, it is worth starting with the Plaka district. Here you will immediately get lost among the ancient buildings and feel like Herodotus or Homer, who once wandered leisurely along the local paths and enjoyed life.

To be in Athens and not to visit the Acropolis? Don't do that! This location should be one of the first on your list of stops. To get to it, you need to climb a little bit on a flat-topped rock. Do not be lazy to do it because it offers a beautiful panorama. Do not forget about Theater of Dionysus. Plays based on the works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Aristophanes were staged here. You have to visit it.

We also advise you not to miss any of the exhibition halls. Each of them has exhibits that you will not see anywhere else in the world. Be sure to visit the museums: Benaki, Archaeological and Greek Folk Art.

In the footsteps of our ancestors: traveling through the oldest cities in Europe

Cadiz, Spain

While almost everyone has heard of Athens, only a few have heard of this old port city. It was founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC. They moved to this area from the territories of modern Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. There are still many ancient finds here that amaze archaeologists and historians.

As soon as you arrive here, head to the oldest neighborhood of El Populo. There are still ruins of the ancient Roman theater and more. It is worth walking to the medieval gate that used to serve as the entrance to the city, as well as visiting the Casa del Almirante, the most beautiful palace made of Italian marble.

Traditionally, people look at the surroundings of the settlement from the highest platform. This is best done at the Torre Tavira Tower. It offers beautiful views of the city and the Atlantic coastline. Don't forget about the Cathedral, the symbol of Cadiz. Its construction lasted more than 100 years, so it combines Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical features.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

If you don't really want to travel far, you can go to a country that is relatively close to Ukraine. An ancient city is hidden there. The first settlement in this area appeared in the VI century BC. Since then, life has been bustling there.

Once upon a time, this area belonged to the Roman Empire, so it is not surprising that there are many relics of that era. We recommend walking along the pedestrian street of Alexander I. This is where the ruins of the ancient Roman theater are located. To make it easier for your imagination to draw the scale of the building, there is a stone reproduction of it nearby.

Of course, you should get to the Old Town. It is there that most of the ancient monuments have been preserved. Pay attention to the houses that are cozy along the road. There is no single style. Here you will find buildings with features of different eras.

For those who dream of touching the past, we recommend visiting the Nebet Tepe complex. It was from this place that the development of the city began. Then the settlement grew and expanded, occupying the neighboring hills. Today, Plovdiv stands on 7 peaks.

Yerevan, Armenia

Another point on the map that is known to almost everyone in the world. This time, we recommend starting your exploration not with the ancient neighborhoods or streets, but with Mount Ararat, which is located outside the city. It is here that you can feel the grandeur and power of this place.

After admiring the beautiful panorama, head to St. Gregory's Cathedral. It was built in honor of the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity by the people of Armenia. Then walk to Matenadaran. Ancient manuscripts describing the history of the country are kept in this place. Don't be lazy and book a tour. You will learn more in an hour than from textbooks and movies combined.

And if you want to see something unusual, go to the Blue Mosque, the only Muslim temple in Armenia. The shrine was built to perpetuate the friendship between the two peoples: Armenians and Iranians.