Europe has a rich history and culture and is frequently regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. Many of the oldest cities in the world, each with its own distinct history and legacy, are found on the continent. These historic metropolitan hubs are thriving, contemporary cities with a lot to offer in addition to providing a window into the past.
Undoubtedly, Europe has some of the best infrastructure of its day and some of the oldest cities. Plovdiv, Athens, Chania, Lisbon, Chalcis, Cadiz, Patras, Nicosia, Seville, Malaga, and Rome are a few of Europe’s oldest cities.
List of the Top 10 Oldest Cities in Europe
- Athens 5,000 BCE
- Argos 5,000 BCE
- Plovdiv 4,000 BCE
- Chania 4,000 BCE
- Thebes 3,000 BCE
- Larnaca 3,000 BCE
- Lisbon 1,200 BCE
- Cadiz 1,100 BCE
- Rome 753 BCE
- Marseille 600 BCE
1. Athens 5,000 BCE
Dating back more than 5,000 years to about 3,000 BCE, Athens, Greece, is the oldest city in Europe and among the oldest cities in the world to still be continually maintained. A key point of political, intellectual, and cultural growth, Athens is regarded as the cradle of democracy and Western culture and has had a significant impact on the globe for millennia.
Prominent thinkers who laid the groundwork for Western philosophy, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, were born in ancient Athens. In addition, the city-state established democratic ideals that let residents take part in government; this heritage still influences contemporary political structures. The Parthenon and the Acropolis, which were constructed in the fifth century BCE, are famous relics of Athens’ heyday.
Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and others have all invaded, occupied, and rebuilt Athens, leaving their cultural imprints that have enhanced the city’s history. Athens, a thriving metropolis today, is a living example of Europe’s rich historical heritage, fusing modern life with ancient ruins. Athens holds a special position as a cultural pillar of Europe and the world due to its lasting impact on philosophy, the arts, and government.
2. Argos 5,000 BCE
Argos, Greece, has been colonized continuously from around 5,000 BCE, making it the second oldest city in Europe. One of the most important towns in ancient Greece and a key hub of the Mycenaean civilization, Argos is located in the fertile Peloponnese. Argos, which frequently competed with neighboring towns like Sparta and Mycenae, is renowned for its remarkable past and played a significant part in Greek mythology and early history.
Argos was well-known for its contributions to Greek culture throughout its long history, encompassing both the arts and battle. Numerous Greek mythological figures, including Perseus and Diomedes, were said to have been born there. King Pheidon, who is recognized for creating the first weight and measure systems that affected regional trade and economics, helped Argos rise to prominence during the Archaic era.
The city of Argos remained an inhabited community during the centuries of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman control. Argos’ historical significance is demonstrated by the archeological sites it still has, which include old theaters, temples, and fortifications. Being one of the oldest and most illustrious towns in Europe, it serves as a monument to the tenacity and cultural diversity of ancient Greece.
3. Plovdiv 4,000 BCE
Plovdiv, Bulgaria, has been populated at all times from around 4,000 BCE, making it the third oldest city in Europe. For more than 6,000 years, Plovdiv, which is situated in the lush plains beside the Maritsa River, has been an important center of the Balkans’ culture and economy. Historically known as Philippopolis, Plovdiv features a complex tapestry of Byzantine, Ottoman, Roman, Macedonian, and Thracian influences. It was taken in the 4th century BCE by Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II of Macedon.
The city’s significance during the Roman Empire is highlighted by its impressively preserved historic ruins, which include a Roman theater, stadium, and aqueduct. Plovdiv benefited from its advantageous location between Europe and Asia, making it a vital hub for trade, governance, and culture.
The old city of Plovdiv, with its cobblestone lanes, traditional homes, and historic ruins, embodies the city’s rich and varied past. Plovdiv was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, highlighting its dynamic blend of modernity and antiquity. Representing a distinctive fusion of cultural traditions, Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest towns, is a living museum of civilizations that continues to draw tourists, historians, and archaeologists from all over the world.
4. Chania 4,000 BCE
One of Europe’s oldest cities still in continuous habitation, Chania is situated on the Greek island of Crete and dates back to around 4,000 BCE. Known as Kydonia at first, Chania was a major hub of the Minoan civilization, the oldest known sophisticated civilization in Europe. Chania was connected to other ancient societies around the Mediterranean by the Minoans, who constructed ornate palaces and were adept in commerce, art, and nautical activity.
Chania became the meeting point of several civilizations over the ages, and each one left its stamp on the city forever. Chania was ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans following the Minoan period. With its unique port, fortifications, and winding alleyways, Chania’s ancient town’s architectural environment was particularly influenced by the Venetian era. Chania’s charming harbor and lighthouse, which is among the oldest in the Mediterranean, are still distinctly Venetian.
Presently, Chania is praised for its cultural fusion, a remarkable historical mosaic where Venetian and Ottoman buildings coexist with ancient ruins. One of the oldest towns in Europe, Chania is still a bustling, culturally diverse place where tourists can see both the vibrant modern world and the echoes of ancient Crete.
5. Thebes 3,000 BCE
Thebes is situated in central Greece and dates back to around 3,000 BCE. Thebes, a strong city-state with strong ties to Greek mythology and history, was frequently a rival to Sparta and Athens. Thebes played a major role in many Greek myths and epic tales and was the famed home of Oedipus, Hercules, and other mythical characters.
Thebes gained prominence as a major power center throughout the Mycenaean era, thanks to its wealth and advantageous position. Fertile regions around it, bolstering both its military might and prosperity. By conquering Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra in the 4th century BCE, Thebes, led by Epaminondas, achieved its highest level of prominence and momentarily shifted the balance of power in ancient Greece.
Particularly after Alexander the Great conquered Thebes and ordered its near total destruction in 335 BCE, the city saw cycles of devastation and reconstruction. Thebes was progressively restored in spite of this, and its remains now provide insights into its legendary history. Thebes is renowned for its distinctive contribution to Greek culture and is a testament to the tenacity and depth of European history, having witnessed thousands of years of events.
6. Larnaca 3,000 BCE
Larnaca, situated on the southern coast of Cyprus, is one of Europe’s oldest continuously populated cities, with origins reaching back to roughly 3,000 BCE. Larnaca, formerly known as Kition, was first inhabited by the Mycenaeans and thereafter prospered as a major Phoenician city-state. Larnaca’s advantageous seaside location made it a major trading and cultural hub that connected the Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Egyptian civilizations.
The copper industry in ancient Kition was well-known and helped to make the area wealthy and well-known. Ancient temples and ruins found during archeological excavations highlight the city’s many historical strata, which include Phoenician, Assyrian, Persian, Latin, and Byzantine influences. Larnaca’s varied architectural and archeological monuments bear the permanent imprint of several historical periods.
One of Larnaca’s most recognizable monuments, the St. Lazarus Church, dates back to the early Christian era and was constructed in the ninth century. Larnaca is a thriving port city that combines the past with the present. It is a unique location where modern Mediterranean charm coexists with millennia-old tales thanks to its stunning coastline, ancient monuments, and vibrant culture. Larnaca, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is nevertheless a reminder of the island’s rich cultural tradition.
7. Lisbon 1,200 BCE
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, has been around since 1,200 BCE, making it the seventh oldest city in Europe. The Phoenicians founded Lisbon, and because of its advantageous location along the Tagus River, it was a vital port for historic trade routes that connected the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Lisbon’s identity has been profoundly impacted by a variety of influences throughout its history, ranging from Phoenician and Roman to Moorish and Christian.
Known as Olissippo at the time, Lisbon flourished as a major commerce hub and built roads, theaters, and spas during Roman authority. The Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon is still influenced by the new architectural designs, irrigation methods, and cultural customs brought about by the Moors’ conquest of the city in the eighth century. Under King Afonso I, Lisbon was recaptured by the Portuguese in 1147, marking the start of its ascent to prominence as a port city in Europe during the Age of Exploration.
Lisbon’s ancient districts, Moorish architecture, and famous sites like the Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery are all reminders of its varied history. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Lisbon is a thriving blend of historic and contemporary elements, renowned for its rich cultural legacy, history, and tenacity along the Atlantic coast.
8. Cadiz 1,100 BCE
Cadiz is situated on the southwest coast of Spain and has been settled since around 1,100 BCE. The Phoenicians founded Cadiz as Gadir, and because of its advantageous location at the entrance to the Atlantic, it developed into a bustling commercial center. Its founders made use of the city’s proximity to sea lanes to promote trade between the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Cadiz was occupied by several civilizations throughout the course of centuries, and each had a lasting impact on its architecture and culture. Cadiz became a significant harbor city when the Romans enlarged and fortified it. Until the city was retaken by the Spanish in the thirteenth century, the Moors contributed their own architectural design and cultural components.
Being the primary port for commerce with the Americas and taking advantage of the riches and resources of the New World, Cadiz emerged as a major hub during Spain’s Golden Age in the 16th century.
9. Rome 753 BCE
Rome, Italy, was founded around 753 BCE, making it one of the oldest towns in Europe. As the center of the Roman Kingdom, Roman Republic, and Roman Empire, Rome, often known as the “Eternal City,” has had an unmatched influence on the development of Western culture. It influenced most of Europe and beyond over its lengthy history as a hub for politics, law, engineering, architecture, and culture.
From a little community on the banks of the Tiber River, the city expanded into a huge empire that covered three continents. Roman law, engineering wonders like aqueducts and highways, and famous architectural structures like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum are some of Rome’s lasting contributions. The city’s pivotal role in the spread of Christianity further solidified its power, as the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica came to represent the Catholic Church.
Rome has survived invasions, sackings, and times of collapse over the ages, but it has always been able to resurrect itself by fusing new advancements with old ruins.
10. Marseille 600 BCE
Marseille is situated on the Mediterranean Sea on the southeast coast of France and has a history that dates back to around 600 BCE. It was first established as Massilia by Greek sailors from Phocaea, and because of its advantageous location between the eastern and western Mediterranean, it grew to become a significant commercial port. Marseille developed over time into a significant center for trade, culture, and marine exploration.
Marseille, a Greek colony, remained independent for centuries until the first century BCE, when it was incorporated into the Roman Empire. The city thrived as a commercial and administrative hub during Roman control. Marseille was a major port throughout the Middle Ages, particularly for Crusaders heading to the Holy Land. Later, under the rule of the Kingdom of France, it emerged as a major participant in the Mediterranean.
Marseille is renowned today for its diversified people, lively culture, and lengthy history. The Vieux Harbor, the city’s ancient harbor, has been in operation for more than two thousand years, and its history is highlighted by notable structures like the Château d’If and the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Marseille, one of the oldest towns in Europe, is a living example of the continent’s long maritime history since it manages to combine traditional customs with contemporary Mediterranean flair.
| Rank | City | Year | Region/Country |
| 1 | Athens | 5,000 BCE | Greece |
| 2 | Argos | 5,000 BCE | Greece |
| 3 | Plovdiv | 4,000 BCE | Bulgaria |
| 4 | Chania | 4,000 BCE | Greece |
| 5 | Thebes | 3,000 BCE | Greece |
| 6 | Larnaca | 3,000 BCE | Cyprus |
| 7 | Lisbon | 1,200 BCE | Portugal |
| 8 | Cadiz | 1,100 BCE | Spain |
| 9 | Rome | 753 BCE | Italy |
| 10 | Marseille | 600 BCE | France |
Conclusion
The oldest cities in Europe, including Rome, Plovdiv, Athens, and Argos, are living examples of the continent’s varied and rich past. These towns, which have roots that go back thousands of years, have seen civilizations rise and fall, from the Greeks and Minoans to the Romans and Byzantines. They have shaped the underpinnings of Western civilization as hubs of politics, trade, and culture. These historic cities preserve their heritage via archeology, architecture, and culture, fusing historical sites with contemporary living. The oldest cities in Europe continue to provide a strong link to the past, enhancing the present and motivating future generations, whether through historic ruins, thriving old towns, or maintained customs.
FAQS
Which is the Oldest City in Europe?
Dating back more than 5,000 years to about 3,000 BCE, Athens, Greece, is the oldest city in Europe.
Who Is the Most Famous British King?
Henry VIII is unquestionably one of the most renowned rulers in English history, noted for his cruel tactics and six wives, two of whom were executed.
Who Was the Most Famous King of France?
Louis XIV is regarded as one of the most renowned French rulers. Louis XIV governed France from 1643 until his death in 1715, making it the longest reign of any French monarch.
When was Rome Founded?
Rome, Italy, was founded around 753 BCE, making it one of the oldest towns in Europe.
Which City is the Oldest Capital in the World?
Damascus, a city in Syria, is considered the oldest capital in the world.
