Top 10 – The Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities in Europe

With thousands of years of history behind them, the oldest European settlements have impressive things to offer visitors, though this does not always propel them to the top of the most sought-after tourist destination lists. IMOPEDIA presents the ranking of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, according to the British publication The Telegraph.

10 Chalkida Greece 10. Chalkida, Greece

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 1,300 BC.

Despite having an impressive history (its name appears in Homer’s „Iliad”), the city of Chalkida has very few remains of former times, being currently known as a holiday destination for beach and sun lovers. The city’s fame is based especially on the tidal phenomenon occurring in Evripos – the rapid change of water direction every six hours, created by the Moon’s attraction. During each change of water direction, it stands still for about eight minutes.

9 Larnaca Cyprus 9. Larnaca, Cyprus

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 1,300 BC.

Modern-day Larnaca is situated on the site of the ancient city of Kition/Citium – colonized by both Greeks from the Achaia province and Phoenicians, the settlement was (according to legends) founded by Khittim, the son of Noah. The city’s name is associated with Zeno, the founder of Stoic philosophy. An important port due to its strategic location, Larnaca is today the country’s third-largest city, after Nicosia and Limassol. At the same time, a large part of the economy is based on the service sector, particularly tourism.

8 Kutaisi Georgia 8. Kutaisi, Georgia

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 2,000 BC.

The legislative capital and the second-largest city in Georgia after Tbilisi, Kutaisi has been, throughout history, the scene of multiple conflicts between Georgian kings, as well as between Russian or Ottoman rulers. Although it was an important industrial center before Georgia’s independence in 1991, Kutaisi failed to emerge from the economic collapse caused by this movement, leading many of its residents to work abroad. Unfortunately, despite being a city with an impressive history, Kutaisi is not among the tourist destinations with a high reputation on a European level.

7 Thebes Greece 7. Thebes, Greece

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 3,000 BC.

A powerful rival to Athens, Thebes was a city of great weight in antiquity, also playing an important role in Greek mythology: a citadel founded by King Cadmus, brother of Europa, Thebes is the setting for the stories of Oedipus or Dionysus, as well as the birthplace of Hercules. Before being destroyed by Alexander the Great, the city of Thebes was a force to be reckoned with in the Greek landscape. Included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the modern city of Thebes still preserves ancient vestiges, but it is eclipsed on the local tourist scene by Athens or Chalkida.

6 Trikala Greece 6. Trikala, Greece

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 3,000 BC.

Named after the nymph Trikke, the ancient city of Trikka and its surroundings enjoyed great prosperity until it became the scene of bloody battles between Macedonia and Rome. In the Middle Ages, although it belonged to the Byzantine Empire, the city was invaded by various tribes (Huns, Slavs, Bulgarians, Catalans). Falling into Ottoman hands after the 15th century, Trikala attracted numerous Muslim immigrants. Unfortunately, the city lost many of its medieval buildings at the beginning of the 20th century, especially during the extensive modernization works of the early 1930s.

5 Patras Greece 5. Patras, Greece

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 3,500 BC.

Formed in antiquity by the unification of three villages, Patras is today the third-largest city in Greece, seen as the country’s „Gateway to the West.” Due to its location, Patras has always played an important role in the regional commercial scene, constantly enjoying economic flourishing. At the beginning of the 20th century, Patras was the first Greek city to introduce electric trams and street lighting. A target of Italian air raids during World War II, Patras managed to recover after 1944, being today an important university, cultural, and technological center.

4 Chania Crete 4. Chania, Greece

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 4,000 BC.

The second-largest city on the island of Crete, Chania is located on the site of the ancient city of Kydonia, described by Homer as one of the most important commercial centers of its time, a fact proven by the multitude of coins, clay objects, and frescoes discovered on-site. The city’s history was influenced by Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, with the Venetians playing the strongest role before the arrival of the Ottomans. Despite being severely bombarded during World War II, Chania still preserves historical buildings, its Old Town being considered the most beautiful area of Crete.

3 Plovdiv Bulgaria 3. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 4,000 BC.

With a history of more than 6,000 years, the second-largest city in today’s Bulgaria was founded by the Thracians under the name Philippopolis. Over the centuries, the city fell into the hands of Macedonian Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans before becoming part of Bulgaria at the end of the 19th century. A cultural and educational center, Plovdiv still has numerous ancient remains, including a Roman amphitheater and aqueduct, as well as Turkish baths. Due to the local geography, Plovdiv is also nicknamed the „City of the Seven Hills.”

 2 Argos Greece 2. Argos, Greece

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 5,000 BC.

According to Greek mythology, the city was named after the son of Zeus and Niobe, being described by Homer as a well-known equestrian center. Located in the northeast of the Peloponnese peninsula, just 12 kilometers from the city of Nafplio (the first capital of modern Greece), the city of Argos has been continuously inhabited for approximately 7,000 years. The small village of Argos played a significant commercial role during the Mycenaean period (1,600 – 1,100 BC), becoming truly famous during the reign of King Pheidon, known as the one who introduced currency to Greece.

1 Athens Greece 1. Athens, Greece

Evidence of the first inhabitants dates back to 5,000 BC.

According to Greek legends, the city of Athens was named after the goddess of the same name following a competition with Poseidon. Both gods wanted to be spiritual patrons of the city, and the council of gods promised to offer this honor to the one who provided the most precious gift. The god of the seas created a spring, while the goddess created the olive tree, which was to ensure peace and prosperity, succeeding in winning the dispute. Considered the „cradle of civilization” because it is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, literature, the most important mathematical principles, theater, and the Olympic Games, the city of Athens enjoyed the esteem of all invaders who conquered it throughout history, without being destroyed or enslaved.