5 must visit old European cities for historophiles.
Are you fascinated by the events and workings of history? Do you wonder about the lifestyle, cuisine, attire, and architecture of old times? Then these 5 European cities must be on your travel bucket list
- Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a political, cultural, and economic center of central Europe complete with a rich history. Founded during the Romanesque and flourishing by the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras, Prague was the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the main residence of several Holy Roman Emperors.
Prague is home to several well-known cultural attractions, main attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter, Petrin hill, and Vysehrad.
The city has more than ten major museums, along with numerous theatres, galleries, cinemas, and other historical exhibits. If you are in Prague, do not forget to visit, Historic center of Prague, which is included in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.
2. Bruges, Belgium
The historic city center of Bruges is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. The trip to Bruges is incomplete without a boat ride on the canals of the city. The boat trip lets you discover, secret gardens, romantic bridges, and medieval facades reflected in the water. The city has earned the title of European capital of culture and is often referred to as the Venice of North (Europe).
A trip to Bruges is completely worth it, because you find the best Belgian beers, in the city. (Winks)
3. Krakow, Poland
One of the oldest cities of Poland, Krakow dates back to the seventh century. This old town maintains its UNESCO World Heritage-approved historic atmosphere. From the church of St. Adalbert, built in the 11th-century to dozens of parks, forests, and museums, Krakow offers it all.
Its extensive cultural heritage includes the Wawel Cathedral and the Royal Castle on the banks of the Vistula, the St. Mary’s Basilica, Saints Peter and Paul Chruch and the largest medieval market square in Europe, the Rynek Glowny. Krakow is home to Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in the world. The city is titled as UNESCO city of Literature.
4. Rome, Italy
The city has been a major human settlement for almost three millennia. Rome’s history spans 28 centuries. While Roman Mythology dates the founding of Rome at around 753 BC, the site has been inhabited for much longer, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe
Teeming with life and outstanding roman ruins, remarkable basilicas and fountains for wishes, the Historic Center of Rome is undoubtedly the definition of what an “Old Center” means. No wonder it is one of the most visited and romantic places on Earth. Wander the ancient streets of this Renaissance pocket and you’ll discover architectural treasures and remains of an astonishing past at every turn.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
How can one speak about old towns and simply forget the Scottish capital? Edinburgh seems like a city of warriors and knights. The city falunts Edinburgh castle and the Palace of Holyrood house. Historic sites in Edinburgh include the churches of St. Giles, Greyfriars, and the Canongate.
It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and a place in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.
