TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Europe is a continent layered in history—where modern life flows through streets that have seen thousands of years of civilization. A living museum, a handful of the oldest cities in Europe have been continuously inhabited since their earliest days.
10 Oldest Cities in Europe
Drawing insights from World Atlas, this article uncovers the oldest cities in Europe which Plovdiv sets at the very top. Other cities holding the echoes of ancient cultures include:
1. Plovdiv, Bulgaria - 6000 BC
Plovdiv is widely recognized as the oldest city in Europe, having been settled for over 8,000 years. Built around seven hills in southern Bulgaria, it was once known as Philippopolis during Roman times and has seen Thracian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences.
With an approximately 340,000 population inhabiting today, the city is well-known as a major cultural and economic sector—home to an array of museums, theaters, and universities.
2. Argos, Greece - 5000 BC
Argos is one of the oldest cities in Greece and has been continuously occupied for over 7,000 years. Once a stronghold for the Dorians in the Peloponnese, it rose to prominence as a powerful city-state during the Mycenaean and Classical periods.
With its rich legacy in ancient Greek history, Argos is home to several remarkable historical treasures, seperti the Ancient Theater of Argos and Acropolis of Argos.
3. Athens, Greece - 5000 BC
Dating back to 5000 BC, Athens is not only the birthplace of Western civilization but also one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city flourished during the Classical period and gave rise to democracy, philosophy, and drama.
Today, it’s a bustling metropolis where ancient ruins like the Acropolis (one of the most famous historical places in the world) sit side-by-side with modern cafes and galleries.
4. Larissa, Greece - 5000 BC
Larissa has been continuously inhabited since the 5th millennium BC. Once the capital of Thessalian city-state, Larissa played important roles during the Classical and Byzantine eras. As to why the city is called home by a number of important Greek sites, including Mount Olympus and Meteora. Though it flies under the radar, the city today maintains its historical significance while evolving into a lively urban center.
5. Thebes, Greece - 5000 BC
Founded as early as 5000 BC, Thebes is not only steeped in mythology and history but also ranks among the oldest cities in Europe. Legendary tales such as those of the Ochienucuan prince Cadmus, the tragic story of Oedipus, and the epic battles of The Seven Against Thebes and the Epigoni are often set against the backdrop of this ancient city.
Although Thebes was reportedly destroyed by Alexander the Great in response to a rebellion, Thebes remains inhabited as a part of the modern city of Luxor, Egypt.
6. Shkodra, Albania - 2250 BC
One of the key backdrops of Albania’s history, the city of Shkodra dates back more than 4,000 years. From serving as the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom under King Gentius to becoming a major administrative and military center following its conquest by the Ottomans, it truly holds the pasts spanning multiple eras.
More to that, Shkodra also stands a testament to religious coexistence, where Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians have lived side by side for centuries.
7. Chania, Greece - 1700 BC
Over the centuries, Chania has been shaped by Minoan, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe with a richly layered past. It also played a central role in military operations during World War II.
Today, the city is known for its diverse cultural heritage, highlighted by well-preserved Venetian architecture across its harbor, old town, and historic buildings.
8. Nafplion, Greece - 1400 BC
As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Nafplion is steeped in layers of history. Once a significant port during the Neolithic period, it later became the second capital of the First Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Greece from 1827 to 1834—and notably, the first capital of modern Greece. Today, Nafplion is vividly adorned with a rich historical and cultural legacy.
9. Cadiz, Spain - 1100 BC
Cádiz is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe. Thanks to its strategic location on a small peninsula in southwestern Spain, it quickly became a key port for maritime trade throughout the Mediterranean—an advantage seized by Roman, Visigothic, and later rulers. In the present days, many visitors are drawn to its winding old-town streets, whitewashed architecture, and rich seafaring legacy.
10. Matera, Italy - 1000 BC
Located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, Matera rounds out the list of the oldest cities in Europe. It’s most famous for its ancient, unique cave dwellings known as the Sassi, believed to be among the first human settlements in the country. Having endured countless historical eras, Matera has come to symbolize resilience
These cities are more than just remnants of ancient times—they're living museums, still vibrant and evolving while proudly preserving their roots. For a similar discovery, let’s explore the oldest countries in the world.
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