6 Incredible Ancient Cities of the World

Step back in time at these charming travel hotspots

One of the most captivating things about travelling somewhere is learning about the history of the place, and how it developed into what it is today. There’s something incredibly moving about receiving a glimpse into a past you never knew existed, and discovering remnants of ancient empires and civilizations that take you back in time to a by-gone era, when cultures were very different. We’ve compiled a list of 6 cities around the world which have a particularly fascinating history that you may want to experience and get attached to.

Istanbul

This legendary Turkish city has been home to many cultures, religions and imperial powers throughout various periods of history and was considered as one of the world’s most coveted cities, therefore has many interesting stories associated with it. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul was originally the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, which really shows in the beautiful architecture dotted around. A historical highlight of Istanbul is the iconic Hagia Sophia museum, one of the oldest buildings in the world and a former church of the Byzantine Empire that was transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Brightsun offers cheap flight tickets and best holidays deals to Istanbul, taking you to the heart of this mesmerising sightseeing destination.

Athens

Athens is an extremely significant historic city that has influenced the world considerably in terms of philosophy, art and science. The charming Greek hotspot has a very long recorded history that spans around 3400 years making it one of the world’s oldest cities, and it has actually been inhabited since the Neolithic Period (before 3000 BCE). Athens’ oldest buildings date back to the Late Bronze Age around 1200 BCE, which is when the city’s iconic Acropolis was a citadel. In the centre of the Acropolis lies the Parthenon temple ruins that are dedicated to the renowned goddess Athena; it’s a true historic gem of Athens and the world.

 

Cusco

This charming city is set in the Peruvian Andes at 3400m above sea level, and is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire of South America until the city was taken over by Europeans, but the pre-Colombian Incan culture was definitely not lost – evidence of it remains in the preserved stone architecture across the city, which blends majestically with the Spanish colonial monuments and ancient churches. Cusco is a stunning place to come and explore, and word has it that the original city was built in the shape of a puma, which is a sacred animal here.

 

 

Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a rich history dating back to the first ever Aryan settlement in 11th century BC. Varanasi then became a hub of Aryan philosophies and religion, and became the capital of the Kashi Kingdom in the 6th century. It’s an extremely religious centre even now as the holiest of the seven sacred Hindu cities and it’s also one of India’s most fascinating destinations, with plenty of colourful sights to admire. Varanasi is set on the banks of the Ganges and is a popular place for many who perform funeral rituals to grant eternal life, and there are many temples, ghats, and an old town with a labyrinth of narrow passageways.

 

 

Beijing

This amazing ancient city dates back over 3000 years, plays a very important part in China’s history and has been a capital over several dynasties. Despite the fact that it has been highly modernised, there are still remnants of the past to witness here including six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, old neighbourhoods, hutong alleyways, palaces and temples which are significant to Beijing’s heritage. The Forbidden City is the historical heart of Beijing, which is a majestic royal palace complex created under the Qing dynasty. Then there’s the Great Wall, a series of ancient fortifications and walls with a history of over 2,300 years. You can fly to Beijing with several airlines including Lufthansa, Air France & China Southern Airlines.

 

 

Boston, USA

This city might come as a surprise, but it’s always the off-the-beaten path gems that are the most mind-blowing. Boston is one of the oldest cities the US, where the nation’s first university was founded. It was an integral destination for the American Revolution and many other many significant past events, and much of the architectural buildings in Boston are stunning remnants of these periods. The city was actually founded in 1630 by English puritans who were looking for religious freedom, so for a while it was a Puritan city, and many Irish immigrants came to Boston, which have left cultural influences that still exist today. The Boston National Historical Park is a must see, with many significant sites and buildings that are featured in the city’s famous Freedom Trail.

 

If you’d like to explore an interesting ancient city, we can help you get there – our travel specialists can help you book fantastic flight offers, tailor-made holidays and even tours package. Just contact us for more information and request a quote.