There is something fascinating about ancient cities that make you want to explore everything they have to offer. If you, too, love to explore the ancient civilization, or what's left of them, we have compiled a list of the 10 oldest cities in the world that still stands, a reminder of how people lived thousands of years ago.
1. Gaziantep, Turkey
Provincial capital of Gaziantep is a city known as the oldest still standing, with a record of ancient history. It keeps inhabited since the Paleolithic age, experienced a serious growth along with the Ottoman Empire. Today, Gaziantep is a city of friendly and optimistic with many mosques, medresse, lodging and bathing from centuries ago. stone houses and bazaars life bounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards, combining spectacular views wherever you look.
With several museums and holy places, you will definitely need more than one day to explore the experiences offered Gaziantep.
2. Jerusalem, Israel
A holy city for three different religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem is a place where old-fashioned values combine with modern culture to bring an exciting metropolis. Jerusalem is divided into three sections - West Jerusalem, the rapidly growing commercial part of town, East Jerusalem - home to the majority Arab population, and the Old City - the location is really the heart, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Having tired of the streets, you can see the market, a place filled with tourist shops.
3. Kirkuk, Iraq
If you want to go back to time past and see the remains of the ancient city, visit the archaeological site of Qal'at Jarmo and Yorgan Tepe, located in the suburbs.
4. Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland's largest city and one of the oldest cities in Europe, Zurich was founded in Roman times under the name Turicum. The trail this time can be found throughout the Old Town - the narrow streets filed with antique shops, boutiques and cafes. Shopping is concentrated around the famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe. Besides shopping, you can explore the cultural city by visiting the Minster or Fraumünster - two old church with a stunning interior, the Swiss National Museum or the Kunsthaus, another popular museum. Head to Aussersihl - a newly developed area full of bars, clubs, restaurants where you can get a taste of real life Switzerland. After seeing the city, you will definitely know why it named the city with the best quality of life in the world.
5. Konya, Turkey
Konya has discovered a vast array of history, is stored in several museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, Museum Koyunoglu or ethnographic museum.
6. Giza, Egypt
Giza plateau deserts will become part of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the project will be completed in 2012 which will replace the Egyptian Museum in Midan Tahrir.
7. Xi'an, China
With a history of over 3,000 years, the city is one of the most important in Chinese history, became one of the Four Great Ancient Capital of China. Xi'an, the eternal city, enjoying equal fame with other famous cities such as Athens, Cairo or Rome. Abundance and important cultural heritage sites of significance obtained by the city the title of the Museum of Natural History. In addition, the Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are often referred to as "the eighth wonder of the world". The city wall of Ming Dynasty is the best preserved city in the world of the period while holding the Famen Temple of the finger bones of Sakyamuni - the founder of Buddhism. All in all, Xi'an is one of the most valuable place to get a taste of ancient Chinese and their traditions.
8. Asyut, Egypt
It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared in Asyut, an apparition even evidenced by the church. Regardless of religious values, Banana Island is the perfect place to relax, while the 19th-century attack on the Northern tip of town is a popular destination among tourists.
Luxor, formerly known as the ancient city of Thebes, the glorious city of God Amon Ra, has become a tourist destination since tourism began to heat. This area began to attract tourists from Greek and Roman periods. Luxor is one of the most popular cities in Egypt, the star who became monuments of Luxor, Karnak, Hatshepsut and Ramses III. No wonder the city is often referred to as open-air museum in the world's largest, has a large number of monuments of youth. The town itself is actually composed of three distinct areas: City of Luxor on the east side of the Nile, the town of Karnak and Thebes on the west side of the Nile, opposite Luxor. You can bid your way to anything in the market town or enjoy a vegetarian restaurant that offers the Luxor tourist paradise.
10. Lisbon, Portugal
Set on seven low hills, on the northern bank of the River Tagus, Lisbon is strongly associated with the charm of the past. Lisbon was first inhabited by people Iberia, responsible for building the megaliths. After centuries of developing, Lisbon is now one of the liveliest cities in Europe. The palace was renovated, magnificent churches and Art Nouveau buildings are a few things that make the city's cultural heritage. There are collections of ancient and modern art museums in many cities, such as the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the National Coach Museum, and Carmo Archaeological Museum. If you've seen all the cultural attractions, be sure to head to the Bairro Alto, the center of nightlife, packed with restaurants, bars and clubs. There are also many good opportunities for local shopping merchandise at the Campo de Santa Clara or brand names in the Centro Commercial Colombo.
