There are cities on our planet that are considered very ancient. They contain many historical monuments that have stood the test of time. They are the real pride of our days, not only in terms of their prescription, but also of the architectural ensemble. These places will not leave a single visitor indifferent!
5. Beirut
First, let's go to Beirut - the cultural center of Lebanon. The city is over five thousand years old. And the first settlements date back to the 3rd millennium before the birth of Christ. During the excavations, various settlements were discovered: the Ottomans, Arabs, Phoenicians and Romans lived on these lands. After the end of the Lebanese Civil War, the city became a tourist destination.
4. Jerusalem
Spiritual enlightenment and cleansing awaits visitors to holy Jerusalem. It is not for nothing that it is considered the spiritual center of the Israelites. It is one of the three holy cities of the Muslim people (after Mecca and Medina). About three millennia BC it was founded by the first settlers. Every tourist is obliged to visit the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the mosques called al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock. During the entire existence of Jerusalem, foreigners made fifty-two attempts to attack, the oldest city suffered forty-four seizures and was besieged twenty-three times. The history also indicates two events as a result of which this shrine could be completely destroyed.
3. Susa
Susa, which was once the majestic capital of the Elamite state, captured by the Assyrians, is located in Iranian lands. One of the oldest cities in the world. There were frequent theatrical performances in Susa. Today, on these lands, a city called Shush was founded, with about seventy thousand inhabitants.
2. Byblos
Those who are lucky enough to visit Byblos should definitely admire the Church of St. John the Baptist, built in the twelfth century. This ancient city is located in Libya. It was founded by the Phoenicians, whose settlements arose in the 5th century BC. It was originally Gebal and supplied papyrus to the Greeks, who later came up with a new name for it. By the way, the Holy Scripture (known to everyone under the word "Bible") has its roots from here. There are countless attractions here: the architectural palette is represented by the old Phoenician cathedrals, the historic Byblos castle and the wall built in the Middle Ages.
1. Plovdiv (Tratsian)
Plovdiv, formerly known as Tratsian and now located in Bulgaria, also lures travelers with its history. The largest and most important center of the Romans was located here. Before the accession of this territory to Bulgaria, Plovdiv was part of Byzantium, and then - the Ottoman Empire. Today, many untouched ruins remain in the ancient city. The most famous of them are the Roman amphitheater and aqueduct. The so-called Ottoman baths are very popular.