{"id":61230,"date":"2026-05-07T22:46:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T19:46:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/greece\/the-7-of-the-oldest-cities-in-europe-located-in-greece\/61230\/"},"modified":"2026-05-12T12:52:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T09:52:03","slug":"the-7-of-the-oldest-cities-in-europe-located-in-greece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/en\/greece\/the-7-of-the-oldest-cities-in-europe-located-in-greece\/61230\/","title":{"rendered":"The 7 of the oldest cities in Europe located in Greece"},"content":{"rendered":"

They stand through the centuries and watch people progress and evolve. Their citizens are now and then, others. And yet they are all equally important to them. The oldest cities in Europe, despite the changes, have been inhabited continuously for thousands of years now and combine history with today. What is impressive is that many of them are located in Greece. Specifically, seven out of ten are in our country.<\/p>\n

See what they are and the next time you are there, discover their ancient corners…<\/p>\n

Chania<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This city of Crete is considered to be the location where the Minoans built Kydonia. Excavations have shown that it has been inhabited since the Neolithic era (3,000-2,000 BC). Apart from being one of the oldest cities in Europe, it is undoubtedly one of the most attractive in Greece. You will find blue beaches, museums, picturesque alleys, and hospitable inhabitants.<\/p>\n

Trikala<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The reason for the ancient city of Trikka,<\/strong> which was founded about 5,000 years ago, around 3,000 BC.<\/strong> <\/a>The city took its name from the nymph Trikki, daughter of Pinios. Its location by the river played a very important role in its development. It was a very important center of antiquity. Asclepius also lived and acted there, which today is an emblem of the city, as he was also the king of the city.<\/p>\n

Argos, the oldest in Greece and Europe<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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And we came
\nnot just to one of the oldest cities in Greece and Europe but to the oldest<\/strong><\/a>. And it’s Argos<\/strong><\/a>. Counting seven years of life, it boasts that it is a city open museum. Taking a walk in the area, you will observe the archaeological monuments from the Bronze Age and elements of the Mycenaean Civilization. Among the remains of the ancient agora, you can distinguish parts of the wonderful carved theater with 20,000 seats.<\/p>\n

Thebes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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\nThebes was inhabited about 5,000 years ago.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>Greek mythology notes that it was the birthplace of Hercules and the Sphinx before its riddle was solved. It may not be a well-known tourist place, but it certainly has a lot to show you about its history. The fact that the modern city is built on the site of the ancient one gives you a unique opportunity. This means that you will see the marks of this 5,000-year-old history scattered everywhere. It is also the city that inspired great tragedians such as Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides.<\/p>\n

Chalkida<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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This city is at least 2,800 years old. Proof that Homer is mentioned in the Iliad in Chalcis, around 762 B.C. According to scriptures, the city was founded before the Trojan War, between the 12th and 13th centuries B.C., by the Ionians. The main settlement is located in a narrow water channel, separating Evia from mainland Greece.<\/strong> It is probably one of the cities where you will not see so strongly the elements of civilizations that passed through the centuries from there.<\/p>\n

Patras<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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It may seem strange to you, but indeed, excavations show that the area has been inhabited since the Early Helladic period in the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. After an earthquake in the 6th century, a castle was built on one side of Mount Panachaikos, with the city divided into upper and lower districts. If you search, you will see that it has many archaeological sites and museums.<\/strong> Today, Patras is a modern city. Its port is one of the most important in Greece and is the main gateway to the West.<\/p>\n

Athens<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Greece\"<\/picture>Athens could not be missing from the list. A simple walk in its center is enough to see how many cultures make up its culture. Athens has been inhabited since at least 5,000 B.C. Greek myths say it was named after Athena, who planted an olive seed in a “battle” with Poseidon. With the blossoming tree considered more sacred than the water released by Poseidon hitting a rock with his trident, the goddess of wisdom became the patron saint of the city. Today, visitors can admire the Acropolis, Plaka, and gaze from Lycabettus Hill, understanding why this city has been so loved.<\/p>\n

Featured image source: chania.gr<\/strong>
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