One of the most favourable things about travelling is being able to explore the history of the place you are in. Not only can it help us understand what life was like back when, but how it came to be what it is in this moment in time. If you plan to visit Europe’s most historical capitals, make sure your passport is valid and that you take you valid EHIC card with you to avoid facing costly bills if you require urgent medical treatment whilst overseas. Explore just five of Europe’s most historical capitals below:
Athens, Greece
Athens has played one of the biggest roles in shaping the Western world into what it is now. In ancient times, the Greeks lived in city states that had their own laws, government and currency but shared the same religion and language. Two of the most famous involve Athens and Sparta. Lucky for us, Athens was home to a number of writers and artists whose work is still available to see today. Athens was also the biggest and the most powerful state. It was and still is a city home to breath-taking buildings, boutique-like shops and public baths.
London, United Kingdom
London is home to history of more than 2,000 years. But just how far does this incredible cities history go? Originally founded by the Romans in 50 AD, London is home to the most famous attraction; the Houses of Parliament. The Houses of Parliament were built in 1834 once a fire had destroyed many of the original buildings. 28 years later, London proudly opened the first ever underground railway, otherwise infamously known as The Tube.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the best historically preserved cities found in Europe that offer a different perspective to what life was like in the middle ages. The bohemian-rich city was originally home to a large Jewish community that had a vast monastic revenant. In the amazing city, you can also find one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world as well as the symbol of the Czech State; the Prague Castle. You can also explore the tavern where Pilsner beer, a type of pale lager, was first made.
Berlin, Germany
Once the capital of Nazi Germany and famously parted down the middle during the Cold War, Berlin is one of the most interesting cities you can explore in Europe. You feel more than you see as you wander down the streets and get lost in its perfunctory mood but it’s also Berlin’s culture and nightlife which has made the city so famous today.
Istanbul, Turkey
Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire after the fall of Rome and was a notable stop in the Silk Roads due to its ideal location situated between the East and the West. You won’t be lost for reminders of each element of its history since it can be seen throughout the city, mostly because a large part of it has been preserved. This includes the Hagia Sophia, Once a church under the Byzantine Empire; the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and is now a museum.
