While most people are familiar with ancient capitals like Athens and Rome, the world is filled with cities that are smaller in size, but no lighter on historical significance. We reveal 50 historic destinations you never knew existed, from the rock-cut cave dwellings of Italy to the foothills of the Indian Himalayas.
Click through this gallery to see the best historic cities and towns you probably haven't visited, but should...
Existing in a tangle of churches, cafes and cobbled streets, Kotor's Old Town is one of Europe's most atmospheric. In its long history, the city has come under Serbian, Hungarian and Venetian rule, and its medieval walls still stand proud, rewarding those who climb them with epic vistas across Kotor Bay. A maze of cobbled streets lead to the 17th-century clock tower and the Serbo-Byzantine-style Church of St Nicholas.
A UNESCO World Heritage site in its entirety, Lubeck in northern Germany is packed to the gills with historic architecture, from Brick Gothic-style churches to merchants' mansions. The city, founded in the 12th century, is best known as the former capital of the Hanseatic League and was once one of Europe's major powers. Museum Holsten Gate at the Old Town entrance tells the story of Lubeck's rich history.
Just under 100 miles (160km) northwest of Madrid you'll find Segovia, a pocket-sized city and World Heritage Site crammed with historic landmarks. Worthy pit stops include the 16th-century Gothic cathedral, reportedly the last Spanish cathedral to be built in this style, and the Alcazar de Segovia, a striking castle with its roots in the 11th century. The well-preserved Jewish Quarter is full of medieval charm.
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Straddling the Rhine River and offering a glorious blend of Swiss, German and French culture, this city satisfies history lovers with its well-preserved Old Town in Grossbasel (Greater Basel). Through Aldstadt's winding streets, the star of the show is the red Rathaus on Marktplatz. The city is home to some 40 museums too, from Historisches Museum Basel, which dives into Basel's past, to artistic treasure troves like the Kunsthalle.
First incorporated in 1851, Ogden was once a self-professed 'lawless frontier town'. The city, some 35 miles (56km) north of Salt Lake City, is steeped in railroad history, since it once acted as the junction between the Union Pacific and Central Pacific rail lines. Characters of all kinds poured into Ogden as a result, affording the city a reputation as a wild and rebellious bolthole. Today Ogden's riotous past is still imaginable through well-preserved historic buildings such as the Union Station and the 1920s Bigelow Hotel.
Worlds away from the hectic metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka, the city of Takayama is situated in Japan's Gifu Prefecture. Its principal draw is the Sanmachi Suji area (pictured), where many Edo-period buildings have been preserved. There are sake breweries and historic merchants' houses, plus the Hida Folk Village with its 30 reconstructed farmhouses.
The city of Nelson has its roots in the 1800s, when silver was struck in the area and a series of mines and a townsite were built up here. It was officially incorporated by 1897 and became the first administrative centre in British Columbia's Kootenays region. Nelson continued to thrive into the 20th century and today its history is its major draw. The city's self-guided Heritage Walking Tour loops past some of the area's most impressive Victorian architecture.
Characterised by its Roman architecture, this city in France's Provence region has an artistic side too. It's revered for its connection to the late Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, who produced a large body of work here (though sadly none remains). The city's history is palpable though, and the highlight is undoubtedly the Arles Amphitheatre (Arenes d'Arles), a vast Roman colosseum once home to fierce gladiatorial battles.
The little city of Ely is situated in the Cambridgeshire Fens and has roots dating back to AD 673, when Anglo-Saxon princess Saint Etheldreda established a Christian community here. Though the early Anglo-Saxon church hasn't survived, Ely Cathedral, a grand Norman building constructed over the course of 300 years, dominates the town today. The imposing cathedral isn't the only historical attraction though. Oliver Cromwell's House is also a popular spot.
The photogenic city of Colonia del Sacramento is one of the oldest in Uruguay and its historic quarter is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was established in 1680 by the Portuguese, though it was eventually overtaken by Spanish forces, changing hands numerous times. Today both Spanish and Portuguese influences can be seen in the city's architecture, with top sights including the Church of the Holy Sacrament.
Evidence of the 1990s Yugoslav Wars can still be found in this small city, with abandoned buildings and bullet-hole-ridden walls around Mostar's historic core. But great efforts have been made to restore the city's centre to its former glory with highlights including the rebuilt Stari Most, the Ottoman-style 'Old Bridge' that arches over the Neretva River. Also look out for the 17th-century Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and the city's historic Turkish houses.
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A seriously underrated city in south-central Sweden, Vasteras sits right on Lake Malaren. Its history stretches back to at least the Middle Ages when it was a key market town, and its oldest quarters remain a warren of cobbled streets and colourful houses. There are historic sights aplenty, including the 13th-century Scandinavian Gothic-style cathedral and Anundshog, an ancient burial mound and one of the largest in Sweden.
Weymouth, the second oldest settlement in Massachusetts, is located some 17 miles (27km) south of historic Boston. But Weymouth has its fair share of history too: the area was first settled by the British in 1622, becoming the Wessaguscus Plantation, though this early colony failed. A permanent settlement was eventually established and newly-named Weymouth was incorporated by 1635. Today notable landmarks include the 20th-century Town Hall, built to replicate the Old State House in Boston.
Another little city with Roman roots, Merida in western Spain was founded as early as 25 BC, and was one of the largest and most important towns in the area. The city's Roman ruins remain a key attraction including a wonderfully preserved theatre, Roman-era bridge and aqueduct. Casa del Mitreo, a preserved Roman house filled with murals and mosaics, is another stunning spot.
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Lucerne, tipped as the gateway to Central Switzerland and perched beside the eponymous Lake Lucerne, has natural beauty and historic sites in equal doses. It's thought that the city was chartered in the 12th century, and a good portion of Lucerne's medieval architecture has been preserved. The Old Town is made up of historic guildhalls, covered wooden bridges and fortified walls. Meanwhile, the Lion Monument commemorates the soldiers that fell in the French Revolution and dates to the early 19th century.
Tucked away in Morocco's Sous Valley is Taroudant, a mountain-fringed city that was the capital of Morocco at one point during the Saadi dynasty, which ruled from 1549 to 1659. This honey-coloured town has hulking ramparts, labyrinthine souks and stunning open squares.
An Italian city home to the country's second oldest university, Padua lies around 25 miles (40km) west of Venice. Mentions of the city appear as early as 302 BC and today it still holds many vestiges of the past. The medieval centre of town includes highlights such as the Renaissance Palazzo Bo (the seat of the city's university) and the Cappella degli Scrovegni (a chapel with beautiful Giotto frescoes).
‘s-Hertogenbosch, often simply referred to as Den Bosch, was first chartered back in 1185. The city has since suffered a tumultuous history, seeing multiple sieges and changing hands numerous times over the years. It's also closely associated with Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch, who was born here in the 15th century. Today the city's most impressive landmark is the Gothic-style St John's Cathedral, which took more than 150 years to build.
While many have heard of the teeny-tiny city of St Davids, Wales' second smallest city often flies under the radar. St Asaph is best-known for its compact cathedral, the present iteration of which dates back to the 15th century and is the smallest in Britain. There was a settlement here as early as AD 560 and the village today is just as quaint and peaceful, with tiny bed and breakfasts and bucolic surrounds.
Indie shops and family-run restaurants line the streets of Staunton, a compact city in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The city was settled back in 1732 and played a key role as a supply base during the Civil War. It was also the birthplace of president Woodrow Wilson. Historic attractions here today include the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, which captures the history of the area from the 1600s to the 1800s.
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A breathtaking city in the Himalayas, Leh is best known as a gateway to some of India's top mountainous treks – but it's got plenty for lovers of history too. The imposing Tibetan-style Leh Palace dates to the 17th century and has fabulous views of the surrounding area. The winding alleys and mud-brick houses of Leh's photogenic Old Town are also a top draw.
Aveiro is a pint-sized city often dubbed 'the Venice of Portugal' for its labyrinth of canals and traditional boats named moliceiros. The city boomed in the early 16th century, when it was a thriving seaport, and today a wealth of stunning Art Nouveau architecture (displayed in Museu de Arte Nova) and the nearby Sao Jacinto Nature Reserve remain.
The allure of the German city of Heidelberg begins with its location: it's perched at the edge of the Neckar River surrounded by woodland. The Old Town is crammed full of Baroque architecture, but the star of the show is the crumbling Heidelberg Castle – the imposing structure dates to the medieval period, but was transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century. The Kurpfalzisches Museum delves into the city's history.
The city of Kingston has a relatively lengthy history. The site long existed as a meeting place for First Nations peoples before it was settled by Europeans in the late-17th century, making it one of the earliest European settlements in Ontario. Downloadable audio walking tours give insight into Kingston's history, while Fort Henry National Historic Site delves into the area's military past.
Armagh is labelled the 'ecclesiastical capital' of Ireland, and the city is closely associated with Saint Patrick. Ireland's patron saint is thought to have built a hilltop church here right back in AD 445, and today the striking St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral stands in this storied spot. Beyond the sacred history, Armagh is filled with cosy pubs, restaurants and parks.
The capital of the eponymous province of Chieti, this hilltop city was founded by the ancient Italian Marrucini tribe. It was taken over by the Romans in 305 BC and the city's oldest quarter is still dotted with Roman ruins, including a theatre and temples. Look out too for Porta Pescara, an old city gate dating to the 13th century when the city was ruled by the Angevin dynasty.
Packed full of incredible architecture, the city of Granada is one of quaint cobblestoned lanes, rainbow buildings and churches. It was established in 1523 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, making it one of the earliest cities in Central America. Evidence of the city's history remains around every corner, like the beautiful Guadalupe Church.
Long before the city of Greenville existed, this site served as a hunting ground for the Cherokee peoples. Then, in 1770, the area was settled by Irish-born Richard Pearis, and Greenville had been established by the end of the century. Today Greenville is a buzzy small city with a lively Main Street and a thriving arts scene. The nearby Hagood Mill is one of the oldest surviving gristmills in the state, while the Upcountry History Museum is the standard starting place for diving into the city's heritage.
What the little city of Trondheim lacks in size, it makes up for with natural beauty, oodles of museums and an intriguing history. Established back in AD 997, the city has served as both a pilgrimage site and an important trading hub through its centuries of existence. Today, though, modernity ripples through the city, and the Trondelag region, which includes Trondheim, was named the European Region of Gastronomy for 2022. Visitors can expect food festivals, cooking classes, cider tastings and much more.
Watched over by soaring peaks, the little city of Dinant is in Belgium's Walloon Region, set on the Meuse River. It has played an important part in global musical history – the inventor of the saxophone, Antoine-Joseph 'Adolphe' Sax, grew up here, and tributes to him and his creation can be found across the city. The hulking Citadelle de Dinant, a 19th-century fort, is another slice of Dinant's past.
The city of Nantes has had a turbulent history: dating back to around 70 BC it's been controlled by the Romans and the Normans, among others, over the years, and was sadly devastated in the Second World War. Today Nantes is held up as one of France's most creative and progressive cities, but its history is not forgotten. The Place Royal fountain (pictured) has dominated the square since 1865 and the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery is a poignant landmark.
Not to be confused with the Bethlehem of the Middle East, this curious little city in eastern Pennsylvania dates to 1741, when it was founded by Moravian missionaries. The city played its part during the Civil War too, as injured American troops were treated in the old Colonial Hall here. Today it's still home to the Moravian Book Shop, purportedly the oldest continuously-operating bookstore in the world, dating from 1745, and the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, which pays homage to the city's heritage.
Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan is one of the most wonderfully preserved cities in all of Asia. It was founded in the 16th century and its architecture has Spanish, Filipino and Chinese influences. A true taste of the city can be found in its historic core, the Mestizo district, home to artisan shops and sacred buildings such as the 17th-century St Paul Cathedral.
Most people are familiar with Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, but most haven't heard of second city Akureyri, in the country's north. Mentions of the mountain-backed city begin as early as the 16th century and it relays its history through its handful of museums. The compact Akureyri Museum offers a glimpse into the city's past through clippings, photos and artefacts. There's plenty for nature-lovers too, with opportunities for birding, whale watching and boat tours.
The smallest city in England (save from the City of London), Wells is a medieval bolthole in the southwestern county of Somerset. Its glittering centrepiece is its cathedral, whose construction began in the 12th century. The Bishop's Palace, the historic home of the bishops of Bath and Wells, and the Vicars' Close (pictured), a cobbled street lined with medieval buildings, are also a great way to soak up the past.
A small city in South Africa's Western Cape, George is usually held up for its high-quality golf courses and coastal location – but, colonised in 1811 by the British, the city has its fair share of history too. It was named for King George III and served as a woodcutter’s outpost. Highlights include the George Museum and the whitewashed Dutch Reformed Mother Church (pictured), which was consecrated in 1842.
Mosaics dating to the 5th and 6th century fill this city in northeastern Italy. The most impressive displays can be found in the Christian Byzantine Basilica of San Vitale, consecrated in AD 548, and the 5th-century Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. Most importantly, this city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire throughout the 5th century – other early Christian monuments include the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Neonian Baptistery.
Often nicknamed 'the White City', Popayan, in Cauca, was founded in the 16th century by Sebastian de Belalcazar. The beautifully preserved city retains much of its historic Spanish character, with remnants ranging from mansions to monasteries. There's the Iglesia de San Francisco, the largest and most striking of Popayan's churches, and the Casa Museo Mosquera, a dinky museum in an 18th-century mansion.
This pretty harbour city, established in 1785, was once the capital of Cape Breton Island. It has an industrial history, formerly home to steel mills and coal mines, while today the city's rainbow-hued houses and surrounding countryside are the main attraction. The Cape Breton Miners' Museum and the Sydney Museum offer a fascinating dose of natural history.
Chania is one of the most historically significant cities in Crete: this ancient site is thought to have been settled since Neolithic times, and it even served as the capital of Crete from 1841 to 1971. The city's crowning jewel is its 14th-century Venetian harbour, complete with colourful buildings and a restored 16th-century lighthouse. Narrow alleys are lined with Venetian and Turkish-style buildings and the Chania Archaeological Museum holds a wealth of historical artefacts.
Perched on the banks of the River Tay, the city of Perth was once the capital of Scotland. It's nicknamed 'the Fair City' for good reason, wowing with its lofty spires and dreamy waterside location. It's rooted in a long history too. The site of most significance is the nearby Scone Palace, a 12th-century pile that was once the crowning site for the Kings of Scots.
The city of Lampang in northern Thailand remains unspoiled, despite its beautiful sacred buildings and buzzing markets. Within the walled old town area is one of the most splendid buildings in the city, Wat Sri Chum (pictured). This temple, with its layered roof, gilded detailing and mosaics, dates to 1890 and is filled with fascinating Burmese artwork.
Nicknamed 'the White City', La Rochelle was one of the most important seaports in France between the 1300s and 1600s. The Vieux Port (Old Port), dominated by a pair of hulking 14th-century towers, is one of the city's focal points, while its historic heart is made up of arcaded streets and medieval buildings. The Musee Maritime details La Rochelle's history as a port city.
Affectionately known as SLO, the charming city of San Luis Obispo was established in 1772 by Junipero Serra. It was built up around the whitewashed Spanish mission, one of 21 missions established in California in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can take a tour of the Old Mission and wander around the little museum.
This city was a key part of the Brazilian Gold Rush, which began at the end of the 17th century, and its name fittingly translates as 'Black Gold'. Ouro Preto developed over the sheer hills of the Vila Rica, forming a cluster of steep lanes and Baroque buildings. The Baroque-style Church of Sao Francisco of Assisi, with its jaw-dropping reliefs and frescoes, is the city's stand-out sight.
The lakeside city of Lausanne preserves the past with its medieval city centre and its Gothic Cathedrale de Notre Dame, but it's often overlooked in favour of Geneva, less than an hour away. There's plenty to learn about this little city, though. The Place de la Palud is a market square home to the oldest fountain in town and a moving clock that chronicles the city's history.
The seaside city of Charlottetown serves as the capital of Prince Edward Island and is a place of great historical significance. It was here that the historic Charlottetown Conference took place: the Fathers of Confederation met in 1864 for discussions that would ultimately result in the formation of Canada. The Province House National Historic Site, the best place to learn about the confederation, is currently closed for renovations, but you can visit the 'Story of Confederation' exhibit at the Confederation Centre of the Arts instead.
While Puno is often seen as a springboard for exploring Lake Titicaca, the city has its own charms. Founded by the Spanish in 1668, Puno is still dotted with architecture from the era, from its Baroque cathedral to its smaller churches and homes. The city is also dubbed Peru's 'folkloric capital' and usually hosts colourful traditional festivals.
The only real city in the southwestern county of Cornwall, Truro is thought to have its roots in an Iron Age settlement. Its zenith was during the 1700s and 1800s, when tin mining boomed here, and well-heeled mine bosses developed lavish residences and entertainment complexes in the city. Today Truro's key feature is its 19th-century cathedral, built in the Gothic Revival style, complete with castle-like towers and soaring spires.
The tiny Italian city of Matera became a must-see historical destination when it was crowned European Capital of Culture for 2019. It's comprised of clustered Sassi (historic cave dwellings), now home to Airbnbs and boutique hotels, and is thought to be one of the oldest continuously-settled cities in the world. Packed full of preserved pieces of history, highlights include the 13th-century stone cathedral and the Casa Grotta nei Sassi, a preserved cave home.