Ancient Empires

Athens has been continuously inhabited for over 3,400 years — making it one of the world's oldest cities.

Rome has more obelisks than Egypt — 13 vs Egypt's 9 remaining ones.

Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents — Europe and Asia.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only ancient Wonder of the World still standing — and it was the world's tallest structure for 3,800 years.

Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world — over 3,000 years old. Mark Twain wrote: 'Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.'

Kyoto has over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines — more per square kilometer than any city on Earth.

Lisbon is built on seven hills and is the westernmost capital city in continental Europe.