Accra
Republic of Ghana

Presently the capital of the Republic of Ghana, Accra was the capital of the Gold Coast, a British colony, from 1876 until 1957. Since its founding, the city has served as a center of European Africa and has also played a major role in African ethnic activities since the late 19th century.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Andong
Republic of Korea

Andong is located in the Northern part of Gyeongsangbuk-do in Korea. Andong has 5000 years of history and tradition including well-preserved ancient Buddhist, Confucian, and Protestant cultures, which uniquely exist together. In 1999, Queen Elizabeth II of England found Andong the most suitable place to visit in Korea to discover the traditional life and breath of our nation’s long history.

Participate the LHC Since 2004

Buyeo
Republic of Korea

Buyeo is located in southern part of Chungnam prefecture, and used to be called “Soburi” and was chaned its name to Buyeo in the UnifiedSillaKingdom. Guessing from the Songguk-ri prehistoric dwelling site, Buyeo is well known for the home of traditional culture. Buyeo was the home of beautiful culture and art which prospered during the reign of 6 kings over a period of 123 years.

Participate the LHC Since 2006

Chengdu
People's Republic of China

Chengdu is the capital city of SichuanProvince and locates in the west part of Chengdu plain. Chengdu has been playing an important role in the field of politics, transportation and industry as the huge cosmopolitan (12,300K㎡).Chengdu plain is turned into the land of abundance with temperate climate and fertile soil.

Participate the LHC Since 2006

Chiang Mai
Kingdom of Thailand

Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the second largest city in the country. The deep-rooted culture of Chiang Mai stems from the fact that the city was the capital of Lanna Thai, which dates back to the 13th century, the same period as Thailand's first capital, Sukhothai.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Gongju
Republic of Korea

Gonju city is located in the southwest of Chungcheong province of South Korea. Beginning from A.D 475 to A.D 538 (64years), it has been keeping its tradition and history as Baekje kingdom for millenary until today. From 1602 A.D, it has enshrined as the capital administration in Chungchung district for 330years by holding its glorious civilization of Baekje's cultural heritage.

Participate the LHC Since 2008

Gyeongju
Republic of Korea

For nearly 1,000 years, from 57 B.C. to 935 A.D., Kyongju was the capital of the Shilla kingdom and flourished as a center of sophisticated culture and government. It is said that the city is like an open-air museum. In the center of the city, the Tumulus Park houses some 20 large and small tombs from the Shilla Dynasty.

Participate the LHC Since 1994
The Host City of the 9th World Conference of Historical Cities in 2005

Hanoi
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

The name of Hanoi means "within the rivers" and is derived from its position at the central point of the delta between the Red River and its tributary, the Day River. During the early part of the 11th century, Viet Nam was united for the first time by the Ly people, who set up their capital at Tanron, a castle town located on the site of present-day Hanoi.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Hue
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Hue is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Sông Hương (PerfumeRiver), just a few miles west of the South China Sea. It is about 540 km south of the national capital of Hanoi and about 644 km north of Hồ Chí Minh City. There are the royal cidadel, emperor's tomb,etc in the center of the historic city.　

Participate the LHC Since 2006

Kaesong
Decocratic People's Republic of Korea

Kaesong, with a history of more than 1,000 years, was founded as the capital of Koryo, the first unified state in Korea which lasted for over five centuries. Since ancient times, Kaesong has enjoyed a world-wide reputation as a center of Koryo Insam cultivation. The city boasts an abundance of historical remains, museums, palaces and important tombs.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Kanazawa
Japan

The history of Kanazawa dates back to 420 years ago, when the Kaga clan established a town around Kanazawa castle. Since then, Kanazawa has not been damaged by any war so that the original structure of the town has been preserved and historical buildings still exist today. Also, many traditional cultural activities and crafts have been passed down and developed through the generations.

Participate the LHC Since 2009

Katmandu
Kingdom of Nepal

Situated at an altitude of 1,350 meters, the valley in which Katmandu is located is surrounded by green mountains. The abundance of shrines, temples, palaces, squares, ageless sculptures and legends associated with the city make Katmandu in every way a living museum. Within the city, there are as many temples as there are houses and as many statues as inhabitants.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Kyoto
Japan

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for 1,000 years until the transfer of government to Tokyo after the Imperial Restoration in 1868. Kyoto is rich with architectural masterpieces and artistic works. About 20% of Japan's National Treasures are in Kyoto. In 1994 seventeen historic monuments of ancient Kyoto were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Participate the LHC Since 1994
The Host City of the 4th World Conference of Historical Cities in 1994
The Host City of the 1st World Conference of Historical Cities in 1987

Nanjing
People's Republic of China

Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province. The city boasts a long history and a rich culture. The history of Nanjing began in 472 B.C., when the king of Yue Kingdom conquered the Wu Kingdom and built up the city southwest of Zhonghua Gate. Since the third century, ten dynasties established their regimes in this city and left behind brilliant cultural relics.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Nara
Japan

The city of Nara was established as the capital named Heijokyo in the year 710 and has been the cradle of the Japanese arts and the essence of culture. Nara, as an international cultural tourism city, can encounter the rich elegant ambience of the Tempyo culture which flourished as the eastern terminal point of the Silk Road. Nara has been registered with the World Heritage of UNESCO and engaged in restoring the contructed monument, which will reflect to the future.

Participate the LHC Since 1997

Ulan Bator
Mongolia

Ulan Bator was called Ikh Khuree (1706-1911), Niisei Khuree (1911-1923) and finally Ulan Bator since 1924. Ulan Bator means "Red Hero." Ulan Bator is situated on the bank of the river Tuul and is surrounded by the beautiful foothills of the Khangai mountain range with the Bogd Khan mountain facing the city.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Varanasi
India

Varanasi is acknowledged as one of the most ancient cities in the world and the foremost sacred city of pilgrimage in India. The origin of the city is lost in antiquity and only mythological stories exist prior to the 6th century B.C., when the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon just outside the city to his first five disciples.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Xian
People's Republic of China

Xian became the capital of Zhou around 1100 B.C. and continued for the next 2,000 years to be the capital for 11 Chinese dynasties. As the greatest achievement of the Tang Dynasty, Xian was systematically planned on the basis of a regular street grid inside the walls of a castle. Today Xian is drawing world-wide attention as a business and scientific center.

Participate the LHC Since 1994
The Host City of the 5th World Conference of Historical Cities in 1996

Yangon
Union of Myanmar

The origin of Yangon can be traced back to the time of King Okklapa who built the city of Okklapa on the present site and the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in the 6th century B.C. From the 11th century, the King became known as Dagon and existed as an obscure fishing village, in 1755, King Alaungpaya conquer lower Myanmar and renamed the city as Yangon meaning "end of strife".

Participate the LHC Since 1996

Yangzhou
People's Republic of China

Located in the middle part of Jiangsu Province, Southeastern China and the confluence of Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and Yantze River, Yangzhou has been the hub of waer transporation and prospered as the center of business and culture. As one of the famous ancient cities of China, Yangzhou has a history of nearly 2500 years. Numbers of gardens and the old townscape are well-preserved in the City.

Participate the LHC Since 2009

Yogyakarta
Republic of Indonesia

Yogyakarta became the Kingdom of Yogyakarta in 1755, with the construction of the Pangeran Mangkubumi (The Sultan's Palace) for the founder and the first king of the kingdom. As the city's oldest structure, with its origins in the philosophical principles of Javanese culture, the palace has remained the center of the city's government and the center of Javanese culture.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Zhengzhou
People's Republic of China

Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan province, is located in Central China, to the north of which runs the Yellow River where is the birth place of civilization. Zhengzhou is the political, economic and cultural center of Henan province. Meanwhile, Zhengzhou is famous as historical and cultural city. The citadel from “sho” period, about 3,600 years ago, is still remained within the city.By connecting tourism, Zhengzhou currently works hard to develop excellent tourism routes with historical culture.

Participate the LHC Since 2004

Amsterdam
Kingdom of the Netherland

Amsterdam's origins date back to the early 13th century, when it was founded along the bank of the river Amstel as a trading port. Through a prosperous and expanding center throughout the Middle Ages, Amsterdam's world-wide commercial relations and trade activities in the 17th century marked the zenith of its wealth and power.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Athens
Hellenic Republic

Athens is the political, economic and cultural center of Greece and hosts nearly all of the country's governmental activities. Athens contains important archaeological sites reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the city and is home to seven major universities, 26 museums, two opera houses, 23 theaters and 51 movie theaters.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Barcelona
Spain

Barcelona constitutes an important economic and commercial nucleus which has had an influence throughout Spain and the Mediterranean basin. During its 2,000 years of history, the city has seen the passing of many civilizations whose architectural and artistic remains live together in perfect harmony with the latest trends in architecture, urbanism, art and design.

Participate the LHC Since 1994
The Host City of the 3rd World Conference of Historical Cities in 1991

Bordeaux
French Republic

Bordeaux's history as a Roman province, then a region long covered by England and a major French port has supported its historical identity as a city of international repute. As a city of commerce and world-wide center in the wine trade, Bordeaux is also home to a range of thriving economic activities that combine with modernity.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Although the origin of Bratislava dates back to prehistoric times, present-day Bratislava is a modern city with an active social scene. It is the seat of key central institutions and the center for culture, trade, services and education. To preserve the historical splendor for which Bratislava is so renowned, the core of the city is now undergoing massive restoration.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Brussels
Kingdom of Belgium

Brussels was founded in 979 and quickly grew to become a place of a commercial and political powers. Early on, the city became renowned throughout Europe for its scarlet-colored wool and its richly adorned tapestries. Though Brussels was damaged by the Second World War, it remains one of Europe's most beautiful cities and continues to remain as an influential force in the European Community.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Budapest
Kingdom of Hungary

The faithfully preserved historic core of Budapest is characterized by numerous fine edifices and urban structures of three original towns. Budapest's unique charm derives from the city's ideal natural location and rich architectural heritage. The Castle District, the seat of Hungarian kings, is one of Europe's best preserved royal seats.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Cologne
Federal Republic of Germany

Cologne, the oldest of the major German cities, began as the town of the Ubiis in 38 B.C. The city developed along the Rhine River at around the river's halfway point. Cologne is famous as a sightseeing destination and cultural center. The Cologne Cathedral is one of Europe's finest standing examples of Gothic style architecture and the most visited building in Germany. .

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Constanta
Romania

Constanta is located in the south-eastern extremity of Romania and is the centre of economy and administration of Constanta county. The city has the largest port on the Black Sea and the fourth largest port in Europe. Constanta, the old Greek citadel Tomis, has an impressive history of 2500 years.

Participate the LHC Since 2009

Cordoba
Spain

This city's history is over 2,000 years old. The Romans made it capital of the rich province of the Baetica; with the Moslems it turned into the principal city and center of the Occidental Caliphate. Different cultures that meet in its grounds along the centuries enrich it. The Mosque Aljama, with a Christian cathedral, crowns the jewel made up by the white and mottled groups of dwellings of its historical center. This valuable setting was declared World Heritage City by the UNESCO in 1994.

Participate the LHC Since 1996

Cracow
Republic of Poland

Since its early history as a Slavic village, Cracow became a key cultural link between Eastern and Western Europe in the 10th century. Today many medieval buildings remain in the center of the city, the most impressive of which is Wawel Castle, a Romanesque-Gothic castle. Another very important city monument is the Jagiellonian University complex where the astronomer Copernicus studied in the 15th century.

Participate the LHC Since 1994
The Host City of the 6th World Conference of Historical Cities in 1998

Dijon
Fench Republic

The Dukedom of Bourgogne went to extremes of luxury between 14 and 15 century. This Dukedom had developed its own unique politics and culture since 11 century. Dijon is the distinctive city with a style of its own, where was the central city of the Dukedom of Bourgogne, who opposed to the French royal family in Paris. Still Dijon is in the middle of the Bourgogne area and located about 300 Km south-east of Paris.

Participate the LHC Since 2004

Dublin
Ireland

Dublin is as sophisticated as any other metropolis but it still remains as intimate as a village and as friendly as a pub. Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture provide a romantic backdrop to the city's friendly, bustling port area. Dublin is also home to a great literary tradition and contemporary music.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Edinburgh
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Edinburgh Castle and the city's medieval Old Town, with its streets vennels running off the Royal Mile spine, dominate the skyline. Separated from the Old Town by a valley containing Princes Street Garden is the Georgian New Town, the world's most extensive example of romantic classicism.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Florence
Republic of Italy

Florence is the capital of the central Italian region of Tuscany. The name of the city derives from the old Italian "Fiorenza", meaning City of Flowers. Florence is famous as the city where the greatest age of the Renaissance was established by the rule of the Medici family between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Participate the LHC Since 1994
The Host CIty of the 2nd Conference of World Historical Cities in 1988.

Geneva
Swiss Confederation

Geneva is situated on a hill at the end of Lake Leman, at the mouth of the Rhone. In Gallic period, a citadel dominated the hill, with a bridge spanning the Rhone, supported on the island in the middle of the river. In the year 58 BC, the emperor Julius Caesar caused this bridge to be cut, in order to stop the Helvetii from emigrating to the south-west of Gaul. Traces of villas and defensive walls from that period can still be found.

Participate the LHC Since 2004

The Hague
Kingdom of the Netherland

Guide to national political direction, the Hague is now playing a greater role than ever in affecting the path of the country and business in the new Europe. Seat of national government, city of diplomacy and international relations, Royal Residence, home to the International Court of Justice, and city in which the world's first peace conference was ever held in 1899, the Hague has long played the role of the unseen fixer.

Participate the LHC Since 1998

Helsingborg
Kingdom of Sweden

Helsingborg is beautifully situated at the straight of Oresund between Sweden and Denmark. Its history dates back to the Viking Age, when and up to 1658 the southern most part of Sweden belonged to Denmark. During that time the castle of Helsingborg (Karnan) was a stronghold for the Danish King. Since then the town has developed into one of the most important ports of Scandinavia and into an industrial, commercial and cultural center as well.

Participate the LHC Since 1996

Iasi
Romania

Iasi, one of the oldest towns in the area, constitutes the cultural capital of Romania and the most important historic, industrial and economic center of Eastern part of the country. Iasi is famous as the city of poetry and great romances. The Town of Seven Hills has more than 200 spots of tourist interest-monuments, museums, memorial houses, parks and public gardens; the tradition interfering with the modernity.

Participate the LHC Since 1996

Kazan
Russian Federation

Kazan was founded in the year of 1005 as a military fortress and trading point of the Volga Bulgaria State which was the largest medieval state of Eastern Europe. By the second half of the 16th century, Kazan became one of the most important cities in Eastern Europe. The city is located between Europe and Asia, where the Silk Road had crossed. Kazan became the capital of Tatar Autonomic Republic from 1920, and now is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian federation.

Participate the LHC Since 2001
Message for Kazan in the 8th World Conference of Historical Cities in Montreal, 2003

Kiev
Ukraine

Kiev is situated on the banks of the Dnieper river and has a colorful history of nearly 1,500 years. In the 10th century Kiev's Prince Vladimir introduced Christianity as the state religion, and by the 11th century, Kiev had become one of the largest and finest cities in the Christian world.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Lisbon
Portuguese Republic

Originally a harbor city constructed by the Phoenicians around 1200 B.C., Lisbon owes its name (Olissipus) to the legendary Greek hero Ulysses, who is said to have disembarked at the harbor of what is today Lisbon. Among the city's many historical sites, the tomb of the explorer Vasco da Gama is located in the Jerinimos Monastery.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Lutsk
Ukraine

Lutsk is the capital of Volyn Oblast located in north-western Ukraine. The City is known as the oldest city in Ukraine. Its history dates back to 1085. The historical role of the city is that it was the last capital of Volyn-Galician Rus,a souh residence of Lithuanian grand dukes in 14th to 15th century.

Participate the LHC Since 2008

Lviv
Ukraine

The historic city centre of Lviv is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the City is one of the cultural, educational and historical centers not only of Ukraine but Europe as well. Due to its unique geopolitical location, the City has always attracted prominent, charismatic personalities and the exclusive atmosphere of Galychyna inspired them to greater accomplishments.

Participate the LHC Since 2008

Minsk
Republic of Belarus

Minsk is the capital and largest city in Belarus and the city is one of the most ancient and beautiful cities in Europe. Its cultural, historical and architectural heritage counts more than nine hundred years. During this time the city has witnessed many historic events, many a time the city has been exposed to ruins and built anew.

Participate the LHC Since 2008

Montpellier
French Republic

Founded in 985 AD, Montpellier has since the 12th century been famous for its medical faculty. It has always been a cosmopolitan city, open to the sea and influences from all over the Mediterranean. It has numerous private houses dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. Later developments blend harmoniously with the old town; sensitive town planning, an emphasis on culture and the quality of life, a dynamic Technopolis.

Participate the LHC Since 1996
The Host City of the 7th World Conference of Historical Cities in 2000

Nicosia
Republic of Cyprus

Nicosia, the capital of the republic of Cyprus for the last 800 years, is the seat of government and the island’s administrative, political economic and cultural center. Nicosia is still the only divided capital in Europe and the buffer zone cuts the city from east to west and runs through its historic center, the walled city of Nicosia. Nicosia carries a history spanning 6,000 years..

Participate the LHC Since 2006

Nis
Republic of Serbia

Nis is the second largeset city in the Country located in south-eastern Serbia. Nis is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and has from ancient times been considered a gateway between the East and the West. Nis is also notable as the birthplace of Constantine the Great, the first Roman Emperor who was born in 272.

Participate the LHC Since 2009

Norwich
The United Kingdom

The history of Norwich goes back to the 8th century. By the time the Norman French invaded the City in 1066, it was one of the most highly populated cities in England and became the location for a Royal Castle - it has been described as "the finest secular building of its period in Europe". In 1096, the Normans commenced construction of the Cathedral which remains one of the most complete Norman buiiding in Europe.

Participate the LHC Since 2007

Odessa
Ukraine

Odessa is the fourth largest city in Ukraine. The city is a mix of many nationalities and ethnic groups. Mixture of ethnic cultures determined its unique habits and formed urban cultural surroundings which differ by its respect for traditions of different peoples, openness to cultural initiatives from Western and Eastern partners.

Participate the LHC Since 2008

Paris
French Republic

Since the time of Henry IV, the design and scale of Paris has been a masterpiece of harmony for 400 years. Among the city's many enlightened design concepts are a series of regulations that determine the height of buildings according to the width of the street they stand on. The Marais District and the Seine River have been added by UNESCO to the list of World Heritage Sites.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Prague
Czech Republic

Due to its 1,100 years of development, historic Prague constitutes a unique urban and architectural phenomenon. The city boasts all architectural styles from the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles to all phases of the Baroque period. Over 2,800 cultural monuments protected by law are currently registered throughout the territory of the city of Prague.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Riga
Republic of Latvia

Riga is famous for the beautiful harbor, called "Baltic Pearl" and its old town, "the Historic Centre of Riga" is a World Heritage Site, inscribed upon the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. Since the landing of Bishop Albert in 1201, Riga had been invaded by various countries, so that the City has the numbers of architectural style including Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic. The City is described as the Huge Museum of Architecture.

Participate the LHC Since 2007

Rome
Republic of Italy

Rome was founded by Romulus in 753 B.C. Rome's history and monuments make it a unique city. Millennia of history have left behind a heritage of arts, culture and architecture in Rome. Many historical remains have survived in the old city, such as the Palatine Hill associated with ancient Rome, the Coliseum Amphitheater and the Caracalla baths.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Santiago de Compostela
Spain

Political and administrative Capital of Galician Region, founded around Apostle James' tomb in 9th century, is archbishop's seat. Declared a World Heritage site in 1985. It is the most important touristic and cultural center in northwest Spain. The goal of the Saint-James Way was also declared a World Heritage site in 1993.

Participate the LHC Since 1996

Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo is the capital city and largest urban center of the country. Although settlement in the area stretches back to prehistoric times, the modern city arose as an Ottoman stronghold in the 15th century. The city is famous for its traditional religious diversity, with adherents of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism coexisting there for centuries.

Participate the LHC Since 2009

Sheki
Republic of Azerbaijan

Sheki is the 4th largest city in the Country located in north Azerbaijan. Its history dates back to 2700years ago of the Bronze Age. There are traes of the large-scale setlemens in the City. Sheki has been also known as the city of silk industry since old ages.

Participate the LHC Since 2008

Veliko Turnovo
Republic of Bulgaria

Veliko Tunovo is a city in north central Bulgaria and an important administrative, economic, educational and cultural centre of Northern Bulgaria. The city was flourished as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in 12th century. It is known that ancient travelers wrote about the town as "the second after Constantinople" in its beauty and might.

Participate the LHC Since 2009

Vienna
Republic of Austria

Vienna is the capital of Austria with a history of more than 2,000 years. Throughout its history, Vienna has been an important point of interchange between German cultures to the west and Slavic and Balkan cultures to the east. Vienna is also known as the city of music whose name is strongly associated with many great composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Brahms and Johann Strauss.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Zagreb
Republic of Croatia

Situated in the south of Central Europe, Zagreb developed on the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe and between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. The city flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries, growing into the major commercial center of northern Croatia. Since the 18th century, Zagreb has developed continually as the political, cultural and economic capital of Croatia.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Zurich
Swiss Confederation

Zurich is really a lakeside town. In addition to the lake of Zurich, three rivers and streams flow within its boundaries. Wherever you look you'll always see water somewhere, whether you are in the picturesque old part of town or enjoying the view from the shade of the Lindenhof over the roofs or the majestic panorama of the chain of alpine mountains on the horizon.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Cusco
Republic of Peru

Situated in a mountain valley at 3.4 kilometers above sea level, Cusco is considered the oldest living city of the Americas, with the first urban structures erected there some 3,000 years ago. Cusco is today a modern yet ancient city that has maintained monuments of its glorious past as proof of its greatness.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Guadalajara
United Mexican States

Though a major center of commerce, industry, transportation and communication, Guadalajara has the atmosphere of an old city and is referred to by some as "the pearl of the west" or "the city of roses." The city's long and varied history is well represented in its buildings, which include many structures done in Baroque and Gothic styles.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Mexico City
United Mexican States

The name Mexico was given to the city in memory of the Aztec god of war, Mexitli. The nation's history has revolved around the city since the days of Tenochtitlan, the city founded by the Aztecs in 1325. Mexico City functions as the center of the nation's economy and plays a leading role in most industries.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Alexandria
Arab Republic of Egypt

Alexandria was named after Alexander the Great, who ordered the foundation of the city in 332 B.C. Alexandria, often referred to as "The Bride of the Mediterranean," is the largest port in Egypt and the headquarters for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office for the World Health Organization.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Algiers
Democratic People's Republic of Algeria

The capital city of Algeria is located on the Mediterranean coast, set against forested mountains and overlooking a bay. The modern city of Algiers is formed of two parts.
The lower part is the French-built new town with wide boulevards, and all the cultural trappings of colonialism like an opera house, cathedrals, theatres, museums. The Casbah or old city forms the upper part of Algiers, replete with labyrinthine passageways and a 16th century walled fortress.

Participate the LHC Since 1997

Baghdad
Republic of Iraq

Founded in AD762 by Abu Jafar al Mansur, the city of Baghdad was originally built on the west bank of the Tigris River. Circular Walls enclosed the city and although its original name was Madinat as Salam ( City of Peace ), it was more popularly known as the Round City. At the city's center were the caliph's palace and the grand mosque. November 15th is designated as Day of Baghdad. Festival is held on this day to celebrate the anniversary of establishment of the city.

Participate the LHC Since 1997

Fez
Kingdom of Morocco

Fez was established in the 8th century by Idriss I. In the early 9th century, Idriss II made the city the capital of Morocco's longest Islamic dynasty and added royal palaces, mosques and a castle wall around the city. At present, Fez is characterized by the bustling energy of Fez Jedid, new palaces, beautiful government buildings and an ancient castle.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Isfahan
Islamic Republic of Iran

Historically, Isfahan dates back to ancient times. However, most of its preserved monuments date from the Islamic era when the city was the capital of Iran from the 7th to the17th centuries. Isfahan's numerous cultural treasures and historical splendors comprised of palaces, mosques, churches, bazaars and beautiful bridges, make it one of the most beautiful cities in Asia Minor.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Istanbul
Republic of Turkey

Istanbul, the only city in the world built on two continents, has an infinite variety of interesting sights and places. Among the many outstanding examples are the Topkapi Palace of the Ottoman Sultans, the St. Irine Museums built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century and the Sultanahmet Mosque built by the architect Mehmet between 1609-1616.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Jerusalem
State of Israel

Today, Jerusalem is the largest and most populated city in Israel - a fascinating mosaic of different religions and people. This mixture and the city's extraordinary range of historical relics make Jerusalem a major tourist center. Its unique history, historical monuments and archaeological sites make the city one of the world's most important repositories for western and eastern civilization.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Konya
Republic of Turkey

The City of Konya became the center of culture, art and politics in 12th or 13th century. Many Islamic scientists, artists and architect were invited to Konya and they contributed to the spread of these knowledge. Thus Konya prospered as a center of Islamic world. Many theologocal school and mosque were built in these days.

Participate the LHC Since 1997
The Host City of the 11th World Conference of Historical Cities in 2008

Lahore
Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the State of Punjab, lies on a plain made fertile by the Ravi River. A circular road that marks the position of Mugal era catle walls encloses the old city, where mosques and shops along the city's narrow street continue to retain their ancient appearance. There are many legacies of the Mughal era in the city.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Osmangazi
Republic of Turkey

Osmangazi is the biggest city of Bursa Province which is the fourth biggest province in Turkey. With 700,000 populations, Osmangazi is the biggest city of Bursa and the 8th biggest city of Turkey as well. The City is known as “the first capital of the Ottomans” and has the greatest part of the Ottoman city features and is on the point of conveying past to future with approximately 1,800 registered historical buildings. .

Participate the LHC Since 2008

Tashkent
Republic of Uzbekistan

Tashkent means "the city of stone" in Turkish. Owing to the special characteristics of the people, made up of numerous ethnic groups and religions, it is often called "the city of friendship and brotherly love." As an important Central Asian transportation and trade center, Tashkent has been an oasis of the Silk Road for the past 2,000 years.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Tunis
Republic of Tunisia

The Medina, or old city of Tunis, was founded in the late 7th century and grew up around the Zitouna Mosque. During the Hafsid dynasty (1207-1574), Tunis became a leading city of the Arab and Mediterranean worlds. Today Medina shelters historic buildings spanning 600 years or Arab and Turkish endowment.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Boston
United States of America

Founded in 1630 by Puritans from Great Britain, Boston is one of America's best preserved historical cities. Due to its unusually high concentration of excellent educational institutions, the city has long been a major American center for an impressive range of electronics, space and medical related industries.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Montreal
Canada

Founded in 1642, Montreal went on to become a major North-American metropolitan city. A key element of its urban heritage is the historic city centre, called Old Montreal, which was described in the New York Times as one of the most attractive 18th- and 19th-century neighborhoods anywhere on the continent, where you can easily trace the city's evolution from a trading post to a French town to a British city to today's modern, French-dominated metropolis.

Participate the LHC Since 1994
The Host City of the 8th World Conference of Historical Cities in 2003

Quebec
Canada

The Historical District of Quebec City was included on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1986. Every year four million visitors come to Quebec for its well-renowned European historical character, its highly attended summer, winter and medieval festivals, its spectacular geographical panorama and outdoor recreational activities as well.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Ballarat
Commonwealth of Australia

Gold was first discovered in Ballarat in 1851and 20,000 miners had arrived from all over the world. In 1854, a bloody battle known as the Eureka Stockade took place between protesting miners and Government soldiers. This was caused by the unfair treatment meted out to miners by the colonial administration. The miners in the end did achieve political rights and freedoms. Today, you can immerse yourself in the city's history.

Participate the LHC Since 1999
The Host City of the 10th World Conference of Historical Cities in 2006

Melbourne
Commonwealth of Australia

Melbourne was laid out in 1837 with a complete network of lanes and arcades which gave this city so much of its charm. The city's cable car system, introduced in 1855, has developed into one of the largest and most modern tram networks in the world. Melbourne is famous for its Victorian architecture and its parks and gardens, with over one quarter of the inner city set aside as park land.

Participate the LHC Since 1994

Norwood Payneham and St Peters
Commonwealth of Australia

Norwood Payneham and St Peters is located in the suburbs of Adelaide and has a rich and distinvtive history with a long tradition of historical firsts at state and national levels including the first municipal town council and the first election by secret ballot in Australia in 1853. Many of South Australia's influential leaders have lived in the City and the impact has been seen across disciplines that encompass politics, the arts, religion, etc.

Participate the LHC Since 2007