Lisbon's historic center parish councils are calling for enhanced security measures in the city, citing a recent stray bullet incident and ongoing drug trafficking as reasons for a 'real feeling of insecurity' among residents.

Archaeologists have uncovered significant treasures at the site of Vilnius’ Great Synagogue, a historic center of Jewish thought. The discovery comes as Lithuanian Jews are disputing the future of the site.

This article highlights 10 surprising European destinations, from Crete to the Great North, characterized by charming historic centers, bold architecture, and vibrant cultural life, offering alternatives to mass tourism.

Inspired by the painter, illustrator, and poet Julio (Saúl Dias), this piece explores the multifaceted city of Vila do Conde, from its historic center to the sea. It highlights the city's cultural offerings and local experiences.

Salzburg is implementing measures to combat summer traffic congestion by restricting day-trip tourists from entering its historic city center by car throughout the holiday season, offering bus tickets instead.

Vecrīga, the historic center of Riga, is set for extensive renovations, including the reconstruction of Vaļņu street's pavement and underground utilities, with plans to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. Local businesses have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their clientele during the construction period.

Salzburg has implemented a summer ban on tourists driving into its historic city center during July and August, aiming to alleviate chaotic traffic situations and reduce congestion.

Thousands of rose blooms will perfume the historic center of Blatná in the Strakonice region during the last weekend of June, as the ARTfestival rose exhibition begins with a guided tour of floristic expositions.

Portugal's Left Bloc (BE) alleges a pattern of heritage destruction in Porto's historic center, warning that the city risks losing its UNESCO classification and demanding political accountability from Porto Vivo, while the city council claims ignorance of the specific work.

Charles Wanecq, William Tonnard, and Hakan Kodal, founders of Ando Living, now operate over 10 luxury local accommodation buildings in Lisbon's historic center, reflecting on the city's transformation since their arrival.

SYRIZA-PS MPs raised a question regarding repeated burglaries on Euripidou Street and the insufficient policing in the historic center of Athens, questioning the allocation of police resources.

Évora, protected by imposing walls, is highlighted as the silent jewel of Alentejo and Portugal's last untouched paradise, with its historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The historic center of Písek, Czech Republic, is a step closer to reconstruction after the city approved further plans, reigniting debates about car access in the square.

A photo essay explores how Rome's historic center is being reorganized around the continuous flow of visitors, with changes like temporary routes and increased facilities to manage tourist expectations.

A parking space in an underground garage in Rome's historic center, near Piazza Navona, has been listed for sale at a record-breaking €260,000, a sum for which a two-room apartment could be purchased elsewhere in the city.

Tourism in Athens is reportedly too heavily concentrated in its historic center, raising concerns about sustainability, visitor experience, and the distribution of economic benefits across the city.

U2 surprised fans with a performance atop a bus in Mexico City’s Historic Center, prompting questions about the reason behind the unusual concert.

A heated dispute erupted in the Italian Council of Ministers between Salvini and Sangiuliano over accelerated procedures in historic centers for the housing plan, leading to Prime Minister Meloni's anger at her ministers.

Warsaw is being highlighted as an ideal European city for a spring getaway, boasting a UNESCO-listed historic center, blooming parks, riverside cafes, and modern shopping districts.

The historic center of Thessaloniki was transformed into a scene of profound devotion as crowds of thousands of faithful followed the processions of five Epitaphs. For the third consecutive year, these processions culminated in Aristotelous Square during Holy Week.

After several years of preparation, the streets in the historic center of Pardubice, Czech Republic, are scheduled for extensive repairs this year. The city plans to pave Wernerovo nábřeží, Bartolomějská, and Pod Sklípky streets, which are currently gravel, and repair the embankment.

An apartment building is being constructed without proper permits on Arhanghel Mihail Street in Chisinau's historic center, on land belonging to the City Hall. The construction company involved has a history of scandals.

A groundbreaking archaeological discovery of a 2000-year-old Roman forum beneath a hotel in Barcelona's historic center is prompting historians to re-evaluate the layout of the ancient Roman city of Barcino.

The Russian army has initiated a spring offensive, launching hundreds of kamikaze drones against Ukrainian cities, including a rare daytime attack that struck the historic center of Lviv, which Ukrainian officials have already deemed unsuccessful.

The world's biggest band, BTS, returned after more than three years with a massive comeback concert in the historic center of Seoul, electrifying fans.

New traffic restrictions have been implemented in the historic center of Sintra, Portugal, aimed at improving circulation and safety for residents and workers in the town.

In Plaka, in the heart of the historic center, architect Dimitra Karampelia redesigns a neoclassical house from 1920, transforming an old guesthouse into a modern and elegant residence for...

In the heart of Bucharest's Historic Center, on Franceză Street, one of the city's oldest arteries, stands Casa M.

The town of Volyně has restored its fountain in the historic center after almost 100 years, investing 60 million crowns in the renovation of Svobody Square. The project included new surfaces, greenery, and improvements around the plague column.

Segway tours have become prevalent in Palma's historic center, fueling a debate about overcrowding, with the Més party advocating for a ban on such excursions in the city's core.

A private firm, TKC Meltex, owned by Ivana Tykač, built three new floors in a Prague city house but had them approved as a single floor, subsequently offering luxury apartments in the historic center for short-term tourist rentals, prompting local council discussions.

Venice's 60-day pilot program for charging an entry fee to its historic center has concluded, generating over five million euros for the city's budget.

The #NeiDikrich project aims to make Diekirch's old town attractive and climate-resilient. Work is expected to begin in at least a year.

Teruel's historic center is a monumental treasure renowned for its Mudéjar art, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Madrid has paid tribute to the late Italian singer-songwriter Franco Battiato with a commemorative bronze plaque installed on the sidewalk across from the Italian Embassy in the city's historic center.

Archaeological excavations are taking place in the historic center of Almada from July 6 to 31, aiming to deepen knowledge about the formation and evolution of the territory's occupation.

The iconic Bey Hamam in Thessaloniki's historic center is now open to visitors, integrated into the Ministry of Culture's strategic program for the protection and promotion of the city's monumental heritage.

The historic center of Český Krumlov is set to host the second annual 'Cirkusové meandry' festival, featuring three days of new circus, acrobatics, physical theater, and open-air performances. The event will expand from the City Park into the streets and bridges.

The city of Santarém is set to host a three-month decentralized cultural program featuring performances by Bruno Nogueira, Dillaz, and over 20 artists at the Festival de Estátuas Vivas, utilizing the historic center and various parishes as venues.

Teulada-Moraira, located in Alicante, is highlighted as an undiscovered paradise on the Costa Blanca, boasting crystal-clear coves, local wines, and a unique historic center.

The excursion boat 'Odra' is now transporting visitors to the Prague Zoo multiple times a day, offering a unique perspective of the city's historic center and the experience of navigating locks.

Santarém has launched a €94 million 'Centro Vivo' program, currently under public consultation, aimed at revitalizing its historic center and riverfront, including the reconversion of former military facilities and the creation of new natural parks and walkways.

The "Lumang Bayan ng Dapitan" in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, was officially declared a heritage zone or historic center by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in May 2011.

A decaying building in Ostrava's historic center, featuring the iconic 'Ostravská Madona' painting, is set for reconstruction into dozens of apartments, though the owner is currently searching for lion statues.

The MALHA cultural program is inviting residents of Porto to celebrate and reflect on the city's historic center, marking 30 years since its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage site with public events including visits, concerts, and exhibitions.

The Irish rock band U2 surprised fans with a performance atop a bus in Mexico City's Historic Center, a vehicle painted by local artist Chavis Mármol, marking a unique event for the city.

The fire occurred in Grand Rue Mario Roustan, a narrow street in the historic center of Sète where many shops occupy the ground floors of small buildings, including the two or...

The Historic Center Residents Association in Santarém gathered about 40 people to pressure the city council with proposals for increased police presence and more parking, issues they have raised for over a decade.

Springtime Ljubljana captivates visitors with its riverside cafes, local markets, and car-free historic center, making it an ideal destination for a spring weekend getaway.

Quito's new subway system is transporting over 200,000 passengers daily, contributing to the revival of the city's historic center. The underground transit has brought new life to the areas above ground in Ecuador's capital.

A new decree has come into effect in the Azores, regulating the occupation, rehabilitation, and valorization of the heritage in the historic center of Ribeira Grande.

Sintra's historic center has implemented temporary restrictions on private cars and designated parking for buses until Easter, an experiment that local authorities are considering making permanent.

The non-profit Casa da Horta must vacate its 18-year-old premises in Ribeira due to a non-renewing landlord but has secured a new location in Vitória, provided by the Porto City Council, remaining in the historic center.

The concert in Seoul’s historic center was a grand homecoming for a pivotal force of South Korean soft power. RM, the group’s leader, performed through an ankle injury.

A temporary measure of "experimental mobility with the aim of improving access, the safety of those who live and work, and the visitor experience in the village of Sintra" is in effect until April 6.

A conflict has erupted in Curaçao regarding the future of Willemstad's historic center, pitting the Minister of Traffic, Transport, and Spatial Planning against the Monument Council.

The city of Jihlava is expanding its housing stock by converting unused non-residential spaces and plans to divide larger apartments in the historic center into smaller units to address housing shortages.

The 'Semana do Brasil' in Oeiras challenges eight restaurants in the Historic Center to create dishes celebrating Brazilian gastronomic identity and culture, featuring Brazilian ingredients.

Guadalajara's Historic Center has welcomed a new art gallery, while legislative efforts are underway to protect and preserve the Primavera Forest.

Vienna's historic center has been removed from the list of endangered locations, where it was placed in 2023 due to the Heumarkt Neu project, a decision that has sparked controversy.

A new working group of five specialists has been formed to develop proposals for the management of Porto's Historic Center, with initial recommendations expected to be presented to the executive this summer.

The town of Caminha, Portugal, is hosting "Caminha Medieval," a five-day event from July 22 to 26, transforming its historic center into a medieval fair. The initiative aims to bring the magic of the Middle Ages to life for visitors.

Sintra's 'Viver e Visitar a Vila de Sintra' plan aims to reduce traffic pressure in the historic center by prohibiting tourist bus access and creating designated areas for ride-sharing services, effective from Wednesday morning.

A forum in Riga addressed the city's progress and challenges in becoming more accessible for people with various disabilities, particularly in its historic center.

Kuldīga, a partner city for the European Capital of Culture 2027, has introduced a new guided tour titled "(un)peace in Kuldīga: Living Old Town" to showcase its historic center.

The Mayor of Porto, Pedro Duarte, has denied any risk of the city's historic center losing its UNESCO World Heritage classification and stated he has not been contacted by UNESCO.

Pedro Duarte, a city official, aims to 'reverse' the trend of population loss in Porto's historic center by 2029, as the area approaches 'saturation point.' The city council plans to implement public policies and a working group will study a new governance model for the zone.

The community in Castelo Branco, Portugal, is uniting to defend the last carpenter's workshop in the historic center, which faces eviction this month due to real estate speculation. A movement with thousands of signatures has emerged to support the workshop.

The Braga City Council has classified Portuguese pavement as a municipal heritage of interest, protecting 74 streets, squares, and public spaces within the historic center and urban core of the city.

Located in the heart of Athens' historic center on Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian street, Hill Athens offers authentic Greek flavors combined with an emblematic view of the city's four historic hills, including the Acropolis.

Aigli Zappeion, located in the heart of Athens' historic center within the National Garden, provides event spaces tailored to the needs of modern businesses.

Leiria's historic center will host professional photographers on City Day, offering passport-style photos to prove the city's existence and celebrate its image.

The historic center of Český Krumlov will be taken over by high school students for the second annual Majáles festival, featuring a costume parade, extreme sports, and concerts.

Irish rock band U2 filmed scenes for their upcoming single 'Street of Dreams' on the streets of Mexico City's historic center, delighting local residents.

The Boca do Vento elevator, connecting Almada's historic center to the Jardim do Rio, has reopened to the public. The reopening follows two months of maintenance and renovation works.

The city of Prague is holding an electronic auction for rental contracts on twenty apartments of various layouts in its historic center, including streets like Melantrichova and Dušní, which are not designated for social purposes.

Researchers from the Institute of Public Health at the University of Porto organized 'neighbor assemblies' to understand community concerns regarding health and quality of life in the historic center of Porto.

A new "Riga Waterfront" project in Andrejsala, Riga, plans to introduce high-rise buildings that will alter the silhouette of Old Riga over the next 13 years, leading to calls to reduce the historical center's protection zone.

Actor Pedro Pascal declared Mexico City his favorite city in the world while filming his new movie "De Noche" in the Historic Center, where he was surprised by Mayor Clara Brugada.

Portugal's National Day of Historic Centers encourages visits and walks through historical areas, featuring various music and theater performances, including Luta Livre and Os Tubarões, as part of weekend activities.

Pop megastars BTS returned after more than three years with a huge comeback concert in the historic center of Seoul, electrifying fans in the South Korean capital.

The group’s first concert in nearly four years — held in the historic center of Seoul — was heavy on songs from its new album. They also played a few old hits.

According to the Sintra council, the "experimental mobility" measure aims "to improve access, the safety of those who live and work, and the visitor experience" and runs until April 6th.

A public discussion is underway in Rēzekne regarding the planned construction of a new supermarket in the city's historic center, sparking concern among some residents about changes to the area.

An expert council in Varna, Bulgaria, is set to review a request for the construction of another multi-story building in the city's historic center, raising concerns about replacing a cultural monument with a 14-story structure.