Many modern European cities stand on the site of ancient fortifications erected by the Romans as strongholds during the conquest of barbarian tribes. The population of any city in the world is influenced by many factors, and their population category is variable. We will travel through the European expanses and visit the largest cities in Europe, taking the number and occupied area as a criterion.
10
Warsaw (1.79 million)
In terms of population density, the Polish capital occupies a leading position among European megacities, because there are 3461 Warsaw inhabitants per square kilometer. Today, 1.79 million people live in the city.
Warsaw became the capital after the Wawel Castle burned down in Krakow, and King Sigismund III in 1596 decided to relocate his residence.
Despite the numerous destruction caused by wars, the city retained the main architectural monuments and attractions.
9
Minsk (2.02 million)
This large Belarusian city, with a population of 2 million 20 thousand inhabitants, has only recently joined the cohort of European capitals when Belarus in 1991 declared independence.
The beautiful city of Eastern Europe can rightfully be proud of the glorious history and monuments of history and architecture. The history of the city began in the distant IX century, and for the first time Minsk was mentioned in the "Tale of Bygone Years" in 1067.
Hospitable Minsk has 23 twin cities, among them there is an exotic Cuban Havana, and even the Indian city of Bangalore.
8
Paris (2.15 million)
The most beautiful city on the banks of the Seine began its chronicle back in antiquity, when there was a settlement of Lutetia, founded by the Celts in the III century BC.
Finally, Paris became the capital of France only during the reign of Francis I at the very beginning of the 16th century. The modern city has 2.15 million inhabitants.
You can list the advantages of the French capital for a long time, but everyone knows that this is the world center of fashion, perfumery, and the Eiffel Tower is the most recognizable monument in the world.
7
Rome (2.87 million)
The Eternal City, founded in 753 BC, is the oldest of the capital cities of Europe, and its walls remember the gladiatorial battles and the birth of Christian ideas.
The city, with a population of 2.87 million inhabitants, became the capital of Italy in 1870, when disparate Italian states merged into one.
One of the tourist centers of the world, preserving the monuments of antiquity and the Middle Ages. In addition, in the heart of Rome is the Vatican, a state in the state and the shrine of all Catholics in the world.
6
Kiev (2.95 million)
According to legend, Kiev was founded around the 5th century by three brothers. In honor of the elder Kia, the city got its name. But the memory of their sister Lybedi is preserved in the name of the rivulet flowing along the outskirts of the city.
Today, the capital of Ukraine has a little less than 3 million inhabitants, and the flow of tourists has significantly decreased due to political instability.
In the beautiful city of Europe there is something to see. These are ancient churches, magnificent monuments of architecture, museums, where unique artifacts of the past are exhibited in the expositions.
5
Madrid (3.22 million)
Perhaps the most colorful city on the list of big cities, Madrid, was founded in the 10th century. Today, 3.223 million people live in the Spanish capital.
The hallmark of the city, of course, is bullfighting and fiesta, held among the narrow streets of the historical part of the city. But other sights of Madrid attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
The capital of Spain is growing due to the absorption of suitable villages, but today it occupies an area of 697 km2.
4
Berlin (3.64 million)
The largest city in Europe rightfully includes the German capital, with a population of 3.64 million inhabitants. In German etymology, the name of the city comes from the word “bear”, but the Slavs called this place “berl”, or “birl”, which meant “swamp”.
It is noteworthy that Berlin is a city where more than 12% of its inhabitants are foreigners. And in recent years, this figure is only increasing.
The city, spread on the banks of the Spree, is sometimes called "Athens on the Spree" because of the many beautiful architectural monuments. TheBiggest highly recommends visiting the capital of Germany.
3
St. Petersburg (5.4 million)
The creation of Peter, or rather, the Russian people, who built the city on the banks of the Neva, is undoubtedly the most beautiful European city. In addition, with a population of 5.4 million, he opens the top three.
The cultural capital of Russia is most visited by tourists, compared with other Russian cities. Multiple museums, Peterhof, rivers and canals of the flock are a real visiting card of St. Petersburg.
Peter currently plays an important role in the economic, cultural and financial life of the country.
2
London (8.91 million)
In terms of population, London remains the largest city in the European Union until the Brexit decisions have come into force, because its population is 8.9 million.
A large financial and educational center of the world, in addition, the most beautiful city on the planet, with numerous palaces and monuments. The main attraction, of course, is Buckingham Palace and the Tower.
The first settlement on the banks of the Thames was founded by the Romans during the third invasion of the island in 43 BC.
1
Moscow (12.68 million)
The capital of Russia is the undisputed European leader both in terms of population and occupied area, especially after part of the Moscow region is included in its composition.
Recent archaeological finds have greatly increased the age of Moscow, because its name is on birch bark letters, which in time are much ahead of its first mention in the annals.
But the large area and population density create their own problems, becoming the reason for the heavy traffic on the streets of Moscow.
Finally
Many of the largest cities in Europe are capitals, the largest administrative, cultural and educational centers. Every year they are visited by millions of tourists from all over the globe. TheBiggest editors ask you to write in the comments which of the cities you like the most.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication in October 2017.
The author of the article: Valery Skiba.