Everyone knows about the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China, but do you know where the world’s oldest hotel is located? Fancy grabbing a bite at the world’s oldest restaurant? Where can you find the oldest teahouse in the world? We’ve got all the answers.
Nestled in the lush forests of Japan’s Yamanashi prefecture, the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan resort was founded in 705AD. Despite the rabid modernisation outside, this 1,312-year-old resort continues to be a tranquil oasis for world-weary guests with picturesque hot springs and fantastic natural scenery.
Salzburg isn’t just the birthplace of Mozart, it’s also home to the oldest restaurant in the world. The first mention of St Peter Stiftskulinarium was recorded in 803 by a vassal of Emperor Charlemagne. But don’t expect any cracks or wrinkles here. Despite being over 12 centuries old, St Peter Stiftskulinarium remains one of Salzburg’s most sought after fine dining venues.
Sitting in the shadows of Florence’s famed Duomo monument is a small jewellery shop named Torrini Firenze. Don’t let the unassuming façade fool you, at 648 years old, this is the oldest goldsmith in the world. Run by the same family since its foundation in 1369, all pieces remain handmade to this day.
Tea culture is an integral part of Japanese heritage, so it comes as no surprise that it hosts the world’s oldest teahouse. Tsuen Tea was built in 1160 near Kyoto’s Uji Bridge. Now run by the 24th generation of Tsuens, this 857-year-old teahouse has served luminaries such as legendary shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
University of al-Qarawiyyin
Forget about Oxford and Cambridge, the world’s oldest university actually resides in Fez, Morocco! Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, the University of al-Qarawiyyin is not only the longest continually-operating educational institution, it was the first to award degrees to its pupils. Now over 1,150 years old, it is remains part of Morocco’s state university system to this day.
Text: Tenzing Thondup