Buzz
In recent years, many businesses have been forced to close their doors, whether temporarily or for good. From schools to entertainment venues to dining spots, we now appreciate their significance more than ever before.
With the recent closure of the pub Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St. Albans, north of London, after 1,000 years in business, it's time to explore some of the oldest institutions still standing strong and running today.
10. Airport
College Park Airport—Founded in 1909
The oldest airport still in operation worldwide is located in Maryland, USA. It was established after the Wright brothers convinced the U.S. Army to buy one of their planes. They were then tasked with training two army officers to fly it. A large space was needed for safety, and College Park had the perfect area for Wilbur Wright to train the officers.
Today, College Park Airport serves civilian pilots and features a museum. Due to its proximity to Washington, DC, there are restrictions on who can land, and background checks are required. The airport also holds a notable place in aviation history, as it was the site of the first female passenger in the U.S. and the first controlled helicopter flight.
9. Movie Theater
State Theater—Opened on May 14, 1897
Grab your popcorn! In 2016, the State Theater in Washington, Iowa, was officially recognized as the world's oldest, continuously operating movie theater. Since its opening in 1897, many of the films shown were imported from France, with ticket prices ranging from 15 to 35 cents.
Sadly, in 2010, a fire broke out in the projection room, leading to a temporary closure for repairs. The theater has kept up with the times, now screening 3D films, but it still maintains the old-fashioned charm that locals cherish. If only the ticket prices could have stayed the same…
8. Shopping Mall
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II—Opened in 1877
Naturally, the oldest continuously operating shopping mall is located in one of the fashion capitals of the world—Milan. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which took 12 years to complete, is a stunning architectural achievement. It houses many luxury brands, including Gucci and Prada. As you stroll through, you'll encounter magnificent mosaics inspired by Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The most famous mosaic is the Turin Coat of Arms, featuring a bull. Legend has it that if you spin your heel three times over the bull's testicles, it will bring good luck.
If you're feeling hungry, you can stop at Café Biffi, which has been serving customers since 1867, a decade before the mall itself officially opened. And if you find yourself running low on cash after splurging at Prada, there’s a McDonald's adorned in black and gold—because it has to blend in, of course. The store signs here must display the brand's name in gold font on a black backdrop, as per the requirement. Even if you don't spend a single euro, visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is still worth it for its sheer beauty.
7. Zoo
Tiergarten Schönbrunn—Opened in 1752
Located in Vienna, Austria, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn first opened to the public in 1779. This occurred 27 years after Franz Stephan I of Lorrain, a Holy Roman Emperor, chose to relocate his private menagerie to his summer palace, Schönbrunn, in 1752. He commissioned a man named Adrian van Stekhoven to build a structure to house all of his animals. The practice of keeping private collections of exotic animals, often brought from foreign expeditions, was common among European royals at the time. Following Franz's death, his son, Joseph II, expanded the collection with animals his father had avoided, including carnivores, despite their unpleasant odors.
Joseph II opened the zoo to the public in 1779, with a dedication inscribed at the entrance: “A place of recreation dedicated to all the people by their Esteemer,” a phrase that continues to be featured today. Now, the zoo emphasizes conservation and education and is home to a diverse range of animals from across the globe. It also has an aquarium, a polarium, and a simulated Amazon rainforest. Surviving both world wars and a financial crisis, Tiergarten Schönbrunn remains operational to this day as the world’s oldest zoo and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
6. Restaurant
Restaurante Botín—Established in 1725
Be sure to reserve a table in advance if you're planning to visit this historic spot. Located in Madrid, Spain, Restaurante Botín holds the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in the world still in operation. While there are other establishments that claim to be older, Restaurante Botín claims the Guinness World Records title, as it has consistently operated in the same building and preserved its 18th-century interior since it first opened in 1725. Though it had to close temporarily due to the pandemic, it reopened on July 1, 2020. Remarkably, it remained open through the Spanish Civil War, and the pandemic closure won't affect its record as the oldest continuously running restaurant.
In 1725, Jean Botín and his wife opened a small inn where guests had to bring their own food, as selling food was prohibited at the time, to prevent interference with other businesses. With no children of their own, the couple passed the business on to their nephew upon their death, who rebranded it as Sobrino de Botín, which means 'Nephew of Botín.' For generations, the Botín family managed the restaurant until 1930, when it was taken over by the González family. Despite the change in ownership, the restaurant has kept its original look, including the famous fire oven, which is still used to prepare their renowned suckling pig.
5. Theater
Teatro Olimpico—Opened in 1585
Nestled in the town of Vicenza, Italy, the Teatro Olimpico holds the title of the oldest indoor theater still in operation. This magnificent structure is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The theater’s Roman-inspired architecture and stunning sculptures are its defining features. Designed by Andrea Palladio, a renowned Renaissance architect, the theater was built within the walls of a long-abandoned fortress to provide a grand space for entertainment that drew heavy inspiration from ancient Roman theaters.
Palladio, unfortunately, did not live to see his masterpiece completed, and it was left to his son, Silla, to bring the theater to life. The inaugural performance at Teatro Olimpico was the play Oedipus the King. Vincenzo Scamozzi, who designed the stage, carefully recreated the seven streets of Thebes, a feature that remains part of the theater’s design to this day. With a capacity of 400 seats, the theater continues to host a range of performances, including plays and concerts, every year.
4. Amusement Park
Bakken—Opened in 1583
The Bakken amusement park, located in Copenhagen, Denmark, is an ideal spot for a family outing. Initially, people were attracted to the healing springs in the area, especially during summer. Over time, vendors began offering entertainment and selling goods to visitors of the springs. This gradual shift eventually led to the establishment of an amusement park. Today, while you can enjoy modern rides, one of the park’s highlights is its wooden roller coaster, which has been thrilling visitors for more than 80 years! Entrance is free, with tickets purchased for the rides you want to enjoy.
Once you step inside, you’ll find 31 rides to choose from, along with an additional 78 attractions, including a fun gaming arcade. On a warm summer day, you can treat yourself to ice cream or indulge in tasty Danish snacks. For over 200 years, a clown named Pjerrot has been delighting children visiting the park. Despite its age, Bakken remains vibrant, colorful, and welcoming. Instead of relying on major corporate brands, small local businesses operate stalls throughout the park, preserving its historical charm.
3. Hotel
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan—Opened in 705
Experience a peaceful stay at the world’s oldest continuously operating hotel, which has been managed by an incredible 52 generations of the same family. Founded during the Keiun era by Fujiwara Mahito, the inn is named after the era. Though the hotel has kept up with modern comforts, it retains the timeless elegance of Japanese architecture, offering a serene atmosphere for guests.
The hotel is renowned for its natural hot springs, which flow at a remarkable rate of 1,630 liters (430 gallons) per minute. In addition to offering breathtaking views, the hotel boasts a restaurant that serves meals made with fresh seasonal ingredients and premium Koshu beef.
2. University
The University of al-Qarawiyyin—Founded in 859
The University of al-Qarawiyyin holds an impressive legacy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest continuously operating university in the world. It also holds the distinction of being the first institution to confer a degree. Established in Fez, Morocco, the university initially focused on Islamic studies.
Fatima al-Fihri, a woman who inherited wealth, used her resources to establish a mosque for her community, which included a madrasa—an Islamic school focused on religious teachings. This madrasa eventually grew into a university, where both men and women studied a wide variety of subjects, including medicine, astronomy, music, and Islamic studies. In the mid-20th century, the university adapted to the state education system, introducing subjects like chemistry, physics, and foreign languages.
1. Museum
Musei Capitolini—Opened in 1471
Located in Rome, the Musei Capitolini began its journey in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV generously donated a significant collection of bronze artifacts to the Roman people. These pieces were initially displayed on Capitoline Hill, where the museum now occupies three distinct buildings. Over the years, the collection has expanded to include jewelry, statues, coins, artworks, and numerous other historical objects.
The museum's growth has been shaped by the contributions of several popes. Pope Pius V and Pope Paul III added valuable pieces, while Pope Clement XII oversaw the opening of the Palazzo Nuovo for public access. Pope Benedict XIV played a key role in inaugurating the art gallery, Pinacoteca, which is the oldest public exhibition of paintings. The renowned artist Michelangelo was involved in the redesign and renovation of parts of the museum, though he passed away before completing his vision. Today, the museum houses many ancient and medieval treasures, including the iconic statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback.
