Plovdiv - contemporary of Troy

In town | Plovdiv

Plovdiv is very, very old, indeed more ancient than Bulgaria itself. "The Eternal City", as Rome is conventionally called, is much younger. Athens, Carthage and Constantinople came into being later. A contemporary of Troy and having survived Mycenae, Plovdiv is a city upon layers of cities and an epoch upon layers of epochs.


Plovdiv is all in one: a Thracian and classical Greek polis, the pride of Philip of Macedonia, the capital of Thrace under the Roman Empire, a centre of Byzantinism, a stronghold of the Bulgarians, a dream of the crusaders, a magnificent, wealthy and most important city.
Kendros, Eumolpia, Philippopolis, Pulpudeva, Trimontsium, Pulden, Populdin, Ploudin and Filibe - those were the ancient names of Plovdiv throughout its 6000 to 8000 years of existence. The name Plovdiv first appeared in 15th century documents and has remained till today.

The second biggest city in Bulgaria is situated beautifully on the two banks of the river Maritsa and on six unique syenite hills (called "tepeta"). Around the three eastern hills the Thracians established the ancient settlement of Evmolpiass, which was later on called Pulpudeva. In the year 342 BC the town was conquered by Philip II of Macedonia and was called Philipopol. During Roman times it was given the name of Trimontsium ("town on three hills"). The Slavs called it Plovdiv.

The most interesting place to visit is Old Plovdiv - an architectural and historical reserve,
situated on the Three Hills: Bounardzhika, Nebbet, and Sahat Tepe. Here picturesque houses of the National Revival stand close to ruins from antiquity. The central part of the town was formed towards the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The influence of European styles in architecture can be traced.
The ancient theatre has been restored, its stage being used even today.
Another tourist site is the eastern gate of the fortress, known as Hissar Kapiya, which dates back 2000 years.







The Plovdiv houses

Old Plovdiv's greatest wealth are its houses dating back to the years of the Bulgarian National Revival, remarkable for their masterful layout, impressive appearance and rich outer and inner design. Most of these were built towards the end of the 19th century. Some have been turned into museums.





Visitors would also appreciate visiting:
-the old churches St. Nedelya and St. Marina
-the Craftsmen's market in Strumna Street
-the Museum of book publishing, arranged in the house of the renowned enlightener and publisher Hristo G. Danov
-the Ancient Stadium in the centre of the town
-the Archaeological museum that offers an exposition of unique exhibits of various historical periods
- the golden treasure of Panagyurishte (4th-3rd centuries BC replica), silver pots, painted ceramics, ancient capitals, friezes etc.
-Imaret and Dzhoumaya Mosques
-the clock-tower on Sahat Tepe etc.



The modern town is a trade and culture centre. It is a bustle of museums, churches, banks, hotels, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, shops, bars, bazaars, music clubs, casinos etc. Here rest the ruins of a Roman stadium and remnants of the Roman forum, here you can also see several mosques and original Turkish baths. The modern centre provides entertainment and rich cultural life.






Classical concerts take place at the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra's concert hall, here in January the winter festival of Symphony Music is held. The Opera is near the concert hall. The Mesalitinov Theatre is the venue for classical drama, child shows, and modern theatre. The building of the TV centre and the Radio, and the biggest cinemas are situated in the modern city. On the premises of the Fair Camp different international exhibitions and expos are held all year round.