Plovdiv - Bulgaria

On my way back to Sofia where I was due to catch a flight back to Nice, we stopped in Plòvdiv where I was told, the history of the city; both ancient and more recent were what made that place worth a visit and a good look around.

Located in the middle of a rich agricultural region, Plòvdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria with a current population of around 350,000 inhabitants.  It is an important economic, transport, cultural, and educational centre.

Modern Plovdiv - views from one of the Seven Hills

The streets..

A street in Old Plovdiv

Plòvdiv is situated southeast of the Bulgarian capital, Sofia in a fertile region of south-central Bulgaria on the banks of the Maritsa River.  The city has historically developed on seven hills, some of which are 250 m high.  Because of these hills, Plovdiv is often referred to in Bulgaria as "The City of the Seven Hills”

Narrow street in Old Plovdiv

A local museum...

Private residence turned Museum

Plòvdiv has settlement traces dating from the Neolithic period and has been continuously inhabited since the 6th millennium BC.  By the end of the 4th millennium BC, there already was an established settlement there.  By the 12th century BC, the village had evolved into a real town populated by Thracians ranking it among one of the world's oldest cities.  It was in turn occupied by Persians, Greeks, Celts, Romans, Goths, Huns, Slav Vikings, Crusaders and Turks.

The old part of Plovdiv

Old Plovdiv, a narrow street/walkway...

Narrow street in Old Plovdiv

In 46 AD, the city was incorporated into the Roman Empire.  In those times, the Via Militaris, the most important military road in the Balkans, passed through the city.  The Roman times were a period of growth and cultural excellence.  The ancient ruins tell a story of a vibrant, growing city with numerous public buildings, shrines, baths, theatres, a stadium and the only developed ancient water supply system and sewerage in Bulgaria.

Roman Ruins being unearthed in Plovdiv

A beautiful Peacock-shaped water fountain... 

Water Fountain in the Old part of Plovdiv

There are many remains preserved from Roman times.  The Ancient Theatre is probably the best-known monument from antiquity in Bulgaria.  It was built in the beginning of the 2nd century during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan.  The theatre could accommodate up to 7,000 people.  Many events are still held there.

The Ancient stadium, where sports events were held, is another important monument of the ancient city which was built in the 2nd century.  It was approximately 240 meters long and 50 meters wide, and could seat up to 30 000 spectators.  

The Roman Amphitheatre

The amazing Roman Amphitheatre

The Seating Area of the Amphitheatre

Besides being an architectural centre, the city is also an important cultural centre. Plòvdiv hosts many cultural and international theatrical events.  There are numerous museums, art galleries and cultural institutions.  The city has traditions in iconography since the middle Ages.  In September 2014, Plovdiv was selected as the Bulgarian host of the European Capital of Culture for 2019.

Plovdiv Architecture

Ancient craftsmanship in door handles

Ancient door handles

The Old Town of Plòvdiv is a historic preservation site known for its Bulgarian Renaissance architecture.  Almost every house in the Old Town has its characteristic exterior and interior decoration.

Plovdiv Architecture

Ancient craftsmanship in creating a door knock.

Ancient door knock

The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria. There are many accommodation options here – from luxurious hotels to hostels.  The restaurants options are numerous too.  Plòvdiv is also great for walking.

Plovdiv housing

Ornate architecture



Ornate architecture - room on the roof top.

I spent most of my time in the old part of the city as it is where most of the historical finds can be discovered I even learnt that one of my favourite writers from the French Romantic period Alphonse de Lamartine (1790 – 1869) actually stayed in Plòvdiv in July 1833 on his way to the Orient.

Plaque commemorating Lamartine's Passage to Plovdiv

The house where Lamartine stayed in Plovdiv

The house where Lamartine stayed in Plovdiv

Plovdiv is a city unlike any other I've seen and I look forward to returning there to explore the full spender the city has to offer.