Plovdiv

Plovdiv - the second largest city in Bulgaria, also known as “The City of The Seven Hills” is located 125 km. on the southeast from the capital of Sofia in the heart of the Maritza valley. The city itself is the geographical, administrative, industrial and cultural centre of the South Central Region in Bulgaria .

The city will amaze you with its adorable charm- an addictive mixture of ancient history, different cultures, architectural masterpieces and styles, exotic atmosphere, modern spirit and vibrant night life that never stops. It is situated on the two banks of Maritsa river, following its curves in a perfect symbiosis with the nearby hills. The first settlements registered in the area dates 6000-8000 years ago, inhabited by Thracian tribes, but the ancient city itself was founded by Filip The Macedonian – father of Alexander The Great. The city adopted six different names during the ages – Pulpodeva, Puldin, Filippoppolis, Trimontzium, Filibe, Plovdiv. Among the oldest cities in the world and one of the cradles of the European civilization for centuries it was a centre and a meeting place for different cultures, religions, habits - a huge heritage is left and the local people respect it and love it. It is also known as “the cultural capital of Bulgaria” and it truly stands for its name.Plovdiv is one of the few places in the world where orthodox, catholic, moslems and jews have been living peacefully for ages and still do. The city comprises of modern part and old town - it is an architectural phenomenon with six thousand-year history. There are a lot of must-see attractions – an ancient, fully restored and still operational amphitheatre, revival house complexes, museums. “Djumaia”square with its moslem mosk, sun clock, the statue of Filip The Macedonian and the amazing ruins of a ancient roman gladiator arena is something you should not miss. An Emblematic orthodox church, catholic cathedral, jewish temple are meters from each other – resulting the city a lovely ethnical and religious harmony. The above mentioned amphitheater has a capacity of 3000 seats –a true masterpiece. With its majestic marble statues, decorative columns and arcades has its special place in the history of Plovdiv. Now after being fully restored there are performances arranged in it again. The epoch of the Bulgarian Revival has left bright traces on city’s architecture. Plovdiv stores in itself the most known samples of the Balkan architecture of XVII and XIX century. Large number of golden, silver and copper items as well as ceramics were found during different archaeological excavations, but there are still huge unexplored areas under the city’s very downtown(protected cultural heritage area), promising to uncover more and more stunning facts about the Plovdiv’s past splendor and prosperity.

Plovdiv is a fast growing city – its current population is approx. 600 000 citizens, excluding the surrounding suburbs and villages. It has excellent infrastructure (major railroad station, plus number of important international routes passing through the city), which is constantly developed, improved and maintained by the local authorities. Plovdiv is part of major investment project on local, corporative, government and international (European union funds). The Plovdiv International Fair complex is a world known and preferred event for thousands of major local and international corporations and companies. The Fair Complex is huge and comprises in 24 halls with enormous capacity and potential. The Fair takes place twice a year and is a main business event for the local economy. The demand for accommodation is met by many 3, 4 and 5 star hotels ( including international chains).

As a great place to visit in Plovdiv we can also point the International Rowing Canal( 2km. long) – it is situated in a picturesque park area, where you can also enjoy the City Zoo and large number of attractions and restaurants, as well as full range of sport facilities( tennis courts, 40 000 seats football stadium, swimming pools, etc.)

The people in Plovdiv are literally “in love” with their city – with its specific “urban heartbeat” and atmosphere.

The night life is glamourous, the people know how to enjoy themselves – there are hundreds of places where you can spend a night to remember with your family and friends.

Things to do

There are lots of things to do and see in Plodiv here is just a few:

Around the three eastern hills the Thracians estabilished the ancient settlement of Evmolpiass, which was later on called Pulpudeva. In the year 342 B.C. the town was conquered by Philip II of Macedonia and was called Philipopol. During the Roman times it was given the name of Trimontium ("town on three hills"). The Slavs called it Plovdiv.


The ancient part of the three-hill town is an architectural reserve. The Ancient Plovdiv has preserved until nowadays the athmosphere of the Renaissance.

The modern town is a trade and culture centre.It is a bunch 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 could be also seen 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 Theater is the venue for classical drama, child shows, and modern theater. The building of the TV and the Radio, and the biggest cinemas are situated in the modern city. In the Fair Camp different international exhibitions and expoes are held all year round.