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The 2019 European Capital of Tradition and second-largest metropolis in Bulgaria, Plovdiv, is without doubt one of the nation’s high vacationer locations and the jap Balkans.
There are lots of issues to do in Plovdiv, primarily due to its extremely lengthy historical past and wealthy cultural heritage.
Unfold throughout seven hills in a fertile area in south-central Bulgaria, the realm that now makes up Plovdiv has been inhabited for at least 8,000 years.
The primary Neolithic settlements found right here date again to six,000 BC. Since Plovdiv nonetheless exists, it’s typically considered one of many world’s oldest still-inhabited cities. Whereas there’s some debate amongst scientists about that, it’s unquestionably one of many oldest cities in Europe.
Over the millennia, town—identified in Antiquity as Philippopolis—has been occupied by Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Huns, Bulgars, Slavs, western Crusaders, and Ottomans, amongst different peoples.
As such, it now has an distinctive wealth of historic structure, is a middle of arts and crafts, and has its justifiable share of wonderful museums.
When you’re questioning what to see and do in Plovdiv, you’ll discover loads of choices under. This record options all “obligatory” issues to do in Plovdiv, the very highlights of this historical metropolis. It’s possible you’ll not be capable to go to all of them in only one weekend, however I like to recommend making an attempt your hardest!
Don’t miss the Previous City, Roman Stadium and Amphitheater, the Kapana Artwork District, and the Regional Ethnographic Museum in the event you solely have someday. I’d deal with these locations—the highest points of interest in Plovdiv. Let’s now dive in and try the most effective Plovdiv actions in additional element.
Discover The Plovdiv Previous City
Located on three completely different hills—Nebet Tepe, Taksim Tepe, and Dzhambaz Tepe—the Previous City of Plovdiv is the place you’ll discover most historic ruins and structure nicely as a number of very good museums. It’s dwelling to a unprecedented assortment of historical buildings, conventional homes, and cobblestones, combining Antiquity, the Center Ages, and Bulgarian Revival constructions.
That is the beating coronary heart of Plovdiv tourism, some of the visited locations in Bulgaria and residential to many different points of interest listed under. Begin your go to right here. Furthermore, in the event you solely have restricted time in Plovdiv, this is identical space it is best to deal with. From eating places and cafés to numerous museums and the highest Plovdiv points of interest, most motion happens within the Previous City.
Stroll Via Medieval Hisar Kapia Gate
The Hisar Kapia Gate is within the Previous City and is without doubt one of the high vacationer sights in Plovdiv. Constructed within the 11th century, this splendidly preserved medieval metropolis gate was considered one of three entrances to historical Plovdiv. This present gate was really constructed on high of the muse of a earlier Roman gate.
Throughout Ottoman rule, Plovdiv’s rich retailers constructed homes over the fortified partitions on either side of the Hisar Kapia Gate. These days, the bottom flooring of those homes nonetheless have the unique medieval partitions.
Discover Nebet Tepe
One of many first Plovdiv Hills to be inhabited by folks, Nebet Tepe is dwelling to settlements courting again to 4,000 BC. First, the house of the Thracians, the village grew in dimension beneath Philip II of Macedon and Historic Rome.
Ultimately, it turned the citadel of the Previous City. Now a ravishing hill crammed with ruins, it’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Plovdiv for an perception into the historical past of historical Philippopolis.
An expansive archaeological complicated lies atop Nebet Tepe, together with the ruins of fortified partitions and towers. It’s a monument of nationwide significance in Bulgaria and some of the common sights in Plovdiv.
See The Jap Gate Of Philippopolis
One among solely three found entrances to the traditional metropolis of Philippopolis; the Jap Gate was on the principle street from town to Byzantium (later Constantinople and modern-day Istanbul).
The primary gate constructed on this website dates from the twond century and the reign of Hadrian. In the 4th and 5th centuries, restoration and reparation of this gated complicated befell. It’s thought it was the most important and most vital entrance to historical Philippopolis.
All that is still now could be a set of ruins and the overall format of the gate complicated. It’s considered one of many Historic Roman points of interest in Plovdiv.
Go to The Roman Stadium
One of many largest and best-preserved Historic Roman constructions within the Balkans, the Plovdiv Roman Stadium is without doubt one of the high points of interest in Plovdiv. Constructed within the early 2nd century by Emperor Hadrian, it might seat no fewer than 30,000 folks. Fifty meters huge and 240 meters lengthy, it was the setting of giant sporting occasions. Artwork, music, and poetry contests are additionally used to accompany these occasions.
These days, you’ll be able to see the marvelously renovated portion of the northern a part of the Roman Stadium. It’s one of many outstanding landmarks in Plovdiv which you can’t miss – you’ll be able to even see part of it within the H&M retailer.
Children will love the 3D cinema of the Roman stadium, for which you should buy tickets from between 3-6 LEV every. Display screen occasions for the 3D film are 10:00,10:40, 11:20, 12:00, 13:40, 14:20, 15:00, 15:40, 16:20, and 17:00. My boys loved the quick video, though I wouldn’t counsel you wait round to lengthy watch it as we did, it was not well worth the 30 minutes wait.
Watch A Live performance At Plovdiv Roman Theatre – Historic Theatre of Philippopolis
When you’re a fan of Historic Roman structure, you need to go to the Historic Historic Amphitheater Philippopolis.
It lies within the coronary heart of the Previous City, within the saddle between Taksim Tepe and Dzhambaz Tepe. Courting from Trajan’s reign within the late 1st century and early 2nd century, it’s one of many world’s best-preserved historical theaters.
Historians presume that this theater used to carry performances, theatre performances, gladiator video games, and searching spectacles circus occasions. Broken within the 5th century by Attila the Hun, it received buried and was ultimately forgotten. It wasn’t till the mid-20th century that it was rediscovered due to a landslide. Its restoration is an absolute masterpiece, and the theater is now used as soon as once more as a live performance and theater venue (in summer time). It could possibly seat 5,000 to 7,000 folks.
Go to The Church Of St. Constantine And Helena
One other fascinating historic constructing within the Plovdiv Previous City is the Church of St. Constantine and Helena. Named after Emperor Constantine the Nice and his mom, Helena, it’s one of many oldest church buildings in Plovdiv. It dates from the yr 337.
Over the next centuries, it was destroyed and reconstructed a number of occasions. The current construction dates from 1832 and has attractive frescoes, icons, and work.
Take pleasure in Sundown Views From Dzendem Tepe
Located within the western a part of Plovdiv, Dzendem Tepe is the very best of town’s seven hills. Having been dwelling to a Bronze Age shrine (or perhaps a small settlement), an vital Roman Temple of Apollo, and a 4th-century basilica, the hill is now a pure landmark.
Towering over a lot of the remainder of Plovdiv, its summit is an outstanding spot to observe the sundown.
Wander Via The Kapana Artwork District
For a break from all that historical past and archaeology, head to the Kapana Artwork District, the liveliest neighborhood in Plovdiv. Till fairly lately, a uncared for and ignored a part of town, it’s its cultural coronary heart.
The district is greater than 500 years previous, courting from when it was dwelling to quite a few craftsmen, reminiscent of material makers, tailors, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, and leather-based staff.
When you perceive Bulgarian, you’ll discover many streets bearing the names of these crafts—translated as, for instance, Iron Avenue and Gold Avenue. The district’s title actually means “The Entice” after its dense community of little streets and alleys.
In the 2010s, the Kapana Artwork District underwent intensive restorations. Many elderly buildings have been renovated, empty storefronts turned artwork galleries, and the complete space was made car-free. These days, Kapana is dwelling to numerous artwork retailers, galleries, wine bars, eating places, and beer halls. It’s the proper place to hang around on a sunny afternoon or after a well-filled day of sightseeing in Plovdiv.
See The Singing Fountains At Evening
One of the outstanding and enjoyable issues to do in Plovdiv is watching the Singing Fountains in Tsar Simeon’s Backyard. Swiss panorama architect Lucien Chevalas designed this public park in 1892. It’s a lush and peaceable space inside simple strolling distance from the central Previous City.
Highlights embrace the Goddess Demeter Fountain, a Viennese Pavilion, trendy youngsters’s playgrounds, and flowerbeds. Fairly actually, the star of the present, nevertheless, are the Singing Fountains. Situated in a lake within the park, this assortment of fountains is the setting of a light-weight and music present that takes place each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9 p.m.
See The Church Of The Holy Mom Of God
The Church of the Holy Mom of God is without doubt one of the most vital church buildings in Plovdiv. A church has stood on this website for the reason that 9th century however was destroyed by the Ottomans after they conquered Plovdiv within the late 14th century.
The present constructing dates from 1844 when it was rebuilt as the principle church within the metropolis. This church and considered one of its bishops performed a major function within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s battle for autonomy. It has a strikingly stunning tower in addition to icons and frescoes.
Admire The Dzhumaya Mosque
The presence of the attractive Dzhumaya Mosque is an affidavit to the cultural variety that so characterizes the jap Balkans. Plovdiv’s fundamental Muslim constructing, it stands within the metropolis middle west of the Previous City. The Ottomans constructed the unique mosque within the 14th century on the earlier St. Petka Tarnovska Cathedral Church website. In the 15th century, nevertheless, that first mosque was taken down and changed by the present constructing.
Amongst its many options are 9 massive domes and a towering minaret — Wall work inside date from the late 1700s and early-1800’s.
As considered one of Europe’s oldest cities, Plovdiv has a large quantity of historical past and cultural heritage. After studying concerning the issues to see in Plovdiv above, you’ll now know all about that, too. Nevertheless, in the event you’d prefer to be taught much more concerning the metropolis’s millennia-long historical past, I like to recommend visiting the next Plovdiv museums.
Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Housed within the former residence of 19th-century service provider Argir Kuyumdzhioglu within the Previous City, the Regional Ethnographic Museum is without doubt one of the greatest museums in Plovdiv. It has six completely different displays, all positioned in separate rooms in the home.
These displays home a number of hundreds of artifacts and objects. They vary from furnishings, clothes, and materials to non secular objects, music devices, books, and artworks.
Balabanov Home
Very similar to the Regional Ethnographic Museum, Balabanov’s Home additionally homes varied cultural and historic objects. This 19th-century home close to St. Constantine and Helena Sq. boasts a ravishing exterior. Inside, you’ll discover vintage furnishings, carved-wood ceilings, garments, and different objects showcasing how prosperous Plovdiv residents used to stay within the 1800s.
Comparable preserved properties of influential Plovdiv residents within the metropolis embrace Hindlyan’s Home and Lamartine/Mavridi’s Home.
Plovdiv Nationwide Archaeological Museum
Formally opened in 1882, this is without doubt one of the oldest museums in Bulgaria. The Nationwide Archaeological Museum in Plovdiv now homes one of many largest and most vital cultural heritage collections associated to Plovdiv and the encompassing area. It has no fewer than 100,000 objects and objects.
This improbable historical past museum focuses on the early historical past of Plovdiv, from prehistoric occasions by means of the Center Ages, together with the Thracian, Roman, and early-Christian occasions. You’ll discover quite a few fascinating artifacts right here, from historical pottery and sculptures to Christian iconography and medieval artwork.
Plovdiv Regional Historic Museum
Whereas the Nationwide Archaeological Museum covers Plovdiv’s historical historical past, the Regional Historic Museum focuses on the 15th century by means of at this time. Established in 1951, this cultural and analysis group preserves and research Plovdiv’s newer historical past.
The museum has 4 completely different displays, positioned in varied places within the metropolis:
- The Unification of Bulgaria of 1885 – devoted to the function Plovdiv performed within the late-19th-century occasions, from the Treaty of Berlin that resulted within the division of Bulgaria into 5 areas to the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian Warfare.
- Bulgarian Nationwide Revival – housed within the former residence of mid-19th-century Greek service provider Dimitris Georgiadi, this exhibit covers the interval of Ottoman rule in Plovdiv, from the 15th to the 19th
- Museum Heart of Fashionable Historical past – hosts seminars, displays, different public happenings, and artwork and pictures displays.
- Guide Publishing in Bulgaria – occupying six rooms in the home of Hristo G. Danov, a well-known early-19th-century writer, this exhibit traces the evolution of publishing in Plovdiv by means of the late-1800’s and early-1900’s.
Museum of Pure Sciences
Situated within the previous 1880 Plovdiv Municipality constructing, the Museum of Pure Sciences is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Plovdiv for nature lovers. It’s some of the vital museums of its type in Bulgaria, that includes spectacular collections within the scientific realms of paleontology, botany, and mineralogy.
A number of rooms are devoted to wildlife, too. Arguably its fundamental attraction is the large freshwater aquarium dwelling to 40 completely different species. It’s Bulgaria’s largest freshwater aquarium.
There are not any scarcity of locations to eat in Plovdiv – and possibly simply as many extra selections of locations to drink a espresso or sip a glass of Bulgarian wine.
Listed below are among the locations we cherished:
Divino Cafe
We stopped right here to get our bearings on the place we must always eat; we sat and loved a number of glasses of Bulgarian wine and people-watched.
Deal with ul. “Hristo Dyukmedzhiev” 3, 4000 Kapana, Plovdiv
Pavaj Restauarant
Dine on tasty, genuine delicacies proper within the coronary heart of Plovdiv as this informal restaurant, with choices that additionally embrace vegan, vegetarian and gluten free choices. Convey money as playing cards aren’t accepted right here (a minimum of on the time of scripting this).
Deal with Zlatarska No 7 Kapana District, Plovdiv 4000
Aylyakria
This modern gastropub is ready in a 100 yr previous constructing, offering a comfortable environment to your eating expertise. Craft beers, cocktails and a scrumptious home wine are all value an order and the seasonal rotating menu is fastidiously chosen to deliver company conventional Bulgarian dishes with a twist together with common dishes from all over the world made with native substances.
Deal with Kozhuharska 3, Plovdiv 4000
Mayriges
When you’re within the temper for one thing completely different, head to Mayriges (“My Mom”) the place you’ll be able to eat conventional Armenian and Lebanese dishes, home-cooked utilizing childhood recipes handed down by the chef’s mom.
There’s a youngsters’s menu obtainable in case you are touring with pickier eaters.
Deal with “Konstantin Stoilov” 14, Plovdiv
Turkish Espresso and Pastry Store “Dzhumaya”
For one thing candy, head to Dzhumaya for conventional Turkish desserts and drinks.
Deal with ul. “Zhelezarska” 1, 4000 Plovdiv
Cafes Close to “The Pelican Fountain”
The Pelican Fountain is present in entrance of the Plovdiv Municipality, close to the Backyard of Tsar Simeon. This fountain is a well-liked spot for younger folks to hang around and for kids to run round whereas dad and mom get pleasure from sipping on espresso or cocktails at any of the close by cafes. It may be particularly enjoyable within the night when the fountain waters gentle up.
Deal with Stefan Stambolov Sq.,Plovdiv
Central Perk
If you’re a fan of the tv present “Pals”, this cafe is a should. The place is styled after the favored Pals hang around spot. The environment is younger and bubbly, and it’s an awesome place to cease for a drink whereas out in Kapana.
Deal with ul. “Hristo Dyukmedzhiev” 16, 4000 Kapana, Plovdiv
Go to Bachkovo Monastery
A 30-minute drive from Plovdiv brings you to the Bachkovo Monastery, a serious Jap Orthodox monastery on the financial institution of the Chepelare River. Based in 1033, it was a big complicated with many buildings. Presently, just one half survives from these earliest days. That’s the ossuary with its historical frescoes and typical architectural type that doesn’t exist wherever else on the planet.
The monastery does embrace varied different buildings, although, all constructed in subsequent centuries. Observe-worthy highlights are the 17th-century Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary, the “Panorama” Mural, and the medieval Church of the Archangels.
Go For A Journey To Asen’s Fortress
Asen’s fortress lies on the best way to the Bachkovo Monastery in Asenovgrad. This imposing medieval stronghold is without doubt one of the high castles in Bulgaria to go to. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, it is just accessible from one aspect. The three different sides have almost vertical drops within the valley under.
Courting from the Center Ages, Asen’s Fortress went by means of a number of sieges, together with the conquest by the armies of the Third Campaign and, later, the Ottomans.
After the 14th-century Ottoman conquest, the fort was left to decay. Now, just one full constructing nonetheless stands. The 11th– and 12th-century Church of the Holy Mom of God remains to be in use as a Bulgarian Orthodox church. The remainder of this once-mighty fortress are ruins, though exceptionally well-preserved ruins.
Have Some Water Fun At Aqualand
Whereas all different issues to do in Plovdiv described above have one thing, or every thing, to do with tradition and historical past, this final one is simply plainly about having enjoyable. Aquapark “Aqualand” is arguably probably the most well-known trendy attraction within the metropolis.
This massive water park is a superb place to take your youngsters in the event that they’re uninterested in strolling round and sightseeing in Plovdiv. It options lounge areas, a youngsters’s pool, tubing, and thrill slides.
The one query now could be, the place will you begin in Plovdiv? And, when you have one other suggestion for what to see in Plovdiv, depart us a remark under.
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