Bulgaria Inside

Maritsa carried various names through the ages. The river has been known as Hebur, Hebros and Evros and is the biggest on the Balkans. It originates from the Gorno Marichensko Lake in Rila Mountain. In Turkey, the river flows into the Aegean Sea. Maritsa is the second biggest and the deepest river in Bulgaria

The entire length of the river is 524.6 km. It has nearly 100 major tributaries.

A number of ancient books, including the writings of Aristotle and Virgil mention Maritsa.

According to Bulgarian researchers, the river’s name has old Thracian origin and has been derived from a word meaning swamp, lake or big water.

A major flood occurred in 1858 and the water overflowed in Plovdiv's Kariashka and Marasha districts. Several other floods occurred and in 1937, stone safety tiling was set up.

For centuries Maritsa has played the role of a transport channel since it was navigable through most of the year. This continued until the second half of the 19th century. The river had major importance for Plovdiv’s development since it acted as a water source, safety barrier, irrigation source, a useful road and a fishermen heaven. Some of these roles have been forgotten today.

In the outskirts of Plovdiv, visitors will see an old railway bridge that still functions today. A pedestrian bridge is situated in the central part of town. It was recently turned into a covered bridge. The bridge has always hosted clothing and souvenir shops.

The bridges give people an alternative view of the river. From above, they can observe the water and the fishermen.

Maritsa is most beautiful during the spring and the summer because of the greenery surrounding it. Some of the plant species are rare. Unfortunately, parts of the riverbank are rather polluted.

Several small restaurants and cafés welcome visitors near the river. Benches have been positioned following the central part of Maritsa.

What makes the river attractive is its location. The water flows through the very hear of Plovdiv. The alleys on both sides of Maritsa are a wonderful place for walks. The romantic experience and the tranquility of the river combine excellently with the beautiful nature of the region and Plovdiv’s amazing architecture.