published on 17.12.2007, 11:14 Author: Vanina Paskaleva Article rating:
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One of the oldest cities in Europe is named Plovdiv. Historians believe that its age is similar to that of Troy and Plovdiv is older than Athens and Rome.
Plovdiv is situated in the central part of Bulgaria, almost 30 km away from the foot of the Rhodope Mountains. Its location determines Plovdiv’s specific climate. The summer heat is intense and the winter is almost entirely snowless.
Thracians were the first to settle in the region between the three hills. They called the city Evmolpia. In the 4th century BC, Philip of Macedonia conquered the city and built a wall around it. The name changed to Philipopolis. Thracians managed to regain the territory after the death of his son.
Philipopolis was destroyed several times over the coming centuries.
In the 1st century BC, Romans conquered the city. Soon after, it became the main settlement of Thrace Romana province. The city once again got a new name, Trimontium, meaning a city of three hills.
Romans decided to develop the city because of its strategic location. A number of roads, stadiums, theaters and temples were constructed. The city also got improved sewerage and water provision systems.
Slavs settled in the area and changed its ethnicity makeup. They called the city Poulpoudeva, from which its current name is derived.
After the creation of the Bulgarian kingdom, Plovdiv changed its state belonging several times.
The Ottomans gave the city a new name after they conquered it in 1364. Filibe started turning into a typical oriental city, having many mosques and a large market. The remains of the old Thracian, Roman and Byzantine buildings were used as foundations for the construction of new ones. In this manner, evidence of past developments was erased.
Filibe’s big market and the development of trade in the region increased the wealth of locals. These people had high standards of living and access to better education. They constructed beautiful houses and followed Western interior design standards. A rich class gradually formed. These wealthy Bulgarians traveled and learned about foreign cultures.
These developments lit revolutionary sparks in the hearts of Filibe’s residents. In the 19th century, the city became the center of religious and national independence. Many well-known Bulgarian revolutionaries and public figures were born there.
After the liberation, Plovdiv turned into the second most important city in the country. It is still the cradle of culture and education.
Plovdiv is a modern city that has many schools and universities. The mixture of cultures and the remains of several epochs give the city its specific charm.
Much can be written about the city’s landmarks. To visit them all, you will need several days. It would be best to follow the city’s historic development, when you explore its sites.
The ancient theater is situated between Dzhambaz and Taksim Tepe, two of Plovdiv’s hills. It was constructed in the 2nd century BC. The theater was destroyed in the 4th century but underwent renovation works. A number of concerts and festivals are held there. Few nice restaurants have been constructed nearby.
Ancient Roman stadium: its remains can be seen west of Dzhoumaia mosque. The entrance is located on Kniaz Alexander I Street. This is the biggest ancient facility preserved in the city. In ancient times, the stadium had space for 30 000 spectators.
The city forum was the place where people shopped, met each other and learned the latest news. It was also the place where speeches were held and people socialized, something that continues happening in present time.
Dzhoumaia mosque or the Friday Mosque, is the biggest Muslim temple in the city and one of its symbols. It was constructed on the remains of an old church. Today, the place is preferred for walks and meetings.
Old Plovdiv preserves evidence of many periods. It is mostly known for the typical Bulgarian houses from the revival period. During the Bulgarian revival, wealthy merchants traveled to different parts of Europe and learned more about Western culture and traditions. Wealthier people started constructing their houses in a new manner. Construction works became more ornate, combining the oriental and western traditions. Many houses have been preserved in their original state. Today, the majority house museums and galleries. Take a look at Balabanova house, the houses of Stepan Hindliyan, Dragan Kaloferetsa, Artin Gidikov, Georgi Mavridi, Vlasaki Chohadzhiata and many others.
Plovdiv’s attractions are numerous. Try to visit Nebet Tepe, Hissar Kapia, Skobeleva house, the many churches, as well as the archeological, historic and natural science museums.
Apart from the many historic remains, Plovdiv has its beautiful pedestrian zone. Though it has many small shops, craftsmen workhouses and souvenir shops, the zone is known for brand stores, cafés and many restaurants.
The region surrounding Plovdiv has many must-sees, as well. Asenova fortress, Bachkovo and the Bachkovo Monastery are all nearby.
Plovdiv is situated in the central part of Bulgaria, almost 30 km away from the foot of the Rhodope Mountains. Its location determines Plovdiv’s specific climate. The summer heat is intense and the winter is almost entirely snowless.
Thracians were the first to settle in the region between the three hills. They called the city Evmolpia. In the 4th century BC, Philip of Macedonia conquered the city and built a wall around it. The name changed to Philipopolis. Thracians managed to regain the territory after the death of his son.
Philipopolis was destroyed several times over the coming centuries.
In the 1st century BC, Romans conquered the city. Soon after, it became the main settlement of Thrace Romana province. The city once again got a new name, Trimontium, meaning a city of three hills.
Romans decided to develop the city because of its strategic location. A number of roads, stadiums, theaters and temples were constructed. The city also got improved sewerage and water provision systems.
Slavs settled in the area and changed its ethnicity makeup. They called the city Poulpoudeva, from which its current name is derived.
After the creation of the Bulgarian kingdom, Plovdiv changed its state belonging several times.
The Ottomans gave the city a new name after they conquered it in 1364. Filibe started turning into a typical oriental city, having many mosques and a large market. The remains of the old Thracian, Roman and Byzantine buildings were used as foundations for the construction of new ones. In this manner, evidence of past developments was erased.
Filibe’s big market and the development of trade in the region increased the wealth of locals. These people had high standards of living and access to better education. They constructed beautiful houses and followed Western interior design standards. A rich class gradually formed. These wealthy Bulgarians traveled and learned about foreign cultures.
These developments lit revolutionary sparks in the hearts of Filibe’s residents. In the 19th century, the city became the center of religious and national independence. Many well-known Bulgarian revolutionaries and public figures were born there.
After the liberation, Plovdiv turned into the second most important city in the country. It is still the cradle of culture and education.
Plovdiv is a modern city that has many schools and universities. The mixture of cultures and the remains of several epochs give the city its specific charm.
Much can be written about the city’s landmarks. To visit them all, you will need several days. It would be best to follow the city’s historic development, when you explore its sites.
The ancient theater is situated between Dzhambaz and Taksim Tepe, two of Plovdiv’s hills. It was constructed in the 2nd century BC. The theater was destroyed in the 4th century but underwent renovation works. A number of concerts and festivals are held there. Few nice restaurants have been constructed nearby.
Ancient Roman stadium: its remains can be seen west of Dzhoumaia mosque. The entrance is located on Kniaz Alexander I Street. This is the biggest ancient facility preserved in the city. In ancient times, the stadium had space for 30 000 spectators.
The city forum was the place where people shopped, met each other and learned the latest news. It was also the place where speeches were held and people socialized, something that continues happening in present time.
Dzhoumaia mosque or the Friday Mosque, is the biggest Muslim temple in the city and one of its symbols. It was constructed on the remains of an old church. Today, the place is preferred for walks and meetings.
Old Plovdiv preserves evidence of many periods. It is mostly known for the typical Bulgarian houses from the revival period. During the Bulgarian revival, wealthy merchants traveled to different parts of Europe and learned more about Western culture and traditions. Wealthier people started constructing their houses in a new manner. Construction works became more ornate, combining the oriental and western traditions. Many houses have been preserved in their original state. Today, the majority house museums and galleries. Take a look at Balabanova house, the houses of Stepan Hindliyan, Dragan Kaloferetsa, Artin Gidikov, Georgi Mavridi, Vlasaki Chohadzhiata and many others.
Plovdiv’s attractions are numerous. Try to visit Nebet Tepe, Hissar Kapia, Skobeleva house, the many churches, as well as the archeological, historic and natural science museums.
Apart from the many historic remains, Plovdiv has its beautiful pedestrian zone. Though it has many small shops, craftsmen workhouses and souvenir shops, the zone is known for brand stores, cafés and many restaurants.
The region surrounding Plovdiv has many must-sees, as well. Asenova fortress, Bachkovo and the Bachkovo Monastery are all nearby.
Пловдив - Стария град, Балабановата къща
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One of the oldest cities in Europe is named Plovdiv. Historians believe that its age is similar to that of Troy and Plovdiv is older than Athens and Rome.
Plovdiv is situated in the central part of Bulgaria, almost 30 km away from the foot of the Rhodope Mountains. Its location determines Plovdiv’s specific climate. The summer heat is intense and the winter is almost entirely snowless.
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