Bulgaria Inside

Ancient Theater
The ancient theater is situated between Dzhambaz and Taksim Tepe. Emperor Trajan initiated the construction in the 2nd century. The amphitheater could accommodate between 5000 and 7000 spectators.

An earthquake in the 4th century destroyed the facility. It has been reconstructed and today perfectly fits in Plovdiv’s cultural style. The theater hosts many concerts and festivals. Its remains were discovered in the 60s of the 20th century. It is part of Old Plovdiv architecture preserve.

Several restaurants function nearby. All of them offer panoramic view that you can enjoy while having your meal.

The amphitheater is open for visits from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer and from 9 am to 5 pm during the winter.

Old Plovdiv Architecture Preserve
The old part of Plovdiv preserves remains from various epochs. Revival period houses are most typical for this part of the city.

During the Bulgarian revival, rich local merchants traveled throughout Europe and got to know more about Western culture and architecture style. Asymmetrical houses, typical for mountain villages, no longer satisfied their tastes.

New construction featured ornate frescoes and ornaments. Houses got fine and luxurious furniture. This is how the unique Plovdiv revival style developed. The style combines in a beautiful manner western and oriental ornaments.

Many houses have preserved their original looks, some of them host galleries and museums today. Make sure that you visit Balabanova house, the house of Stepan Hindlian, of Dragan Kaloferetsa, Artin Gidikov, Georgi Mavridi and Vlasaki Chohadzhiata.

Ethnographic Museum
Plovdiv’s ethnographic museum was created in 1917 but functions as an independent museum since 1952.

One of the most beautiful houses in the old part of Plovdiv, Argir Koumdzhioglou’s house, hosts the collections. It was constructed in 1847 and features the typical Plovdiv revival style.

The museum has more than 40 000 objects, thematically organized in several collections like agriculture, crafts, clothing, interior decoration, musical instruments and works of art. All collections demonstrate the richness of lifestyle and culture from the 19th century.

To visit the museum, go to 2 Stoian Chomakov street. It is open from 9 am to midday and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm during the summer. During the winter, the museum works from 9 am to midday.

History Museum
The museum started functioning in 1951. It traces history from the 15th to the 20th century.

Items have been placed in four collections namely revival, Bulgaria’s unification, new history and Hristo G. Danov’s memorial house.

The museum is situated on 1 Suedinenie square. During the summer, it works each day apart from Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. In the winter, visitors can explore history every week day from 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 1 pm to 5 pm.

St. Konstantin and Elena Church
St. Konstantin and Elena church is situated in the heart of the old part of town. According to the legend, the church was constructed where 38 Christians were killed in the 3rd century because of their beliefs. The church was constructed 30 years after the killing and was later named after emperor Konstantin and his mother.

Over the centuries, the church was burned and renovated several times. It was completely renovated in 1832, after the final conflagration took place. Many Bulgarian painters, among which Zahari Zograph, were responsible for its icons.

The church is open for visits from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer and from 9 am to 5 pm during the winter.