Plovdiv, Bulgaria

From series “Remains of the First Ancient Cities”

Year: 6 millenium B.C..

The charming Bulgarian city of Plovdiv is officially recognized as the oldest city in modern Europe today. The earliest organized settlements were formed on the territory of the city in the 6th Millennium BC. The ancient city reached its heyday during the rule of the Thracians. It was called Eumolpiada at the time. The reign of Philip II of Macedon was the next bright turn in the history of the city. His army captured the city in 342 BC. It was renamed Philippopolis after that.

The Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans influenced the city's culture later. This leads to a rich historical and cultural heritage More than 200 objects located on the territory of the historical city are under UNESCO protection today. There are many buildings of ancient times among them. Guests of Plovdiv will have the opportunity to see the ruins of the ancient stadium and the city forum, as well as the theater and ancient baths.

Ruins of residential and public buildings are also preserved in the historic district as well. It was possible to almost completely restore the ancient theater in recent years. About 3,000 spectators can be accommodated in it today. The theater is regularly used for various festivals and cultural events. Fragments of the old fortress wall are also preserved in Plovdiv. It was built by the Thracians. Guests of the city will be able to see historic buildings of various eras. Many medieval buildings have survived. Mosques are also preserved here. They were built in the early 15th century. The historic district has autonomous status today. It is a huge open-air museum.

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Plovdiv - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'ATM BANK UNICREDIT BULBANK' located in 1.76 km (

check the route on the map).

Car rental office: 'Best Rent Ltd.' is located in 4.15 km (

on the map).

Fuel station: 'Petrol 5155' in 0.62 km

Supermarket: 'METRO' in 1.8 km

Parking: 'Landmark Creek Parking' in 2.28 km

Apotheek: 'Аптека 36.6 Прослав' in 2.52 km

Police station: '2nd Police Precinct, Plovdiv' in 4.94 km

Cafe/restaurant: 'Gyuner' in 2.04 km

Railway station: 'Central Railway Station Plovdiv' in 5.51 km

Nearest airports:
» Plovdiv Airport PDV - in 15 km

» Stara Zagora Airport SZR - in 84 km

» Vrazhdebna Airport SOF - in 120 km

» Megas Alexandros Airport KVA - in 136 km

» Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport GOZ - in 140 km

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Cities nearby

» Guide to Plovdiv

» Cuisine & restaurants

» Traditions & mentality

» Culture & art

» Attractions & nightlife

» Hotels in Plovdiv

» Guest houses

» Bed & Breakfast

» Apartments

» Hostels

» Car rent in Plovdiv

» SUVs

» Guide to Bansko

» Culture & art

» Attractions & nightlife

» Hotels in Bansko

» Guest houses

» Bed & Breakfast

» Apartments

» Hostels

» Car rent in Bansko

» Guide to Sofia

» Cuisine & restaurants

» Traditions & mentality

» Apartments

» Hostels

» Car rent in Sofia

» SUVs

Best hotels near Plovdiv

Plaza Hotel

Located in 3 km from Plovdiv
Route on the map:

Rooms: 20

All modern rooms are equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and a minibar. Each unit comprise a balcony, as well as a private bathroom provided with a … More: photo, rates and booking

Hotel Bordo

Located in 4 km from Plovdiv
Route on the map:

Rooms: 20

All rooms are equipped with flat-screen cable TV and a work desk. Bordo also features a restaurant with 3 separate halls. Bulgarian and international … More: photo, rates and booking

Ulpia House

Located in 5 km from Plovdiv
Route on the map:

Rooms: 7

The rooms of Ulpia House have wooden floors. Bathroom facilities are shared in the corridor. There is a shared, fully equipped kitchenette with a … More: photo, rates and booking

Plovdiv Apartments for Rent

Located in 6 km from Plovdiv
Route on the map:

Rooms: 2

Each apartment features air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The living area comes with a seating area with a sofa. A … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

6 km - Plovdiv

From the series 'The Oldest Inhabited Cities on the Planet'

Plovdiv is the oldest city in Bulgaria and one of oldest cities in the world that never ceases to attract with its cultural and historical charm. According to scientists, it was founded in 4000 BC, so the city is over 6,000 years old. Currently, the city is home to …

68 km - Skull Rhodope

From the series 'Most Curious Artifacts of Extraterrestrial Origin'

In 2001 the skull of the unknown being was discovered in Ostrhodopenes. The story of the discovery of this artifact is interwoven with the mystical legends. The skull was found by Roman Gentschev, the inhabitant of Plovdiv. The realistic dreams forced the 38 year old …

122 km - Devetashka Cave

From the series 'Fantastic and Colorful Caves Inside the Earth'

In Bulgaria, an outstanding natural attraction is Devetashka Cave, located on the Osam River. It was discovered by a group of researchers in 1921 and is the largest cave in the country. The length of underground passages is 1500 meters. The main feature of the cave are …

125 km - Temple-Monument of Alexander Nevsky

From the series 'The Most Astonishing Orthodox Churches'

Temple-Monument of Alexander Nevsky is one of the main sightseeing places in Sofia. The cathedral has appeared there only in 1912. The creator of this tremendous temple is a Russian architect Alexander Pomerantsev. This Orthodox Church is one of the largest in the …

127 km - Veliko Tarnovo

From the series 'Amazing Cities on the Rocks'

The beautiful town of Veliko Tarnovo is located on a mountainside in Bulgaria. It was founded in the 5th century. The town, located in the valley of the Yantra River, was the capital of the state in ancient times. It attracts travelers with its outstanding …

173 km - Giola Lagoon

From the series 'Most Scary Swiiming Pools'

An amazing natural pool is located on the island of Thassos in Greece. It was named Giola Lagoon. You can see this unusual lagoon in the immediate vicinity of the village of Astris. The path to this natural attraction is not easy. It passes through a rather difficult …

Top destination around Plovdiv - Plovdiv

If you love the enjoyment of taste, it is worth going on a gastronomic adventure called Wine Diversion. You can also learn a lot about the culture of winemaking in the country and in the city in particular during a tour of Plovdiv. Of course, you can taste the local wines. They're great, especially semi-sweet. In addition to wine, local cheeses and some very tasty delicacies from Bulgaria will be offered to you. The tour is held in English.

If you want to get acquainted not only with the city but also with its surroundings, you can book a tour. Plovdiv Trips Agency, for example, conducts such excursions. Tour options are different. It can be a walk in a couple of hours on the old city streets. During this walk you will be able to learn a lot about the history of Plovdiv, and about the famous people who lived here. Or it may be hiking for a few days on the roads surrounding the settlement. It is possible to find a route with a large difference in altitude and extreme crossings. You will also be able to walk along relatively smooth and simple trails, stopping in local villages for tasting national desserts.
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