Plovdiv is an ancient city of contrasts. Sightseeing in Plovdiv - things to see

Different peoples and civilizations left their traces on the territory of Plovdiv: fortifications of the Thracian period, medieval wooden houses, ruins of Ottoman mosques and an ancient Roman amphitheater. Today, the ancient theater with 3,000 seats has been restored, and various performances and festivals are organized in it. The ancient center of the city is surrounded by the remains of a stone Thracian fortress. Narrow medieval streets and buildings of the 15th-19th centuries, decorated with wood carvings and decorative paintings, are hidden behind the fortress walls. The main pedestrian street (of Prince Alexander I) is an ensemble of buildings from the 19th century. And the monuments of the Ottoman Empire are emphasized by the mosques "Imaret" and "Dzhumaya" (1444-1445), as well as one of the oldest clock towers in Europe. The historical values ​​found during the excavations can be viewed in the local ethnographic museum, where the Panagyursky treasure is stored - these are golden vessels for wine weighing more than 6 kilograms. Bulgarians are proud of their city and its ancient history, which focused on the three hills of the city of Plovdiv.

Opinions about the sights of Plovdiv

They write that: Plovdiv is the capital of modern Bulgarian art: numerous art galleries located here compete with each other in the quality of their exhibitions. In addition, the city has archaeological, natural science and ethnographic museums. There are a number of theatres. The old town of Plovdiv is a showcase of its turbulent past: here you can see the fortifications of the Thracian period next to medieval wooden houses, the ruins of Ottoman mosques not far from the fair quarters of artists. A special place in the city is occupied by the ancient Roman amphitheater with its majestic marble statues, decorative columns and arcades.

They write that: in the city of Plovdiv there are a lot of all sorts of antiquities, and it is she who serves as a lure for tourists. Everything interesting can be seen without resorting to the services of public and private transport, although you will have to stock up on strength, since the walk will be all long.

They write that: The old part of the city has more than 150 tourist exhibits. Tours to Plovdiv include visits to places such as Kuyumdzhiugluviy Dom, where the Museum of Ethnography is located with a huge collection of Bulgarian national costumes. The old house of Nedkovich became the administrative building of the municipality, the house of Lamartin - the House of Writers. Even business trips to Plovdiv include a fascinating tour of the ancient Christian churches in the neighborhood of mosques, as well as numerous archaeological sites, from Neolithic settlements to ancient buildings of the ancient Romans, from the time of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. By the way, performances are still held in the ancient theater. At the same time, the city has a modern opera, a drama theater, a puppet theater, and an art gallery. Tours to Plovdiv are a visit to the famous mosques Dzhumaya, Imaret, one of the oldest clock towers in Europe, as well as the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena with icons painted by Zacharias Zograf himself, the great master of Christian painting. The Panagyursky Treasure is kept in the city archaeological museum - golden vessels for wine weighing more than 6 kilograms. Near the southern outskirts of Plovdiv are the churches of St. Nedelya, St. Dimitar and St. Marina. In the Bochkovsky Monastery not far from the city, guests admire frescoes, ancient icons, books and church utensils.

They write that: Plovdiv is one of the most beautiful cities Balkans, for the picturesqueness of the historical center, it is called the city of artists. More than 200 buildings have been declared historical monuments and taken under protection. From ancient times, the remains of the city forum, stadium, theater, basilica, thermal baths, public and residential buildings have been preserved in Plovdiv. Now the ancient theater with 3,000 seats has been restored, and various performances and festivals are again organized in it. The ancient center of the city is surrounded by the remains of a stone Thracian fortress. Within the fortress walls there are narrow medieval streets and civil buildings of the 15th-19th centuries, attracting attention with wood carvings and decorative paintings. The main pedestrian street (Prince Alexander I) is built up with buildings of the 19th century. The mosques "Imaret" and "Jumaya" (1444-1445), as well as one of the oldest clock towers in Europe, have survived from the time of Turkish rule. The churches of St. Nedelya, St. Dimitar (both 1831) and St. Marina (1853-1854) belong to the Bulgarian Revival era. Among the more modern buildings of the city, it is worth highlighting the ensemble of the International Fair (1948-1949). In Russia, the monument to the Soviet soldier, known as "Alyosha" (installed in 1954), towering over one of the hills of Plovdiv - Bunardzhik, is widely known. The city has a significant number art galleries, archaeological, natural science and ethnographic museums. There are a number of theatres.

They write that: the first place in the sights of Plovdiv is architectural reserve "Old Plovdiv", attracting visitors from all over the world. It covers the area of ​​three hills - the place where the city was founded. Almost all the most interesting things from the past of Plovdiv are located here: religious, residential and public buildings, archaeological sites, narrow stone-paved streets. Church of St. Mother of God of 1844 (Sybornaya St., 6, tel. 032 223265, open every day from 7.30 to 19.00). Church of St. Constantine and Helena, 1832. Church of St. Marina in 1856 with an interesting woodcarved iconostasis. Ancient (Roman) amphitheater - at the southern entrance to the fortress, above the road tunnel. The marble amphitheater, built in the 2nd century by Emperor Marcus Aurelius, is the best preserved monument of those times on Bulgarian soil. Often there are performances of different performances. Archaeological complex "Nebet tepe" - the remains of a Thracian settlement in the northern part of the three hills. The fortress walls of Philippopolis can be seen in the central part of Old Plovdiv. Hisar Kapiya (eastern gate of the fortress, built over 2000 years ago). The Yellow School of 1868 (Todor Samodumov Street, this is the first building built as a school in Plovdiv). House and maaza (cellar) of Hadji Dragan Kaloferets - 1848-1854 (32 P. R. Slaveykov St., now a branch of the National Institute of Cultural Monuments). House of Andrey Georgiadi (Khadzhikalchov house built in 1831, Metropolitan Paisia ​​st., now the creative base of the Union of Scientific Workers. House of Argir Kuyumdzhi-oglu, built in 1847 by the architect Hadji Georgiy, currently the Ethnographic Museum (Doctor Chomakov st., 2, open from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00). 00 hours, days off Monday and Friday until noon). Artin Gidikov’s house from 1848, now the residence of the 9th City Hall. Birdas’s house from 1856, now the reception room of the mayor of the city of Plovdiv (45 Sibornoy str.) The French poet Lamartin, now the creative base of the Union of Bulgarian Writers (Knyaz Tsereteli St., 19), lived in 1833. The house of Dimitar Georgiadi (1848), now the Museum of the Epoch of the Bulgarian National Revival (Tsanko Lavrenova St., 11, is open from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00, Sunday is a day off. Doctor St. .Chomakova (1860), now an art gallery - an exposition of paintings by Zlatya Boyadzhiev (st. Sybornoy, 18,). The house of Nikola Nedkovich of 1863 (Tsanko Lavrenov str., 3), now the Museum of urban life of the era of the Bulgarian National Revival - small romantic palace on the Three Hills, decorated with friezes and murals, wood carvings, columns and bay windows. Balabanov's house (the house of Hadji Lamish, now also the Museum of Life of the Bulgarian National Revival). Rhetor's house of the mid-19th century, now a hotel and restaurant (Todor Samodumov St., 8). House Chr. G. Danova II half of XIX century, currently the Tourist House (P. R. Slaveykov St., 5,). And this is just a small part of the objects in Old Plovdiv. Archaeological Museum(pl. Connections, 1,) with the most valuable exhibit - the Panagyursky golden treasure, which is an artistically made vessels for wine with a total weight of 6.169 kg. gold. Historical Museum - exposition "New History" (St. Angel Bukureshtliev, 14,). Historical Museum - exposition "Connection" (sq. Connections, 1, open from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 15.00 hours, days off - Saturday and Sunday). Natural Science Museum (St. Hristo G. Danova, 34,). Art Gallery - temporary exhibition (Knyaz Alexander-I street, 15,). Art gallery - a collection of icons (Sybornoy street, 22,). Art Gallery - permanent exhibition (Sybornoy str., 14 A,). Roman Stadium (located in the pedestrian zone on Prince Alexander I Street near Sahata Tepe). It was built in the II century on the model of the stadium in Delphi, Greece. Marble seats gathered 30,000 spectators of games and gladiator battles. Roman Forum (located in the central square of the city, opposite the central post office). In the center of the once main city of the Roman province of Thrace, stone-paved streets, foundations of administrative and utility buildings, and marble columns are revealed. Theaters - Drama Theater (Knyaz Alexander I St., 36), Opera (Gladstone St., 1, ticket price - 3 US dollars), Puppet Theater (Hristo G. Danova Blvd., 14), Plovdiv Philharmonic Society ( central square, 1).

The best hotels in Bulgaria according to tourists' reviews!

The Booking.com website has already made a selection of the best hotels in Bulgaria in terms of price / quality and reviews of tourists. Choose an inexpensive hotel

Cheap tours to Bulgaria!

New search engine for tours to Bulgaria. Find your cheap tour!

One of the oldest mosques in Bulgaria, built during the reign of the Ottoman yoke in Bulgaria in 1364. Mosques in Bulgaria at that time were built large and massive, in order to surpass in size and significance all the existing Orthodox churches in Bulgaria in Plovdiv.

Sights of Plovdiv

Plovdiv is a marvelous city on the banks of the Maritsa River at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains. Plovdiv is called the most beautiful city Bulgaria. More than 200 buildings in the city center have been declared architectural monuments.

The city grew up on the hills: houses built on the slopes hang over the river. The charm of the urban landscape is baroque mansions, decorated with carvings and woodwork and paintings.

The central part of the city is the main sightseeing in Plovdiv. Cobbled medieval streets, original architecture, flower beds, fruit trees, cozy restaurants, artisan shops. The most brilliant examples of the Plovdiv baroque are: Kuyumdzhiuglu house, which today houses the Ethnographic Museum, Lamartin's house, Nedkovich's house - now the municipality building.

The city has preserved the oldest mosque in the Balkans - the Dzhumaya mosque of the 14th century, built under Sultan Murad I. The mosque impresses with its size and elegantly painted minaret. The 15th century Imaret Mosque also reminds of the Islamic presence.

religious attractions in Plovdiv worth paying attention to Special attention- church Holy Mother of God 16th century, 19th century St. Nedelya Church and 19th century St. Dimitar Church and 19th century St. Marina Church. In the last two churches, you can see icons and iconostases by the master Zechariah Zograf.

Plovdiv is famous not only for its cultural heritage- it is the oldest European city, which is older than both Athens and Rome. The Bulgarian city has countless historical riches. Archaeological sights of Plovdiv - excavations of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, the Roman Forum, baths, acropolises, the remains of the Thracian fortress walls, the Nebet Tepe complex - a place where a flourishing Thracian settlement was once located. In the arena of the ancient theater of the 2nd century AD. (probably built by Marcus Aurelius) even today there are concerts and performances.

Plovdiv has art galleries with collections of works by local artists. The exposition of the Ethnographic Museum presents national clothes, household items, arts and crafts. Also interesting are the collections of the Archaeological Museum and the Center recent history. The Center for Contemporary History regularly hosts exhibitions of painting, sculpture and exhibitions dedicated to the culture, art and life of different countries.

At the top of Bunardzhik hill there is a monument to the Soviet soldier - "Alyosha". It was installed in 1951 as a symbol of friendship between the Bulgarian and Russian peoples.

Lushaya Observation deck is located on the hill of Sahat-Tepe (Dan's hill), which is in the heart of the old city. From the Ottoman clock tower, you can enjoy views of the city and the river.

Unforgettable vacation on the warm sea with beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, hospitable people and a sea of ​​exciting impressions from visited excursions - all this is Bulgaria.

Plovdiv

On the Maritsa River, which is 150 kilometers from Sofia, is the oldest city in Europe - Plovdiv. It is believed that it is older than Athens and Rome, since its history goes back about 6000 years.

The city changed its name several times. During the settlement of the city by the Thracians, in the first millennium BC, it was called Eumolpiada. After the city was conquered by the king of Macedonia in 342 BC. e., was called Philippopolis. During the reign of the Roman Empire, the city reached its peak, while changing its name to Trimontius, which means "city on three hills."

Then there was Pyldin, when the Slavs came to these places and the city became part of the First Captured by the Ottomans in 1364, the city changes its name again and becomes Filibe.

In the 15th century, the first mention of the city with the name Plovdiv appears. When Bulgaria was liberated from the Turks in 1885 with the help of Russian troops, Plovdiv became part of it.

Walking tour of the city

Great pleasure can be obtained from walking along this amazing city. Most of the narrow streets are closed to traffic. Plovdiv is a city that harmoniously combines modernity and unique architectural monuments of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Here in beautiful historical buildings, there are cozy cafes and restaurants, many souvenir and antique shops.

Old Plovdiv, being historical center, by far, is the richest in attractions. More than one day, full of excursion programs, will have to be spent to see all the objects. Here you can see medieval wooden buildings, and the ruins of stone Ottoman mosques, and Thracian fortifications, and the ancient gates of Hissar Kapiy, and the ruins of the Roman Forum.

Roman heritage

Despite the fact that it has sunk into oblivion many centuries ago, evidence of its former greatness is found throughout Europe today. Bulgaria was no exception. Plovdiv, thanks to a wonderful combination of circumstances, presented the world with a unique antique building - the Roman amphitheater.

The grand structure, designed for 3,000 spectators, built over 2,000 years ago by order, was discovered by accident. This happened in 1972 during a landslide that covered Old Plovdiv. After a complete restoration, the Amphitheater became available for visiting. In the Amphitheater, decorated with arcades and statues, today, as before, concerts and performances are held.

In the very center of Plovdiv, surrounded by architectural monuments different eras, is the Roman stadium. The period of its construction falls on the second century AD.

Religious sites

I would especially like to mention the Church of Saints Helena and Constantine. The first church on this site appeared in 337, at the site of the execution of the martyrs Severian and Memnos, who professed the Christian faith. It was named after Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother. In this church, despite multiple destructions, priceless artifacts have been preserved. Today you can see ancient icons, frescoes and extraordinary beauty handmade finishing.

Mosques have been preserved in Plovdiv since the Ottoman rule. The largest and most interesting is the Jumaya mosque. This mosque built in the middle has one distinctive feature. Unlike others, its vault is crowned with nine small domes.

When visiting the Church of the Holy Resurrection, built in 1578, special attention should be paid to the iconostasis of the 18th century. For the first time in the history of the Bulgarian Renaissance, it depicted secular subjects along with spiritual ones.

Museums

It is impossible to add up a complete picture of the city without visiting museums and exhibitions. The most visited is the Historical Museum of Plovdiv. It exhibits priceless exhibits:

• historical documents;
• archaeological finds;
• works of art.

The collection includes more than 60 thousand exhibits.

The no less interesting Archaeological Museum presents more than 100 thousand exhibits. Walking through the picturesque park area, you can also see the numerous monuments of Plovdiv.

Located in the old house of Dimitra Georgiadi, the exhibition of the Bulgarian Renaissance will help to learn a lot interesting facts about the life of the city from the 14th to the 19th centuries.

Art connoisseurs will appreciate the State Gallery visual arts. It is located in a building of the 19th century, which in itself is of great archaeological value. The gallery presents the works of the most famous Bulgarian painters, as well as various thematic exhibitions and events.

Best Restaurants

The traditional one is based on dairy products and meat, which is due to a long tradition of cattle breeding. Rich meat soups, soups based on fermented milk, spicy sausages and sausages, dried ham - all this can be tasted in almost any restaurant in Plovdiv.

The Nineteenth Century tavern specializes in traditional Bulgarian cuisine. The tavern is decorated like an old Bulgarian house with guns and photographs on the walls. The signature dish of this institution is manastirski keremida (a mixture of mushrooms, intestines and tongue baked under cheese).

For lovers of Russian cuisine, it will be interesting to visit the Peter the Great restaurant. Everything here is decorated with Russian flavor.

For several years in a row, Puldin has been considered the best restaurant in Plovdiv. It exclusively serves delicacies such as foie gras or rabbit with plums.

Where to stay

There are really many hotels in Plovdiv, which allows you to choose a place to stay for every taste and budget. One of the most stylish is Novotel Plovdiv. The modern hotel offers rooms equipped with appliances and decorated in different color shades. The hotel also has a huge indoor pool, children's playground, meeting rooms and restaurants.

The most refined is the hotel-restaurant Hebros Hotel, which is located in the very center of Plovdiv. It occupies an old Renaissance building built over 200 years ago. Luxurious wood interiors, antique furniture, artwork, own wine Vault and a restaurant of national cuisine will not leave anyone indifferent.

The Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium hotel is convenient for its location. It is in close proximity to the Roman Amphitheater and other attractions of Plovdiv. Spacious rooms in the style of national comfort (with antique furniture), as well as a restaurant of national cuisine and a courtyard with a swimming pool - everything you need after a busy sightseeing day.

The mild climate, picturesque landscapes, unique historical sights make Bulgaria a popular holiday destination. Best time for travel from May to September. The weather in Plovdiv, as well as in the whole southern part of Bulgaria, at this time favors a good pastime.

Average temperature in summer period is 25 degrees, the amount of precipitation is negligible. In addition, today Bulgaria is becoming more and more popular for acquiring real estate, which many stars of Russian show business have already managed to take advantage of.

If the question is where to go on vacation, the answer is unequivocal - Bulgaria, Plovdiv. Sea of ​​positive emotions and unforgettable experience you will be provided.

Plovdiv is a non-resort city in Bulgaria. And, probably, therefore, not the most popular among tourists. And in vain. Because Plovdiv is very Old city and there are enough buildings asking for the lens. It is also the second largest city in Bulgaria (after Sofia). Plovdiv has many wide streets, branded shops and expensive restaurants. But it is much calmer here than in Sofia. For some time, our geocaching friends have been seriously considering Plovdiv as a city where it would be nice to live in retirement. I didn’t fall in love with Plovdiv so much, but I won’t deny that there is something to see in Plovdiv.

The sights of Plovdiv are briefly and succinctly described on Wikipedia. So capacious that it looks like excessive modesty:

"Plovdiv is a big Cultural Center, there are an archaeological museum (since 1882), a natural science museum (since 1951), a historical museum (since 1951), a museum of the Bulgarian national liberation movement (since 1956), an ethnographic museum and several art galleries. There are several theaters

There is no sea in Plovdiv, but there are mountains on the horizon and several hills in the city itself. Plovdiv is also a sister city of St. Petersburg. You can walk here, you can also look into museums. But is it worth spending more than two days on Plovdiv?.. We'll figure it out.

Where to go and what to see in Plovdiv?

I'll be a little more verbose than Wikipedia. It is strange that this mega-popular resource did not mention the main attraction of Plovdiv - the hill on which the world-famous Alyosha stands. Everyone knows about the monument, but not everyone knows that Alyosha has a real prototype.

Soldier Alexei Skurlatov went through the entire war on the front line, fought near Rzhev, near the village of Kryukovo, on the Kursk Bulge. His mother received funerals twice. But Alyosha survived, and met the victory in Plovdiv. And when the Bulgarian government decided to erect monuments to Soviet soldiers-liberators, his Bulgarian friend offered the sculptors a photograph of Alexei Skurlatov. And then, at the opening of the monument, he wrote on the pedestal: "Alyosha." I talked about this story in detail in LiveJournal (I advise you to read it).

So the monument to Alyosha in Plovdiv is the main attraction of the city. You need to climb the hill on foot, and in the heat I do not recommend doing this - we almost died while climbing to the top in the forty-degree heat. On it, in addition to the monument to Alyosha, there is a stele in honor of the victories of Alexander II and Christmas trees planted by Soviet cosmonauts. And a view of the city.

The second hill in Bulgaria is a little less interesting, but old Plovdiv is visible from it.

In addition to the hills, I advise you to walk along Old Plovdiv. In fact, it is worth walking along it. Since modern buildings are faceless five-story buildings with a touch of sovietness. There are museums, temples and mosques in Old Plovdiv. And even the Roman ancient theater.

Exploring theater from the inside costs money. But for those who want to save some advice - do not rush to buy a ticket. Outside, through the fence, everything is perfectly visible. Many people call this ancient landmark of Plovdiv an amphitheater, but this is a mistake. The amphitheater has the shape of a circle, and what you can see now in Plovdiv is semi-circular.

The excavations of the ancient theater in Plovdiv were found in 1968, mothballed and used for concerts.

Interesting fact. In ancient times, the places of honorary citizens of Plovdiv in the theater were signed - that is, specific places were assigned to specific citizens. Important citizens included the emperor, friends of the emperor, and ministers.

Dzhumaya Mosque (Zhelezarka St., 2). The main Muslim temple in Plovdiv. It is considered one of the largest and oldest Muslim buildings in the Balkans:

Near the mosque is the temple of the Assumption of the Virgin:

And this is the temple of the Great Martyr Marina:

Unusual, and architecturally out of all the churches that we had a chance to see in Plovdiv.

The oldest church in Plovdiv is the church of St. Constantine and Helena (24, Sborna street). It was built back in the 4th century on the site of the execution of Christian martyrs in honor of Emperor Constantine and his mother Helen. The church was repeatedly destroyed and what can be seen now is the result of the work of restorers in 1832. But we didn’t see that either, because we didn’t make it because of the heat. But you can google the photo if you want.

A typical photo for the outskirts of Plovdiv:

Main museums in Plovdiv:

Archaeological Museum(address: Syedinenie st., 1). The museum is old, founded in 1882. coins, documents, icons, paintings and household items, a rich Roman collection. The museum covers all historical periods of the country's development - from prehistoric to Bulgarian.

natural science museum(address: Christo G. Danov st., 34). Most major museum in the city representing the flora and fauna of Bulgaria. Plants, birds, marine and freshwater fish... And several dozen aquariums. Next to the museum is the Dondukova Gradina park.

Ethnographical museum(St. Doctor St. Chomakov, 2). The museum was built on the old fortress wall and from the side of the facade the building is two-story, and from the back - four-story. Basically, the museum presents expositions of the 18-19th centuries - jewelry, clothing, musical instruments, wine making and metal processing processes.

Address of the tourist office in Plovdiv: Central Square, 1

How to get to Plovdiv?

By train from Sofia. The train is coming about three hours and costs 11 leva. On railway site of Bulgaria You can view the schedule and buy tickets.

By car or bus. Buses to Plovdiv run from both Sofia and Burgas (tickets cost an average of 14 leva and do not require purchase in advance). Plovdiv can be reached by car from anywhere in the world. You will drive along the A1 highway (the distance in kilometers is a little lower).

By plane. Plovdiv has international Airport(you can see which months and from which cities it is more convenient to fly):

Plovdiv Hotels

Housing in Plovdiv is not too expensive. For example, a guest house SimplyComfy in the heart of the city, with free parking in mid-April will cost 18 euros per room. Hotel Hotel Ostrova with the same rating and conditions - 43 euros. The average cost of hotels with reviews above 8 starts from 35 euros, hostels and guesthouses - from 19 euros. Almost all prospective overnight stays through booking are booked with free cancellation, and more than half of the hotels include breakfast in the price.

And yet ... I would love to walk around Plovdiv. I don't mind coming back for a day or two. But spending a week here is unlikely. I would get bored.

It is the city Plovdiv - Bulgaria real pride, although it is neither the largest in area, nor the most densely populated, yielding the palm. But the title of the oldest city not only in the country, but in the entire region, which Plovdiv received thanks to the efforts of archaeologists and historians, attracts millions of tourists here.

City of Plovdiv, Bulgaria

We have already briefly considered interesting ones. But not only with architectural monuments and the beauty of the old city ​​of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, conquers all who visit it. The city certainly has a special spirit, not only creative, but also independent, unlike other places. Maybe this feature is inherent in all the number 2 cities in every country, they seem to challenge the advantages of the capital.

The first and most important characteristic: . If you only imagine the antiquity of this settlement, then think, because it is the same age as the legendary Troy, and Athens, Carthage, Rome is younger than the Bulgarian pearl. Archaeological excavations showed that the first human settlements in this territory were no less than 6 thousand years ago. So we can safely say that the land on the seven hills has long attracted people to settle on its slopes.

Along with all the ups and downs complex history his country, changed and Plovdiv. Bulgaria alternately passed under the rule of the Romans, was engaged in Slavic tribes with independent control, was in the zone of influence of Byzantium, and, finally, was conquered for a long time by the troops of the Ottoman Empire, from whose power it was freed only during the Balkan Liberation War. There may not be as many monuments to her here as in, but also ancient city there is something to boast of both in terms of military victories and as one of the most important centers of Bulgarian resistance.

Residents who love their city ​​of Plovdiv, Bulgaria (photo you can see it in today's and previous articles), we are glad that its central, historical part, despite repeated destruction, insufficient funding and other difficulties, has been restored and preserved for the next generations of citizens. Inside a rather small space, about 200 buildings await you, which are architectural monuments, and in the center many cultures and religions of this crossroads of all roads are intricately intertwined.

The comparison with the crossroads is not at all accidental, because if you look, then Plovdiv on the map of Bulgaria is not only located in the very center, but is also the largest transport interchange, one of the largest on the Balkan Peninsula. Here you will find a large number of all kinds of transport to anywhere in the country and abroad, and if you rent a car, you can easily “reach out” to ski Pamporovo and to.

The city operates Plovdiv airport. Bulgaria does not have such big amount flights to this point, so tourists who want to visit the old center of the Balkans can either use Sofia Airport, or even get to Istanbul, and from there come by comfortable transport.

Even flights to Plovdiv, Bulgaria may be slightly more expensive than tickets to Sofia, you can save travel time (which is about 3 hours by car, albeit on a flat road), but also get significant savings when staying in local hotels compared to the main European tourist destinations. Due to the fact that they pay great attention to tourists here, build new hotels, budget and high-quality hostels, restaurants and cafes for any budget, every year many tourists not only come here for a couple of days, but also choose this place as a base point for exploring the whole country.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria: attractions

But don't rush to go beyond Plovdiv. Bulgaria attractions, some of the brightest and certainly the most unique are located here. Moreover, such can be religious buildings, and ancient ruins, and luxurious buildings, and even a monument of the Soviet era. But everything must be discussed in order.

Several blocks make up a whole architectural complex"Old Plovdiv", which in itself is an analogue of the museum under open sky. Cars do not drive here, because the entire center is exclusively a pedestrian zone, so nothing will distract your attention from contemplating the local beauties, which are at arm's length from each other.

The place from which almost all excursions begin and which can be seen on the vast majority of Plovdiv magnets is a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater, which, according to the chronicles, was built by Emperor Trajan. After the destruction and natural damage that occurred during the hostilities, the facility was not in the best condition, but by now it has been completely restored and not only numerous excursions are led to it, but concerts of modern bands and performers are held, as in a real stadium. Every little resident can see with his own eyes how the history of his native city began.

Another period in the life of the whole country can be remembered looking at the magnificent Jumaya mosque. This is the main prayer building to this day, and it was built shortly after the conquest, already in 1363-1364 on the site of the old cathedral. After about 60 years, this building was destroyed and restored in the same form that you can see with your own eyes if you buy one of tours in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The temple amazes all tourists with its scale, which for the Middle Ages seems generally unbelievable. Nine domes, which are completely covered with lead, are crowned with walls of double brick and hewn stone. And a huge minaret rushes into the sky, which can be seen from all points of the city. The minaret is decorated with red brick patterns, and fits perfectly into the ensemble of ornate surrounding buildings. If you want to visit this architectural monument, then remember that it is a functioning religious institution and you can only go there if you follow a certain dress code. Even if it is very hot outside, women should not wear open clothes that reveal their bodies, and their heads should be covered with a scarf.

And one more place in our review, which is a must-see for all tourists from the former USSR. And it also represents a certain sign of the era in which Bulgaria was for quite a long time. We are talking about a monument to Soviet soldiers, the liberators of Bulgaria, but most people know it as “The same Alyosha”, about whom both songs and poems are composed. It was erected on Bunardzhik hill back in 1954 and is still there, despite repeated initiatives to dismantle it. You can freely climb to it on foot, although this climb is not too easy, especially in the summer heat. But from above you will be rewarded with a panorama of streets, parks and squares stretching on a hill.

City of Plovdiv Bulgaria - photo:

Visit a number of other attractions as well city ​​of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, photo which will adorn the family collection. All of them are mostly located within the old city. In addition to beauty, there are museums, galleries, exhibition halls, where you can learn a lot of new information, as well as have a bite to eat inside the most beautiful restaurants in the central part.

characteristic of the entire continental part, Bulgaria weather, Plovdiv will not be too comfortable for walking in the most summer heat. After all, when you look around, you can more easily endure +30 due to the sea breeze. There are no large reservoirs here that could provide life-giving moisture, but there is an equally interesting place - the Aqualand water park, where you can spend the whole day in the pool, on various slides and attractions.

In addition, if you are traveling with children, you will be interested in visiting the local zoo with a good collection of animals, a large ethnographic museum, a children's railway with bridge, tunnel, escapade.

Hotels in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Hotels in Plovdiv, Bulgaria are diverse and boast a varied number of stars or additional options that they can offer their guests.

Some use as a competitive advantage the location in the very center of the city, where you can fully experience the spirit of antiquity. For example, from the windows of Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium you can admire the ancient amphitheater. Well, gourmets will certainly be pleased with the unique hotel-restaurant Hebros Hotel, which has not only luxurious rooms, but also delicacies for every taste, its own wine cellar with an impressive collection.

When choosing a hotel and poorly orienting in the location of quarters, you should focus not only on specific reviews, but also on the location. Outskirts may not be the most safe places for the residence of foreigners, especially such as Stolipinovo (Plovdiv, Bulgaria)). Despite the large amount of residential real estate, the area is considered gypsy and not very trustworthy, although you can buy a very cheap apartment here by our standards.

The city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria - the life of the population

But not only sights are of interest to many, but also economic, social, cultural aspects the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the life of the population, prices for housing and utilities, the availability of a sufficient number of jobs. This point is perceived by many as the best place to move to a warmer, more fertile climate.

There are a lot of Russians and Russian-speakers in this city, so you will not be afraid of either the language barrier or any cultural or national differences. You can either rent or buy an apartment, compared to prices in trendy resorts, you can afford high-quality and spacious housing for quite modest money. In addition, you can easily find yourself work in Plovdiv. Bulgaria today is on the economic upswing, new production facilities are opening there and many professional prospects are opening up, and for a resident of the city, which is located at the intersection of all Bulgarian roads, nothing is simply impossible.