PLOVDIV

Plovdiv is ancient and eternal city. It features unique location for a city, which has found the Thracians. The city is center of multiple cultures and commerce.

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria, located 145 km from Sofia, 253 km from Burgas, 358 km from Varna, 90 km from Pamporovo ski resort, 420 km from Istanbul, 418 km from Thessaloniki, 225 km away from Alexandroupolis 538 km from Belgrade, 390 km from Bucharest.

Plovdiv spreads over an area of 53 sq. km in the fertile Thracian plain at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains. The town is situated among 7 hills on the banks of the full-flowing Maritsa river, which runs through the city center.

Being the capital of the Thracian valley, the atmosphere of the city is calm and serene as a result of public morality, beauty, ancient monuments and natural sites.

The city is dotted with parks and gardens. The largest sports center on the Balkans is located in Plovdiv. It includes a rowing canal, the stadium, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts.

Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities not only in Bulgaria but also in Europe. In Roman time the city was known under the names Trimontium, Ulpia, Flavia and Julia, the Slavs adopted the Thracian name Pulpudeva but modified it to Puldin from where the present name Plovdiv came.

The favourable climate and geographical location contributed to the development of the city throughout all historical ages.

The period of National Revival was the time of spiritual awakening. The Bulgarian middle-class grew in number, became economically stronger and began playing a key role in society. In the course of their trade relations with European countries and Russia, the people from this part of society, who were open to modern political and cultural influences, realized the enormous importance of education and science. In the first half of the 19th century, Plovdiv became a major economic centre in the European part of Turkey.

Plovdiv offers a variety of accommodation options - from luxury hotels to hostels. The main street of the city offers excellent opportunities for entertainment and shopping. There are many restaurants and bars in the city.

The city has more than 200 archaeological sites. There are many remains from antiquity, such as medieval walls and towers, 2 ancient theatres, Ottoman baths and mosques, etc.

Plovidiv is famous for its well-preserved old part of the town from the National Revival period with beautiful houses, churches and narrow paved streets.

There are numerous museums, art galleries, cultural institutions, musical, theatrical and film events in Plovdiv.

The city is a starting point for trips to Bachkovo Monastery, Pamporovo ski resort, Hisarya spa resort and many other places in the Rhodope mountain.