Plovdiv is the second of
the biggest towns in Bulgaria, following Sofia, and is 130 km. far from
it. All the symbols of Bulgarian spirit are focused in the town of Pioudiv.
Here, one can find remnants of Thracian, Greek and Romanian civilizations.
During
the Roman yoke, the town was called "the most beautiful town in
the Thracian region". An evidence of these ages is the marble
amphitheatre.
It has 3000 places and is built during the second century on hillocks.
Even today the ancient theatre is the biggest and the most original
scene for classic and modern spectacles and concerts, performing during
the art festivals and "The Verdi Evenings". The Bulgarians
from the Revival period left the most vivid traces in Plovdiv, as the
town was a center of the cultural elite of Bulgarian society till the
middle of the former century. The architecture of the old town, its
atmosphere, preserved even today, the numerous magnificently decorated
churches, the town folklore, and all relics hidden behind the stone
walls are symbol of the power of the Bulgarian genius.
The rich cultural and historic
heritage coexists in harmony with the contemporary culture of Plovdiv.
A walk around the Three Hills is like travelling in time - from the
Old Age until modern times. At the archaeological complex "Nebet
Tepe" remains of a prehistoric settlement lie next to ruins of
Roman and Hellenic fortresses. Best preserved is Hissar Kapiya, the
gateway of the fortress, which was built during the reign of the Roman
emperors Trajanus and Marcus Aurelius.
The Ancient Theatre, the
most impressive edifice of Roman time, was excavated during reinforcement
works at the southern fortress wall. It offered almost 7 000 seats once.
Nowadays it is used for staging opera and theatre festivals, concerts,
municipal celebrations, etc.
The present-day downtown
section of Plovdiv lies on the ruins of an enormous Roman Stadium, which
had a length of 180 m and was intended for 30 000 spectators. The contests
held here were similar to the Greek Olympic Games and dated back to
the rule of Emperor Septimus Severus (193 - 211 AD).
An Ancient Forum was found
next to today's Trimontium Hotel. Clearly visible here is the difference
in the building structure of the Thracian agora made of sandstone and
the Roman marble ruins.
Magnificent Roman colour
mosaics are also found in Plovdiv.
A
large medieval water tank, dated back to the period of the Second Bulgarian
Kingdom, can be seen at Nebet Tepe. Marble friezes, pottery and other
relics provide evidence of the Bulgarian influence in the city during
the Middle Ages.
Djumaya Mosque and Imaret
Mosque rank among the major architectural monuments from the period
of the Ottoman Empire.
The oldest churches in
Plovdiv are "St. Constantine and Elena", "St. Marina",
"St. Petka", "St. Nedelia", "The Holy Virgin".
All of them are architectural monuments of great value possessing precious
iconostases, icons, frescoes, books, etc.
The beautiful houses in
Old Plovdiv are dated back to the period of the Bulgarian National Revival.
Many of them have been proclaimed for cultural monuments revealing the
genius of the Bulgarian builders.
All sightseeing tours include
the architectural and historical reserve Old Plovdiv. The millennial
history of Plovdiv is reflected here with all its cultural diversity.
The Three Hills, on which Old Plovdiv was built, are named Nebet Tepe,
Djambaz Tepe and Taxim Tepe.
Another hill, Sahat Tepe,
is situated south-westwards of the Three Hills and is famous for its
clock tower. The fifth hill is called Bounardjik and a huge statue of
Heracles was raising at its top once. The highest hill in Plovdiv (283
m) is called Djendem Tepe. In ancient times, a sanctuary of Apollo was
located there and later a temple dedicated to Apollo was erected. The
lowest of all hills - Markovo Tepe, is almost razed to the ground.
A favourite recreation
spot for Plovdiv citizens is the City Garden designed by the court gardener
of Napoleon III.
The Rowing Canal, a modern
complex, where national and international sporting events and contests
take place, is a preferred place for sports activities and strolls in
the open air.
