Bulgaria, Plovdiv: attractions, excursions

Unforgettable vacation on a warm sea with beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, hospitable residents and a sea of exciting experiences from guided tours - all this Bulgaria.

Plovdiv

On the river Maritsa, which is 150 kilometers from Sofia, is the oldest city in Europe - Plovdiv. It is believed that he is older than Athens and Rome, since his history is about 6000 years old.

The city has changed its name many times. During the settlement of the city by the Thracians, in the first millennium BC, it was called the Eumolpion. After the city was conquered by the king of Macedonia in 342 BC. E., Was called Filippopol. During the reign of the Roman Empire, the city reached its highest peak, while changing its name to Trimontius, which means "a city on three hills."

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

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

Walking tour of the city

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

Old Plovdiv, being a historical center, is certainly the richest in sight. A day full of sightseeing programs will have to be held to see all the objects. Here you can see and medieval wooden buildings, and the ruins of stone Ottoman mosques, and serf Thracian buildings, and the ancient gate of Hisar Capia, and the ruins of the Roman Forum.

Roman heritage

Despite the fact that the Roman Empire has sunk into oblivion centuries ago, evidence of its former greatness is found all over Europe today. Bulgaria was not an exception. Plovdiv, thanks to a wonderful coincidence, presented the world with a unique antique building - the Roman Amphitheater.

The grandiose structure, designed for 3000 spectators, built over 2000 years ago by order of the emperor Troyan, was discovered by accident. This happened in 1972 during a landslide, which covered the Old Plovdiv. After a complete restoration, the Amphitheater became available for visits. In the decorated with arcades and statues of Amphitheater today, as before, concerts and performances are held.

In the heart of Plovdiv, surrounded by architectural monuments of various eras, is the Roman Stadium. The period of its construction falls on the second century of our era.

Religious sites

I would especially like to mention the Church of Saints Helen and Constantine. The first church on this site appeared in 337, on the site of the execution of martyrs Severian and Memnos, professing the Christian faith. It was named after the emperor Constantine the Great and his mother. In this church, despite multiple destruction, it was possible to preserve priceless artifacts. Today, you can see old icons, frescoes and unusual beauty handmade finishes.

Since the time of Ottoman rule, mosques have been preserved in Plovdiv. The largest and most interesting is the Jumaia Mosque. This mosque, built in the middle of the 14th century, has one distinctive feature. In contrast to others, its arch is crowned by 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. On it for the first time in the history of the Bulgarian Renaissance, secular plots along with the spiritual were depicted.

Museums

It is impossible to lay down 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 has more than 60 thousand exhibits.

More than 100 thousand exhibits are presented in the no less interesting Archaeological Museum. Walking along the picturesque park zone, you can also see numerous monuments of Plovdiv.

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

Connoisseurs of painting will appreciate the State Gallery of Fine Arts. It is housed in a 19th-century building, which in itself is a great archaeological value. The gallery features works by the most famous Bulgarian painters, as well as various thematic exhibitions and events.

Best Restaurants

The traditional Bulgarian cuisine is based on dairy products and meat, which is due to the long tradition of cattle breeding. Boiled meat soups, soups based on fermented milk, hot sausages and sausages, dried ham - all this can be tried in almost any restaurant in Plovdiv.

The tavern "Nineteenth Century" specializes in traditional Bulgarian cuisine. A tavern was set up for an old Bulgarian house with guns and photos on the walls. The main dish of this institution is manastirski ceremida (baked under a cheese mixture of mushrooms, guts and tongue).

For fans of Russian cuisine it will be interesting to visit the restaurant "Peter the First". Here everything is decorated with Russian color.

For several years, the best restaurant in Plovdiv is Puldin. It serves exclusively delicacies, such as foie gras or rabbit with plums.

Where to stay

In Plovdiv there are really many hotels, which allows you to choose a place of residence for every taste and purse. One of the most stylish is Novotel Plovdiv. The modern hotel offers rooms equipped with appliances and decorated in different colors. There is also a huge indoor pool, a children's playground, conference facilities and restaurants.

The most exquisite is the hotel-restaurant Hebros Hotel, which is located in the heart of Plovdiv. It occupies an old Renaissance building, built over 200 years ago. Luxurious interior decoration of wood, antique furniture, works of art, its own wine cellar and restaurant of national cuisine will not leave anyone indifferent.

Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium is convenient for its location. It is in close proximity to the Roman Amphitheater and other Plovdiv attractions. 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 are all that you need after a busy day of sightseeing.

Bulgaria today

The mild climate, picturesque landscapes, unique historical sites make Bulgaria a popular holiday destination. The best time to travel is from May to September. The weather in Plovdiv, like in the whole southern part of Bulgaria, at this time favors a good pastime.

The average temperature in summer is 25 degrees, the amount of precipitation is negligible. In addition, Bulgaria today is becoming more popular for purchasing real estate than many stars of Russian show business have already used.

If there is a question about where to go to rest, the answer is unequivocal - Bulgaria, Plovdiv. A lot of positive emotions and unforgettable impressions will be provided to you.