Travel Diaries: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Part One: History Notes And Travel Must-Stops
My hometown is pretty awesome, you guys! It's the most beautiful place I have ever been to this day, and I have been in Milan, Paris and Barcelona. Although I'm somewhat bias because hello, I grew up here, there are plenty of other people who'l back me up. Like the committee for the European Cultural Capital who named it 2019's Capital. That has to mean something, right?
So, Plovdiv is the 6th oldest city in the world and the eldest in Europe, exciting since the 4,000 BC. It's located in the south-central part of Bulgaria, on the banks of the Maritza river. The city has developed around seven hills that have become its trademark. Rhodope mountains are nearby and the Upper Thracian Plain is surrounding it.
Over the centuries the city has been given many names, each inspired by whoever is ruling it at the moment. While part of the Macedonian kingdom was named after Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great - Philippoupolis - meaning The city of Philip. While part of the Roman Empire it was called Trimontium - meaning The city on the three hills and later, during the Ottoman rule, was named Filibe. It's contemporary name, Plovdiv, dates back to the 11thC, and it's first found in old-Bulgarian documentation. It's believed to be a combination between the Thracian and Slavic names for the city.
The Roman empire left a visible mark on the city - an amphitheater, a gladiators arena and aqueducts are among the monuments left in Plovdiv from the ancient times. They are all open to the public and an active part of Plovdiv's life. The amphitheater is insuperable part of the cultural life, hosting numerous plays, operas, concerts, festivities and celebrations. Due to its regal atmosphere and superb acoustics, the amphitheater is the preferred location for all classical musical occasions, among which an international festival celebrating Verdi's art.
While part of the Ottoman Empire, Plovdiv developed a beautiful old town. All houses are in the typical for Bulgaria Revival Style - two storey, small windows, wooden blinds and pretty bright colours. Two of the hills where the most beautiful revival houses are located, form a neighborhood known among all as The Old Town. There are most of the classic museums and galleries, as well as some rather impressive churches. Cobblestone streets are leading locals and visitors up and down the hills, from a church to a tiny restaurant set inside an old house to a marvelous view. Oh, and there are the Ottoman Baths as well!
Plovdiv's main street has been just announced to be the longest pedestrians only street in Europe, so do remember to take a lazy afternoon walk on it. Starting at the Post office square it goes pass the beautiful Municipal building, build by the same architect who designed Vienna's main street, walk along the hundreds of shops but make sure to take a look at the gorgeous old houses along the way. Then you'll see the Cuma Mosque and the roman theater. The main street continues forward, in the so called "Small Main Street", where buildings get more and more communist inspired still the Plovdiv style is present - flowers and build in the pavement lights cane make even boring apartment buildings looks amazing.
So, Plovdiv is the 6th oldest city in the world and the eldest in Europe, exciting since the 4,000 BC. It's located in the south-central part of Bulgaria, on the banks of the Maritza river. The city has developed around seven hills that have become its trademark. Rhodope mountains are nearby and the Upper Thracian Plain is surrounding it.
Over the centuries the city has been given many names, each inspired by whoever is ruling it at the moment. While part of the Macedonian kingdom was named after Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great - Philippoupolis - meaning The city of Philip. While part of the Roman Empire it was called Trimontium - meaning The city on the three hills and later, during the Ottoman rule, was named Filibe. It's contemporary name, Plovdiv, dates back to the 11thC, and it's first found in old-Bulgarian documentation. It's believed to be a combination between the Thracian and Slavic names for the city.
The Roman empire left a visible mark on the city - an amphitheater, a gladiators arena and aqueducts are among the monuments left in Plovdiv from the ancient times. They are all open to the public and an active part of Plovdiv's life. The amphitheater is insuperable part of the cultural life, hosting numerous plays, operas, concerts, festivities and celebrations. Due to its regal atmosphere and superb acoustics, the amphitheater is the preferred location for all classical musical occasions, among which an international festival celebrating Verdi's art.
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| The Amphitheater |
While part of the Ottoman Empire, Plovdiv developed a beautiful old town. All houses are in the typical for Bulgaria Revival Style - two storey, small windows, wooden blinds and pretty bright colours. Two of the hills where the most beautiful revival houses are located, form a neighborhood known among all as The Old Town. There are most of the classic museums and galleries, as well as some rather impressive churches. Cobblestone streets are leading locals and visitors up and down the hills, from a church to a tiny restaurant set inside an old house to a marvelous view. Oh, and there are the Ottoman Baths as well!
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| Plovdiv Old Town |
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| Plovdiv Old Town |
Plovdiv's main street has been just announced to be the longest pedestrians only street in Europe, so do remember to take a lazy afternoon walk on it. Starting at the Post office square it goes pass the beautiful Municipal building, build by the same architect who designed Vienna's main street, walk along the hundreds of shops but make sure to take a look at the gorgeous old houses along the way. Then you'll see the Cuma Mosque and the roman theater. The main street continues forward, in the so called "Small Main Street", where buildings get more and more communist inspired still the Plovdiv style is present - flowers and build in the pavement lights cane make even boring apartment buildings looks amazing.
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| Main Street |
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| City Hall |
Don't forget to take a stroll down the rowing channel. Locals' favourite place to escape the summer heat, to cycle in a safe environment or to just to sit and watch the time past by. During the rowing season there will be regular competitions that are free for the open public to attend. Just next to the rowing channel is the zoo, making it the perfect family-friendly place. Most of the kids that grow up in Plovdiv will learn how to ride a bike or who to skate at the alleys along the rowing channel, me as well.
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| Rowing Channel |
To Be Continued ...
You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...
