The second largest city in Bulgaria – Plovdiv, is situated along the two banks of the river Maritza with its slow water, and also on a number of picturesque hills (called 'tepe' by the local people) that are part of the town's charm and beauty. Plovdiv is located in the Southern/Central part of Bulgaria and has a population of 350 000.
History
Remains of ancient, mediaeval, revival and modern culture coexist and are interwoven into the unobtrusive, irresistible and eternal beauty of this city. They do not stand in each other's way; they complement and enrich each other to make Plovdiv a synonym of Bulgarian history and a genuine world city.
Plovdiv is very, very old. The Eternal City, as Rome is conventionally called, is much younger. Athens, Carthage and Constantinople came into being later. A contemporary of Troy and having survived Mycenae, Plovdiv is a city upon layers of cities and an epoch upon layers of epochs. Plovdiv is all in one: a Thracian and classical Greek polis, the pride of Philip of Macedon, the capital of Thrace under the Roman Empire, a centre of Byzantinism, a stronghold of the Bulgarians, a dream of the crusaders - a magnificent, wealth and most important city. Kendros, Eumolpia, Philippopolis, Pulpudeva, Thrimonzium, Pulden, Populdin, Ploudin, Filibe - those were the ancient names of Plovdiv throughout its 6000 to 8000 years of existence. The name Plovdiv first appeared in 15 century documents and has remained till today.
Tourism
Old Plovdiv
The Rennaissance town of Old Plovdiv was built during the 19th century. Today it has survived as a unique architectual ensemble on the three hills. Its houses reveal the remarkable urban culture of Bulgarian builders, as well as their sense of harmony and their creative power. The brilliant architecture with its noble, stylish simplicity could be called rightfully the Baroque of Plovdiv. The Bulgarian people have always been proud that Old Plovdiv was restored and preserved as a large open museum in order to stay for future generations. Today Old Plovdiv is an autonomous area within the modern town with a municipality of its own. It is declared an architectural museum reserve with over 150 monuments of culture - houses from the National Revival period. Its magnificent houses are turned into museums, galleries, workshops, restaurants, and pubs, such as "Puldin", "Trakijski Stan" , "Alafrangite", "The House of Ritora", "The Old House". There are also parlours and studios of painters and wood-carvers.
Many prestigious festival activities take place in Plovdiv – international musical, film, theatrical, folklore. The city's arts festivals and trade fairs rival Sofia's in number, and its restaurants and promenade compare very favourably with those of the capital.
International Fair - Plovdiv is the successor of the First Exposition and of its mission as well - to contribute to the prosperity of the Bulgarian people by encouraging the development of the national industry. The Fairground is the largest exhibition site in the Balkan region. It is situated on area of 352,000 sq. m.
The modern town offers entertainment and vigorous sights but the old town carries the atmosphere and the culture of the town. Nowadays Plovdiv is a trade and culture centre. The city offers plenty of museums, churches, banks, hotels, cafes, shops and different entertaining places.
Among the many places one should visit to feel the old spirit of Plovdiv are: The Antique Theatre, The Fortress Nebet tepe, Djumaya Mosque, the old houses from the Bulgarian national revival etc.
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