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Plovdiv is the most under-rated city in Bulgaria, and my absolutely favorite from my week-long trip. It holds 6^th place on the list of the World’s 10 Oldest Cities, and the history dating back to the Roman empire (and long before) is ever-present as you explore the city’s many sights.

Why go? See for yourself in the pictures below!

Pedestrian Walkways

No need to keep an eye out for aggressive drivers, you can stroll the city center in peace, where some of the most picturesque buildings and ancient ruins reside.

Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis

The stadium, an archaeological remnant from the Roman Empire, was massive. However, only part of it is visible, as most of the stadium actually lies under the modern pedestrian walkway. Fortunately the exposed section includes the tiered seating that allows audiences to continue to enjoy performances, including the choir festival I enjoyed one of my nights in town.

Mosaics

There are many mosaics throughout Plovdiv, some of which are nearly two millenia old! Some of the most intact examples from the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries are at the Small Basilica in town and the Trakart Gallery in an underground passageway in the city center.

Ancient Roman Theater

Even though its one of the best preserved in the world, the 1^st century Roman Theater of Plovdiv was only uncovered in the 1970s! Today it hosts theater and musical performances, and on the day of my visit, there were stage hands hard at work preparing for a show.

Churches, but Not Only

The city of Plovdiv, over its 6,000+ years of history, has also been host to the world’s main monotheistic religions. In addition to churches, you’ll also find an active synagogue and mosque in town.

Forts and Monasteries on Nearby Hillsides

There is the Puldin Fortress in Plovdiv itself, as well as several other fortresses and monasteries in the surrounding hills, all featuring lovely vistas of the surrounding Bulgarian landscape. Nearby standouts featured in the pictures below are the Bachkovo Monastery and Asen’s Fortress.

Singing Fountains

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, the fountains in Tsar Simeon Park put on a choreographed show with the fountains, colored lights, and music. I was mesmerized – it’s incredibly well done.

Alyosha Monument

Alyosha is a monument of a towering Soviet soldier, made even more imposing by its position at the top of the military park at Bunarjik Hill. The statue itself stands over 10-meters (35 feet) tall! And of course once you’ve hiked your way to the top, you get a lovely view of Plovdiv on all sides.

Street Art

From formal pieces to graffiti masterpieces, art is everywhere you turn in Plovdiv.

Food

Hearty, Eastern European specialties at their best. Think meat and potatoes in stoneware, but also some very fresh produce and delicious cheeses.

Wine & Wineries

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture Bulgaria, this is wine country extraordinaire and as recently as the 1980s, Bulgaria was 2^nd in the world in wine production. With many excellent wineries surrounding Plovdiv – Wine Enthusiast has named this area a Top 10 Wine Destination for 2017 – whether you like to tour vineyards and do wine tasting or just cozy up in town at a wine bar, you’ll drink well while you’re here.

 

What city or country has taken you by surprise with how wonderful it is when you go? Have you been to Plovdiv? What convinced you to make the trek?