A scenic town situated on the Maritsa River, Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia. Plovdiv has retained its distinct cultural identity despite intense influence from the civilizations of the West and East. This city is in fact older than the better-known ancient towns such as Athens, Rome, and Carthage. The prehistoric civilizations that had flourished in Bulgaria many centuries ago are still visible in Plovdiv’s tourist attractions: monuments, museums, parks, and garden. All these sights are for tourists to behold.
If you’re considering Plovdiv as your next holiday destination, here are some of the most recommended attractions to visit to get to know more about the rich Bulgarian culture:
1. The Ancient Theatre – Still used for open-air performances to this day, this impressive Roman amphitheater has preserved its artistic and architectural wonder for many years.
2. Old Town or Old Plovdiv – It is a striking open-air museum standing on three hills of a historic Roman fort known as Trimontium. You can also find 18th to 19th century houses in the Old Town.
3. Assen’s Fortress – A Bulgarian fortress built on the medieval period, the Assen’s Fortress stands proudly on a rocky and steep hillside.
4. Rila Monastery – Also called the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, this building is the largest and most popular Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is also one of the country’s most significant historical, architectural, and cultural attractions.
These destinations are just a few reasons for spending your holidays in Plovdiv. If European culture and history is your passion, then Plovdiv should be one of the places you visit before you die.
The prehistoric civilizations that had flourished in Bulgaria many centuries ago are still visible in Plovdiv’s tourist attractions: monuments, museums, parks, and garden. All these sights are for tourists to behold.