Plovdiv useful tips and sightseeing
Getting around town
Going around the city of Plovdiv is quite straight forward. There are local buses which extend to the periphery of the city and are quite regular and by far the most cost effective way to travel. Taxis are also extremely efficient, but make sure you notice the rates which should be posted on the back windows. Luckily, the important and worthy sightseeing locations are within walking distance to each other and most of the city centre can be seen on foot.
Things to see and do
With over 200 significant archeological sites, the antique remains scattered throughout the city of Plovdiv are among the most visited in Bulgaria. Inspired by the strength of the city’s past, there are also numerous museums, art galleries and cultural institutions which are of interest as well.
The Old Town of Plovidv as a whole is home to many significant archeological findings and has had an important role in the area’s history. It is a historic preservation representative of the Bulgarian Revival Style. Sprqwled on three central hills- Nebet Tepe, Djambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe, every house in the Old Town preserves the authentic, characteristic Bulgarian architectural style.
The Antique Theater is one of the most popular monuments from Antiquity. Built in 2 AD, it could accommodate up to 3 500 people, divided into 14 rows. Restored from 1968 to 1984, it now hosts many festivals such as the Verdi festival and the International Folklore festival.
Building of the Roman forum began in 1AD and was completed in 2 AD. Centrally located at the beginning of the main street promenade, it is right next to the post office. The forum is believed to have an area of 11 hectares and was a central point of the ancient city streets.
The Roman Stadium is between Sahat Tepe and the Three hills in the current Djumaya Square, at the mid- point of the pedestrian street. It was modeled after the Delphi stadium and during the Roman times could accommodate 30 000 spectators. Today, only the northern section (about 13 rows) can be seen. Amazingly, the larger part is underneath the central pedestrian street!
Situated in the southern part of the Three Hills, lies the Eirene Archaeological complex. It consists of remains of public buildings from the 3rd and 4th century which belonged to a nobleman. The beautiful colourful mosaics are worth seeing.
The first settlement remains, dating back to 12 BC were found on Nebet Tepe (one of the three hills). Nowadays, the excavations of the walls of the surrounding temple and palace can be seen.
The Archeological Museum was found in 1882 and was then known as the People’s Museum of Eastern Rumelia. There are 3 sections in the museum: Prehistoric, Antiquity and Middle Ages. The abundant collections include Thracian art, artifacts from the Paleolithic to early Ottoman period. The famous Panagiurishte treasure is also on display there.
Founded in 1951, the Plovdiv Historical Museum is also one worth visiting because of its important historical evidence about Plovdiv from the 16th to the 20th century.
The two remaining Mosques, one of which is in the centre of the city, on the Djumaya Square.
