Old Town of Plovdiv
Plovdiv
The Old Town of Plovdiv, also known as Стария град, is a remarkable architectural and historical reserve situated on three of Plovdiv's seven hills: Nebet Tepe, Dzhambaz Tepe, and Taksim Tepe. This area spans approximately 35 square kilometers and embodies continuous human habitation from prehistoric times to the present. It uniquely combines the spirit and architecture of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Bulgarian National Revival period. The site features well-preserved remnants of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, including an ancient Roman theatre built in the 1st century AD, city fortifications, pagan temples, aqueducts, and aristocratic houses. The Old Town is a living museum where cobbled streets wind past richly ornamented Revival-era houses, medieval walls, and churches, reflecting Plovdiv's role as a cultural and economic hub in Bulgarian history. Today, it is one of Plovdiv's most popular tourist destinations, celebrated for its harmonious blend of historical layers and vibrant cultural life.
Planen Sie Ihre Reise nach Bulgarien mit KI
Erstellen Sie in wenigen Minuten einen detaillierten Reiseplan. KI schlägt die besten Orte, Restaurants und eine optimierte Route vor.
Tipp: The best time to visit the Old Town of Plovdiv is during spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and cultural events are frequent. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets in advance for the Roman Theatre, especially during festival seasons like the Verdi Festival and the International Folklore Festival. Exploring the Old Town on foot allows visitors to fully appreciate its narrow streets and historical ambiance. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours or audio guides can enrich the experience by providing detailed historical context.
Interessante Fakten
- •Plovdiv is older than Rome and Athens, contemporary with Troy and Mycenae.
- •The Roman theatre in the Old Town dates back to the 1st century AD and could seat approximately 3,500 spectators.
- •Nebet Tepe hill contains remains of the earliest prehistoric settlement in the area, dating to the Eneolithic period.
- •The Old Town includes architectural styles from Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Bulgarian Revival periods all in one area.
- •Plovdiv was the European Capital of Culture twice, in 1999 and 2019, highlighting its cultural significance.
Geschichte
Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, was founded in the 4th millennium BC on the Plovdiv Trihills, with the first settlement on Nebet Tepe.
In the 4th century BC, Philip II of Macedon conquered the city, renaming it Philippopolis.
It later became a significant Roman provincial capital in Thracia.
Throughout the Middle Ages, control of the city alternated among Bulgarians, Byzantines, Crusaders, and Ottomans.
The Old Town preserves architectural and archaeological evidence from these eras, including the Eastern gate known as Hisar Kapia.
During the Bulgarian National Revival, wealthy merchants built richly decorated houses that still stand today.
The Old Town reflects this complex history, showcasing layers from prehistoric times through the Ottoman period to modern Bulgaria.
Ortsführer
Roman Theatre1st century AD
Constructed in the 90s AD during Emperor Domitian's reign, this ancient theatre is a masterpiece of Roman architecture, seating around 3,500 people. It features a three-tiered stage decorated with friezes, cornices, and statues. It has been restored and is still used for cultural events such as the Verdi Festival and International Folklore Festival.
Nebet Tepe Archaeological ComplexEneolithic period to Roman times
This hill hosts remains of the earliest prehistoric settlement on the Plovdiv Trihills, dating to the Eneolithic period. It evolved into the ancient Thracian city of Eumolpias in the 12th century BC, featuring cyclopean walls, a sanctuary, and an aristocratic palace. Later fortifications and structures from the Hellenistic to Roman periods are also present.
Hisar Kapia (Eastern Gate)Medieval period
The Eastern gate of the medieval fortress walls preserved in the Old Town, known as Hisar Kapia, is a significant remnant of the city's medieval fortifications, reflecting its strategic importance in the Middle Ages.
Kontakt
Telefon: 032 639 988