The best places you can visit In Plovdiv (Пловдив), Bulgaria

located in the heart of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Built in the 1st century AD, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian, the theatre can accommodate between 5,000 to 7,000 spectators. It features 28 concentric rows of marble seats surrounding the horseshoe-shaped orchestra stage. The theatre was used for various events, including theatrical performances, gladiatorial games, and as a seat for the General Assembly of the Roman province of Thrace.

Location: The Ancient Theatre is situated on the southern slope of Trimontium (the Three Hills) in Plovdiv, between Taksim and Dzhambaz tepes. It is located in the Old Town of Plovdiv, just a short walk from the city center.

How to Get There: Plovdiv is easily accessible by air, with the Plovdiv International Airport located just 12 km from the city center. Visitors can take a taxi or use public transportation to reach the Old Town. Once in the Old Town, the Ancient Theatre is within walking distance from most areas.

What Can See: Visitors can marvel at the impressive scale and well-preserved architecture of the ancient Roman theatre. The stage building (scaenae frons), statues, and spectator seats (cavea) are all in excellent condition. The theatre also features marble seats with honorary inscriptions and a lodge for the Emperor and officials.

What Can Do: The Ancient Theatre is a fully functioning stage for classical drama, dance, and music performances. It hosts various annual events, including the International Folklore Festival, Opera Festival “Opera Open,” and Rock Festival “Sounds of Ages.” Visitors can also explore the nearby archaeological sites and museums in Plovdiv.

Conclusion: The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or culture. Its stunning preservation and unique location make it a true gem of Plovdiv and a testament to the city’s rich past.

Built in the 14th century on the site of an ancient Roman forum and an early Christian church, the mosque features a mix of architectural styles, including Ottoman, Moorish, and Byzantine elements. The mosque can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers and is still an active place of worship today.

Location: The Dzhumaya Mosque is situated in the central square of Plovdiv, just a short walk from the Ancient Theatre and other major attractions in the Old Town.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the Dzhumaya Mosque by public transportation or on foot from anywhere in the city center. The mosque is well-marked on maps and signs, making it easy to find.

What Can See: Visitors can admire the intricate decorations and architectural details of the mosque, including the ornate mihrab (prayer niche), minbar (pulpit), and the 23-meter-high minaret. The interior features beautiful calligraphy, stained glass windows, and a large chandelier.

What Can Do: Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque during visiting hours, but are asked to respect the sanctity of the space and dress modestly. Photography is allowed, but visitors should be mindful of worshippers. The mosque also offers guided tours in various languages.

Conclusion: The Dzhumaya Mosque is a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and culture. Its enduring presence in the heart of Plovdiv serves as a reminder of the city’s diverse past and its continued role as a center of religious and cultural exchange.

showcasing the rich history of Plovdiv and the surrounding region. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building and features a vast collection of artifacts, including archaeological finds, ethnographic items, and historical documents. The museum is divided into several permanent exhibitions, covering topics such as the ancient history of Plovdiv, the Bulgarian National Revival period, and the development of the city in the modern era.

Location: The Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum is located in the heart of the Old Town, just a short walk from the Ancient Theatre and other major attractions.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the museum by public transportation or on foot from anywhere in the city center. The museum is well-marked on maps and signs, making it easy to find.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the museum’s vast collection of artifacts, including ancient pottery, sculptures, and inscriptions from the Roman and Byzantine periods, as well as traditional Bulgarian costumes, textiles, and household items from the 19th century. The museum also features interactive exhibits and multimedia displays that bring the history of Plovdiv to life.

What Can Do: Visitors can participate in guided tours of the museum, which are available in various languages. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs throughout the year.

Conclusion: The Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in learning about the rich history and culture of Plovdiv. Its comprehensive collection and engaging exhibits make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building and features a collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes, textiles, and household items. The museum also includes a reconstruction of a traditional Bulgarian home, complete with period furnishings and decorations.

Location: The Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum is located in the heart of the Old Town, just a short walk from the Ancient Theatre and other major attractions.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the museum by public transportation or on foot from anywhere in the city center. The museum is well-marked on maps and signs, making it easy to find.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes, textiles, and household items, which showcase the intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colors of Bulgarian folk art. The reconstructed traditional Bulgarian home provides a glimpse into the daily life and customs of the region’s past inhabitants.

What Can Do: Visitors can participate in guided tours of the museum, which are available in various languages. The museum also hosts demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as weaving and embroidery, and offers workshops where visitors can learn to make their own traditional Bulgarian souvenirs.

Conclusion: The Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Plovdiv region. Its collection of artifacts and reconstructed home provide a fascinating look into the past and a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The church is dedicated to the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother, Helena, who are credited with establishing Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. The church features a unique architectural style that combines elements of early Christian and Byzantine design, including a central-plan layout and a dome supported by four massive pillars.

Location: The Church of St Constantine and Helena is located in the heart of the Old Town, just a short walk from the Ancient Theatre and other major attractions.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the church by public transportation or on foot from anywhere in the city center. The church is well-marked on maps and signs, making it easy to find.

What Can See: Visitors can admire the church’s impressive interior, which features beautifully preserved frescoes and mosaics dating back to the 6th century. The church also houses a collection of religious artifacts, including icons and liturgical vestments.

What Can Do: Visitors are welcome to attend religious services at the church, which are held regularly throughout the week. The church also offers guided tours in various languages, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of its history and significance.

Conclusion: The Church of St Constantine and Helena is a testament to Plovdiv’s rich religious history and the enduring legacy of early Christianity in the region. Its unique architecture and well-preserved frescoes make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of religion and art.

dating back to the 4th century AD. The basilica was commissioned by Bishop Evtychius and features a grand three-aisled layout with a central nave and two side aisles. The basilica’s floor is covered in beautifully preserved polychrome mosaics, depicting geometric patterns, floral motifs, and scenes from the Bible.

Location: The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis is located in the heart of Plovdiv’s Old Town, just a short walk from the Ancient Theatre and other major attractions.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the basilica by public transportation or on foot from anywhere in the city center. The basilica is well-marked on maps and signs, making it easy to find.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the impressive interior of the basilica, admiring the intricate mosaics that cover the floor and the remains of the original altar and ambo (pulpit). The basilica also features a small museum that displays artifacts found during excavations, including architectural elements and liturgical objects.

What Can Do: Visitors can participate in guided tours of the basilica, which are available in various languages. The basilica also hosts occasional religious services and cultural events throughout the year.

Conclusion: The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis is a stunning example of early Christian architecture and a testament to the importance of Plovdiv as a religious center in the ancient world. Its well-preserved mosaics and impressive scale make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of religion and art.

The site features the remains of a small three-aisled basilica dating back to the 5th century AD, as well as a baptistery and a necropolis. The basilica’s floor is covered in beautifully preserved polychrome mosaics, depicting geometric patterns and floral motifs.

Location: The Small Basilica Archeological Site is located in the heart of Plovdiv’s Old Town, just a short walk from the Ancient Theatre and other major attractions.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the site by public transportation or on foot from anywhere in the city center. The site is well-marked on maps and signs, making it easy to find.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the remains of the basilica, admiring the intricate mosaics that cover the floor and the remains of the original altar and ambo (pulpit). The site also features the remains of a baptistery and a necropolis, providing a glimpse into the religious practices and burial customs of the early Christian community in Plovdiv.

What Can Do: Visitors can participate in guided tours of the site, which are available in various languages. The site also hosts occasional cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Conclusion: The Small Basilica Archeological Site is a fascinating glimpse into the early Christian history of Plovdiv and the important role that the city played in the spread of Christianity in the region. Its well-preserved mosaics and archaeological remains make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of religion and culture.