Plovdiv: Europe’s Oldest Living City and Its Hidden Gems

Plovdiv is not only a pretty European city but it is also one of the oldest places around the globe, still inhabited and used in its original form. The wonderful city has a history dating back to over 8,000 years having a strange yet interesting combination of ancient history, modern life full of life and vigour and an urban but worldly air that still fills the visitors around the world. Being the oldest city in Europe, the popularity of Plovdiv tourism has been enormous among tourists who want to explore less known cultural treasures of the continent. Roman ruins and architecture of the Ottoman period to hip art districts and amazing hills overlooking the city, Plovdiv is a place where it is easy to mix up the past with the present.

The only thing that is unique about Plovdiv is its personality which is a perfect combination of past, future, and modernity. Visitors can walk down cobblestone streets whose history stretches back to past eras, visit arts quarters such as Kapana with its cafes and street art, or have a view of the whole city on the emblematic hills of the city. You might be a history lover, an art enthusiast or a food connoisseur, but Plovdiv has something to offer you as a type of traveling. To Omani and Gulf tourists, the Bulgaria Visa application will unlock the gate to this mystifying location. Through the services of the travel experts such as Go kite Oman, your journey in Plovdiv will be as smooth as it will be memorable.

Plovdiv - A Travelling in Time.

The history of Plovdiv is thousands of years old and the evidence of archaeology shows that Plovdiv was already populated in the 6 th millennium BC. This makes it even ancient compared to Athens and Rome. The city has experienced many history, rise and fall of different civilizations, Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations that have left their different impacts. In modern times, these layers of history can be traced throughout the city, in the ancient theaters, the Ottoman houses or the Orthodox churches.

The Old Town in Plovdiv is a UNESCO world heritage candidate and it is a monument that tells a lot about the rich history of Plovdiv. It is like going back in time by walking through its narrow lanes. There are colorful houses of the 19 th century, cobbled streets, and panoramic terraces that welcome the visitors with the modern cityscape. This is the key attraction that is propelling Plovdiv tourism: this smooth blend of the old and the new.

This makes the Roman Theatre of Philippopolis, constructed in 1st century AD, one of the most well-preserved ancient theaters in the world, still being able to host concerts and festivals nowadays. It is a living testament that the cultural heartbeat of Plovdiv did not cease to exist even after a millennium of transformation.

The Old Town: The Walking Dead.

It is impossible to talk about the Plovdiv tourism and not mention the Old Town that is the most picturesque part of the city. The district is a residential museum of architectural marvels of the National Revival era. Most of these homes have been converted to museums, galleries and cultural hubs.

Highlights include:

• Balabanov House: It is a perfect sample of 19 th century Bulgarian architecture that is well preserved.

• Ethnographic Museum: It is located in a beautiful building dated 19 th century and it offers an understanding of the culture and the way of life in Bulgaria.

• Church of St. Constantine and Helena: It is one of the oldest churches in Plovdiv with fantastic frescoes and iconography.

Because visitors explore the meandering streets, they are met by artisans, musicians and jovial locals who are keen to tell them about their favorite city. The Old Town is the best illustration of how the Plovdiv tourism is becoming an experience that should not be missed by a cultural traveler in the entire world.

District of Kapana -the artistic soul of Plovdiv.

Kapana, referring to The Trap, is an explosion of color in small streets, cafes and craft and art bars. It used to be a neglected area but it has been redeveloped to be the creative centre of Plovdiv. Kapana is also a place where it is important to visit colorful murals, crowded bars, and boutique stores to experience the modern atmosphere of the city.

Art festivals along with live concerts and open-air markets are common in the district which contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The tourists will be able to drink the locally brewed coffee, taste the Bulgarian wines or just absorb the young spirit that characterizes this quarter. This ideal mixture of the traditional and modernity reflects the real atmosphere of the Plovdiv tourism - the city that glorifies its ancient roots and its modern innovativeness.

Ancient Roman Ruins The Soul of Plovdiv.

The fact that there are numerous ancient ruins in Plovdiv will amaze those who love history. The Roman Stadium was a secret under the busy pedestrian street, and it used to seat more than 30,000 people. The exhibits and light shows are interactive to enable the visitors to visualize the grandeur of the ancient era.

The Roman Forum is another site that one must not miss visiting as it is placed close to the city center. Being the administrative center of ancient Plovdiv it contains the scope and refinement of Roman Empire. The visit to these ancient relics can be a great sense of belonging to the glorious past of the city and visiting a Bulgaria Travel Visais very worth having especially to people who are fond of historical sightseeing.

The Seven Hills of Plovdiv

Plovdiv was initially constructed at seven hills giving it the name City of the Seven Hills. Many of these hills are still there in the city, although not all of them still exist nowadays, they still have breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding areas.

The most renowned one is Nebet Tepe, with its ancient ruins of the fortress and the sight of the sunset.

As well, there is the Alyosha Monument, located on Bunardzhik Hill, and this monument commemorates Soviet soldiers who died during World War II.

Sahat Tepe has a historical tower clock and an expansive park.

This is due to the fact that even a climb up these hills will not only give the viewer breathtaking scenery, but it will also provide one with an escape of the busy streets of the city. This is one of the most satisfying experiences of Plovdiv tourism both to nature lovers and photographers.

Plovdiv’s Cultural Calendar

Plovdiv has found its fame as being among the most culturally diverse cities in Europe. It is also the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and therefore is constantly having events that bring people to their city.

• Night of Museums and Galleries: An event that is taking place all over the city where museums remain open late and provide performances and exhibitions.

Plovdiv Jazz Fest: An event where the great musicians and jazz lovers can be found across the globe.

• International Fair Plovdiv: An ancient trade and cultural festival since 1892.

These events turn the city into the stage of creativity, attracting tourists of the whole world and strengthening its position on the map of European culture.

The Bulgarian Cuisine and Local Experience.

You can not take a trip to Plovdiv without having tasted the tasting Bulgarian foods. The restaurants in the city have traditional and modern cuisines. Eat banitsa (cheese-filled pastry), kebapche (minced meat grilled) or shopska salad, the national dish of Bulgaria, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.

To have a true local experience, eat in the traditional mehanas (taverns) of the Old town where you can eat delicious food and drinks that are locally made. Plovdiv is one of the best bases of wine tourism in Europe because the nearby Thracian Valley is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Europe.

Plovdiv is an unresistible destination to food, art, and culture.

Practical Travel Information Plovdiv.

It is easily accessible to Plovdiv, and it has frequent flights to Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) and direct paths to main European cities. Plovdiv is within two hours of driving or a train ride with Sofia.

The process of getting Bulgaria Visa is easy to the travelers of Oman and the Gulf region. The visa enables you to travel and not only in Plovdiv but in other parts of Bulgaria such as Sofia, Varna and the Black Sea coast. Gokite Oman will be of help in getting your Bulgaria Travel Visa; a worry-free and hustle free experience in the application process to the arrival.

In Plovdiv efficiency and affordability of the public transport is great but it is impossible to pass through the city without walking. During the walk along its streets, you can see its ambience to the full extent, including old ruins and modern street art.

Day Trips from Plovdiv

Plovdiv is geographically located to serve as a central destination in sightseeing destinations:

• Bachkovo Monastery: The second largest monastery in Bulgaria whose location is in the picturesque mountain views.

• Asen towers: a medieval fort with dramatic panoramas and history.

• Rhodope Mountains: This is where hikers and nature lovers come to play, having such jewels of a village as Shiroka Laka.

These trips enable tourists to discover the beauty and spirituality of Bulgaria, and it has even more depth in Plovdiv tourism.

Why Visit Plovdiv Now?

Plovdiv is relatively untapped in comparison to the Western European cities and therefore it is high time to go there. The city has a proscenium of affordability, authenticity and adventure. You may be strolling along its old fashioned streets or sitting on the bench in its numerous parks, but Plovdiv will leave you with memories that will keep on and on.

It is not surprising that with easy access, rich culture and warm hospitality, Plovdiv tourism has been on the increase every year. This Bulgarian treasure should be on the list of attractions of every traveler who decides to spend his/her vacation in Europe.

Conclusion

Plovdiv is a classic monument to the eternal spirit of Europe. It is a city that has stories around every block, streets that breathe the past, and hills that present you with the most amazing perspective of history that is being shown to your eyes. Plovdiv is a living museum, which, regardless of the Roman theaters and medieval fortresses, still constantly grows gracefully and charmingly in the art quarters and cafes. The fact that the city is able to infuse the past with the present, makes it one of the most fascinating places in Europe.

Plovdiv tourism is the right experience to any traveler who wants to experience the fusion of the ancient marvel and modern charm of any destination. By applying to a Bulgaria Visa using the surest sites such as Go kite Oman, you will be guaranteed of an easy start to your trip. Having a Bulgaria Travel Visa you will be able to see not only Plovdiv but the whole culture center of the Balkans.

Plovdiv is not a city but a travel in terms of civilizations, art and time itself. Being the oldest city of Europe, it makes you feel like being invited to explore its secret beauties, to be a part of its life and feel its culture.