Unique Things To Do In Plovdiv, Bulgaria

An Overview of Plovdiv

Plovdiv is an ancient city built around seven low hills full of ancient ruins, uncovered mosaic panels, clay lamps and early coins. The city has excellent cultural, historical and natural landmarks, including the gorgeous Maritsa River, Tsar Simeon Park, the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis and a robust Old Town district. Thanks to the city’s truly ancient history, numerous monuments and modern developments, there are many unique things to do in Plovdiv.

Unique Things To Do In Plovdiv

Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis

The Roman theatre of Philippopolis is one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, located in the center of Plovdiv. Long ago, when Plovdiv was a Roman settlement named Philippopolis, the theater was constructed around the 1st-century, likely under the reign of Domitian. The venue is still operational, centuries later, as a stage for opera, music and drama.

Alyosha Monument

This is a 11-meter-tall reinforced concrete statue depicting a Soviet soldier stanidng atop Bunarjik Hill. The impressive monument which overlooks the city commemorates the immense soviet casualties that occurred during the Soviet occupation of Bulgaria during the Second World War.

Garden of Tsar Simeon

This garden contains a large, artificial lake and sprawling garden grounds. The spacious and leafy park is home to sturdy trees, small playgrounds, classic fountains and several statues. However, the most famous aspect of the fountain is the Singing Fountain, which uses a network of customized jets to fire water into the air in time with lights and music.

Asen’s Fortress

This is an impressive medieval fortress in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains, 2 to 3 kilometers south of the town of Asenovgrad, The solitary structure overlooks a beautiful valley, stony stairs and rugged mountainsides.

Plovdiv Old Town

The Old Town of Plovdiv is an active architectural and historical reserve covering three of Plovdiv’s famous hills, specifically Nebet Tepe, Dzhambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe. With a heritage dating back over 8,000 years, Plovdiv is widely considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in all of Europe. the area is famous for its preserved structures and cultural venues.

Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv

Operating out of the restored home of a wealthy 17th-century merchant, the Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum features six exhibitions touching on culture, lifestyle, history and unique regional practices.

Small Basilica Archeological Site (5th-6th Century)

This often-overlooked gem of Plovdiv contains a series of beautiful, delicate mosaics.

Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis

The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, otherwise known as the Great Basilica, is a ruined church with roots stretching back to the ancient city of Philippopolis in Plovdiv. The structure was built in the mid-4th-century CE and is home to remarkable architecture. The structure is also home to a magnificent floor covered in meticulously excavated mosaics which are preserved in a new museum.

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