Plovdiv, a treasure nestled in the heart of Bulgaria, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Eastern Europe.

A Historical Overview

Founded by Philip the Great around 400 BC, Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities on the continent, originally named Philippopolis. Over centuries, it changed hands between Macedonian and Thracian rulers before becoming a significant Roman city. The Romans established it as the capital of the Thracian province, turning it into a hub of commerce and culture, well-protected against invasions from the Goths and Huns. Eventually, it became part of the First Bulgarian Empire in the 9th century AD.

Strategically located on key trade routes connecting the East and West, Plovdiv remained largely untouched by warfare, flourishing instead during various conquests, which enriched its cultural and architectural landscape.

A City of Beauty and Culture

According to my mother, who traveled extensively as a botanist, Plovdiv was the most well-preserved city in Bulgaria during the communist era. "I fell in love with it at first sight!" she often reminisces.

Cultural Renaissance

In 2019, Plovdiv was designated a European Capital of Culture, leading to numerous projects that beautified the city, transforming it into a true gem.

July is my favorite time to be in Plovdiv, not only because it is my hometown but for countless reasons.

The Joy of Exploring Plovdiv

I adore the start of the main pedestrian street, lined with wooden benches, leafy trees, and cheerful faces.

The remnants of Roman architecture are a delight, beautifully restored for both tourists and locals to enjoy.

The central pedestrian thoroughfare is adorned with early 20th-century architecture, charming street lamps, and lush greenery. Shoppers can find everything from international brands to local boutiques selling handcrafted jewelry.

The city is awash with flowers, particularly at the entrance of the main park.

In the park, small ponds teem with colorful fish and water lilies.

Statues throughout the park commemorate national heroes, artists, and everyday people.

Here, too, are the real children, filled with innocence and joy.

The central city park features a large lake with fountains that perform nightly shows. For the best experience, visit after ten o'clock.

Plovdiv is also unique for its public drinking fountains, allowing residents to enjoy fresh water without needing to carry bottles.

The Maritsa River, the main water source for the city, gracefully divides Plovdiv into southern and northern sections, featuring six picturesque bridges.

Known as the city of seven hills, Plovdiv’s hills include Nebet Tepe, Taxim Tepe, and Dzhambaz Tepe, with the Old Town at their heart. The cobblestone streets and colorful Revival-era houses captivate visitors.

From Nebet Tepe, you can gaze upon the cityscape, where the hills rise to about 800 meters.

Bunardzhik Hill is my favorite spot for a leisurely stroll, where the sounds of nature and fragrant herbs accompany me.

The journey up the hill takes about forty minutes, but adventurous spirits can opt for the shortcut via ancient staircases.

At the summit, the sun shines down on the city, and a towering statue of a Russian soldier stands sentinel.

This statue, a relic from our past, continues to spark debate among locals. While I may not agree with its symbolism, it represents a chapter of our history that cannot be overlooked.

His name is Alyosha.

Explore More About Plovdiv

For those intrigued by my visual journey, I recommend these resources to learn more about Plovdiv:

• Vanessa Chiasson shares her impressions and photos in her article titled:

  Why This Is My Favorite Lesser-Known European City To Visit

  www.travelawaits.com

• CNN offers insights in their piece:

  Southeast Europe's next capital of cool | CNN

  edition.cnn.com

• For another photo story, check out:

  My Winter Thessaloniki

  medium.com

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of Plovdiv!