Plovdiv - Bulgaria

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria. It is situated along the two banks of Maritza river and Seven hills. Plovdiv was a Thracian and classic Greece metropolis and the capital of Thrace under the Romans It was an important strategic centre of the Byzantine Empire and a strong hold of the Bulgarians. Philip II of Macedonia named it Philippopolis after himself. Among its other names are Pulpudeva, the Roman Trimontium and the Slav Puldin.

Plovdiv flourished in the Bulgarian Renaissance period. You can still enjoy the beautiful houses in the Old village part of the town, The Roman Amphitheatre, The Ethnographical museum the churches and the mosques.

Plovdiv is located in the Southern-central part of Bulgaria, 130km away from Sofia.

It formed as a focal point for traders and established itself as a city of cultural and an important centre for commerce, communication and tourism.

Apart from good incoming transport communications it has a free zone and is the centre of an international  trade exhibition with a long tradition.

At present in Plovdiv there are over 200 registered monuments of culture, of which 30 are of national significance.

There are five museums in the Plovdiv area, Archeological, Ethnographic, Historical and the National Science Museums and the City Art Gallery.

Here are also world famous monuments such as the Antique Theatre of Philipopol, The Roman Stadium, the splendid colour mosaics in the villas and the Episcopal basilica. Nebetteppe archeological complex, the magnificent examples of Bulgarian Revival architecture.

The Gold Treasure of Panagyurishte of the late 4th Century BC, consisting of 9 uniquely decorated gold vessels of total weight 6.164kg made Plovdiv famous far beyond the boundaries of Bulgaria.

The spirit of Plovdiv generated the creative power of its writers, artists, musicians. They have had the opportunity to exhibit their talent in different cultural festivals, which are known in and beyond the frontiers of Bulgaria.

Plovdiv is very well located and it has an international airport which brings in thousands of skiing and winter sports fans in the winter period. From here they are transported by road to the beautiful and the best skiing areas of Bulgaria centred around Pamporovo. Ask any Bulgarian where they go skiing, to ensure, diversified slopes, fantastic views and importantly no queuing for the ski lifts and they will tell you Pamporovo.

The interest in winter sports has created a huge demand for Bulgarian property in this area and Best Bulgarian Estates Ltd is a UK based company that can offer properties in Bulgaria in these areas that are perfect for the outdoor sports , skiing, climbing and walking enthusiasts.

Every June in the Old City there is held the International Festival of Chamber Music.

Also in the Old City there is a thirty-year-old tradition The National Autumn Exhibitions.

The Golden Chest International TV Festival organized together with the Bulgarian national television.

The Golden Rhyton festival - held in October as a point initiative with the National Film Centre.

Every June The Antique Theatre- holds the Verdi Festival , which lends particular mystery to the verdi lovers

The International Folk Festival the most picturesque and mass cultural event at the end of the summer

European Month of Culture, Week of Modern Arts, Arts Fair.

The Drama Theatre also hold an annual festival and has the status of being the first professional drama company in Bulgaria.

The Plovdiv Opera Company have achieved significant professional recognition all over the world.