Plovdiv: the back story

About Plovdiv: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Sofia Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second city, is often described as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Built on hills above the Maritsa river, it has a Roman theatre still in use, a hilltop old town of painted 19th-century houses and a lively creative quarter.

Philippopolis

The Thracians lived on Plovdiv’s hills, Philip II of Macedon gave the city his name, Philippopolis, and the Romans made it a great city. Its Roman stadium lies beneath the main street, and its theatre still hosts performances.

The old town

In the 19th century, wealthy merchants built the painted houses of the old town on the hills, with overhanging upper floors and colourful façades, many now museums and galleries.

Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe.

Kapana

Kapana, “the trap”, is a maze of small streets near the centre, full of galleries, cafés and bars. Plovdiv was a European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Our advice: trains and coaches run from Sofia in about two to two and a half hours. Start at the Roman theatre, wander the old town, and end the day in Kapana.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Plovdiv: the back story before you go.