Plovdiv is the oldest city in Europe - its foundation dates back to 4000 years BC. The city is located in the Upper Valley, on the banks of the Maritsa River. Today its population is about 350 000 people.In ancient times Thracians built a fortified settlement, which was the largest city in Thrace. In the IV century BC Plovdiv was conquered by Philip II of Macedonia. He gave the city its name ( Philippopolis) and built the thick walls that surrounded Plovdiv. Later Thracians retrieved power, but after a series of battles during the I century, the city became part of the Roman Empire.At that time, Plovdiv (then Trimontsium) was an important regional center. The town flourished and thrived as a large-scale construction of buildings and facilities and roads. Numerous well preserved artifacts retained from that period - paved streets, walls , buildings , water and sewage systems.The city became a part of Bulgaria during the reign of Malamir Khan (reigned from 831 to 836). Over the centuries, the city was repeatedly taken over by Bulgarians, Byzantines, and for a short period of time it was a possession of the knights of the Fourth Crusade. Finally it became part of Bulgaria in 1344.The Ottoman troops that invaded Plovdiv in 1364 gave a new direction to the development of the city. New projects with typical oriental features replaced Byzantine architecture. The new name of the city became Filibe .During the Renaissance (XVIII - XIX century) Plovdiv was an important economic center. The city was home to many affluent and educated people who traveled all over Europe and brought new cultural currents. Wealthy merchants showed their wealth by building beautiful, richly ornamented houses, as opposed to the practical mud houses from the beginning of the Renaissance, which were small in size. The emphasis was on richness and detail.After the liberation from Ottoman slavery and up to date Plovdiv remains the second largest city and of economic importance after the capital Sofia. The city is a major industrial and commercial center . Plovdiv is famous for holding the International Fair, which annually hosts the presentation of goods and the exchange of experience and contacts of merchants worldwide. One of Plovdiv’s most famous landmarks is the Old Town of Plovdiv, which has a lot of preserved and restored beautiful houses, many of which are still inhabited today.Besides its cultural attractions, the city has very good possibilities for sports and entertainment. The rowing channel with Olympic dimensions that offers very good conditions for rowing, running and cycling is located on the outskirts of the city.In the past Plovdiv had seven hills. Today they are only six - Markovo hill was used to make pavement for some of the streets. The main street of the city offers excellent opportunities for entertainment and shopping, the restaurants are a lot and they are located everywhere in the city.

Aerial View

Archaeological complex Nebettepe

Remains of the ancient Thracian city Evmolpia - one of the first cities in Southeast Europe

Ancient Stadium

Eirene Antiquity Building

Archaeological Museum

Roman aqueducts

Roman Theatre

Aerial View

Dzhumaya Mosque

Ethnographic Museum – a view from the outside

Ethnographic Museum – a view

from the inside

International Fair Plovdiv

Balabanov’s House

Aqua park

The Rowing Chanel

Airport

Downtown

Alexander I Street

Christmas Spirit in Plovdiv

Tsvetana Pironkova

City garden

City Hall at night

Photos & information : Net

21.03.2014

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