Official Name

Пловдив (Plovdiv). This name probably derives from the Thracian name Pulpudeva, which again is the Thracian translation of the old Macedonian name Philippopolis. Before that, the place was known as Eumolpia. And that's not it: Slavic tribes transformed the old name Pulpudeva into Pyldin. However, the Ottomans preferred the Macedonien name and renamed it Philibe. The Romans wanted to have a word as well and called the place Trimontium - which means "three mountains". The recent name first came up in 1878 after the Russian victory over the Ottomans - they finally invented the name Plovdiv.

Location

	Plovdiv

The town straddles the river Maritsa in the middle of the Upper Thracian Plain. Which is around 125 km south-east of the capital Sofia. Right in the middle of town, six characteristic syenite hills (syenite is slightly similar to granite) dominate the townscape. The Upper Thracian Plain is a very large valley between the Valley of Roses and the Stara Planina mountain range in the north and the Rodopi range in the south.

Population

About 350,000. Therefore, Plovdiv is Bulgaria's second largest city, but Sofia, the capital, is several times bigger.

Orientation

Plovdiv is quite easy to orientate, which is thanks to the river Марица (Maritza) in the north and several тепета (tepeta, hills) in the centre of town. The whole city is packed with historic buildings or at least their remainings. The main train station is in the south-west of town. From there, it's only a few hundred metres direction north-east to пл. Централен (pl. Tsentralen, Central square). When walking from there along vibrant ул. Княз Александър (ul. Knjas Alexandar (Prince Alexander st) to the north, you will get straight to the river Maritza. To be exactly, to a small bridge, where several booths line up. Actually there's not much to see on the other, northern side of the river. Most ancient ruins concentrate north-east of the modern city centre. Two of the six hills arise amid the old town - one is called Hill of the Liberators, the other one Hill of Youth. The centre itself is relatively new, but it managed to keep a certain charme.

History

First tribes settled in the area of present-day Plovdiv along time ago. The oldest excavations date back as far as 8000 years ago. Around the 5th century BC, a first Thracian settlement called Eumolpia was founded. But already during the 4th century BC, Philipp II, not less than the father of the famous Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia, destroyed Eumolpia just to found a new town, practically called Phillippopolis. This time, the town lasted a little bit longer, until the year 46 AD, when it was conquered by the Roman Empire. The town was renamed Trimontium and declared capital of Thracia. Trimontium flourished and had everything a typical Roman city was supposed to have: a stadium, monumental buildings, fortification systems and so on. However, together with the decline of the Roman Empire, Trimontium was about to face hard times. First, Slavic tribes overrun the town. Later on Proto-Bulgarians. Then the Ottomans. At least four times, cruisaders looted the town. It was not before the 13th century, that the town, now called Philibe, gained importance again as a major trading point.

Philibe flourished again during the national revival from 1840 to 1870. Virtually all merchants travelling between the Orient and Occident, between North and South, between India and Europe etc made a stopover in Philibe and let the town experience a new heyday. The Bulgarian middle classes were growing stronger and tried to express themselves using a certain architectonical style.

After the liberation from the Ottoman occupation by the Russians in 1878, the town was renamed a last time - 'Plovdiv', as it was called now, became the capital of East Rumelia. However, East Rumelia was not an independent state but just a semi-autonomous province inside the Ottoman empire. After the unification with the principality of Bulgaria in 1885, the capital was shifted to →Sofia. Which was bad luck for Plovdiv - eversince, it plays second fiddle in Bulgaria. In 1892, a first trade fair was held in Plovdiv. Which was a wise decision. The trade fair was a great success, and so Plovdiv became Bulgaria's main trade fair place.

Plovdiv has large industrial complexes, but the town doesn't forget about the importance of tourism - every year, hundred thousands of visitors find their way to Plovdiv.

Getting there / transportation

Plovdiv is also an important railway junction. Direct trains to the capital →Sofia are frequent and need two hours only. To →Burgas at the Black Sea Coast it's more than 4 hours. Trains running between →Belgrade and →Istanbul stop here as well. Additionally, local trains run to →Karlovo in the Valley of Roses, north of Plovdiv.

Buses from Plovdiv serve every major town in Bulgaria. They are often more convenient and faster than trains, which can be said about buses to international destinations as well. The bus terminal is just a few metres east of the main train station.

There are too many historic places and other sights in and around the old city centre to mention them all. More or less well preserved buildings from various epochs can be seen. Among the historic sites, there's an excavation area from a time when Plovdiv was still called Eumolpias - which was around the 2th century BC. The site occupies the top of a hill north-east of the centre, not far from the river. The place offers a nice view of the city. At the foot of the hill, there's the Ethnographical Museum and the highly interesting National Revival Museum, with both of them housed in remarkable bulidings. The splendid Church of Constantin and Elena in the vicinity was firstly built in the year 337, but it was destroyed several times. The present-day structure was completed in 1832.

	View from the Eumolpias ruins to the centre of Plovdiv

West of the Eumolpias ruins and not far away, there's the Zarkva Sv. Bogorodiza (Church of the Holy Virgin) - the oldest preserved basilica of Plovdiv. From there, you can walk along ul. Saborna to the south-west. This road leads straight to pl. Stambolijski (Stambol square), which offers a well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre with around 3,000 seats and nearby Djoumaya Mosque. Another relict from Roman times can be found behing the main post office facing Central square - it's the so-called Forum Romanum of Plovdiv.

	Ancient Roman Ruins and one of the Syenite hills of Plovdiv

Many visitors are disappointed at the traffic and the chaos in Sofia. This won't happen in Plovdiv. This town is a large open-air museum telling the history of Bulgaria almost without a hiatus. And - even at its more modern places, it offers a relaxed but cosmopolitan atmosphere. Additionally, the town makes a good base for trips to the Stara Planina and Rodopi mountain ranges.

Around 60 km north of the city, the small town →Karlovo and the magnificient Valley of Roses, not to talk about the Stara Planina mountain range behind the valley, are definitely worth a visit - especially in summer, when the (wild) roses grow. There's plenty to see in the south as well - as for instance magnificient →Bachkovo monastery (around 30 km) and, further to the south, the Rodopi mountains with →Smolyan as its local centre (80 km). 75 km north of Plovdiv, there's the very old town →Stara Zagora. A few kilometres west of Plovdiv, there's the small village Stamboliiski, where wine and rakiya are produced. It's even possible to see the wine production, but this should be arranged beforehand.

	Novotel Hotel
	Rating: 5 Price: from US$87 Price: from US$8 Room amenities: air conditioning, bathrobes, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Novotel Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Plovdiv. All 329 rooms at the hotel have all the modern facilities guests' would expect from a hotel of this class. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, bathrobes, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, desk. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Plovdiv hotel with everything they need right on the site such as room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning. For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including massage, pool indoor, jacuzzi, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, tennis courts, spa, garden. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Plovdiv, making it a distinct accommodation. To reserve a room at the Novotel Hotel, simply select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Park Hotel Sankt Peterburg
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$108 Price: from US$1 Room amenities: air conditioning, internet access, television, bathtub, mini bar >>Check availability

>>Description

The Park Hotel Sankt Peterburg is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Plovdiv. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. In-room facilities include air conditioning, internet access, television, bathtub, mini bar. This beautiful Plovdiv accommodation provides restaurant to suit all guests' utmost convenience. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Plovdiv. To reserve a room at the Park Hotel Sankt Peterburg, simply select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Park Imperial Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$62 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, jacuzzi bathtub, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Park Imperial Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Plovdiv. The Park Imperial Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom features amenities such as non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer. The basic amenities provided at this Plovdiv accommodation comprise room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities . For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including massage, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, spa, garden. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Plovdiv, making it a distinct accommodation. To make your booking at the Park Imperial Hotel Plovdiv, please enter the dates of your stay and sumbit our secure online booking form.

	Bulgaria Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$42 Price: from US$4 Room amenities: air conditioning, hair dryer, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Bulgaria Hotel is located in Plovdiv making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, bathtub, shower. This Plovdiv accommodation features on-site facilities such as room service 24hr, elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, safety deposit boxes, hotel/airport transfer, business center. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. To make your reservation at the Bulgaria Hotel via our secure online booking form, please submit your visit dates.

	Royal Hotel
	Rating: 3 Room amenities: air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, television, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, coffee/tea maker >>Check availability

>>Description

The Royal Hotel is located in Plovdiv making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Royal Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. To proceed with your reservation at the Royal Hotel via our secure online booking form, please enter your period of stay.

	Maritza Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$72 Price: from US$7 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Maritza Hotel is located in Plovdiv making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. In-room facilities include non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar. The amenities and services offered at this Plovdiv accommodation include room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. The hotel offers massage, gym/fitness facilities to provide extra pleasure and relaxation for all guests. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. For your reservation at the Maritza Hotel, simply submit your dates and complete our secure online booking form.

	Leipzig Hotel
	Rating: 2 Price: from US$39 Price: from US$3 Room amenities: air conditioning, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, jacuzzi bathtub, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Leipzig Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Plovdiv. The Leipzig Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, separate shower and tub. Guests staying at this Plovdiv accommodation can enjoy a wide range of hotel facilities such as room service 24hr, executive floor, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities . Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as garden. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Plovdiv, making it a distinct accommodation. To proceed with your reservation at the Leipzig Hotel via our secure online booking form, please enter your period of stay.

	Alliance Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$70 Price: from US$7 Room amenities: air conditioning, desk, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, jacuzzi bathtub, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Alliance Hotel is located in Plovdiv making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Alliance Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, desk, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower. The amenities and services offered at this Plovdiv accommodation include room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. The hotel offers massage, jacuzzi, gym/fitness facilities, sauna to provide extra pleasure and relaxation for all guests. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Plovdiv. For your reservation at the Alliance Hotel Plovdiv, please enter your preferred visit dates and follow our secure online booking form.

	Art Hotel Dali
	Rating: 3 Room amenities: air conditioning, daily newspaper, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Art Hotel Dali is located in Plovdiv making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. The guestrooms are equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar. The amenities and services offered at this Plovdiv accommodation include room service 24hr, bar/pub, room service, disabled facilities, business center. For guests to unwind, the hotel offers a variety of facilities and services including massage. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. For your reservation at the Art Hotel Dali Plovdiv, please enter your preferred visit dates and follow our secure online booking form.

	Avion Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$49 Price: from US$4 Room amenities: air conditioning, daily newspaper, television, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, jacuzzi bathtub, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Avion Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Plovdiv. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom has non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, television, shower, mini bar. To suit guests' convenience, this Plovdiv accommodation offers room service 24hr, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes, business center, pets allowed. To unwind, guests can enjoy the leisure facilities provided on the hotel's property, including jacuzzi. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Plovdiv. To make a reservation at the Avion Hotel Plovdiv with our secure online booking form, please choose your preffered period of stay.

Private accommodation is probably the best and cheapest option. But there are also countless more or less expensive hotels - among them a 22-storey monstrosity called Hotel St. Petersburg, which is north of the river Maritza and a bit away from the centre. The rooms are okay, but prices are rather expensive today - a double will set you back around 90 Leva.

• www.plovdivcityguide.com
As the URL already depicts...comprehensive city guide and web directory with useful news and information in English.
• www.plovdiv.org
English version of one of the official websites of Plovdiv. Worth a look.
• bulgaria.domino.bg/plovdiv/
Very detailed website about Plovdiv. Bulgarian. The translation into English seems to be in progress.

Do you have or do you know a good website about Plovdiv? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.