Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria, situated on the Maritsa River. Its unique location on these ancient crossroads has stimulated strong cultural and political influences from East and West civilizations, and yet maintained its unique cultural identity. Being older than most of the oldest towns like Rome, Athens, Carthage or Constantinople, an almost contemporary of Troy, Plovdiv is a town built upon layers of towns and a culture developed upon layers of cultures. Plovdiv is divided into two parts - the old town Stariyat grad, which occupies the three eastern hills, and the lower town spread out in the plain below. The modern town offers entertainment and vigorous sights but the old town best conveys the atmosphere and the culture of the city The ancient part of the three-hill town is an architectural reserve. The Ancient Plovdiv has preserved until today the atmosphere of the Renaissance.
Plovdiv is a picturesque town, with many parks and gardens, museums and archaeological monuments. Its old part, called the Old Town, with houses from the National Revival period (18-19th century), is an imposing open-air museum situated on the three hills of the ancient Trimontium. One of the most remarkable sights of the town, the Ancient Theatre (a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre), is located there and is still used for open-air performances.
The modern town is a trade and culture centre. It is a combination of museums, churches, banks, hotels, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, shops, bars, bazaars, music clubs and casinos. Here rests the ruins of a Roman stadium and remnants of the Roman forum and also several mosques and original Turkish baths.
Click the following Link to obtain all you need to know about enjoying your visit or stay in Plovdiv:
http://www.plovdivcityguide.com/
| Copyright 2004 My Bulgaria All Right Reserved. | Published on: 2004-01-27 (2512 reads) |
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