Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second most important city preserves the undying values of its six millennia long history. With the name of Philippopolis the city celebrated the conquest of Philip II of Macedon, but it was classical Trimontium which left indelible marks of its grandeur, still visible today scattered on the six hills of Plovdiv.
The most remarkable of them rising above the city is the Antique Amphitheatre built by Emperor Mark Avrelii during the II century B.C. Its magnificent arcade adorned with marble statues is simply breath-taking. Theatre and opera performances are still staged here on warm summer nights.
The Roman Stadium is also constructed during the II century and reproduces the layout in Delphi, Greece. Within the centre of the ancient major town of the Roman province of Thrace remains of stone paved streets, foundations of buildings and columns and ancient fortress walls and gates reside.
The architectural complex "The Old town of Plovdiv", covering the Three-hill area - the original location of the town - attracts visitors from all over the world. During the Bulgarian Revival in 18th century Plovdiv was a centre of enlightenment, cultural and political activity. Old Plovdiv nowadays is an original living museum, an architectural phenomenon with many of the houses of those times’ most prominent Bulgarians turned into museums, galleries hosting various art exhibitions, festivals and biennials, and even tourist dormitories.
Plovdiv is located at 49o9’ N and 24o45’ E and is at 160 m above sea level. The city spreads over an area of about 53 square km in the Upper Thracian Plain, along the two banks of Maritza River.
The favorable climate and the strategic location added to the city’s thriving during almost all historical eras.
Plovdiv is center of the Plovdiv Region whose area is six thousand square kilometers. This is 5,4 % of the total territory of Bulgaria. The region comprises the central part of South Bulgaria and is divided into 16 municipalities.
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