2025 Plovdiv Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Ice cream house Afreddo is one of the favorite places both of the citizens of Plovdiv as well as the guests of the city. Located on the main shopping street Afreddo offers a rich selection of unique gelato ice creams, ice cream cakes and other sweet temptations and the flavors are so many that you’ll want to try everything! Once you make your choice, you will find out why this place is always full. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Located on the Mosaic Path, we are minutes away from City Center. We offer 162 guestrooms, four multi-functional meeting spaces, and two restaurants. Attractions of the Old Town are nearby, including the Ethnographic Museum and the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis. Enjoy our meeting space with up-to-date technology for up to 200 people and free WiFi This hotel offers a bespoke Family Experience for travellers below the age of 12. Children enjoy a Kids Welcome and a dedicated Kids Breakfast experience. Enjoy your family meals by selecting dishes from the Kids Menu. The hotel has a range of kids amenities available upon request. #localguides #familytrip #falltrip #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Plovdiv (Bulgarian: Пловдив, pronounced [ˈpɫɔvdif]) is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, standing on the banks of the Maritsa river in the historical region of Thrace, behind the state capital Sofia. It has a population of 346,893 as of 2018 and 675,000 in the greater metropolitan area. Plovdiv is a cultural hub in Bulgaria and was the European Capital of Culture in 2019. The city is an important economic, transport, cultural, and educational center. Plovdiv joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016. Plovdiv is an ancient city built around 7 hills, in southern Bulgaria. The Regional Archaeological Museum chronicles the city’s history, with exhibits including mosaic panels, clay lamps and early coins. The Roman-era Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which once seated around 6,000, now hosts opera and concerts. A 3D movie at the Emperor Hadrian–era Ancient Stadium re-creates Plovdiv in the 2nd century A.D. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Hindliyan House (AKA Hindlian House) in Plovdiv, Bulgaria is one of the handsomest private residences I think I’ve ever set foot in. Built by a team of master craftsmen in 1835, the home is a beautiful example of the National Revival Architecture popular among Bulgaria’s merchant class at the time. Detailed wall murals and period furniture—not to mention the one-of-a-kind bathroom—set Hindliyan House apart from its peers and make it my top choice of house museum in Plovdiv. If you’re drawn to visit Plovdiv, European Capital of Culture in 2019, this is one historical landmark and stellar example of Bulgarian architecture you definitely shouldn’t miss. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #familytrip #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

The Balabanov House is one of the highlights of the Old Plovdiv. Its story has begun at the onset of the 19th c. with the wealthy merchant and usurer, member of the tailors’ guild, Hadji Panayot Lampsha. Around the turn of the century the Hadji Lampsha house was sold first time to the nephew Hristo, of the distinguished enlightener Nayden Gerov, and then to its last owner, the merchant of wood Luka Balabanov, whose name it bears today. The decaying house was demolished in 1935, but was reconstructed in 1976-1979 due to the records of architect Hristo Peev, the most outstanding researcher of the Revival period houses. The house, impressive in size, exemplifies the symmetrical houses from the 19th c., built following the model along the maritime coast of the Bosphorus. Today it opens two distinct worlds to its visitors – the world of the Bulgarian Revival period you soak in with the lavish wood- carved ceilings, the period furniture and the nice alcoves, named alafrangas. The other world is that of culture and art. In line with the idea the home reborn of Hadji Panayot Lampsha to serve as a Plovdiv palazzo with authentic interior, the house today hosts temporary expositions, conferences, meetings with writers, chamber concerts, theatre performances, meetings. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #localguides #familytrip #freehotelstay

Hisar Kapia (from Turkish: Hisar Kapı meaning "Castle Gate") is a medieval gate in Plovdiv's old town and one of the most famous tourist sights in the city. The gate was built in the 11th century AD over the foundations of a gate from Roman times (probably from the 2nd century AD). Hisar Kapia is one of the three entrances (Eastern, Northern and Southern) to the acropolis of ancient Plovdiv. During the rule of the Ottoman empire revival houses were embedded in the remains of the old stone walls around the gate. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #mytravelhacks #localguides #historicallandmarks #familytrip

Nebet Tepe is one of the hills of Plovdiv where the ancient town was founded. The earliest settlements on Nebet Tepe are dated back to 4000 BC. The site was first settled by Thracians, later expanded by Philip II of Macedon and the Roman empire. As the town expanded, Nebet Tepe became the citadel of the town's acropolis. There are remains of the city's walls, towers, and a postern from the time of Justinian leading down to the Maritsa river. Today, the archaeological complex on the hill is one of the most popular tourist sights in Plovdiv and a cultural monument of national significance. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

The Friday Mosque or Dzhumaya Mosque (Bulgarian: Джумая джамия) is located in Plovdiv, Plovdiv Province, Bulgaria. Its Turkish name is Hüdavendigâr Camii or Cuma Camii. The mosque is located in the centre of Plovdiv and was built in 1363–1364 on the site of the Sveta Petka Tarnovska Cathedral Church after the conquest of Plovdiv by the Ottoman army. During the reign of Sultan Murad I in the 15th century the old building was demolished and replaced by the modern-day mosque. It was called Ulu Dzhumaya Mosque, or Main Friday Mosque. Dzhumaya mosque (djumaya mosque) in Plovdiv IS just beautiful Its thick walls and the configuration of the prayer hall (divided by 4 columns into 9 squares) are typical of the so called “popular mosques” of the 15th centuries. The mosque is remarkable for its size. Services are still held there. It tends to be locked up outside prayer times, so you’ll have to time your visit carefully if you want to admire the fountain, the floral motifs, and the medallions bearing Koranic texts that adorn its interior. Very peaceful and calming once you enter the beautiful mosque. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

The unusual singing (musical) fountain on the lake in the lovely Tsar Simeon garden is a frequent meeting place for locals. You can watch the colourful light display accompanied by classical music during the summer months every evening from 21:00. The Music and Light Show of the Singing Fountains at Tsar Simeonov Garden begins today, July 1, 2021 and will be on every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until the end of September. The program of the light show starts at 21:30 h. A complete check-up of the facility, which has been operating since the beginning of last month, has been carried out, but without a program, in order to avoid crowds due to the epidemiological situation. Due to the serious decline in COVID-19 cases, the program is being reinstated. It includes 5 musical compositions that alternate each week. Their duration is up to 25 minutes. All the fountains in the city are operating normally. We strongly advise citizens not to bathe in them, as the water is treated with special substances that can lead to allergic rashes, especially in children. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #localguides #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #familytrip

Alyosha (an affectionate diminutive of Aleksey) is an 11-metre (36-foot) tall reinforced concrete statue of a Soviet soldier on Bunarjik Hill in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The statue tops a 6-metre (20-foot) pedestal lined with granite. The memorial commemorates Soviet casualties incurred during the Soviet occupation of Bulgaria (which had been an Axis ally) in World War II.[A] It was installed in 1954-57. "Alyosha" is also the name of Konstantin Vanshenkin and Eduard Kolmanovski's song that was adopted as Plovdiv's official anthem until 1989.[2] A well-known poem about the Plovdiv Soldier was written by Robert Rozhdestvensky. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #localguides #familytrip

Tsar Simeon’s Garden in Plovdiv is created in 1892 by the Swiss landscape architect Lucien Chevalas (1840-1921). In 1879 Bulgarian knyaz Aleksandar Bogoridi invited Chevalas to become his gardener in Plovdiv. For all his contribution to the city, in 1901 he was declared an honorary citizen of Plovdiv, and also often is referred to as “the Minister of flowers”. This year, to both citizens and guests’ delight, the renovation of the Garden has been completed. The idea behind it is to resemble the look from time of the First Bulgarian fair in 1892 and bring back Bulgaria’s Kingdom spirit. Since summer the restored fountain of Goddess Demeter is brought for a new life, and a Viennese pavilion is built in the centre of the park. The pavilion is with a metal openwork construction and is a replica of the 1936-Central Pavilion. All this was possible with the help of archival photographs and historical evidences from the Book of the fair. In addition there is new lighting in the park, and also new benches and modern children's playgrounds are installed. The trees and the flowers turn the park in a paradise garden. The pearl on the crown of the park is the renovated Lake with the Singing Fountains. You can take advantage of the cooling effect of the dry fountain and enjoy the light show of the lake intertwined with water effects. The Fountain’s special dance – a spectacular show with music and light can be observed every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 21:30. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #localguides #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #familytrip

The Stadium of Philippopolis was the ancient Roman stadium of Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv), built in the 2nd century AD, during the Roman imperial period. It is among the largest and best preserved buildings from the time of the Roman Empire in the Balkan peninsula. At the time the stadium was built, Philippopolis was the capital of the Roman province of Thracia. The stadium, approximately 250 m (820 ft) long and 50 m (160 ft) wide, could seat up to 30,000 spectators. Today, the northern curved part of the stadium (the sphendone) is partially restored and is one of the most recognisable landmarks of the city among the many preserved buildings from Roman times. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

This is my second trip to Sofia, love it because of the walkable surrounding and well-connected public transportation, that includes the metro 4 that linked the city area and the International Airport. The city has been described as the "triangle of religious tolerance". This is because three temples of three major world religions—Christianity, Islam and Judaism—are situated close together: Sveta Nedelya Church, Banya Bashi Mosque and Sofia Synagogue. This triangle was recently expanded to a "square" and includes the Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph. For Archaeology lovers, Sofia is definitely a must visit city, they do their best efforts to preserve the site and make it like an open-air-museum. All in all, there are tons of reason to visit Sofia, kindly have a look for my Sofia albums and like what you love. #本地遊 #mytripvlog #2023travelwish #capitalcity

The Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis is a true gem of Plovdiv's rich cultural heritage. Built in the 4th century, this stunning site is a testament to the city's ancient Roman past. But it's the basilica's mosaics that truly steal the show. From the intricate patterns and vibrant colors to the depictions of animals, plants, and scenes from the Bible, each mosaic is a work of art in its own right. Take a guided tour and learn about the basilica's fascinating history, or simply admire the mosaics and let your imagination run wild. Add this #beautifuldestination to your #travelbucketlist 🌎

Plovdiv's old town houses are a step back in time to a world of opulence and grandeur. Built in the 19th century, these stunning houses reflect the city's rich history and cultural heritage. From the colorful facades and ornate balconies to the hidden courtyards and intricate woodwork, each house is a work of art in its own right. Take a walking tour and discover the hidden gems of Plovdiv's old town, or simply wander the winding streets and let the houses find you. Whether you're a history buff or simply appreciate the beauty of architecture, Plovdiv's old town houses are not to be missed. Add this #beautifuldestination to your #travelbucketlist 🌎

Plovdiv, one of Bulgaria's most vibrant cities, is home to a thriving street art scene that has turned the city into an outdoor gallery. From colorful murals to thought-provoking installations, the city's walls are covered in a riot of colors and styles that reflect the creativity of its artists. Take a walking tour and discover the hidden gems of Plovdiv's street art, or simply wander the city's winding streets and let the art find you. Whether you're an art lover or simply appreciate the beauty of urban landscapes, Plovdiv's street art scene is not to be missed. Add this #beautifuldestination to your #travelbucketlist 🌎

Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Attractions City Gate "Hisar Kapia" A medieval gate in the old town of Plovdiv, and one of the city's most famous tourist attractions. This gate was built in the 11th century AD on the foundations of a gate from Roman times (probably the 2nd century AD). Hisar Kapia is one of the three entrances (eastern, northern and southern) to the ancient Plovdiv Acropolis. During the Ottoman rule, revived houses were built into the remains of the old stone walls surrounding the gate. After the Ottoman invasion in the 14th century, the gate's importance gradually diminished. In the 17th and 18th centuries, wealthy merchants from Plovdiv built their houses on the ruins of the defensive walls around Hisar Kapia. Today, the lower levels of these houses represent the remains of the ancient walls. Due to its poor condition, Hisar Kapia was fortified in the early 20th century. [2] Today, the medieval gate is one of Plovdiv's landmarks. Gate "Hisar Kapia", Plovdiv Хисар капия Hisar Kapia is a medieval gate in Plovdiv's old town and one of the most famous tourist sights in the city. The gate was built in the 11th century AD over the foundations of a gate from Roman times (probably from the 2nd century AD). Hisar Kapia is one of the three entrances (Eastern, Northern and Southern) to the acropolis of ancient Plovdiv. During the rule of the Ottoman empire revival houses were embedded in the remains of the old stone walls around the gate. The importance of the gate faded after the Ottoman invasion in the 14th century. In the 17th and 18th century the rich merchants of Plovdiv built their houses over the ruins of the fortification walls around Hisar Kapia. Today, the lower levels of those houses represent the remains of the ancient walls. Hisar Kapia was reinforced in the beginning of the 20th century due to its poor condition.[2] Today, the medieval gate is one of the landmarks of Plovdiv.

Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Attractions-Nebet Tepe The name "Nebet" comes from the Turkish nevbet, meaning "guard," and tepe, meaning "hill," or "guarded hill." It is one of the hills of Plovdiv, where the ancient town was founded. The earliest settlement at Nebet Tepe dates back to 4000 BC. The site was originally settled by Thracians and later expanded by Philip II of Macedon and the Roman Empire. As the town expanded, Nebet Tepe became the fortress of the town’s acropolis. Remains of the walls, towers and back walls from the time of Justinian to the Maritsa River still exist. Today, the archaeological site on the hill is one of Plovdiv's most popular tourist attractions and a cultural monument of national significance. The name "Nebet" comes from the Turkish words nevbet (meaning "guard") and tepe (meaning "hill") or "The hill of the guards". It is one of the hills of Plovdiv where the ancient town was founded. The earliest settlements on Nebet Tepe are dated back to 4000 BC. The site was first settled by Thracians, later expanded by Philip II of Macedon and the Roman empire. As the town expanded, Nebet Tepe became the citadel of the town's acropolis. There are remains of the city's walls, towers, and a postern from the time of Justinian leading down to the Maritsa river. Today, the archaeological complex on the hill is one of the most popular tourist sights in Plovdiv and a cultural monument of national significance.

Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Attractions - Historical Museum - Exhibition Renaissance The exhibition "Bulgarian Renaissance" is arranged in one of the most beautiful and symbolic houses in old Plovdiv, the house of Dimitar Georgiadi. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Attractions Balabanov House The Balabanov house is a representative of the symmetrical Plovdiv residential development, one of the most luxurious houses, the spatial composition of which is characterized by the equal role of two vertical axes, one on the ground floor and the other on the 1st floor. It is also characterized by a uniquely rich elaboration of architectural details, plastic and graphic decoration. This model goes beyond a purely residential function and resembles the characteristics of a public building. Currently, the first floor houses a permanent exhibition of modern Bulgarian art. The second floor was used to invite guests, displaying a Renaissance interior and serving as a popular venue for cultural events – exhibitions, literary premieres, chamber music concerts, theatre performances, conferences, etc. The traditional "Balabanov House Music Days" art festival has been held here in spring and autumn for several years, bringing more vitality to the museum. Balabanov House The Balabanov House is a representative for the development of the symmetrical Plovdiv house and is one of the most lavish examples of a house whose spatial composition is characterized by the equal role of two perpendicular axes, the one of the ground floor and the one of the 1st floor. It is also characterized by the exclusively rich elaboration of the architectural detail, of plastic and flat ornamentation. This pattern transcends the pure residential function and is similar to the features of a public building. At present, the ground floor features a permanent exhibition of modern Bulgarian art. The second floor, once having served for inviting guests, exhibits Revival period interior and serves as a popular venue for the holding of cultural events – exhibitions, literature premieres, chamber music concerts, theatre performances, meetings etc. The traditional “Balabanov House Music Days” festival, with its spring and autumn editions, has been organized here for several years, bringing more dynamism to the museum house.

Bulgarian attractions - House-Museum Hindliyan One of the most beautifully decorated houses in the old town is the house of the Renaissance merchant Stepan Hindliyan. The owner of the shop is a famous wealthy businessman and a representative of the four major Armenian families in the city. His real name was Stepan Manug, but due to his active trade with India he was nicknamed "Hindioglu", hence - Hindliyan. The house was built between 1834 and 1835 by unknown craftsmen. The courtyard can be accessed from "Artin Gidikov" Str. From the yard of the adjacent "Balabanova" house. These houses form a harmonious architectural complex. Hindliyan's yard incorporates some auxiliary buildings, bathrooms and basements. The murals on the second floor depict cities visited by the owner during his business trips – Alexandria, Venice, Istanbul and Lisbon. The details are hand-painted by Chirpan and Italian masters. The luxurious decoration and authentic furniture, even the details of the family's daily life, easily bring us into the elite atmosphere of the Renaissance in the mansion of the wealthy businessman. The hotel regularly hosts various cultural events. Bulgaria Attractions - House-Museum Hindliyan One of the most beautifully decorated houses in the Old Town is that of the Renaissance merchant Stepan Hindliyan. The owner is a well-known and wealthy businessman, a representative of the four major Armenian families in the city. His real name was Stepan Manug, but because of his active trade with India, he was nicknamed "Hindioglu", hence - Hindliyan. The house was built between 1834 and 1835 by unknown craftsmen. The courtyard can be accessed from "Artin Gidikov" Str. From the yard of the adjacent "Balabanova" house. These residences form a harmonious complex. Hindliyan's yard incorporates some auxiliary buildings, bathrooms and a basement. Murals on the second floor depict the cities the owners visited during their business trips - Alexandria, Venice, Istanbul and Lisbon. Details are hand painted by Chirpan and Italian masters. Luxurious finishes and authentic furniture, even details of the daily life of the home, easily transport us into the elitist Renaissance atmosphere of a wealthy merchant's mansion. The hotel regularly organizes various cultural events.

Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Attractions - Plovdiv Roman Theater Античен театър The Philippopolis Roman Theater is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world, located in the center of modern Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It was built in the 90s of the first century AD, probably during the reign of Domitian. The theatre, which seats between 5,000 and 7,000 people, is currently in use. During the summer months, the theatre hosts plays and musical performances. The theater is semicircular in shape, with an outer diameter of 82 meters. The theater itself is divided into the seating area (cavea) and the stage (orchestra). The theatre was only discovered in the early 1970s due to a landslide. The restoration of the Roman Theater in Plovdiv is considered one of the best achievements of the Bulgarian conservation school. Plovdiv Roman Theatre Античен театър The Roman theatre of Philippopolis is one of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman theatres, located in the city center of modern Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It was constructed in the 90s of the 1st century AD, probably during the reign of Domitian. The theatre can host between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators and it is currently in use. During the summer months, the theatre hosts theatrical plays and musical shows. In outline, the theatre is a semi-circle with an outer diameter of 82 meters. The theatre itself is divided into the seating section (cavea) and the stage (orchestra). The theater was only found in the early 1970s due to a landslide. The restoration of the Roman theatre in Plovdiv is considered one of the best achievements of the Bulgarian Conservation School.

Bulgarian Attractions - Plovdiv Roman Arena The Philippopolis Stadium is the ancient Roman stadium of Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv), built in the 2nd century AD during the Roman Empire. It is one of the largest and best-preserved buildings from the Roman period in the Balkans. When the stadium was built, Philippopolis was the capital of the Roman province of Thrace. The stadium is approximately 250 m (820 ft) long and 50 m (160 ft) wide and can accommodate up to 30,000 spectators. Athletes compete in two age groups – men and boys. Sporting events are often accompanied by competitions in music, poetry and art. As with other royal buildings used for grand events, the seats of honor at the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis are preserved by inscriptions on marble blocks. Seats with Greek inscriptions were found, proving the existence of special seats for high-ranking public officials. The Stadium of Philippopolis was the ancient Roman stadium of Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv), built in the 2nd century AD, during the Roman imperial period. It is among the largest and best preserved buildings from the time of the Roman Empire in the Balkan peninsula. At the time the stadium was built, Philippopolis was the capital of the Roman province of Thracia. The stadium, approximately 250 m (820 ft) long and 50 m (160 ft) wide, could seat up to 30,000 spectators. Athletes competed in two categories of age – men and boys. Sporting events were usually accompanied by music, poetry and art contests. Like the other imperial buildings for spectacular events, the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis had its seats of honour preserved by inscriptions in the marble blocks. Seats with Greek inscriptions were found, proving the existence of special seats for members of higher public position. Address: ul. "Hristo G. Danov", 4000 Staria grad, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

💥Bachkovo Monastery Bachkovo Monastery of the Theotokos Dormition is the main Eastern Orthodox monastery in southern Bulgaria. The monastery is known for its unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian cultures, united by a common faith. It is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. There are 2 churches within the complex, but only one is open to the public. Founded in 1083 by Prince Gregory Pakourianos, a famous politician and military commander of the Byzantine army, the monastery is a predominantly Georgian Eastern Orthodox monastery. Although the monastery survived the first wave of Turkish invasions of Bulgarian lands, it was subsequently looted and destroyed, but was restored in the late 15th century. The only surviving part of the original structure of the monastery is the ossuary, which features a specific architectural design and ancient frescoes, located 300 m from the contemporary monastic complex. The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary (built in 1604) is where the precious icon of the Virgin Mary Eleusa (brought from Georgia) from 1310 is kept, which is considered a miracle. The church was built on the site where the oldest church in the monastery was destroyed by the Turks. Another medieval church at the monastery is the Archangel Church, which probably dates from the 12th century and whose vaulted open narthex was painted in 1841 by Zahari Zograf. The interior of the church was painted in 1846 by artist Joan Mosch. 💥Bachkovo monastery Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos The Bachkovo Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos is a major Eastern Orthodox monastery in Southern Bulgaria. The monastery is known and appreciated for the unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. It is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. There are 2 churches in the complex, but only one is open to the public. The monastery was founded in 1083 by Prince Gregory Pakourianos, a prominent statesman and military commander in the Byzantineservice, as a Georgian-dominated Orthodox monastery. Although the monastery survived the first waves of Turkish invasion in Bulgarian lands, it was then looted and destroyed, but restored near the end of the 15th century. The only part that has survived from the monastery's original structure is the ossuary, which has a specific architectural design and ancient frescoes, and is situated 300 m away from the contemporary monastery complex. The Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary (dating from 1604) is the place where a valuable icon of the Virgin Mary Eleusa from 1310 is kept (brought from Georgia) which is believed to be miraculous. This church was built in the place of the monastery's oldest church destroyed by the Turks. Another medieval church of the monastery is the Archangels' Church dating back probably to the 12th century, the vaulted open narthex of which was painted by Zahari Zograf in 1841. The inside of the church was painted by the artist Joan Mosch in 1846.

Aqualand amusement water park is located in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It offers interesting slides, big pools, nice bars and everything you may need in the hot summer. It is located in the biggest district of the town called Trakia so the access is easy. #plovdiv #bulgaria #europe #happynewyear

🇧🇬Bulgaria, an often overlooked corner of Europe, has given me many surprises. From the historic districts of the capital Sofia, to the spectacular ancient Roman theater in Plovdiv, to the magnificent nature of the Seven Lakes Mountains, each stop makes people feel the charm of the rich interweaving of culture and nature. Here, I saw the golden dome of the Orthodox Church, Ottoman-style buildings and traces of the Soviet era; I also tasted authentic banitsa puff pastry and shopska salad. The affordable prices and leisurely pace are the "hidden treasures" of my European journey. If you want to find a European country that is both deep and easy to travel, Bulgaria will be a great choice!

#summervacay **Why Summer is Magic Here?** This 2nd-century marvel—carved into a Thracian hillside—comes alive with **open-air operas**, golden-hour acoustics tests, and moonlight that makes the marble seats glow like they did when Emperor Trajan attended performances. --- ### **🏛️ Your Perfect Summer Evening** #### **Golden Hour Visit (6-8 PM)** - **Acoustic Test:** Stand on the **orchestra mark** and whisper—you’ll be heard in the top row (50m up!) - **Hidden Carving:** Find the **theatrical masks** etched into seat No. 78 #### **Nighttime Spectacle** - **Opera Nights:** Check for **Aida or Carmen** under the stars (July-Aug, tickets €15-50) - **Moonlit Solo Visit:** Guarded gates stay open till 11 PM for strolls #### **Local Flavors** - **Post-Show Drink:** **Gin & Tonic with rose syrup** at Hemingway Bar (3-min walk) --- ### **💰 Budget Breakdown** - **Day Entry:** 10 BGN (€5) - **Evening Performance:** From 30 BGN - **Transport:** Walkable from Kapana district --- ### **⚠️ Summer-Smart Tips** - **Seat Wisdom:** Original marble stays cool; bring a cushion for modern shows - **Footwear:** Heels sink into ancient gravel paths - **Secret Photo Spot:** The **"Phantom Seat"** (Row 15, missing since 1970s quake) **Why It’s Special?** ✅ **Still-used after 1,900 years** ✅ **Breathtaking views** of the Rhodopes ✅ **No velvet ropes**—sit where Romans did **Tag your visit #PhilippopolisLive!** 🌌🎭 *(Morning After: **Roman Stadium’s underground passages** before the heat!)*

#EuropeGuide Plovdiv "St. Archangel Michael" Church | Guardian of the Old Town ⛪✨ Deep in the old town of Plovdiv, I found another church full of stories. It is the "St. Archangel Michael" Church (Храм „Свети Архангел Михаил“)! It is not as grand as other churches, but it feels especially powerful with its old-fashioned and quiet atmosphere that shows the traces of time. 💖 The interior of this church is not the most ornate, but the old icons and frescoes give off a strong historical trace. I especially liked the feeling of the church with its traces of time. Every detail seemed to whisper a story from the past. Here, you can feel the deep religious culture of Plovdiv and the pious faith of its residents, so it is a good place to get away from the hustle and bustle and find inner peace. ✨ My tips for visiting: Location: It is located in the old town of Plovdiv, the exact address is ul. "Dr. Chomakov" 2. It is not far from the ancient Roman theater, so you can visit it on foot. What to see: Admire the old architecture of the church and the icons and frescoes inside. It is one of the oldest churches in Plovdiv, and its historical value is especially noteworthy. Ambience: It is usually relatively quiet, so it is a good place to take your time and feel the power of history and faith. Explore the surroundings: The area around the church is the charming old town of Plovdiv, so keep walking through the alleys and discover more surprises. If you are looking for a church in Plovdiv with a story and a warm atmosphere, the church of "St. Archangel Michael" is definitely worth a visit!