Sunday 11 August 2013

The colours of the old town in Plovdiv

Old Plovdiv Etnography museum
Old Plovdiv Etnography museum entrance
As a Sofia-born girl (and Sofia being the capital of Bulgaria) I have to confess that I was only twice short in Plovdiv, the second biggest city at home. So this summer I decided to learn better the town and to spend one day there. Plovdiv's history spans 6,000 years, with traces of a Neolithic settlement dating to roughly 4000 BC, ranking it among the world's oldest cities. Plovdiv was known in the West for most of its recorded history by the Greek name Philippopolis, which was introduced in 340 BC.Plovdiv was originally a Thracian city before later becoming a Greek and a major Roman one. In the Middle Ages, it retained its strategic regional importance, changing hands between the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires. Nowadays Plovdiv is often referred to in Bulgaria as "The City of the Seven Hills" as it historically developed on seven hills (which are 250 m high).
Old Plovdiv houses
Old Plovdiv houses
Old Plovdiv beautiful door
My Plovdiv discovery was sunny, hot and simply mind-blowing... Plovdiv has more than 200 archeological sites. The architecture of the city is a real time-machine:  there are two ancient theatres and stadium from Roman time; remains of the medieval walls and towers; Ottoman baths and mosques; a well-preserved old quarter from the National Revival period with beautiful houses, churches and narrow paved streets. The buildings in the old town (from the years 1800-1850) are beautifully restored and visiting the houses really helps imagine the life back in time...Enjoy the walk with me in pictures!  
Plovdiv, old town
Plovdiv, Roman stadium
PS: Next to great+colourful+ancient architecture we enjoyed yummy food, in restaurant Hebros in the old town rice with snails:-)


9 comments:

Lies said...

Magisch mooi, Jana ! Je staat er betoverend bij...
Lie(f)s.

Rosemary said...

Not keen on snails myself, but Plovdiv is a gem. Such a beautiful town.
I went to Bulgaria many, many years ago, and would like to return again some day.

Barb said...

Hi Jana, I'm being an armchair tourist with you again. I love the fish-eye photos. (Not so much the snails..)

Joop Zand said...

Hallo Jana

Prachtige foto's en mooie composities..... bedankt voor het delen met ons.

Groetjes, Joop

LilliStJohn said...

I am glad that "Barb" pointed out the correct word "fish eye view" - I love this view - it gives a very different curvature to the photos and enhances their beauty even more and mysteriously so. I have truly enjoyed this post and wonderful history. This town of Plovdiv is truly beautiful and I sure would enjoy sitting down to the delectable meal with you. Thank you for the tour and wonderful post.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

So rich in history - 6000 years - amazing. It's good to see so many buildings well preserved.

Dietmut said...

Jana, je hebt ons weer een mooi plekje laten zien. Groetjes en fijne avond, Dietmut

Erika said...

A very nice town and gorgeous shots. Kisses from Italy

Joop Zand said...

Prachtige serie foto's Jana..... ook mooi de details gefotografeerd.

Groetjes, Joop

* ik ie dat ik al een reactie had geplaatst