Plovdiv Province (Bulgarian: Област Пловдив, Oblast Plovdiv;
formerly Plovdiv okrug) is one of Bulgaria’s 28 administrative
provinces, located in the fertile Upper Thracian Plain of
central-southern Bulgaria along the Maritsa River. It spans about
5,973 km² across 18 municipalities (including Plovdiv Municipality,
Maritsa, Rodopi, Asenovgrad, and others) and had a population of
roughly 683,000 as of 2011. Plovdiv city serves as its
administrative, economic, and cultural capital.
The province’s
territory forms part of historical Upper (or Northern) Thrace—a
strategic crossroads between Europe and Asia on ancient routes like
the Via Militaris (or Via Diagonalis). While the modern province is
a 20th-century administrative creation (with roots in post-1878
Bulgarian districts and reorganization into the current oblast
system), its deep history traces back through millennia of Thracian,
Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Ottoman layers,
centered on Plovdiv (Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city)
and surrounding settlements.
Plovdiv – Bulgaria’s second-largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Known for its rich history, well-preserved Roman ruins (including the Ancient Theatre and Stadium), charming Old Town with colorful Revival-era houses, and vibrant cultural scene. Often called the "City of the Seven Hills."
Bachkovo Monastery – A stunning
11th-century Orthodox monastery located in the Rhodope Mountains. Famous
for its beautiful frescoes, unique architecture, and the miraculous icon
of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the most important spiritual and
cultural sites in Bulgaria and a popular pilgrimage destination.
Central Balkan National Park
– A vast and pristine protected area in the heart of the Balkan
Mountains (Stara Planina). Covering diverse landscapes from dense
forests and alpine meadows to dramatic gorges and waterfalls, the park
is home to rich biodiversity, including rare plants, wolves, bears, and
golden eagles. Ideal for hiking, nature lovers, and eco-tourism.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May) and autumn
(September–October) stand out as the most pleasant periods. Mild
temperatures (typically 10–25°C/50–77°F) suit walking the hilly Old Town
without extreme heat or cold, with blooming flowers or golden foliage
adding visual appeal and fewer crowds than peak season. Summers
(June–August) bring heat (often 30–35°C/86–95°F, occasionally higher),
but they coincide with lively festivals, open-air concerts in the Roman
Theatre, and energetic nightlife in Kapana. Winters (December–February)
are cooler and quieter, with occasional snow that can make the Old Town
picturesque, though some outdoor sites feel less inviting and days are
shorter.
Key events include open-air performances and the Opera Open
Festival in the ancient amphitheatre (summer), cultural nights or
wine-focused events in autumn, and the rose harvest in the nearby Valley
of the Roses (late May–June, about an hour's drive north). Plan around
these if you enjoy festivals, but book accommodations ahead for summer
peaks.
Getting There and Around
Arrival: Most international
visitors fly into Sofia (about 2 hours away by bus or train) or use
Plovdiv's smaller airport (PDV), which has limited connections. Buses
and trains from Sofia are frequent, affordable (around 10–20 BGN /
€5–10), and comfortable. Direct buses also link to Istanbul (6+ hours)
or Greek border areas. The main bus station and train station sit
roughly 1–2 km from the city center—take a short taxi, bus, or walk.
Within Plovdiv: The historic center, Old Town, and main attractions are
highly walkable (you can cross the core in 15–20 minutes). Wear
comfortable shoes—the Old Town involves cobblestones and hills (Plovdiv
sits on seven hills). City buses cover suburbs cheaply (under 2 BGN).
Taxis (via apps or reputable firms) are inexpensive for longer hops
(5–10 BGN within the city); avoid unofficial taxis at airports/stations
that may overcharge—insist on the meter or agree on a price upfront.
Driving in the center is restricted in pedestrian zones; parking is
available near the Old Town base but monitored.
Day trips in the
province: Renting a car offers flexibility for the Rhodopes, or join
guided tours/minibuses. Public transport reaches some spots like
Asenovgrad, but organized tours simplify logistics.
Top Things to
Do in Plovdiv
Focus on layers of history—Thracian, Roman, Byzantine,
Ottoman, and Bulgarian National Revival—all visible in a compact area:
Plovdiv Old Town (Architectural Reserve): Wander cobblestone streets
lined with colorful 19th-century Bulgarian Revival houses featuring
overhanging bay windows, wooden interiors, and frescoes. Many function
as house-museums (e.g., Hindliyan, Balabanov, or Klianti Houses)
showcasing period furnishings and lifestyles. It's a living
museum—explore at your own pace or with a guide. Don't miss the
Ethnographic Museum for traditional costumes and crafts.
Ancient
Theatre of Philippopolis (Roman Amphitheatre): One of the world's
best-preserved Roman theatres, dramatically carved into a hill with
excellent acoustics. Visit during the day for history, or attend a
summer concert/opera for magic. Entry is modest; combine with views over
the city.
Nebet Tepe: Climb one of the seven hills for panoramic
views, especially at sunset. Ruins here trace back to Thracian
times—it's a peaceful spot with ancient walls and a sense of deep
history.
Other Roman Sites: The partially excavated Roman Stadium
(visible under the main pedestrian street), Roman Forum, Odeon, and the
impressive Bishop's Basilica with its large early Christian mosaics (a
relative hidden gem).
Kapana Creative District ("The Trap"): A
pedestrian-friendly former artisans' quarter turned hip hub with street
art, galleries, craft shops, bars, and restaurants. Great for
people-watching, local design, and evening vibes—try craft beer or
cocktails in quirky spots.
Dzhumaya Mosque and Tsar Simeon's Garden:
The 15th-century mosque (one of Bulgaria's oldest) near the pedestrian
main street; remove shoes to enter respectfully. The central park offers
green space, singing fountains, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Free
Walking Tours: Highly recommended for orientation—several daily options
cover history, architecture, and local insights (tip generously, around
5–10 BGN/person).
Plovdiv rewards slow exploration; allocate at
least 2 full days for the city to avoid rushing.
Day Trips and
Beyond in Plovdiv Province
The province shines with accessible
escapes into the Rhodope Mountains:
Bachkovo Monastery: Bulgaria's
second-largest monastery (founded 1083), nestled in forested hills about
30–45 minutes south. Stunning frescoes, a historic refectory, and a
peaceful atmosphere—often combined with Asen's Fortress on half-day
tours. Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees).
Asen's Fortress
(Assen's Fortress): Dramatic 13th-century ruins overlooking Asenovgrad
with a preserved church and sweeping mountain/valley views. Pair it with
Bachkovo for a rewarding half-day.
Valley of the Roses: North of
Plovdiv (around 1 hour), famous for rose fields that bloom spectacularly
in late spring/early summer—fragrant and photogenic. Wineries and rural
drives add appeal year-round.
Other options include the Wonderful
Bridges (natural rock formations deeper in the Rhodopes, often on
full-day tours with food stops) or smaller villages for authentic
Bulgarian rural life. Guided tours from Plovdiv simplify these (private
or group, 3–8 hours).
Food and Drink
Bulgarian cuisine is
hearty, fresh, and affordable. Must-tries: banitsa (flaky cheese pastry
for breakfast), grilled meats (kebapche, kyufte), shopska salad
(tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, onions), slow-cooked stews (gyuvetch), and
local wines or rakia (fruit brandy). In Plovdiv, eat in the Old Town or
Kapana for atmospheric spots—try traditional mehanas (taverns) or modern
spots emphasizing local ingredients. Street food and bakeries keep costs
low. Beer is cheap and good; coffee culture thrives in pedestrian areas.
Vegetarians find options in salads and cheese dishes, though meat
dominates. Portions are generous.
Tipping: Round up or add 5–10% for
good service—it's appreciated but not obligatory.
Accommodation
Tips
Old Town or Center: Best for immersion—boutique guesthouses or
restored houses offer charm (expect 80–150 BGN / €40–75+ per night for
doubles). Examples include stylish spots like Hotel Evmolpia.
Budget:
Hostels or Airbnbs in/near the center (20–70 BGN/night).
Mid-range/Luxury: Modern hotels or apartments (100–200+ BGN). Book early
for summer or festivals. Proximity to walking areas saves time and
transport.
Practical Tips
Budget: Very affordable. Backpacker
daily spend: ~60 BGN (€30) including basic lodging, food, and transport.
Mid-range: 100–150 BGN (€50–75). Attractions/museums are cheap (3–10 BGN
entry); many sites or walking are free.
Money and Payments: Bulgarian
Lev (BGN); cards widely accepted in tourist areas, but carry cash for
small vendors, taxis, or rural spots. ATMs are common.
Language:
Bulgarian is official; Cyrillic script everywhere. English is decent
among younger people, in tourist zones, hotels, and restaurants—but
learn basics ("hello" = zdravey, "thank you" = blagodarya) or use
translation apps. Russian helps some older locals.
Safety: Generally
very safe for tourists, with low violent crime. Watch for pickpockets in
crowded tourist spots. Avoid isolated areas at night if solo. Standard
precautions apply; suburbs like certain districts are best skipped.
Women often report feeling secure in central areas.
Health and
Etiquette: No special vaccinations usually needed; tap water is
generally safe in Plovdiv. Pharmacies are plentiful. Dress modestly at
religious sites (monasteries/churches/mosques). Bulgarians appreciate
directness but value hospitality—greet shopkeepers and be patient with
service pace.
Connectivity: Good Wi-Fi in accommodations and cafes.
EU roaming applies for many visitors (post-Brexit rules vary—check your
provider). Power is standard European (230V).
Other: Bring layers for
variable mountain weather. Download offline maps (Google Maps works
well). If driving, watch for mountain roads. Plovdiv is family-friendly
and accessible for many, though some Old Town paths are steep/cobbled.
Prehistory and Thracian Era (c. 6000 BC – 4th century BC)
Human
settlement in the Plovdiv area dates to the Neolithic period (late
7th–6th millennium BC), with evidence of early farming communities on
settlement mounds and the city’s famous Seven Hills (syenite outcrops
rising from the plain). Artifacts include pottery and tools from sites
like Yasa Tepe.
By the Bronze and Iron Ages, Thracian tribes
dominated. The fortified settlement was known as Eumolpia (or
Evmolpia/Kendrisia), linked to the mythical Thracian hero Eumolpus or
local tribes like the Bessoi or Odrysians. It served as a trade and
defensive center in the Odrysian kingdom (c. 5th–4th centuries BC). The
broader province area features numerous Thracian sanctuaries, tombs, and
artifacts, reflecting a warrior-aristocratic culture.
Hellenistic
and Roman Periods (342 BC – 5th century AD)
In 342 BC, Philip II of
Macedon conquered the Thracian town and renamed it Philippopolis (“City
of Philip”) in his honor. It grew as a Hellenistic center.
Rome
incorporated Thrace in stages. By 46 AD (under Emperor Claudius), or
earlier conquests around 72 BC, it became Trimontium (“City of Three
Hills”) and the leading urban center (if not always the formal capital)
of the Roman province of Thracia. Its strategic position made it a vital
hub on major roads. Romans built grand infrastructure: a massive stadium
(one of the empire’s largest), an amphitheater (still used today),
odeon, forum, aqueducts, baths, and walls. The city minted coins and
thrived commercially until barbarian raids (e.g., Goths in 250 AD)
caused temporary decline.
The Roman Theatre of Philippopolis
(Trimontium), one of Plovdiv’s most iconic monuments, built in the 2nd
century AD and still hosting events.
Nearby sites in the province,
such as Hisarya (ancient Diocletianopolis), preserve exceptional Roman
fortress walls, baths, and mineral springs used since antiquity.
Early Medieval, Byzantine, and First/Second Bulgarian Empires (6th–14th
centuries)
Slavic migrations from the 6th–7th centuries AD blended
with local Thracian and Roman populations, transforming the name from
Philippopolis/Pulpudeva to Puldin or Plovdiv.
The city became a
contested border fortress after the First Bulgarian Empire’s founding
(681 AD). Khan Malamir incorporated it around 834–836; it frequently
changed hands between Bulgarians and Byzantines. Key figures include
Khan Krum (captured 812) and later tsars like Ivan Asen II. Crusaders
(e.g., Frederick Barbarossa in 1189) passed through or damaged it during
the medieval period.
The province area includes major medieval sites
like Bachkovo Monastery (founded 1083 by Georgian Byzantine generals
near Asenovgrad), a key Orthodox cultural and architectural center
blending Byzantine, Georgian, and Bulgarian styles.
Ottoman Rule
(1364–1878)
Ottoman forces under Lala Şahin Pasha captured
Philippopolis around 1363–1371, renaming it Filibe. It served as the
capital of the Rumelia Province (1364–1864) and later part of Edirne
Vilayet—making it a major administrative and economic hub for the
European Ottoman territories.
Under Ottoman rule, the city retained
importance as a trade center on the Istanbul–Europe route. The Bulgarian
National Revival (18th–19th centuries) flourished here, with Bulgarian
schools, churches, and a prosperous merchant class building distinctive
Revival-era houses. The Old Town preserves this layered
Ottoman-Bulgarian architecture.
Modern Era: Liberation,
Unification, and Contemporary Bulgaria (1878–present)
The
Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) liberated Plovdiv in January 1878. The
Treaty of San Stefano initially placed it in a large Bulgarian state,
but the Congress of Berlin created autonomous Eastern Rumelia (with
Plovdiv as capital) under nominal Ottoman suzerainty. In 1885, Plovdiv
became the epicenter of the bloodless Bulgarian unification with the
Principality of Bulgaria.
The late 19th and 20th centuries brought
industrialization, railways, and growth as Bulgaria’s second city. Under
communism (post-1944), heavy industry expanded. Post-1989 democratic
reforms and EU accession (2007) modernized the province, with the Trakia
Economic Zone and Plovdiv International Airport driving commerce.
Plovdiv was European Capital of Culture in 2019, highlighting its
heritage.
Today, Plovdiv Province blends ancient ruins, medieval
monasteries, Revival architecture, and modern industry/agriculture in
the Maritsa Valley. It remains a cultural and economic powerhouse, with
preserved layers from Neolithic mounds to Roman theaters, Thracian
tombs, and Ottoman mosques—all testifying to its role as a “city of
eternal return” at the heart of Bulgarian and European history.
Plovdiv Province (Oblast Plovdiv) is located in south-central
Bulgaria, forming a vital part of the country's central-southern region.
It spans approximately 5,972.9 km² (about 2,306 sq mi), making it one of
Bulgaria's larger provinces, and is home to 18 municipalities with
Plovdiv (the country's second-largest city) as its administrative
center.
Geographically, it occupies a transitional zone between the
fertile lowlands of the Thracian Plain and the surrounding mountain
systems, creating highly diverse landscapes from expansive agricultural
plains to rugged highlands. Coordinates center around 42°10′N 24°45′E,
with the province roughly bordered by the Balkan Mountains (Stara
Planina) to the north (separating it from provinces like Lovech),
Pazardzhik and Sofia Provinces to the west, Stara Zagora and Haskovo to
the east, and Smolyan and Kardzhali to the south.
Topography and
Major Landforms
The province features a striking mix of flatlands,
rolling hills, and mountainous terrain, reflecting Bulgaria's broader
east-west structural divisions.
The Upper Thracian Plain (Plovdiv
Plain) dominates the central and western portions. This is an alluvial
plain formed by the Maritsa River and its tributaries, part of the
larger Upper Thracian Plain. Elevations here are mostly low, ranging
from about 150–350 m (with Plovdiv city at ~160 m above sea level). The
soil is fertile and supports intensive agriculture (wheat, lavender, and
other crops). The plain is relatively flat but interrupted by isolated
hills and heights, such as the Chirpan Heights to the east.
Mountainous areas encircle the plain, providing dramatic contrasts:
North: Southern slopes of the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains) and
Sub-Balkan Valleys. This includes Bulgaria's highest peak in the range,
Botev Peak (2,376 m), located in the Karlovo municipality area within
parts of Central Balkan National Park. The terrain here is rugged with
deep valleys, steep slopes, and high biodiversity.
Northwest:
Foothills of the Sredna Gora mountain range.
South: Northern
foothills and slopes of the Rhodope Mountains, which are ancient,
heavily forested massifs with gorges, caves, and rolling highlands.
Elevations rise significantly here, supporting forestry, tourism, and
livestock.
The city of Plovdiv itself sits on (originally) seven
syenite hills (now six prominent ones, as one was partially leveled),
which rise sharply from the plain and give it a distinctive "city of
seven hills" character similar to Rome. These hills reach up to ~250 m
and include landmarks like the Three Hills (Trimontium), Mladezhki Halm
(Youth Hill), and others.
Hydrology
The Maritsa River
(Bulgaria's longest river after the Danube, ~480–524 km total length) is
the province's primary waterway. It flows east-west through the heart of
the Upper Thracian Plain, passing directly through Plovdiv on both
banks. The river originates in the Rila Mountains (west of the province)
and drains much of southern Bulgaria toward the Aegean Sea. It has
shaped the fertile alluvial soils and historically served as a transport
and settlement corridor.
Key tributaries include the Stryama River
(flowing from the north/Balkan slopes) and Pyasachnik River (with a
major reservoir/dam). Other rivers and streams, such as the Vacha in the
southern Rhodope section (with dams like Krichim and Vacha), add to the
network. There are no large natural lakes, but reservoirs and
mineral-rich springs are abundant—supporting spas in places like Hisarya
and Narechen.
The riverbanks feature wetlands and riparian zones,
some protected for bird habitats (e.g., pygmy cormorant roosting sites).
Climate
Plovdiv Province exhibits a transitional climate between
humid continental and humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa in lower areas),
with Mediterranean influences from the south and greater continental
severity in the mountains. Lowland summers are hot and relatively dry
(July–August averages ~33°C highs), while winters are mild with
occasional snow (average 15 snowy days, though deeper accumulations
occur). Annual precipitation is around 500–570 mm, higher in the
mountains (up to double in peaks) and peaking in late spring/early
summer. The Maritsa River and surrounding hills moderate temperatures,
creating humid conditions and frequent mists. Higher elevations have
cooler summers, colder winters, and orographic rainfall.
Notable
Geographical Features and Protected Areas
The province's diversity
supports rich biodiversity and protected sites:
Central Balkan
National Park (northern areas, including around Botev Peak) features
reserves like Dzhendema and Stara Reka, with dramatic waterfalls (e.g.,
Raysko Praskalo, one of the Balkans' highest).
Chervenata Stena (Red
Wall) Biosphere Park/Reserve in the southern Rhodopes (near Asenovgrad)
is a major protected area with unique rock formations, forests, and
biodiversity.
Urban natural monuments in Plovdiv include several of
the syenite hills (e.g., Danov Hill, Youth Hill) protected for their
geomorphology and flora/fauna.
Abundant mineral springs and spa
resources dot the province, tied to its geological history.
Pyasčnik Dam - possible fishing for Uklei, Babushka, Redfin,
Caracuda, Carp, Morunash, Perch, White fish, Catfish, Red mullet, White
carp;
Kliment Reservoir - possible fishing for Uklei;
Bryagovo
Reservoir - possible fishing for: Uklei, Babushka, Redfin, Karakuda,
River mullet, Carp, Morunash, White barbel, Perch, Pike, Catfish,
Fathead minnow;
Ezerovo Reservoir - possible fishing for: Uklei,
Babushka, Redfin, Karakuda, River mullet, Carp, White carp, Morunash,
Perch, Pike, Catfish, Fathead minnow;
Dospat Dam - possible fishing
for: Uklei, Babushka, Redfin, Karakuda, River mullet, Carp, Morunash,
Perch, Catfish, River trout, Rainbow /American/ Trout, Grayling;
Mechka Reservoir - possible fishing for: River mullet, Perch;
Domlyan
Reservoir - possible fishing for: Uklei, Babushka, Redfin, Karakuda,
River mullet, Carp, Linn, Morunash, Perch, Catfish, Rainbow / American /
Trout, Bighead;
The 40 springs dam - possible fishing for: Uklei,
Babushka, Chervenperka, Karakuda, Sharan, Morunash, Perch;
Lenovo
Reservoir - possible fishing for: Uklei, Caracuda, River mullet, Carp,
Perch, Pike, Largemouth bass;
Sushitsa Reservoir - possible fishing
for: uklei, carp, river mullet, carp, white fish, pike, river trout, red
bream;
Izbeglii Dam - possible fishing of Uklei;
Kavaka Reservoir
- possible fishing for: Uklei, Babushka, Redfin, Karakuda, Carp, White
carp, Morunash, Perch, White fish, Catfish;
Sokolitsa Reservoir -
possible fishing for: Uklei, Babushka, Redfin, Karakuda, Carp, White
carp, Morunash, Catfish, Fathead minnow;
Sopot Reservoir - possible
fishing for: Uklei, Babushka, Redfin, Caracuda, Carp, White carp,
Morunash, Perch, Pike, Catfish, River trout, Rainbow (American) trout;
Cherven Reservoir - possible fishing for: Uklei, Caracuda, Carp, White
carp, Perch, Pike, Catfish;
Almaleka Dam - possible fishing for
Uklei.
The favorable geographical position of the district is complemented
by the presence of built infrastructure for transport access. Important
international road arteries pass from here, which in ancient times
connected the East with Europe, the Baltic with the Mediterranean, the
Black Sea with the Adriatic.
The main roads connecting eastern
and western Bulgaria, the Trakia and Maritsa highways, as well as the
road to the Rhodopes and the Turkish border pass through the district.
An active railway also passes through the city. and bus transport. The
city of Plovdiv also has a duty-free zone, a customs terminal, a cargo
and passenger airport, a customs office serving a large part of southern
Bulgaria, etc.
The economy of the Plovdiv region is well represented at the national
level by a number of indicators. The favorable climate and geographical
location are decisive for the development of the area. The course of the
Maritsa River and its tributaries passing through the Plovdiv region, as
well as the climate, have an extremely favorable impact on the
development of agriculture in the region. Plovdiv region is the main
agrarian-industrial economic region of Bulgaria. 1/7 of the arable land,
12% of tangible fixed assets and 14% of the labor resources of our
country are concentrated in it.
A distinctive feature of the
Plovdiv regional economy is the variety of productions. The main sectors
characterizing the structure of the economy in the district are:
production of food products, beverages and tobacco products; metallurgy
and production of metal products; manufacture of textiles and clothing;
paper and cardboard production; manufacture of chemicals, products and
fibres; manufacture of machinery and equipment; production of plastic
products.
In the regional center, in addition to primary and secondary schools, there are 6 higher education institutions - University of Plovdiv, Agricultural University, University of Food Technology, Academy of Music and Dance, Medical University, Technical University - Plovdiv branch.