South Bulgaria

The South Central region represents approximately a quarter of the total surface of Bulgaria. The region has 2 million inhabitants and has borders with Greece and Turkey. Plovdiv, Pazardjik, Haskovo, Stara Zagora are the most important industrial and research centres in the region.

The transport infrastructure is unevenly distributed due to the diverse landscape and because of the economic development of the region. The road network is relatively well developed, as is the rail network which connects the Bulgarian capital Sofia and the Black Sea port of Bourgas. Plovdiv Airport is the major airport in the region.

Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns not just in Bulgaria, but also in whole Europe. This is the second largest city in Bulgaria, after Sofia. It is situated in the western part of the Gorno Thracian lowland, on the two banks of the biggest river in Bulgaria- Maritsa and on top of six unique syenite hills- “tepeta”. The city is situated 150 km east of the capital of Bulgaria- Sofia and 270 km west of Bourgas. Layers of cultural treasures from prehistoric, Thracian, roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and revival periods can be found in the region. Today Plovdiv is a modern city with fast developing business centre. Many new administrative buildings and trade centres and numerous companies and enterprises have offices in the city.

The oldest inhibitors of the region are from the new stone, stone- copper and bronze epoch. During the first millennium before Christ the settlement Evmolipias, named after the mythical king Evmolp, rises in the region of the three hills- Djambaz tepe, Taksim tepe and Nebet tepe. The tree hills form a natural protection against invaders. Phillip Makedonski, the father of Alexander Makedonski, is considered to be the official founder of the city. In 342 he conquers the city and names it Philipopol – “The town of Philip”. The Macedonian ruler builds a brand new city with remarkable public buildings, temples and a stadium. Today just next to the ancient stadium stands the statue of Philip II Macedonian, made by the sculptor Cyril Naidenov. The death of Alexander the Great marks the end of his empire.

During the period 1-3 century before Christ, the city suffers from numerous attacks from the Celts, who call it Pulpudeva. In 45 year after Christ the lands between Stara Planina (The Balkan Mountain range) and Aegean Sea were a roman province called Thracia, and the town was renamed to Trimontium – “The three hills”. After the end of the Roman Empire the town becomes a strategic fortress of the northern border of Bysantium. The Slavs that settled in the region call it Puldin. In 815, khan Krum adds it in the territories of Bulgaria and calls in Plovdiv. Plovdiv stands deep in the back areas of the Ottoman Empire under the name Felibe and slowly loses its strategic significance.

However, after the Renaissance epoch it again becomes and important cultural and economy centre. The craftsmen and tradesmen class are created. Great poets, writers, painters and icon writers lived, worked and created masterpieces in the town. In 1870 a revolutionary committee was summoned in the town. Many Renaissance houses and buildings are now announced to be architectural monuments and are transformed into museums.

Plovdiv was freed from ottoman rule on 17th January 1878, by Gurko general and becomes the biggest town in Bulgaria. After the Berlin congress it becomes the capital of eastern Rumelia. On 6th September 1885 the SYEDINENIE of Bulgaria is announced in the centre of Plovdiv.

Maritsa River divides the city in two different parts. The smaller part hosts the fair town with the official address 37 “Tsar Boris” blvd. The first fair in Plovdiv took place in 1892 and later it was renamed to The International Plovdiv Fair. Now it is opened twice a year- in May for consumption goods and in September for industrial goods.

Plovdiv is a colourful and picturesque city. Many centuries Bulgarians, Turkish, Armenians, Jews, Greeks and Romas live together in the city. A short walk around the local temples will prove that. Except for the Bulgarian Orthodox churches like “st. Dimitar”, “Holy Mother”, “st. st. Constantine and Helena”, tourists can also see the catholic temple “st. Spirit”, the protestant church, the Armenian Church “Surp Kevork”, the Ancient Sinegogue, Djumaya mosque, the Dervishki monastery “Melevi hane”, whose remains can be seen in the ground floor of “Puldin” Restaurant and etc.

Guests of Plovdiv can try all kinds of entertainments. The central streets are live, night clubs offer unforgettable moments for those who like clubbing.

The architectural reserve- The Old Plovdiv is a site with unique atmosphere. Each one of the buildings there has its own history and silently tempts you to feel it. It is no wonder that one of the greatest Bulgarian poets, Dimcho Debelyanov often writes about the city in his beautiful melancholic strophes. The cosy restaurants and mehanas in the complex will make you feel the typical revolutionary atmosphere and you will long after that remember the taste of traditional Bulgarian dishes, served with desire.

At the foot of Djambaz tepe and Taksim tepe are raising the columns of the Ancient Theater. If you sit on one of the 28 rows of stone seats during sunset you will easy be able to imagine the ancient tragedies and gladiator games that used to be performed on the scene.

Because of its thousand year history, the attractions in Plovdiv are countless. Remains from ancient aqueducts, bringing clear spring water by the Rodope Mountain to the town can be seen. The archeological and ethnographic museum will let you know more about the history of the town and its citizens. A day or two are surely not enough to see all of the landmarks in the city.

30 kilometers away from Plovdiv Bachkovo monastery is situated. It is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria.

It is hard to talk about its beauty and charms. Only those who visited Plovdiv can really feel its spirit.

Stara Zagora is easy accessible along a first class highway 230 km southwest of Sofia. Further 190 kilometers to the west is the world wide famous beach resort Bourgas.

Stara Zagora is also known as the city of lime- trees, artists, poets and Zagorka beer.

The crossroad location of the region determines the rich history of the town, going back to ancient times.

Two Neolithic dwellings were found and preserved right in the heart of the city. Scientists consider that their history dates back from the 6th millennium BC. The older copper ore mines in Europe are found in close vicinity to the city. The settlement built by the Thracians carried the name Beroe. About 107 AD, Emperor Trayan founded the town Ulpia Augusta Trayana not far from Beroe.

Over the years the town suffered from numerous invasions.

The town became part of Bulgaria after Khan Krum conquered it in 812 and its old name Beroe was resorted. During the middle Ages the towns name was encountered as Vereya and Borui (probably derivative of the Old Bulgarian word borou meaning fortress). Some of the most significant archeological monuments in the town are from the 11th- 12th century when it was under Byzantine rule.

The town was than conquered by the Turks and was called Eski Hissar, and later Eski Zagra.

During the National revival period the city became a majour economic centre. The local citizens took active part in the national educational and liberation movement.

The city bears its present name Stara Zagora since 1871.

During the Russo- Turkish liberation war the city was burned down to the ground during the first majour crash between the two warring parties.

After the liberation the city was restored again and became cultural, economic and administrative centre. Planned and built anew it became the first postliberation town of modern urban planning.

Bereketska Mound (next to Kolyo Ganchev residential part) is the biggest prehistoric settlement in Bulgaria. It is 17 meters high with 250 m diameter at the base.

The two neolith dwellings from the 6th millennium BC right next to the District Hospital. They are considered to be the best preserved dwellings from that period in whole Europe. We highly recommend you a visit with a guide lecture.

Augusta Trayana – Vereya ruins are right in the heart of the city and have been declared an architectural reserve.

The ancient forum from the 2nd- 4th centuries is a remarkable monument standing there since roman times is in the centre of the city.

The late antiquity floor mosaic from the 4th century is among the best models of Roman art and technique of that time. It has been exposed in the Post office building hall.

The museum of history houses valuable collections of prehistoric pottery and religious sculptor, ancient glass and bronze.

The defenders of Stara Zagora 1877 Memorial Complex is a 50 meter high monument erected in 1977 on the historic Chadur Mound in commemoration of the centenary of the furious fights that took place in the region when the Bulgarian volunteers of the Samara battle received their baptism in the battle.

The Ayazmo (Spring) Park is situated in the northern part of the city. It is a veritable botanic garden. Numerous three species from all over the world were planted in the park to transform it to a magnificent site for walks, sports and recreation. Several sport fields can be found in the park. On the upper hill of the Ayazmo Park visitors can stop by a small zoo with different animal species.

Stara Zagora has a lot to offer all year round.

Tourists have the chance to choose from many entertaining amusements during their stay in the city. Many small hotels of different style and category are available at guest disposal. Please check out hotel selection if you want to book a hotel in Stara Zagora.

You will find a great choice of good quality restaurants and pubs in the city. The night life in Stara Zagora is fabulous. Numerous nigh clubs offer entertainment for everyone. As a big university centre the city is full of young people who are ready to party all night long.