The Roman writer Lucian wrote of the city of Plovdiv: “This [Plovdiv] is the biggest and loveliest of all cities. Its beauty shines from far away…”

Lucian lived from 120 to 180 AD, but still today you can see how his words hold true in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Plovdiv is an ideal destination for history buffs, painters, and photographers. It is one of Europe’s oldest cities; it’s older than even Constantinople and Rome, with a history that spans some 6,000 years.

Over the centuries, Plovdiv has been called many different names. It was originally a Thracian settlement by the name of Eumolpias. Philip II of Macedon conquered the area in 342 BC and then renamed the city Philippoupolis. In Greek, the name looked like this: Φιλιππούπολις.

After the Romans took control of the area, it was called Trimontium, which in Latin means Three Hills. During the Middle Ages the city was known by the Byzantine Greek name of Philippoupolis, a name by which it became known throughout Western Europe well into the 20th century.

Upon visiting Plovdiv, you’ll find many remnants of its long history. One historical site that is a favorite of tourists can be found in the central square, which is called Dzhumaya Square.

Here you can explore the remnants of the Roman Stadium, which are the remains of the original, horseshoe-shaped arena where the Alexandrine Games were held during the second and third centuries. As many as 30,000 spectators watched chariot races, wrestling, athletics and other events from the marble stands that once lined the arena.

In this same area you’ll find an impressive structure called the Dzhumaya zamia, or Friday mosque. With its diamond-patterned minaret and lead-sheathed domes, the towering structure dominates the view in the very center of the town of Plovdiv.

It is believed that the mosque may actually date back to the reign of Sultan Murad II, which was from 1359-1385 AD. It is considered to be one of the most outstanding architectural monuments from the Ottoman Empire.

Services are still held there today, and you can visit so that you are able to admire the mosque’s fountains, floral-patterned walls, pale blue interior, and the medallions bearing Koranic texts that adorn its interior.

There is definitely no shortage of artwork, galleries, and museums to visit in Plovdiv as well. Four well-known museums are based in the city: the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Museum of Natural Sciences.

The Ethnographic Museum occupies one of the most elaborate houses of the Renaissance period in the Old Plovdiv. Its collection shows the culture and civilization of the Plovdiv region, including the history and development of agriculture and trade. The rich diversity of folk culture is shown through a vast collection of garments, fabrics, embroideries. You’ll also be able to explore the music and dance of the region’s two main ethnographic groups: the Rupets and the Thracians.

When visiting Plovdiv, you’ll find that it is a major cultural hub within Bulgaria. The city has more than 200 archaeological sites, 30 of which are recognized as of national importance. It is also home to the country’s most impressive collection of art at the City Gallery of Fine Arts.

If you need a day away from the bustle of the city, you can visit the nearby Rose Valley, a region of Bulgaria that is located just south of the Balkan Mountains. The valley is famous for its rose-growing industry. Roses have been cultivated here for centuries, and today this region produces up to 85% of the world’s rose oil.

The delicate and fragrant oils are used by perfumeries all over the world. As you can imagine, from May through June, the entire region is very colorful and sweet smelling!

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