Choose from 2 Fun Things to Do in Plovdiv
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Plovdiv Old Town
As the sixth oldest city in the world, Plovdiv, Bulgaria can trace its history back to 5,000 B.C. Visitors exploring Plovdiv’s Old Town will be able to experience some of that history for themselves, from the remains of the 2nd century Roman stadium that sit underneath the pedestrian mall in the town center to the 14th century Dzhumaya Mosque, the second oldest in Europe, to the rows of Bulgarian Revival houses that line the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.
The highlight for many will be the 2nd century Plovdiv Roman Theater that sits on a hill on the edge of the Old Town and is still used for concerts and other performances. Other noteworthy sites include the Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa, the Church of St. Constantine and Elena, the State Gallery of Fine Arts, the Zlatyu Boyadjiev House, the Icon Gallery and the Ethnographical Museum, with more than 40,000 displays about life and culture in Plovdiv.
Practical Info
The Old Town in Plovdiv is easily walkable and within walking distance of many popular tourist hotels. A tourist information booth can be found in the central square and a variety of walking tours are available to learn more about the town’s long history. Plovdiv is almost two hours from the capital of Sofia by car and can be reached by train or bus as well.
Address: Old Town, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
From $ 35
Bachkovo Monastery
Founded in 1083, Bachkovo Monastery is one of the largest and most important pilgrimage sites in Bulgaria, and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument. The historic monastery also boasts a magnificent setting, perched in the hills around Asenovgrad and overlooking the Chepelare River.
The Basics
The most popular way to visit the Bachkovo Monastery is on a day trip from nearby Plovdiv. Visitors can combine a guided tour of the monastery with the region's other historic sights, such as the medieval ruins of King Ivan Asen's Fortress and the Wonderful Bridges. It's also possible to visit the monastery as part of a cycling tour through the Rhodope Mountains, stopping at Shiroka Laka or the Devin hot springs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the monastery grounds is free, but there is an admission fee to visit the refectory, museum, and ossuary.
- The road to the monastery is lined with souvenir stalls, street food vendors, and cafes.
- Mass is held at the monastery twice a day.
- The monastery has basic accommodation where pilgrims can spend the night.
- The main areas of the monastery are wheelchair-accessible, but it's best to arrive with your own transportation and park at the top of the hill.
How to Get There
The monastery is located in the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains, about 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) south of Asenovgrad. Buses and taxis run between Asenovgrad and Smolyan (E86), affording easy access to the monastery. From the main road, it's a 15-minute uphill walk, but taxis can drop you at the top.
When to Get There
The monastery is open daily. Tour buses tend to start arriving at 10am, so get an early start if you want a crowd-free photo.
A Walking Tour of the Bachkovo Monastery
Highlights of the monastery grounds include the original ossuary, decorated with ancient frescos and home to a first-floor burial crypt; the cathedral, which houses a statue of the Virgin Mary Eleusa; the Archangels' Church covered in paintings by Joan Mosch; and an expansive garden, tended by the monks who still live and work on the monastery. The small but impressive museum at Bachkovo offers a notable collection of religious artifacts, wood carvings, and historic frescos.
Address: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
From $ 112