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Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second most important city, preserves the undying values of its six millenia long history. With the name of Philippopolis the city celebrated the conquest of Philip II of Macedon, but it was classical Trimonium which left indelible marks of its grandeur, still visible today scattered on the six hills of Plovdiv.
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The most remarkable of them rising above the city is the Antique Amphitheatre built by Emperor Mark Avrelii during the II century A.D. Its magnificant arcade adorned with marble statues is simply breath-taking. Theatre and opera performances are still staged here on warm summer nights.
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The Roman Stadium is also constructed during the II century and reproduces the layout in Delphi, Greece. Within the centre of the ancient major town of the Roman province of Thrace remains of stone paved streets, foundations of buildings and columns and ancient fortress walls and gates reside.
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The architectural complex "The Old town of Plovdiv", covering the Three-hill area - the original location of the town - attracts visitors from all over the world. During the Bulgarian Revival in 18th century Plovdiv was a centre of enlightenment, cultural and political activity. Old Plovdiv nowadays is an original living museum, an architectural phenomenon with many of the houses of those times' most prominent bulgarians turned into museums, galleries hosting various art exhibitions, festivals and biennials, and even tourist dormitories.
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Djumaya Mosque, dating back to 14-15th century, the "Holy Mather Of God" church constructed during the age of Sultan Murat in 1844-6, the"St. Constantine and Elena" Church dating back in 1856 and the "St. Marina" Church from 1856 with its wood-carved iconostasis represent only a small part of the city's spiritual heritage.
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The Etnographic Museum in Plovdiv is one of the most interesting museums in Bulgaria. Its exhibits are on show in a beautiful house, which is a fine example of the Bulgarian Baroque architecture of the National Revival Period. It was built in 1847. The principal facade of the house faces west, giving onto a spacious and well-kept garden. It consists of two clearly differentiated bodies: middle part projecting far forwards, and side wings drawn back. This division gives movement and relief to the facade and intensifies the picturesque effect on the entire composition.
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After restoration of Bulgarian country in 1878, this beautiful house was used for various purposes: as a girl’s boarding school, then a millinery factory and a tobacco warehouse, while in 1943 the exhibition of the Municipal house was opened in it. Collecting the ethnographic materials now housed there was begun in 1951. Stoyan N. Shishkov, a well-known ethnographer, laid the foundations of the present Museum collection in 1917.
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Among the various festivals, taking place in the city throughout the year are the International Chamber Music Festival in June, the Verdi Opera Days in the Amphitheatre, the International Folklore and Muppet-Show Festivals, the National Autumn Art Exhibition "The Old town of Plovdiv" and many others.
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Aside from all the cultural events, Plovdiv is an ancient trade centre. Since 1892 the International Plovdiv Fair - one of the oldest and biggest on the Bolkans - is conducted twice annually in the beginning of May and in September, attracting participants and visitors from a wide range of countries.
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