Guide to pleasures: what to do in Plovdiv - the oldest city in Europe

The Bulgarian town of Plovdiv is perfect for the budget short fall travel. It is not the sea, but the incredible architecture, nice weather and some of the lowest prices for accommodation and holidays in Europe. Heroine will tell you what to do in the cultural capital of Bulgaria, the oldest city in Europe.

The breakfast Banica

Start the day with a breakfast better than traditional Bulgarian pie - Banica. This pastry puff pastry stuffed with brine cheese or cottage cheese, but now banitsa filled with anything: minced meat, herbs, apples, rice.

Banica - old Bulgarian national dish, which is still an important part of holiday feasts for Christmas, New Year, Easter. In addition, it is a popular fast food, it can be found almost anywhere in fast food. Rich cake is perfect for a hearty breakfast or for a snack while walking around town or a picnic.

Listen to opera at the ancient theater

Plovdiv - the oldest city in Europe, at different times, it was ruled by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Greco-Thracians, Turks. Every great empire has added his touch to the portrait of the city. One of the most notable traces of Roman times - the ancient amphitheater. Despite the restoration, the monumental structure looks quite destroyed, that only adds to the authenticity of the monument of architecture.

Rendezvous with history is worth the money, but just to see the amphitheater can be even over the fence. The best way to feel the ancient atmosphere - visit this place as a spectator. Plovdiv Opera regularly gives concerts in the amphitheater and hosts international events. Sitting on the ancient marble benches, enjoying the music, views of the city center with the Rhodope hills in the distance (the amphitheater is located on a hill, and the audience sit facing south) - a unique cultural experience.

To visit the homes of the Ottoman era

The Ottomans left Plovdiv mosque "Juma", "Imaret", a bath, a hammam and Chifte Orta Mezar-hammam (which has now become a center of contemporary art) and exotic mansions. On a walk through the picturesque houses the museum you can spend the whole day - the price of tickets available and a variety of corners abound.

One of the most famous mansions belonged Argir Kuyumdzhiev-oglu. The house has the status of a cultural monument of national significance, since 1917 the Ethnographic Museum is located in it, in which tourists can get acquainted with traditional Bulgarian culture.

Another house, which is worth visiting - House Hindliyana. Careful symmetrical building with bright blue facade and a cozy patio is difficult to confuse with other mansions Plovdiv. Hindliyana house was built in 1835 for the Armenian merchant. In the early 20th century there lived Armenian refugees fleeing the genocide in the Ottoman Empire, and later they were settled, and the building was recognized as a cultural monument.

to climb the hill

Plovdiv stands on six hills (originally there were seven, but one hundred years ago, carried off on the stones that built the house). The most popular among tourists and locals hill: Bunardzhik, also known as "the liberator of the hill", which is easily recognizable by a huge statue of a Soviet soldier "Alyosha" Djendem Tepe or "hell of a hill" and Sahat Tepe. With any of them have a beautiful view of the city.

Climb the hills of Plovdiv is very simple, you can even call Bunardzhik by car. Sometimes on some of the hills are urban parties, and still is a great place for a picnic.

Drink Thracian wine

The area on which built Plovdiv, has a wonderful climate for growing grapes. Especially good is the red grape varieties such as Mavrud of which make the most popular Bulgarian wine. This is one of the oldest, he was grown since Thracian times.

Find Plovdiv wine tour is not difficult. If you do not have time or money for a long tasting trip, go to a local bar or store.

Visit the creative district of Kapan

In the 1990s, the area of ​​Kapan was the parking area surrounded by dilapidated houses. Radical transformation of the place began in 2014 when the area became the capital financed by the European Cultural Foundation, and moved here about a dozen of creative enterprises.

Now Kapan - creative Plovdiv center with pedestrian zone, many shops, restaurants, galleries and original art space. Where you can do everything that did not have time during the previous days of vacation: dive into contemporary art, dine in a beautiful place to buy traditional souvenirs from local craftsmen and see why Plovdiv - the cultural capital of Bulgaria.