On a trip into Old Town in Plovdiv, I decided to explore a house that I had not visited before. Although this home is one of the precious Bulgarian Revival Houses of the 18th & 19th centuries, it is not a museum per say. Instead, it is being used to exhibit an enormous collection of …
In a previous life, I bought and sold antiques and collectibles. One of my favourite things was the category of old medical equipment. Not only was it quite rare, but the pieces themselves are so unusual and archaic. Wandering through Old Town, I came upon curiosities in the Hippocrates Pharmacy Museum. The contents took me …
There are so many ancient Roman ruins in Plovdiv, it is a history lovers delight. One such place that cannot be missed on a visit to the city, is the beautiful Roman theatre of Philippopolis located in Old Town. Brief History This magnificent theatre was built during the 1st century AD and accommodated 5,000 – …
I discovered a market in Plovdiv today. I have such an affinity for shopping and perusing local markets, I knew I would find at least one here. This used to be only one day a week, however now everyday is the Thursday Market except Sundays. Getting There Not hard to find at all. Google is …
If you are a lover or an admirer of ancient roman history, have I got a treat for you. On a visit to the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, I was absolutely blown away by the quality and quantity of preserved history. Not only are you witness to incredible mosaic floors, you are inside a state-of-the-art …
In Old Town, there is a concentration of Bulgarian Revival houses and one of these is Stambolyan House. The Bulgarian artist Dimitar Kirov resided in this home in the 1960’s. In the 80’s and 90’s the house was used as a cultural hub of sorts, for artists of the city. Today, Stambolyan is full of …
As is my tradition, I visited a cemetery here in Plovdiv. It is a very large one, only 1 kilometre from the centre of the city. Contained within its walls is a church, a Jewish Cemetery and an area of military burials from WWI. Here is a collection of photos of Plovdiv Central Cemetery, an …
There are certain things I like to see in each destination I travel to. One of these is a shopping mall. Now I know that may seem strange but viewing the local fashion, eateries and architecture is interesting to me. Never having visited Bulgaria before, I was curious to see what a mall here looked …
One of the houses I was determined to explore in Plovdiv was the gorgeous Stambolyan House in Old Town. It doesn’t look like it would be that amazing from the exterior. All one can see from the street is a tall white stone and plaster wall and small building surrounding a wooden doorway. But step …
When I was researching Bulgaria to see if it would be an interesting place to spend some time, I read that this country produces 70% of the world’s roses! That had me intrigued and piqued my interest in visiting. Now that I am here, I see beautiful roses in Plovdiv everywhere I turn. And wow, …
One of my goals whilst in Plovdiv was to hike to the top of the 6 hills that the city was built upon. Originally there were seven however, one was used to make the streets! Climbing in old town, three of these hills are available. One is Nebet Tepe, currently closed (😥) and another is …
I read about a pedestrian bridge that would take me from the south side of Plovdiv to the north side. Eager to explore another district in the city, I set out. What I discovered was a covered bridge that looks like a train and is in fact nicknamed ‘The Train’ by the residents. Not only …
An interesting area of Plovdiv is Old Town. Here, I can wander the ancient stone streets for hours. Consuming the space of three of Plovdiv’s seven hills, this preserved area is magical. Within Old Town I found beautiful Klianti House. Old Town This area of the city is full of unique wooden homes, many of …
Many of my long walks of the day take me to or through the long pedestrian street in Plovdiv. Along this vehicle free zone, I pass by many ancient Roman ruins. One of these is the amazing stadium of Philippopolis. Ancient Rome I don’t know what it is but I am continually fascinated with all …
I was walking through Bunardzik Hill the other day and I stopped in my tracks. Below my feet, on one of the paved paths, were drawings made by children. I was so moved, I had to take these photo’s of the sweetest chalk art in the park. Drawing I consider myself well travelled. Having had …
One thing I am really enjoying about Plovdiv is the amount of green space and large open areas. Even right in the midst of the city, there are enormous spaces for people to enjoy. One such place is the beautiful Tsar Simeon’s Garden. Brief History Built in 1892, this large green public space is well …
I saw the foundations for a stage being erected last week and a huge sign went up shortly there after. Everything is in Bulgarian of course, which I cannot decipher, but the dates showed as June 14-18. Last night I went to check things out at what I think is called the Kapana Fest in …
The city of Plovdiv was built in an area encompassing 6 large hills. Today my morning walk took me to Bunardzhik Hill, the second tallest in the city. I decided hiking to the soviet soldier was the perfect workout for the day. Bunardzhik Park I entered the park off a main road. It was only …
I think we all know by now that I am a cat freak. I adore them so very much. Probably because they were the only pet I had growing up, thus familiarity with the furry feline. Well, I have died and gone to heaven then. The beautiful cats of Plovdiv are prolific! Greetings My very …
I was on my walk-a-bout town this morning and thought I would explore a new area of Plovdiv. Having read about old town, I wanted to check out this neighbourhood to see the old houses from the 18th & 19th centuries. What I found instead was the Church of St Constantine and Helena. I must …