The city of Plovdiv was built on seven hills. Only six remain however, as one was used to create many of the roads we walk and drive upon today. I have made it my aim to climb each of the hills, and today I conquered another. The highest hike, Youth Hill is definitely worth the effort.
So Many Names
This hill is the tallest and largest of all the hills in Plovdiv and goes by many different names. I guess officially nowadays it is called Dzhendem Tepe (Hell Hill) but is nicknamed Youth Hill. It garnered this nickname as the main path to the summit was paved by the youth during the Communist regime.
Other names it has had over the thousands of years the city has stood, are Mount of the Dryad Nymphs, Djinn Tepe (Hill of Bad Spirits) and Chigdem Tepe (Hill of Crocuses). It is thought that on top at one time, was a temple and large statue dedicated to the God Apollo, and later a basilica.
Today
This site is protected today. At the base is a wide and large area used for concerts and festivals. As you walk closer to the hill, trees become thick and the park gets quite dark. I could feel the moisture hanging in the air, even though there has not been much rain for the month I have been here. Unfortunately, there were also a lot of bugs, biting bugs.
The hill is a hikerโs paradise. Today, I took the wide cobblestone path that zigzags all the way to the summit, however there are many trails through the forest that can provide a tougher workout. Youth hill is 307 meters high, and from the top, the panoramic views are incredible.
At the Top
When I reached the top, I found the most incredible sight. Iโm not referring to the two microwave and weather towers, but to the swimming pool!!! Yes, not in my wildest dreams, if you asked me what I think I would see at the top, would I have guessed a swimming pool!
But alas, it is there. Abandoned, broken, and not in use mind you, and Iโm so sad it isnโt. All I could think, standing there panting, sweating and out of breath, was how much I would give right this second to dive into that pool filled with luscious cold water. Like many other things on Youth Hill, it was built during the communist era.
The Views
There are several places along the climb, to stop and take pictures. And of course, at the very top. It was a clear and hot sunny day today, so I was expecting to have beautiful views.
I will say one thing, every hill I have climbed, I notice is that there is always a thick blanket of smog on the horizon that mars the view. Iโm not sure if this is typical, or an anomaly. There is a lot of industry quite close to the city, in fact, one neighbourhood is called the Industrial District. I can even see a nuclear power plant that looks close by.
The views are always amazing but not crystal clear, even on a cloud free day. I was able to see the neighbouring hill with Alyosha proudly standing atop Bunardzhik Hill.
Non the less, I have conquered another hill in Plovdiv. I donโt know what count I am at now, but I must be getting close to the six. Iโll have to figure that out soon. Have a great day, and happy hiking!
