The Plovdiv province has one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the entire world. The heart of your trip is the **Plovdiv** old town which sits on three hills made of solid granite. You can walk the steep cobblestone streets past colorful houses with wooden frames and overhanging upper floors. The most impressive sight is the Roman theater which was built nearly two thousand years ago and is still used for opera and theater today. Standing on the stone seats and looking out over the modern city is an experience you will never forget. Drive away from the city center to the **Kapana** district which is known as the trap because of its narrow winding streets. This area is full of small craft shops and vibrant cafes that spill out onto the sidewalk. You can spend hours wandering through the alleys to find local art and hidden murals on the walls. It is the creative soul of the city and a great place to stop for a coffee and people watch. The energy here is youthful and artistic making it a favorite spot for travelers. The journey takes you south toward the **Rhodope** mountains to find the Asen’s Fortress perched on a sharp cliff. This medieval stronghold looks like something out of a fairy tale and guards the road into the mountains. You can climb the narrow stairs to the small church at the top for a view that will take your breath away. The river below flows through a deep canyon and the forest stretches as far as you can see. This province is a perfect blend of ancient ruins and modern mountain adventures.

Plovdiv (province) highlights

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The Scenic Route

The Heritage Drive

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History of Plovdiv (province)

Plovdiv is arguably the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, but the province is the **Thracian Heart**. It is dotted with hundreds of **burial mounds**, the most famous being the **Valley of the Kings** near **Starosel**, where a massive temple tomb with a grand staircase was discovered. The region was the center of the **Odrysian Kingdom**, and later, a Roman provincial capital called **Trimontium**, featuring a marble stadium and an amphitheater still in use today. The province medieval history is anchored by **Asen Fortress**, a 13th century stronghold perched on a vertical cliff guarding the pass into the Rhodopes. During the National Revival, Plovdiv became the center of Bulgarian culture and trade; the wealthy merchants built the **Baroque Houses** of the Old Town, which are now architectural museums. The province was also the site of the **Unification of Bulgaria** in 1885, a pivotal moment in modern history. Driving through Plovdiv Province, you encounter the **Red Church** near **Perushtitsa**, a 5th century brick ruin of an early Christian basilica that remains one of the most photographed sites in the country. The **Hisarya Spa** features a perfectly preserved 2 kilometer Roman wall and 22 mineral springs. From the art filled streets of the **Kapana** district to the mountain silence of **Bachkovo Monastery**, the province is the ultimate crossroads of civilizations.

Plovdiv (province)