The Stara Zagora province is the centre of the **Thracian** valley where the history of farming began. First go to the Neolithic Dwellings museum which houses two prehistoric houses from the sixth millennium BC. You can see the actual kitchens and grain storage bins where the first farmers of Europe lived eight thousand years ago. It is incredible to see how well preserved these mud and wood structures are after so much time. It is the best place in the world to understand the very beginning of human civilization. Drive through the city to find the massive **Samara** Flag monument which stands on a high hill like a giant stone banner. It honors the soldiers who fought for independence and offers a panoramic view of the wide plains below. You can walk up the long stairs and explore the various statues and memorial plaques. The city itself is built on a strict grid with wide streets and many green parks filled with lime trees. It is a pleasant and easy place to navigate with your car while exploring the local history. The journey takes you to the **Stara Zagora Spa** where hot mineral water has been used for healing since the Roman times. You can park and walk through the ruins of the ancient baths or enjoy a soak in a modern thermal pool. The water is known for its high mineral content and its ability to relax the body after a long day on the road. The surrounding area is full of vineyards that produce some of the best wines in the south. This province is a blend of prehistoric secrets and modern relaxation in the heart of the sun valley.

Stara Zagora (province) highlights

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The Scenic Route

The Heritage Drive

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History of Stara Zagora (province)

Stara Zagora is the **City of 8,000 Years**. It holds the **Neolithic Dwellings Museum**, which contains two of the best preserved early human houses in Europe, complete with ceramic vessels and grain stores. The city was later a major Roman center called **Augusta Traiana**, featuring a grand forum and an amphitheater that are still part of the city urban fabric today. It is a province of ancient agricultural fertility and constant rebuilding. The province is the heart of the **Valley of the Roses** and the **Valley of the Thracian Kings**. Near **Kazanlak**, the **Thracian Tomb** features a world famous mural of a royal banquet, providing the most detailed look at Thracian life 2,300 years ago. The region is also a site of modern myth making: the **Buzludzha Monument**, a massive UFO shaped brutalist ruin on a mountain peak, has become a global icon of Cold War architecture. Driving through Stara Zagora, you find the **Samara Flag Monument**, a giant concrete sculpture on a hill commemorating the 1877 battle for the city. The **Damascena complex** nearby shows the history of rose oil production, a trade that once made this valley the wealthiest in the Balkans. From the prehistoric huts to the socialist ruins and the scent of millions of roses, Stara Zagora is a province of cycles and rebirth.

Stara Zagora (province)