Information about Plovdiv

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria, with a population of 376,918 citizens. The city is located on both banks of the Maritsa River in the central part of the Upper Thracian Lowlands. Plovdiv is particularly known, like Rome, for its Seven hills. It is the administrative centre of Plovdiv Province in southern Bulgaria, as well as the largest and most important city of the historical region of Thrace, famous for its ancient and diverse culture and millenary history.

Plovdiv is one of the main transport junctions in the country and on the Balkans. It is situated 130 km southeast of the capital Sofia. A couple of key thoroughfares cross the city, including the international road E 80 – Belgrade-Sofia-Plovdiv-Istanbul, which runs close to the town, as well as the one between Sofia and Burgas through Stara Zagora. Plovdiv is regarded as the gate to the Rhodopes, as most people who head for the mountains choose it as their starting point. Plovdiv International Airport operates national and international flights.

Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities of Europe, being older than Rome, Athens, and Constantinople, almost contemporary of Troy. The first traces of civilization at the place date from the Mycenaean period.
The Old Plovdiv was made a reservation because of the characteristic features of the National Revival architecture houses, concentrated of the Three Hills - Nebet Tepe, Jambaz Tepe and Texim Tepe. With their impressive appearance, magnificent internal decoration, coziness and family spirit they are embodiment of the spirit of their time.
The Bulgarian culture and the Bulgarian cultural heritage do not need references to enter the European or world union of spirituality and thought. Their roots are in the cradle of the civilization. There are more than 200 archeological sites of culture, 30 of which are of national importance.

The Plovdiv International Fair, since 1892, is the largest fair in the country and all of Southeastern Europe, gathering companies from all over the world on an exhibition area of 95,000 m².


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