Plovdiv is second biggest city in Bulgaria. The town is located in South-Central Bulgaria, 150 km from Sofia, 19 km from Assenovgrad, 102 km from Smolyan and 90 km from Stara Zagora. It is situated on the two banks of the Maritsa river and on six unique syenite hills (called "tepeta"). Around the three eastern hills the Thracians estabilished the ancient settlement of Evmolpiass, which was later on called Pulpudeva. In the year 342 B.C. the town was conquered by Philip II of Macedonia and was called Philipopol. During the Roman times it was given the name of Trimontium ("town on three hills"). The Slavs called it Plovdiv.
Plovdiv is divided into two parts - the old town (bg: Stariyat grad), which occupies the three eastern hills, and the lower town spread in the plain below. The modern town offers entertainment and vigorous sights but the old town /conveys best/ carries the atmosphere and the culture of the city.
The ancient part of the three-hill town is an architectural reserve. The Ancient Plovdiv has preserved until nowadays the athmosphere of the Renaissance.
The modern town is a trade and culture centre.It is a bunch of museums, churches, banks,hotels, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, shops, bars, bazaars, music clubs, casinos etc. Here rest the ruins of a Roman stadium and remnants of the Roman forum, here could be also seen several mosques and original Turkish baths. The modern centre provides entertainment and rich cultural life. Classical concerts take place at the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra`s concert hall, here in January the Winter festival of Symphony Music is held. In the Fair Camp different international exhibitions and expoes are held all year round.
Quick facts about City of Plovdiv
In Bulgarian Aplhabets: Пловдив
Location: South-Central Bulgaria
Distance to capital city: 131.714 km from Sofia
Latitude: 42.15N
Longitude: 24.75E
Altitude: 100 - 199m above sea level
Province: Plovdiv District
Municipality: Plovdiv-city Minicipality
Area size of City of Plovdiv: 101.981km2
Population of City of Plovdiv: 341873 inhabitants (to 01/01/2006)
Post code (ZIP) of City of Plovdiv: 4000
Phone code of City of Plovdiv: 032 from Bulgaria, 0035932 from outside
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