Bulgaria’s “Jewel in the Crown“

Article by John Lindley , BulgarianProperties - Plovdiv Office, 9th December 2005

Plovdiv has everything – history, culture, shopping, sport, restaurants and excellent hotels . It is surprising that it is often overlooked in favour of the beach and ski resorts. However by 2007 things are certain to change for Bulgaria’s second largest city. Property prices are cheaper than the capital, Sofia. Yet Plovdiv has more to offer and is definitely a much cleaner and friendlier city.

Located on the two banks of the river Maritsa and on the six hills the locals call “Tepeta”. It is a city built upon layers of cities and eras.It has been a Thracian settlement, a Roman settlement, part of the Turkish empire and is older than Rome itself.

Plovdiv is definitely for the more discerning traveler. Stroll down the cities main thorough fare and you will see artists trying to sell their pictures amidst Roman archaeological remains. Follow on into the Old town and you are transported into another dimension. “Oldy Worldy” is the best way to describe it with its quaint architecture and cobbled streets giving it a unique picturesque appeal. Museums.Archeological sites, art and musical festivals seem to be everywhere, you seem to be spoilt for choice.

If shopping is your aim then you are in for a pleasant surprise. The main thorough fare is packed with fashion shops and boasts two shopping malls.

The most recent one, Excelsior has only been open a couple of weeks. It was built over the remnants of an ancient Roman stadium, which have been preserved on the first level of the complex. As well as a hundred modern boutiques it has a good selection of cafes and small restaurants.
Plovdiv restaurants like the shops are many and varied. Bulgarian cuisine reflects their history.Be prepared for lots of salads, vegetable oils , fats, herbs and spices. Traditional dishes that you could try – kavarma, a meat and vegetable stew or kebatcha, a grilled spisy, sausage shaped mince meat dish. Desert tend to be pancakes or pastries.

Sport features prominently in Plovdiv life. The “Plovdiv Sport Complex” is a favourite place for the local people, it includes a football stadium and 19 open air tennis courts. Or perhaps you might prefer some else like just strolling along the canal and if you were feeling a bit more energetic trying your hand at a roller skating, cycling or rowing.

So whether you like the modern town or the Old Town, or perhaps both. Plovdiv has something to offer all tastes. So forget the hustle and bustle of Sofia and tune into the calm and pleasant atmosphere of Plovdiv.

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