The oldest metropolis in Europe (5 enjoyable information) | Popgen Tech

Welcome to Plovdiv, the oldest constantly inhabited metropolis in Europe! Situated in Bulgaria, this historical metropolis has a historical past that stretches again 8,000 years. It affords guests a novel glimpse into its tradition and heritage. Plovdiv is actually an unbelievable place to discover, from its world-famous ruins to its vibrant nightlife. Learn on for 5 enjoyable information concerning the oldest metropolis in Europe to find why a go to to Plovdiv is a should for any traveler.

Plovdiv is understood for being the second largest metropolis in Bulgaria. It lies within the area of Thrace, which was the placement of a number of the earliest European settlements. Proof of Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures nonetheless exists all through the area, making Plovdiv simply one of many many historic websites and cities on this space.

1. Fashionable Plovdiv had many authentic names

Plovdiv isn’t the primary title given to the oldest metropolis in Europe. First known as Kendros and Emolpias by the Thracians, the title of this metropolis has modified many occasions all through its historical past. Here’s a listing of historic names of Plovdiv, though there have been in all probability no less than just a few extra:

• Kendros
• Eumolpias
• Philippopolis
• Pulpudeva
• Trimonzium
• Ulpia
• Flava Julia
• Plapdiv
• Pulden
• populist
• Ploudin
• Philibe

Over time, Philipopolis modified fingers fairly a bit earlier than turning into the fashionable Plovdiv of as we speak. Here’s a listing of a number of the civilizations which have fought, gained and misplaced management of this metropolis throughout its dramatic historical past:

• Persians
• Thracians
• Macedonians
• Romans
• Byzantine
• Goths
• Theirs
• Crusaders
• Ottoman Turks

The title Plovdiv began and caught in the course of the Ottoman Empire, though the Turks first known as it Filibe. Plovdiv grew to become an essential financial heart and essential buying and selling heart throughout this time and for years to come back.

Plovdiv is constructed on the foot of the seven syenite hills and is nicknamed The Metropolis within the Hills. Syenite is a kind of pure rock that’s frequent on this space, though in trendy occasions there are solely six remaining syenite mounds.

2. Plovdiv has an historical Roman stadium large enough for 30,000 folks

Probably the most spectacular sights in Plovdiv is the traditional stadium of Philippopolis. Constructed across the starting of the 2nd century AD, this stadium might seat as much as 30,000 folks. It was initially used for numerous occasions comparable to athletic video games, gladiator fights and chariot races.

A part of the stadium is remarkably properly preserved, giving guests a glimpse of the grandeur of historical Plovdiv. Its authentic measurement was about 240 meters (790 ft) lengthy and 50 meters (164 ft) extensive, though most of it has deteriorated over time. At this time, solely about one third of the unique stadium stays intact.

Guests to the Stadium of Philippopolis also can discover the close by Odeon and Historic Theater of Philippopolis. Each are extra historic websites value visiting!

3. Plovdiv’s well-preserved historical Roman theater nonetheless hosts reveals

The Historic Theater of Philippolis was constructed by the Romans within the 1st century AD and will seat as much as 7,000 folks. This well-preserved theater stands between two of the Sienite hills and has a lovely backdrop of the town beneath. Guests can discover its 28 rows of marble seats and even catch the occasional present!

The theater is inbuilt a semicircle and is the second largest historical theater in Bulgaria. It was used for performances, comparable to performs and live shows, in the course of the Roman period and later served as a fortress in occasions of battle. At this time this lovely construction is open to guests who need to be taught way more about its historical past.

The Historic Theater now hosts many outside occasions, such because the Opera Open music pageant and a rock pageant known as Sounds of the Ages.

4. The oldest metropolis in Europe has the longest pedestrian road

Plovdiv can also be dwelling to the longest pedestrian road in Europe, recognized for its full of life nightlife and distinctive outlets. This space, known as the Kapana district, is broadly thought-about Plovdiv’s cultural quarter. It accommodates a mixture of old-world allure and trendy structure, making it a great place to discover. And its cobbled streets, specialty outlets, galleries and loads of eateries make this district a magnet for vacationers and locals alike.

The Kapana district was as soon as dwelling to many craftsmen and artisans. At this time, yow will discover a number of the metropolis’s most unusual eating places and bars on this a part of city. From conventional Bulgarian taverns to small cafes, this space is ideal for an evening out or a leisurely wander.

Kapana district has a fairly shut competitors for the longest pedestrian road in Europe. Some say Rue Sainte-Catherine in Bordeaux, France is the winner of this title, they usually could also be proper. However our analysis places Plovdiv’s pedestrian road at 1.8 km lengthy and Bordeaux’s at 1.2 km lengthy, so Plovdiv will get the medal. Nonetheless, they’re each winners in our minds, and each are nice locations to go to in Europe!

5. Plovdiv is legendary for its wine

Plovdiv can also be an essential heart for wine manufacturing in Bulgaria. Though the town doesn’t have a protracted custom of winemaking, its terroir has grow to be more and more widespread lately.

The encompassing hills are dotted with lots of of vineyards, overlaying greater than 40 hectares (100 acres) of land and producing a number of the greatest wines within the space. Plovdiv’s wine is understood for its distinct flavors and aromas, with a give attention to reds and whites constituted of native varieties.

Here’s a listing of a number of the well-known wines of Plovdiv and the encompassing space:

• Mavrud
• Gamza
• Rub in
• Dimit
• Melnik Purple
• Kadarka
• Muscat Ottonel.

Plovdiv additionally hosts wine festivals each summer time, together with the Wine and Connoisseur Pageant in Outdated City, organized by the Tourism Board. Wine connoisseurs from around the globe come to pattern the town’s greatest wine and meals distributors for a weekend in mid-Might.

Bonus reality: Plovdiv earned the annual title of European Capital of Tradition in 2019

In 2019, Plovdiv grew to become a European Capital of Tradition and has been benefiting from this prestigious honor ever since. This award from the European Union lasts for one calendar 12 months. As a part of the choice course of, Plovdiv needed to submit a bid that offered its cultural heritage, civic engagement and inventive trade.

The official European Capital of Tradition program highlights the variety of European cultures and promotes cultural change between totally different international locations. With Plovdiv’s selection, Bulgaria is now proudly showcased as one of many continent’s most vibrant locations. In consequence, Plovdiv has grow to be much more of a vacationer hotspot within the area.

This oldest metropolis in Europe now hosts many occasions celebrating this recognition, starting from artwork exhibitions and live shows to festivals and workshops. And the dignity brings lots of consideration to Plovdiv, with vacationers flocking to the town to expertise its cultural wonders firsthand.

The 2019 European Capital of Tradition title belongs to each Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and Matera, Italy.

The oldest metropolis in Europe has a wealthy historical past and thrilling trendy points of interest

Plovdiv is among the most enjoyable cities in Europe, with a wealthy historical past stretching again 8,000 years. So whether or not you are serious about exploring its historical ruins or having fun with its full of life festivals, Plovdiv has one thing to supply everybody.

Need much more causes to go to Plovdiv? Listed below are some extra Plovdiv occasions and points of interest so as to add to your must-see listing:

• Plovdiv Night time of Museums and Galleries – Free entry to a protracted night of enjoyable museum and artwork gallery hopping! This occasion takes place in September. Make use of the Ethnographic museum and its interval costumes and jewellery!
• This metropolis has lovely historic church buildings and cathedrals to go to, together with Chiesa SS. Constantin e Elena and Sveta Marina Church.
• Straightforward day journeys from Plovdiv embody exploring the underground fantastic thing about Cave Shezhanka, about 41 kilometers (25 miles) away from the town.

Plovdiv additionally affords loads of outside leisure, comparable to biking alongside the Maritsa River. Or hike as much as Nebet Tepe Hill for breathtaking views of the town. The wealthy historical past and tradition in and round this metropolis is famous and beloved by guests worldwide.

5 Extra oldest cities in Europe

In addition to Plovdiv, there are numerous extra historical European cities to discover. Here’s a listing of 5 extra of the oldest cities in Europe with thrilling historic relevance:

• Argos, Greece – Based in 5000 BC, Argos is legendary for its Roman baths and historical Greek sculptures.
• Nitra, Slovakia – Nitra, based in 5000 BC, is understood for its lovely fortress, many lovely cathedrals, a scrumptious wine.
• Bratislava, Slovakia – Based in 5000 BC, Bratislava lies close to the Danube River and has lovely outdated structure, together with the Bratislava Fortress.
• Varna, Bulgaria – Varna, based in 4600 BC, is a coastal metropolis alongside the Black Sea. It’s the maritime capital of Bulgaria and residential to one of many oldest gold treasures ever discovered.

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