Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BULGARIAN THRACE
The vast territory of the ancient Thracian tribes, now encompassed by modern Bulgaria,
Greece and Turkey, remains a wild region of varied and dramatic landscapes and remote
villages. However, its one major urban centre, Plovdiv, is Bulgaria's second-biggest - and,
arguably, its best - city, and an important transport hub. Just south of it, striking Bachkovo
Monastery lies among wooded hills and vineyards. The largely unvisited east features a
strong Turkish presence.
Plovdiv
032 / POP 338,184
With its art galleries, winding cobbled streets and bohemian cafes, Plovdiv (
Plov
-div)
equals Sofia in things cultural and is a determined rival in nightlife as well - it has a lively,
exuberant spirit befitting its status as a major university town. Being a smaller and less
stressful city than Sofia, Plovdiv is also great for walking.
Plovdiv's appeal derives from its lovely old town, largely restored to its mid-19th-cen-
tury appearance. It's packed with atmospheric house museums and art galleries and - un-
like many other cities with 'old towns' - has eminent artists still living and working within
its tranquil confines. The neighbourhood boasts Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Bulgarian
antiquities, the most impressive being the Roman amphitheatre - the best preserved in the
Balkans, it's still used for performances.
