Antiquity

Archaeological complex Nebettepe

On Nebettepe hill are situated remains of the first prehistoric settlement of the Three-hills. During the 12th century BC the ancient Thracian city of Eumolpia was founded here, dedicated to the mythical ruler and singer Eumolp. The excavated massive city walls surrounding a temple and an aristocratic palace are the major components, which characterized the settlements during that age. The oldest part of the fortress is made of large stone blocks without any connective substance /so called Cyclopes’ Construction/. The medieval rectangular water reservoir, which had vaulted coverage and capacity of 300,000 liters, provokes exceptional interest.

Ancient Theater

Tzar Ivaylo Str. tel : 032/634 008 Working hours: 9.00 a.m.–17.00 p.m. – daily Day for a free-of-charge visit: Thursday – students; Sunday: residents of Plovdiv and visitors This is one of the best preserved ancient theaters in the world. Built at the end of 1st – the beginning of 2nd century under Emperor Trajan, the theater was one of the major public buildings of the ancient Philipopolis. It is situated on the southern slope of Three-hills in the saddle between Dzhambaztepe and Taksimtepe. In addition to theatrical performances it was used for gladiators’ and hunting games. It was active until the fifth century and had capacity of 6000 spectators. In 1981 it was partially restored. Now this site has beens fully adapted to the Plovdiv’s modern cultural life and holds different types of performances with capacity of about 3,500 spectators.

Ancient Forum with Odeon

General Gurko Str. In the end of 1st century AD Philipopolis obtained a new urban development plan and center /Forum/ following a Roman model. The Forum complex, parts of which can be seen today on both sides of the Central Post Office, is the largest in Bulgaria. In the northern part of the forum complex is situated the Odeon. The ancient Odeon with capacity of 300 – 350 seats is one of the most recent archaeological sensations of the city. It served as the seat of the city council of Philipopolis. Both in antiquity and nowadays Odeon is used for chamber, theatrical, musical and literary events.

Ancient Stadium

The Mosque Sq. The Stadium is located in a hollow between Sahattepe and Teksimtepe. Almost 250 meters long, it occupies the space along today’s main street “Knyaz Alexander I” next to the Mosque square, where its northern end and sector of the fortress wall of 2nd – 4th century are displayed. Sporting events, as well as gladiator and animal fights were held here. Its capacity was about 30 000 spectators.

Eirene Late Antiquity Building

Arheologichesky underpass at Tzar Boris III the Unifier Blvd. Cultural centre Trakart tel.: 032/631 303 Working hours: 9.00 a.m.–19.00 p.m. Day for a free-of-charge visit: Monday – students and pensioners There is a remarkable floor decoration of an aristocratic house from the end of 3rd century in the Arheologicheski underpass. It is known as the Eirene House because of the mosaic with image of a woman, signed with that same name which was found there. The mosaics of this building combine visual elements of eastern and western Roman provinces and are evidence of the existence of local mosaic studio.

Hisar Kapiya

Tsanko Lavrenov Str. The Eastern gate of the inner fortress of the Three-hills, built in 5th – 6th century, is now popular with the Turkish name of Hissar Kapiya /Fortress Gate/. Today, Hissar Kapiya is known as one of the city’s symbols.

Sahattepe Clock Tower

West of Three-hills rises Sahattepe /Danov’s hill/ with its famous Clock Tower. The Tower can be reached from the Mosque Square in 5-6 minutes walking. The earliest record of the Tower dates back to 1623. It was built in its present appearance in 1812 and is 17.5 m high. In 1883, a new large clock, made in Vienna, was installed.