This beautiful European city with few tourists is perfect for a cultural getaway and even houses a perfectly preserved roughly 1,800-year-old Roman amphitheatre.
Plovdiv in Bulgaria is Europe’s longest inhabited city. It’s rich historical feel is one of the reasons it earnt the title of European Capital of Culture.
The colourful Old Town, which is teeming with history, is one of the city’s biggest draws.
The main draw for history buffs, however, is the astonishing second-century Roman amphitheater, which wasn’t uncovered until the 1970s, during a freak landslide.
The Plovdiv Amphitheatre dates back to the 2nd century AD, during the reign of the Emperor Traja.
Historians believe it once houses around 7,000 spectators.
After undergoing some restorations, the magnificent building is now considered one of Bulgaria’s most magical venues for large-scale events and concerts.
As well as the ampitheatre, the Thracian ruins of Eumolpias are another draw for visitors to the Plovdiv.
The ruins are located just outside town and date back 5,000 years.
Plovdiv showcases the legacy of several European civilizations.
It is also one of the most culturally vibrant places in southeastern Europe, hosting many cultural festivals and events as well as being home to arty neighbourhoods and trendy bars.
The Old Town is also home to numerous art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.