Plovdiv
Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria with a population of 400,000 and this fascinating Bulgarian property is the administrative centre of the Plovdiv Region in South Bulgaria, as well as the largest and most important city of the geographical and historical region of Thrace (offering abundant opportunities for land investment in Bulgaria with so many rural houses for sale in Bulgaria), famous for its ancient and diverse culture and millenary history. This magnificent Bulgarian property is situated on both banks of the River Maritsa in the central part of the Upper Thracian Plain which is exceptionally advantageous for land investment in Bulgaria, rural property in Bulgaria, Bulgaria mountain property, and ski property in Bulgaria because Plovdiv is the gate to the Rhodopes, as most people who head for the mountains choose it as their starting point. The city has three railway stations and three coach stations so getting to the beautiful mountain properties in Bulgaria and ski property in Bulgaria is very convinient. The surrounding countryside is mostly plains, but Plovdiv, like Rome, is particularly known for its seven hills, one of which was destroyed in the beginning of the 20th century. A couple of key thoroughfares cross the city, including the road connecting Sofia ( with thousands of attractive Bulgarian apartments for sale) with Istanbul and the one between Sofia and Burgas (a popular sea property in Bulgaria) through Stara Zagora (a centre of rural property in Bulgaria), which makes it ideal for investing in business property in Bulgaria. Plovdiv was first known as a Thracian fortified settlement named Eumolpias. In 342 BC it was conquered by Philip II, father ofAlexander the Great, who renamed it Philippopolis. It later became independent under theThracians, until it was incorporated into the Roman Empire, and it was also called Trimontium (City of Three Hills) and served as metropolis of the province of Thrace. Thrimontium was an important crossroad for the Roman Empire and was called "the largest and most beautiful of all cities" by Lucian. The most important military road in the Balkans passed through the city. In what was one of the most glorious periods in the history of the city, it spread beyond the three hills, and numerous public buildings, shrines, baths, and theatres were built. Many ruins from Roman times can still be seen in the city. Slavs probably settled in the area around the middle of the 6th century and it became part of the Bulgarian state for the first time around 815AD. The city remained in Bulgarian hands until it was conquered by the Byzantine Empire in 970 or 971. Byzantine rule was succeeded by that of the Latin Empire in 1204, although the city was twice occupied by the Bulgarian Tzar Kaloyan before his death in 1207. Under Latin rule, Plovdiv was the capital of the Duchy of Philippopolis. The city fell under Bulgarian rule during the reign of Tzar Ivan Assen II between 1225 and 1229. Plovdiv remained Bulgarian until it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1369. The name Plovdiv first appeared in the 15th c. and is derived from the city's Thracian name Pulpudeva. Under Ottoman rule, Plovdiv (then known as Filibe) was a centre of the Bulgarian national movement in Eastern Roumelia. Although the city was liberated by the Russian troops during the Russo-Turkish war in 1878, it was not originally part of the newly established Principality of Bulgaria. Instead, it became the capital of the semi-independent Region of Eastern Roumelia and it had a population of about 33,500. In 1885 Plovdiv was reunited with the Bulgarian state.
Plovdiv has more than 200 known archeological, historical and architectural sites, 30 of which are of national importance. Some of the world-famous sites include the Ancient Theatre (early 2nd century AD), the Roman Stadium (late 2nd century AD), the magnificent colour mosaics of the villas and of the episcopal temple, the Nebet Tepe archaeological complex and the fine samples of typical Bulgarian 18th and 19th c. architecture, such as Balabanov’s House, Kuyumdzhiev’s House, and the houses of Georgiadi, Nedkovich, and Hindian. The five Plovdiv museums—the Archaeological Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Historical Museum, the Natural Museum and the City Art Gallery - display more than 30,000 exhibits of the rich historical past of this glorious city. The Golden Treasure from the end of 6th century BC consists of six uniquely decorated gold utensils weighing more than 6kg.The old town of Plovdiv (alluring those investing in fine Bulgarian property) has been turned into a reserve because of the characteristic features of the National Revival architecture houses. With their impressive appearance, magnificent internal decoration, coziness and family atmosphere, they are embodiment of the spirit of their time. The Bulgarian Museum of Aviation is located on the western edge of Plovdiv International Airport. The old Orthodox churches are an integral part of the Three Hills architectural ensemble. Most of them have the same appearance as they had in the middle of the 19th century. There is a Catholic Church called St Ludovic and a Protestant and Armenian churches as well. Two mosques have remained in Plovdiv from the time of the Ottoman rule too.
The spirit of Plovdiv bears the creative power of its artists, writers and musicians. The most popular events include the Chamber Music International Festival, which has been held in the old town since the 1970s; the Golden Chest International TV Film Festival, organized jointly with the BNT since the 1980s; the Golden Rhyton International Festival of Documentary Films, a joint initiative with the National Film Centre which dates back to 1980s; the Verdi Festival whose venue is one of the most attractive places in the city — the Ancient Theatre; Easter and Christmas music festivals; and the International Folklore Festival, which is one of the most delightful events at the end of the summer. Of particular interests are some recent cultural and artistic events like the Stage on a Crossroad International Theatre Festival, the Week of Modern Art displayed in the Ancient Public Bath, and the Impresiya Art Fair. In 1999 Plovdiv was the host of the European Cultural Month. The existing infrastructure of the city adds to the development of cultural activities. The Plovdiv Drama Theatre is a successor to the first professional theatre group in Bulgaria founded in 1881. The Plovdiv Puppet Theatre, founded in 1948, remains one of the leading theatres nationwide. Established in 1953, the Plovdiv Opera has achieved serious professional recognition not only in Bulgaria, but also in nearly all European countries. .Another pillar of the culture of Plovdiv is the Philharmonic Orchestra founded in 1945. A wide range of works of both the classic and the modern symphony are included in its repertoir. Soloists such as Dmitri Shostakovich, Sviatoslav Richter, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yuri Boukov, Mincho Minchev gave brilliant performances with the Plovdiv Philharmonic. The orchestra has successfully toured in almost all European countries. Known for its originality and professionalism is the Trakiya Folklore Ensemble. Founded in 1974, it has performed thousands of concerts in Bulgaria and in more than 40 countries of the world. The Trakiya Traditional Choir was nominated for a Grammy Award. The city's traditions as a literary centre are still kept in the first public library in Bulgaria, the Ivan Vazov National Library, 19 cultural centres, numerous book shops and publishing houses. Today the Ivan Vazov National Library is the second largest national library institution, owning rare Bulgarian and European publications. The modern publishing houses add their significant contribution to the book market in the country and represent Bulgarian literature abroad. People tempted by a cultural activity lifestyle will find buying a Bulgarian apartment in Plovdiv most satisfying.
Plovdiv is the centre of the extremely fertile Thracian agricultural region, and food processing is the most important industry, which is why purchasing land for sale in Bulgaria is definitely a profitable land investment in Bulgaria. The city factories also produce machinery, textiles, chemicals, and there are numerous other business, too. The Plovdiv International Fair, held twice a year since 1892, is the largest fair in the country and in Southeastern Europe, drawing in companies from all over the world. You might wish to take part in it as well and promote your business, and after the business hours you should take a walk to admire the specific beauty of this marvelous property in Bulgaria.


