One of the oldest cities in the world

Open Plovdiv

Plovdiv has been continuously inhabited for more than 8,000 years. Its old names mark different rulers and cultures — Thracian Eumolpias, Roman Philippopolis/Trimontium and Ottoman Filibe. In 1885 the city became central to Bulgaria's Unification, when Eastern Rumelia joined the Principality of Bulgaria.

“Ailyak” is Plovdiv's easygoing state of mind. Take in the city without rushing — one layer at a time.

Explore the timeline Walk the routes

Your ailyak pace

Give the city the time you have

No checklist. Choose a rhythm and leave room for coffee, shade and an unexpected turn.

Start here

Four clear starting points for the city — for visitors, the curious, and anyone who wants to understand Plovdiv's history.

History

Explore the history

Timeline, people, stories and sources from prehistory to today.

Walking routes

Walk the routes

Walking routes with real distances and timings — from a first day in the city to hills, museums and step-free walks.

Places

Find the places

A map and catalogue of the city's places and landmarks — with eras, photos and sources.

Stories

Read the stories

Long reads with archive photographs — the 1928 earthquake, the fair city, the hills and more.

Four places to feel the ailyak

If it is your first time in the city, start here — four places within a short walk of one another.

All places →

Revival

The Old Town

Revival-era houses and cobbled lanes across the three hills — no plan needed, just wander uphill.

Roman

The Ancient Theatre

A 1st-century Roman theatre that is still a working stage. Best towards evening, with the Rhodopes on the horizon.

Arts district

Kapana

“The Trap” — old artisan lanes, today a district of arts, cafés and slow afternoons.

Prehistory

Nebet Tepe

The oldest inhabited spot in the city — a prehistoric settlement and the best sunset over the rooftops.

Mayors · 1878–2026

From the first mayor to today's

One mayor from the start of each political period — from the Liberation to the current term. The full chronology traces every term with biographies and sources.

All mayors →

Post-Liberation