Places and Landmarks

Roman period, 2nd c. · Roman

Ancient Stadium

One of the largest structures of Roman Philippopolis, built in the 2nd century under Emperor Hadrian and modelled on the stadium at Delphi. Around 240 metres long, it could hold up to 30,000 spectators for athletic games staged by the provincial assembly of Thrace — games the city's mint celebrated on its coins. Today only the northern curve, with 14 rows of seats, is exposed beneath Dzhumaya Square; the rest lies under the modern city.

Built/date

Roman period, 2nd c.

events

2

archive

2

then/now

1

Roman period, late 1st c. · Roman

Ancient Theatre

Probably the best-known ancient monument in Bulgaria, built in the 90s of the 1st century AD under Emperor Domitian. Set in the saddle between two of the three hills, it seated about 7,000 on two tiers of 14 rows each. Studied and restored between 1968 and 1984, it is among the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world and still hosts the Opera Open and other festivals.

Built/date

Roman period, late 1st c.

events

3

archive

2

then/now

1

Late Antiquity, 401 · Roman

Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis

Early Christian temple, located in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Built/date

401