Plovdiv

Joe and I have been through Plovdiv before, but only to do a quick shopping run to Metro. This past Saturday we went with Vania to the old part of Plovdiv... and when I say old, I mean OLD!


These types of monuments are a common sight in Bulgaria

There are traces of an establishment from 6000 BC where Plovdiv now stands. The city has gone by many different names, but it has existed for a LONG time!


A monument atop the highest of Plovdiv's seven hills

The city was originally situated on seven hills, but apparently the seventh hill has "subsided" under buildings and pavement.


Yours truly


The steeple of a very old Orthodox church

One of the coolest things we saw was an ancient Roman amphitheater. It was built in the 2nd century AD under the orders of Trajan, the Roman emperor at the time. The whole thing is still pretty well intact. They even do performances and shows there still!


Plovdiv's famous amphitheater, built in the 2nd century AD


The view from the amphitheater


Vania and Joe walking through the streets of old town Plovdiv


Some artwork we saw


The side of this building reminded me of the sgraffito on the side of Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin, Ohio


Venders


A newer section of area of the city center.

We had a really great time in Plovdiv! We hope to be able to go back sometime to see a show at the amphitheater, but we'll see!