Scenes from "Valley of Thracians": Plovdiv

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My wife and I made two trips to Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria. Plovdiv is considered one of the oldest cities in the world, with traces from a Neolithic settlement in the area. It was first a major Thracian city, then a Greek one, and then it was ruled by the Romans.

Plovdiv's modern history began with its liberation from Ottoman rule by the Russian army in 1878. The city was a focal point for the Bulgarian national movement, and Old Plovdiv includes many colorful houses built during that century.

In my suspense novel, Valley of Thracians, the Peace Corps volunteer at the center of the story recalls his visits to Plovdiv.

Plovdiv is a must-see destination on any visit to Bulgaria. Join me today on a virtual visit to Plovdiv, with pictures of some of the locations where scenes from the book take place.

"I took a walk through Old Town Plovdiv, you know, the old, colorful houses on the hill."

"We stopped in at a few of the house museums—those old houses from the last century that became museums, telling the story of your country’s revolution or something."

"Some of them were art galleries, and I recall seeing many paintings on the walls. So, when you say Plovdiv, I think of paintings." 

"I thought the Romans ruled this country in ancient times. I remember visiting the old Roman amphitheater in Plovdiv on a free weekend during the training course."

Make sure to visit Plovdiv on your trip to Bulgaria!

Please also read the other articles in this series, which will take you on visits to:

* Varna
* Sofia
* Veliko Tarnovo
* Rila Monastery 
* Belogradchik

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