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{{Short description|Oldest and second-largest city in Bulgaria}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Plovdiv | official_name = Plovdiv
|native_name = {{native name|bg|Пловдив}} | native_name = {{Nobold|Пловдив|italics=off}}
| settlement_type = ]
|nickname = The city of the seven hills<br />{{native name|bg|Градът на седемте хълма}}<br />''Gradăt na sedemte hălma''{{spaces|1}}<small>(transliteration)</small>
| image_skyline = Plovdivcollage.png
|motto = Ancient and eternal<br />{{native name|bg|Древен и вечен}}<br />''Dreven i vechen''{{spaces|1}}<small>(transliteration)</small>
|image_skyline = Plovdivcollage.png | imagesize = 270
|imagesize = 250px | image_caption = From top, left to right:
Plovdiv on the banks of Maritsa • The old town at night • A street in the old town • The central street • A street • City Hall • ] • Saint Marina Church • The baths and the Cyril and Methodius Church • ] • Fountain
|image_caption = 1st row: Plovdiv on the banks of ]<br />
| image_flag = Plovdiv flag.svg
2nd: The old town and the Three Hills<br />
| flag_size = 110px
3rd: Streets in Plovdiv<br />
| image_shield = Plovdiv-coat-of-arms.svg
4th: City Hall • ]<br />
| shield_size = 70px
5rd: Churches and the bath • ] • Fountain
| nickname = The city of the seven hills<br />{{native name|bg|Градът на седемте хълма}}<br />''Gradăt na sedemte hălma''{{spaces|1}}<small>(transliteration)</small>
|image_flag = Plovdiv flag.png|20px|left|Flag of Plovdiv
| motto = Ancient and eternal<br />{{native name|bg|Древен и вечен}}<br />''Dreven i vechen''{{spaces|1}}<small>(transliteration)</small>
|image_shield = Plovdiv-coat-of-arms.svg|20px|right|Coat of arms of Plovdiv
|pushpin_map = Bulgaria | mapsize =
|pushpin_map1 = European Union | map_caption =
| pushpin_map = Bulgaria#Balkans#Europe
|mapsize =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Plovdiv within ]
|map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|42|9|N|24|45|E|region:BG|display=inline}}
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Plovdiv within ]
| subdivision_type = ]
|coordinates_region = BG
| subdivision_name = ]
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_type1 = ] | subdivision_type1 = ]
|subdivision_type2 = ] | subdivision_type2 = ]
| subdivision_name1 = ]
|subdivision_name = {{BGR}}
| subdivision_name2 = Plovdiv-city
|subdivision_name1 = ]
| leader_title = ]
|subdivision_name2 = Plovdiv-city
| leader_name = Kostadin Dimitrov (])
|leader_title = ]
| area_total_km2 = 101.98
|leader_name = Ivan Totev (])
|established_title = Established | elevation_m = 164
| population_as_of = 15 June 2024
|established_date = 6000 BC
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nsi.bg/en/node/13035|title=Population and Demographic Processes in 2014 (Final data) – National statistical institute|website=www.nsi.bg|access-date=8 December 2015|archive-date=15 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115165503/http://www.nsi.bg/en/node/13035|url-status=live}}</ref>
|area_magnitude =
| population_total = 371,536
|area_total_km2 = 101.98
| population_blank1_title = ]
|population_as_of = 12/31/2014
| population_blank1 = 368,983<ref name="Urban area population - Budapest">{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-datasets/-/urb_lpop1|title=Functional Urban Areas – Population on 1 January by age groups and sex|work=]|date=1 April 2016|access-date=12 April 2016|archive-date=23 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423092357/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-datasets/-/urb_lpop1|url-status=live}}</ref>
|population_footnotes =<ref>http://www.nsi.bg/en/node/13035</ref>
| population_blank2_title = Metro
|population_blank1_title = City
| population_blank2 = 675,586<ref name="European Metropolitan regions">{{cite web|title=Population on 1 January by broad age group, sex and metropolitan regions|url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=met_pjanaggr3&lang=en|website=eurostat.ec|publisher=Eurostat|date=8 October 2017|access-date=26 October 2017|archive-date=3 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203055500/http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=met_pjanaggr3&lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|population_blank1 = 341567
| population_demonym = Plovdivchanin (m.) <br/> Plovdivchanka (f.) <br/> Пловдивчанин/Пловдивчанка (])
|population_density_km2 = 3316
| postal_code_type = Postal code
|population_blank2_title = ]
| postal_code = 4000
|population_blank2 = 404,665
| area_code = (+359) 032
|population_metro =
| unemployment_rate =
|timezone = ]
|utc_offset = +2 | website = {{URL|https://www.plovdiv.bg/|plovdiv.bg}}
| footnotes =
|timezone_DST = ]
|utc_offset_DST = +3 | timezone = ]
| utc_offset = +2
|latd=42 |latm=9 |latNS=N
| timezone_DST = ]
|longd=24 |longm=45 |longEW=E
|elevation_m = 164 | utc_offset_DST = +3
|postal_code_type = Postal code | blank_name = ]
|postal_code = 4000 | blank_info = PB
|area_code = (+359) 032 | name =
|website =
|footnotes =
}} }}


'''Plovdiv''' ({{lang-bg|Пловдив}}, {{IPA-bg|pɫovˈdif|pron}}) is the ] in ] with a population of 341,567 inhabitants {{As of|2015|lc=y}}. It is the administrative center of ] and the municipalities of the City of Plovdiv, ], and ], whose municipal body had a population of 404,665 inhabitants {{As of|2015|lc=y}}. It is an important economic, transport, cultural, and educational center. '''Plovdiv''' ({{langx|bg|Пловдив}}, {{IPA|bg|ˈpɫɔvdif|pron}}) is the ] in ], 93 miles southeast of the capital ]. It had a population of 371,536 {{As of|2024|lc=y||df=US}} and 675,000 in the greater metropolitan area. Plovdiv is a cultural hub in Bulgaria and was the ] in 1999 and 2019. The city is an important economic, transport, cultural, and educational centre. Plovdiv joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016.


Plovdiv is in a fertile region of south-central Bulgaria on the two banks of the ]. The city has historically developed on seven ] hills, some of which are {{convert|250|m|abbr=off}} high. Because of these hills, Plovdiv is often referred to in Bulgaria as "The City of the Seven Hills". There is evidence of habitation in the area dating back to the 6th millennium BCE, when the first ] settlements were established. The city was subsequently a ] settlement, later being conquered and ruled also by ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]s, ], ], ], and ].<ref name="plovdiv1"/>
Plovdiv has evidence of habitation since the 6th millennium BC.<ref> Official website (in Bulgarian)</ref> By the end of the 4th millennium BC there already was an established ] settlement there.<ref> (in Bulgarian)</ref> In the 12th century BC<ref> Official website</ref> the village evolved into a real town populated by ]<ref name=uk>http://www.britannica.com/place/Plovdiv</ref><ref name=col>https://www.questia.com/read/1E1-Plovdiv/plovdiv</ref> ranking it among world's oldest cities. Plovdiv was known in the West for most of its ] by the ] name ''Philippopolis'' (Φιλιππόπολις), which was introduced in 340 BC.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bilinis |first=Alex |title=The Eagle has two Faces |publisher=AuthorHouse |isbn=1-4567-7870-6 |page=73 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jrjjTX2WWCkC&pg=PA73&dq=known+plovdiv+greek&hl=el&ei=NPEmTqCRDsiCOs6Q9K8K&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q=%22Plovdiv%20through%20most%20of%20its%20history%20was%20known%20as%20Philippoupolis%22&f=false}}</ref> The city was originally a ] settlement named ''Evmolpia'',<ref name="plovdiv1"/> later being invaded by ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]-], ] and ]. On 4 January 1878, Plovdiv was liberated from Ottoman rule by the ] army. It remained within the borders of Bulgaria until July of the same year, when it became the capital of the autonomous Ottoman region of ]. In 1885, Plovdiv and Eastern Rumelia joined Bulgaria.


Philippopolis (]: Φιλιππούπολις) was founded as a '']'' by the father of ], ] ({{Reign|359|336|era=BCE}}), the king of ancient ], settling there both Thracians and 2,000 ] (]) in 342 BCE.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|last=Hammond|first=Nicholas Geoffrey Lemprière|title=Philippopolis|url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199545568.001.0001/acref-9780199545568-e-4980|work=The Oxford Classical Dictionary|volume=|pages=|year=2012|editor-last=Hornblower|editor-first=Simon|edition=4th|publisher=Oxford University Press|language=en|doi=10.1093/acref/9780199545568.001.0001|isbn=978-0-19-954556-8|access-date=2020-12-27|author-link=N. G. L. Hammond|editor2-last=Spawforth|editor2-first=Antony|editor3-last=Eidinow|editor3-first=Esther|archive-date=29 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529150559/https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199545568.001.0001/acref-9780199545568-e-4980|url-status=live}}</ref> Control of the city alternated between the Macedonian kingdom and the Thracian ] during the ]; the Macedonian king ] ({{Reign|221|179|era=BCE}}) reoccupied the city in 183 BCE and his successor ] ({{Reign|179|168|era=BCE}}) held the city with the Odrysians until the ] conquered the Macedonian kingdom in 168 BCE.<ref name=":0" /> Philippopolis became the capital of the ] of ].<ref name=":0" /> The city was at the centre of the road network of inland Thrace, and the strategic '']'' was crossed by several other roads at the site, leading to the ], the ], and the ]. The ] ] ({{Reign|161|180|era=CE}}) built a new ] around the city.<ref name=":0" />
Plovdiv is situated in a fertile region of south-central Bulgaria on the two banks of the ]. The city has historically developed on seven ] hills, some of which are {{convert|250|m|abbr=off}} high. Because of these hills, Plovdiv is often referred to in Bulgaria as "The City of the Seven Hills".


In ], Philippopolis was an important stronghold, but was sacked in 250 during the ],<ref name=":0" /> after the ] by the ] led by ]. After this the settlement contracted, though it remained a major city, with the city walls rebuilt and new Christian ] and ] constructed in the 4th century.<ref name=":1">{{Citation|last=Kazhdan|first=Alexander P.|title=Philippopolis|url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195046526.001.0001/acref-9780195046526-e-4300|work=The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium|volume=|pages=|year=2005|editor-last=Kazhdan|editor-first=Alexander P.|orig-date=1991|edition=online|publisher=Oxford University Press|language=en|doi=10.1093/acref/9780195046526.001.0001|isbn=978-0-19-504652-6|access-date=2020-12-27|author-link=Alexander Kazhdan|archive-date=29 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529150600/https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195046526.001.0001/acref-9780195046526-e-4300|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Citation|last=Rizos|first=Efthymios|title=Philippopolis|url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780198662778.001.0001/acref-9780198662778-e-3702|work=The Oxford Dictionary of Late Antiquity|volume=|pages=|year=2018|editor-last=Nicholson|editor-first=Nicholson|edition=online|publisher=Oxford University Press|language=en|doi=10.1093/acref/9780198662778.001.0001|isbn=978-0-19-866277-8|access-date=2020-12-27|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206144218/https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780198662778.001.0001/acref-9780198662778-e-3702|url-status=live}}</ref> The city was again sacked by the ] in 441/442, and the walls were again rebuilt.<ref name=":2" /> Roman Philippopolis resisted another attack, by the ] in the 580s, after the walls were renewed yet again by ] ({{Reign|527|565}}).<ref name=":2" />
Plovdiv is host to cultural events such as the ], the international theatrical ] "A stage on a crossroad", and the TV festival "The golden chest". There are many remains preserved from ] such as the ancient ], Roman ], ], ], the archaeological complex Eirene, and others.


In the ], Philippopolis fell to the ] of the ] in 863, during the reign of ] ({{Reign|852|889}}), having been briefly abandoned by the Christian inhabitants in 813 during a dispute with the '']'' ] ({{Reign|{{circa|803}}|814}}).<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /> During the ], the emperor ] ({{Reign|960|1025}}) used Philippopolis as a major strategic fortification, governed by the '']'' ].<ref name=":1" /> In the middle 11th century, the city was attacked by the ], who occupied it briefly around 1090.<ref name=":1" /> The city continued to prosper, with the walls restored in the 12th century, during which the historian and politician ] was its governor and the physician ] was its ].<ref name=":1" />
The oldest American educational institution outside the ] was founded in Plovdiv in 1860, which was later moved to Sofia – today's ].


According to the Latin historian of the ], ], Philippopolis was the third largest city in the Byzantine Empire, after ] (]) and ] (]).<ref name=":1" /> It suffered damage from the armies passing through the city during the ] as well as from sectarian violence between the ] and the ] and ] denominations.<ref name=":1" /> The city was destroyed by ] ({{Reign|1196|1207}}) in 1206 and rebuilt thereafter.<ref name=":1" /> In 1219, the city became the capital of the Crusader ], part of the ].<ref name=":1" /> The ] recovered the city in 1263, but lost it to Byzantine control before recapturing it in 1323.<ref name=":1" /> The ] conquered Philippopolis ({{langx|tr|Filibe}}) in 1363 or 1364.<ref name=":1" /> During the 500 years of Ottoman rule, Filibe served as one of the important commercial and transportation nodes in the Ottoman Balkans. It also played a role as an administrative centre of various ]s and ]s.
On 5 September 2014, Plovdiv was selected as the Bulgarian host of the ] 2019.<ref name=culturecapital/> This happened with the help of the - a non-government organization which was established in 2011 by Plovdiv’s City Council. The main objectives were to develop and to prepare Plovdiv’s bid book for European Capital of Culture in 2019. The organization has a board of directors, which consists of 9 members and an Executive Director. The foundation also has a Public Council, chaired by the mayor of the city, and a Control Board supervises the organization’s activities. The main objective of the foundation is strategic development and implementation of the bid book.


On 4 January 1878, at the end of the ], Plovdiv was taken away from Ottoman rule by the ] army. It remained within the borders of Bulgaria until July of the same year, when it became the capital of the autonomous Ottoman region of ]. In 1885, Plovdiv and Eastern Rumelia ] Bulgaria.
==Name==
]
Plovdiv was given various names throughout its long history. ''Kendrisia'' is the earliest one attested on artifacts and is probably derived from ] forests which ancient writers mentioned or from Thracian tribe - kendrisi.<ref name="plovdiv1"></ref> According to ], Plovdiv's written post-] history lists it as a ] fortified settlement on the Three Hills named ''Eumolpias Vetus'' (originally called ''Evmolpia'' and ''Evmolpeida''{{cn|date=June 2016}}). It was named after the ], who according to ] was a Thracian champion and son of ].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Mikalson|first1=Jon D.|title=Ancient Greek religion|date=2010|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|location=Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.|isbn=9781444358193|page=57|edition=2nd ed.|quote=...whose champion was the Thracian Eumolpus, a son of Poseidon.}}</ref> He is said to have found the city in 1200 BC<ref>{{cite book|last=Alicia Morales Ortiz, Cristóbal Pagán Cánovas, Carmen Martínez Campillo (eds.)|title=The Teaching of modern greek in Europe |publisher=EDITUM |isbn=84-8371-938-X |page=64 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ktd7tk5pqisC&pg=PA64&dq=plovdiv+thracian+greek&hl=el&ei=7D4sTtz2DtDCtAaR1o2KDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEsQ6AEwBzgo#v=onepage&q=%22philip%20the%20second%20of%20macedonia%20conquered%20the%20village%2C%20founded%20by%20the%20Thracian%20king%20eumolpus%20about%20the%20year%201200%20Bc%22&f=false}}</ref>(or 1350 BC<ref>{{cite web|title=Plovdiv Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.bg/books?id=Tl4sAQAAIAAJ&q=1350+evmolpias&dq=1350+evmolpias&hl=bg&sa=X&ved=0CCEQ6AEwAGoVChMI_LOMiJXsxgIViNwsCh3wjAGI}}</ref>) or from the ] in the temples - evmolpeya.<ref name="plovdiv1"/>


There are many preserved ruins such as the ancient ], a Roman ], a ], the ], the archaeological complex Eirene, and others. Plovdiv is host to a huge variety of cultural events such as the ], the international theatrical ] "A stage on a crossroad", the TV festival "The golden chest", and many more novel festivals, such as Night/Plovdiv in September, Kapana Fest, and Opera Open. The oldest American educational institution outside the ], the ], was founded in Plovdiv in 1860 and later moved to Sofia.
The city was renamed ''Philippoupolis'' ({{lang-grc|Φιλιππούπολις}}, {{lang-ell|Φιλιππούπολη}}, ''Philippoupoli'') or "the city of Philip"(from ]: Φίλιππος, ''Philipos'' "horselover"), in honor of ] (fl. 4th century BC),<ref name=col/> possibly in honor also of ] as the name was first attested in the 2nd century BC by ] in connection with the campaign of Philip V.<ref name=arc/><ref name="pld"/> ''Philippopolis'' remained the name by which the city was known through most of its ]<ref>{{cite book |last=Bilinis |first=Alex |title=The Eagle has two Faces |publisher=AuthorHouse |isbn=1-4567-7870-6 |page=73 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jrjjTX2WWCkC&pg=PA73&dq=known+plovdiv+greek&hl=el&ei=NPEmTqCRDsiCOs6Q9K8K&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q=%22Plovdiv%20through%20most%20of%20its%20history%20was%20known%20as%20Philippoupolis%22&f=false}}</ref> and in British English the name ''Plovdiv'' officially replaced it after ].<ref name=uk/> The city had been nicknamed "scoundrels' city" ({{lang-grc|Пονηρόπολις}} ''Poneropolis'') and "adulterers' city" ({{lang-grc|Mοιχόπολις}} ''Moichopolis'') by hostile Greek tradition, first mentioned by ] in the 4th century BC in pejorative relation to the conquest of the city by Philip II which may have been ] according to ].<ref name=arc></ref><ref name="pld"/> Another name, ''Pulpudeva'', was first mentioned by ] in the 6th century,<ref name="pld"></ref> which may be a translation of ''Philippoupolis'',<ref name="plovdiv1"/> but may have predated this name<ref name=uk/> having the meaning "lake city" in ]<ref name="pld"/><ref></ref> or the name of the goddess of agriculture. The word "deva/dava/div" is certainly an ending for ] and ] place names possibly similar to Greek ] and Thracian para.(see the map) In the 3rd-1st century BC there had been an Odryssian capital by the name ''Odryssia'' and ''Odriuza'', derived from the Thracian tribe ], it was mentioned in the 6th century by ] and according to some this was a name of Plovdiv.<ref name=arc/><ref></ref>


==Etymology==
For a brief period in the first half of the 1st century the city was named ''Tiberias'' in honor of the Roman emperor ] who acknowledging the Odryssian king made his kingdom a ] of Rome.<ref>http://www.academia.edu/5373164/Philippopolis_Thrace_I-VII_c._</ref> After the Romans had taken control of the area, the city was named in {{lang-la| Trimontium}}, meaning "The Three Hills", mentioned in the 1st century by ]. At times the name was starting with '']''-, '']''-, '']''- after the Roman families. Slavery had become part of the city's economy to such a degree that it was nicknamed "the city of slaves" ({{lang-grc|Δούλων πόλις}} ''Doulon polis'') by Greek writers. The Bulgarian name ''Plovdiv'' (]: Пло(в)дївь), first mentioned in an apocryphal book of the 11th century, most probably evolved from the Thracian name ''Pulpudeva''.<ref name="plovdiv1"/><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eUjV1Fd3W8oC&pg=PT333&dq=plovdiv+thracian++neolithic&hl=bg&ei=MUcsTt7IB43CswbHz9ycDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=plovdiv%20thracian%20%20neolithic&f=false |title=Between Two Motherlands: Nationality and Emigration Among the Greeks of Bulgaria, 1900–1949, Theodora Dragostinova, Cornell University Press, 2011, ISBN 0-8014-4945-6,underline remark # 47}}</ref> It is a result of mutual influence of ] and eventually has lost any meaning in the Bulgarian language. The ] mentioned the city as ''Prineople'', ''Sinople'' and ''Phinepople''.<ref name="pld"/> The Ottomans called the city ''Philibe'' (]: فبهمهلاث, Modern {{lang-tr|Filibe}}), a name that can be roughly translated as "Philip's place or city".
]
]
Plovdiv has been given various names throughout its long history. The ] capital ''Odryssa'' (<small>{{langx|el|ΟΔΡΥΣΣΑ}}, {{langx|la|ODRYSSA}}</small>) is suggested to have been modern Plovdiv by numismatic research<ref name=arc/><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304213507/http://sofiaculture.com/obekti/index.php?idxP=4&pT=2&wT=37 |date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> or ].<ref name="academia"/>
The Greek historian ]<ref name=theopompi>{{cite web |url=http://heml.mta.ca/lace/sidebysideview2/8316488 |title=Index |access-date=4 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630065827/http://heml.mta.ca/lace/sidebysideview2/8316488 |archive-date=30 June 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> mentioned it in the 4th century BCE as a town named ''Poneropolis'' (<small>{{langx|el|ΠΟΝΗΡΟΠΟΛΙΣ}}</small> "town of villains") in pejorative relation to the conquest by king ] who is said to have settled the town with 2,000 men who were false-accusers, sycophants, lawyers, and other possible disreputables.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc%3DPerseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0198%3Abook%3D7%3Achapter%3D6 |title=Strabo, Geography, Book 7, chapter 6 |access-date=4 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226101717/http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0198%3Abook%3D7%3Achapter%3D6 |archive-date=26 February 2015 }} 32 quote</ref> According to ], the town was named by this king after he had populated it with a crew of rogues and vagabonds,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0292%3Asection%3D10 |title=Plutarch, de curiositate, section 10 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216050213/http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0292%3Asection%3D10 |archive-date=16 February 2017 }}</ref> but this is possibly a folk name that did not actually exist.<ref name="academia"/> The names ''Dulon polis'' (<small>{{langx|el|ΔΟΥΛΩΝ ΠΟΛΙΣ}}</small> "slaves' town") and possibly ''Moichopolis'' (<small>{{langx|el|ΜΟΙΧΟΠΟΛΙΣ}}</small> "adulterer's town") likely have similar origins.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}}

The city has been called ''Philippopolis'' (<small>ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΠΟΛΙΣ</small> {{IPA-grc|pʰilipopolis|pron}}; {{langx|el|Φιλιππούπολη}}, in modern Greek, ''Philippoupoli'' {{IPA-grc|filipupoli|pron}}) or "the city of Philip", from ] ''Philippos'' "horse-lover", most likely in honor of ]<ref name=col>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.questia.com/read/1E1-Plovdiv/plovdiv |title= Plovdiv |encyclopedia=The Columbia Encyclopedia |edition=6th |access-date=13 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090405/https://www.questia.com/read/1E1-Plovdiv/plovdiv |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> after his death or in honor of ],<ref name=arc> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327063340/http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_m1709/The%20Collection |date=27 March 2016 }}</ref><ref name="pld"/> as this name was first mentioned in the 2nd century BCE by ] in connection with the campaign of Philip V.<ref name=arc/><ref name="pld"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022530/http://www.desant.net/show-news/32250/ |date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> ''Philippopolis'' was identified later by ] and ] as the former ''Poneropolis''. ] identified Philip II's settlement of most "evil, wicked" (Gr. πονηροτάτους ''ponerotatous'') as Calybe (]),<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928202148/https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Strabo/7F%2A.html#ref385 |date=28 September 2023 }} (see the {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215523/http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0197:book=7:chapter=6&highlight=*kalu/bh |date=2 June 2021 }}).</ref> whereas ] considered the location of Poneropolis different from the rest.

''Kendrisia'' (<small>{{langx|el|ΚΕΝΔΡΕΙϹΕΙΑ}}</small>) was an old name of the city.<ref name="plovdiv1"/> Its earliest recorded use is on an artifact mentioning that king ], priest of the Syrian goddess, brought gifts to Kendriso ];<ref>Ἀπόλλωνι Κενδρισῳ Βειθυς Κοτυος ἱερεὺς Συρίας θεᾶς δῶρον ἀνε-</ref> the deity is recorded to be named multiple times after different cities. Later Roman coins mentioned the name which is possibly derived from Thracian god Kendriso who is equated with Apollo,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID%3D62054 |title=CNG-Ancient Greek, Roman, British Coins |access-date=4 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806025816/http://cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=62054 |archive-date=6 August 2016 }}</ref> the ] forests, or from the Thracian tribe artifacts known as the kendrisi.<ref name="plovdiv1"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074804/http://www.plovdiv.bg/en/about-plovdiv/history/ |date=4 March 2016 }} Official website in English</ref><ref name="pld"/> Another assumed name is the 1st century CE ''Tiberias'' in honor of the Roman emperor ], under whom the ] was a ] of Rome.<ref name="academia">{{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/5373164|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141210164035/http://www.academia.edu/5373164/Philippopolis_Thrace_I-VII_c._|title=Philippopolis, Thrace (I-VII c.) - Ivo Topalilov - Academia.edu|date=10 December 2014|archive-date=10 December 2014 |last1=Topalilov |first1=Ivo }}</ref> After the Romans had taken control of the area, the city was named in {{langx|la|TRIMONTIUM}}, meaning "The Three Hills", and mentioned in the 1st century by ]. At times the name was '']'', '']'', '']'' after the Roman families.

] wrote in the 4th century CE that the then city had been the old ''Eumolpias''/''Eumolpiada,'' (<small>{{langx|la|EVMOLPIAS, EVMOLPIADA}}</small>),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id%3D8i5EAAAAcAAJ%26pg%3DPA140 |title=De re nummaria antiqua, opera quae extant universa - Hubertus Goltzius - Google Books |access-date=4 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911224216/https://books.google.com/books?id=8i5EAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA140 |archive-date=11 September 2016 }}{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id%3DZefRkZlhHVYC%26pg%3DPA95 |title=Ammianus Marcellinus - Google ブックス |access-date=4 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623205058/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZefRkZlhHVYC&pg=PA95 |archive-date=23 June 2016 }}</ref> the oldest name chronologically.<ref name=academia/> It was named after the mythical Thracian king ], son of ]<ref>{{cite book|last1=Mikalson|first1=Jon D.|title=Ancient Greek religion|date=2010|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|location=Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.|isbn=978-1-4443-5819-3|page=57|edition=2nd|quote=...whose champion was the Thracian Eumolpus, a son of Poseidon.}}</ref> or ],<ref>{{cite web|title=A Classical Dictionary|year=1831|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JYuNyzOxyAkC&pg=PA289|access-date=1 January 2017|archive-date=19 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819133812/https://books.google.com/books?id=JYuNyzOxyAkC&pg=PA289|url-status=live}}</ref> who may have founded the city around 1200 BCE<ref>{{cite book |editor1-first=Alicia Morales |editor1-last=Ortiz |editor2-first=Cristóbal Pagán |editor2-last=Cánovas |editor3-first=Carmen Martínez |editor3-last=Campillo |title=The Teaching of Modern Greek in Europe |year=2010 |publisher=EditumM |isbn=978-84-8371-938-1 |page=64 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ktd7tk5pqisC&pg=PA64 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=19 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819140158/https://books.google.com/books?id=ktd7tk5pqisC&pg=PA64 |url-status=live }}</ref> or 1350 BCE.<ref>{{cite web|title = Plovdiv Encyclopedia|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Tl4sAQAAIAAJ&q=1350+evmolpias|last1 = Raĭchevski|first1 = Georgi|year = 2002|access-date = 1 January 2017|archive-date = 29 May 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210529150559/https://books.google.com/books?id=Tl4sAQAAIAAJ&q=1350+evmolpias|url-status = live}}</ref> It is also possible that it was named after the ] in the temples – evmolpeya.<ref name="plovdiv1"/>

In the 6th century CE, ] wrote that the former name of the city was ''Pulpudeva'' (<small>{{langx|la|PVLPVDEVA}}</small>) and that ] named the city after himself. This name is most likely a ] oral translation<ref name="plovdiv1"/> of the other as it kept all consonants of the name Philip + ]. Although the two names sound similar, they may not share the same origin as ] and ] do, and ''Pulpudeva'' may have predated the other names<ref name=uk>{{cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/place/Plovdiv |title=Plovdiv &#124; Bulgaria |access-date=13 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228001421/http://www.britannica.com/place/Plovdiv |archive-date=28 February 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0006%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DP%3Aentry+group%3D4%3Aentry%3Dphilippopolis-2 |title=The Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites, PACHIA AMMOS ("Minoa") Ierapetra district, Crete., PHAISTOS Kainourgiou, Crete., PHILIPPOPOLIS or Eumolpia or Trimontium (Plovdiv) Bulgaria |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107191013/http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0006%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DP%3Aentry+group%3D4%3Aentry%3Dphilippopolis-2 |archive-date=7 January 2017 }}</ref> meaning "lake city" in ].<ref name="pld"/> Since the 9th century CE the Slavic name began to appear as ''Papaldiv/n, Plo(v)div, Pladiv, Pladin, Plapdiv, Plovdin,'' which originate from ''Pulpudeva''.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eUjV1Fd3W8oC&q=plovdiv+thracian++neolithic&pg=PT333|title=Between Two Motherlands: Nationality and Emigration Among the Greeks of Bulgaria, 1900–1949|first=Theodora|last=Dragostinova|publisher=Cornell University Press|year=2011|section=underline remark # 47|isbn=978-0-8014-4945-1|access-date=19 October 2020|archive-date=29 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529150559/https://books.google.com/books?id=eUjV1Fd3W8oC&q=plovdiv+thracian++neolithic&pg=PT333|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, the name has lost any meaning. In British English the Bulgarian variant ''Plòvdiv'' has become prevalent after ].{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} The ] mentioned the city as ''Prineople'', ''Sinople'' and ''Phinepople''.<ref name="pld"/> The Ottomans called the city ''Filibe'', a corruption of "Philip", in a document from 1448.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7WEXAQAAIAAJ&q=%D1%84%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B1%D0%B5 |title=Славяните и славянската филология: очерк по история на славистиката и булгаристиката от втората половина на XIX до началото на XXI век |isbn=978-954-423-244-3 |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818161248/https://books.google.com/books?hl=bg&id=7WEXAQAAIAAJ&dq=%D0%9F%D1%8A%D0%BF%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BD&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%D1%84%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B1%D0%B5 |archive-date=18 August 2020 |last1=Куцаров |first1=Иван |year=2002 |publisher=Пловдивско унивєрситєтско изд-во }}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|Philippopolis (Thracia)|Timeline of Plovdiv|History of Plovdiv}}
{{Timeline of Plovdiv}}

===Antiquity===
]

{{Philippopolis sidebar}}
The history of the region spans more than eight millennia. Numerous nations have left their traces on the {{convert|12|m|ft|adj=mid|spell=in|lk=out|abbr=off|-thick}} cultural layers of the city. The earliest signs of habitation in the territory of Plovdiv date as far back as the 6th millennium BCE.<ref name="filipopol">"Philippopolis Album", Kesyakova Elena, Raytchev Dimitar, Hermes, Sofia, 2012, {{ISBN|978-954-26-1117-2}}</ref><ref name="plovdiv1"/> Plovdiv has settlement traces including necropolises dating from the Neolithic era (roughly 6000–5000 BCE) like the mounds Yasa Tepe 1 in the Philipovo district and Yasa Tepe 2 in Lauta park.<ref name="райчевски">{{cite book| last = Райчевски| first = Георги | year = 2002 | title = Пловдивска енциклопедия | publisher = Издателство ИМН | location = Пловдив | page = 341| isbn = 978-954-491-553-7}}</ref><ref name="кесякова">{{cite book | last = Кесякова | first = Елена |author2=Александър Пижев |author3=Стефан Шивачев |author4=Недялка Петрова | year = 1999 |script-title=bg:Книга за Пловдив | publisher = Издателство "Полиграф" | location = Пловдив | pages = 17–19 | isbn = 954-9529-27-4 |language=bg}}</ref><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305021410/http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=1097386 |date=5 March 2016}}</ref>

Archaeologists have discovered fine pottery{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} and objects of everyday life on ] from as early as the ] era, showing that at the end of the 4th millennium BCE, there was already an established settlement there which was ] since then.<ref>Детев П., Известия на музейте в Южна България т. 1 (Bulletin des musees de la Bulgarie du sud), 1975г., с.27, {{ISSN|0204-4072}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923020722/http://www.bg.cobiss.net/scripts/cobiss?ukaz=DISP&id=0955075541846121&rec=11&sid=2|date=23 September 2016}}</ref><ref>Детев, П. ''Разкопки на Небет тепе в Пловдив'', ГПАМ, 5, 1963, pp. 27–30.</ref><ref>Ботушарова, Л. ''Стратиграфски проучвания на Небет тепе'', ГПАМ, 5, 1963, pp. 66–70.</ref> Thracian necropolises dating back to the 2nd–3rd millennium BCE have been discovered, while the Thracian town was established between the 2nd and the 1st millennium BCE.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

The town was a fort of the independent local ] tribe ].<ref>{{cite book | author1 = Елена Кесякова | author2 = Александър Пижев |author3 = Стефан Шивачев |author4 = Недялка Петрова | year = 1999 | title = Книга за Пловдив | publisher = Издателство "Полиграф" | location = Пловдив | isbn = 954-9529-27-4 | language = bg | pages=20–21}}</ref> In 516 BCE during the rule of ], Thrace was included in the ].<ref>The Oxford Classical Dictionary by Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth, {{ISBN|0-19-860641-9}}", page 1515, "The Thracians were subdued by the Persians by 516"</ref> In 492 BCE, the Persian general ] subjugated Thrace again, and it nominally became a vassal of Persia until 479 BCE and the early rule of ].<ref>Dimitri Romanoff, ''The orders, medals, and history of the Kingdom of Bulgaria'', p. 9</ref> The town became part of the ] (460 BCE – 46 CE), a ] tribal union. The town was conquered by ],<ref>''История на България'', Том 1, Издателство на БАН, София, 1979, p. 206.</ref> and the Odrysian king was deposed in 342 BCE. Ten years after the Macedonian invasion, the Thracian kings started to exercise power again after the Odrysian ] had re-established their kingdom under Macedonian suzerainty as a result of a successful revolt against ]'s rule resulting in a stalemate.<ref>A. B. Bosworth, ''Conquest and Empire: The Reign of Alexander the Great'', page 12, Cambridge University Press</ref> The Odrysian kingdom gradually overcame the Macedonian suzerainty, while the city was destroyed by the ] as part of the ], most likely in the 270s BCE.<ref>{{cite book|year=1979|title=Bulgaria|location=University of Indiana|page=4}}</ref> In 183 BCE, ] conquered the city, but shortly after, the Thracians re-conquered it.

In 72 BCE, the city was seized by the Roman general ] but was soon restored to Thracian control. In 46 CE, the city was finally incorporated into the ] by emperor ];<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dimitrov |first=B. |title=The Bulgarians – the first Europeans |publisher=University press "St Climent of Ohrid" |location=Sofia |page=17 |language=bg |isbn=954-07-1757-4 |year=2002 }}</ref> it served as the capital of the province of ]. Although it was not the capital of the Province of Thrace, the city was the largest and most important centre in the province.<ref>Lenk, B. – RE, 6 A, 1936 col. 454 sq.</ref> As such, the city was the seat of the Union of Thracians.<ref>Римски и ранновизантийски градове в България, p. 183</ref> In those times, the ] (or Via Diagonalis), the most important military road in the ], passed through the city.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.seecorridors.eu/index.php?w_p=27&w_l=2&w_c=3&w_id=450
|title=Cultural Corridors of South East Europe/Diagonal Road
|publisher=Association for Cultural Tourism
|access-date=25 January 2007
|archive-date=8 October 2007
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008071205/http://www.seecorridors.eu/index.php?w_p=27&w_l=2&w_c=3&w_id=450
|url-status=live
}}</ref><ref>Николов, Д. ''Нови данни за пътя Филипопол-Ескус'', София, 1958, p. 285</ref> The Roman times were a period of growth and cultural excellence.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dimitrov |first=B. |title=The Bulgarians – the first Europeans |publisher=University press "St Climent of Ohrid" |location=Sofia |pages=18–19 |language=bg |isbn=954-07-1757-4 |year=2002 }}</ref> The ancient ruins tell a story of a vibrant, growing city with numerous public buildings, shrines, baths, theatres, a stadium, and the only developed ancient water supply system in Bulgaria. The city had an advanced water system and ].{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} In 179 a second wall was built to encompass Trimontium which had already extended out of the Three hills into the valley. Many of those are still preserved and can be seen by tourists. Today only a small part of the ancient city has been excavated.<ref name=pldiv> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412054326/http://www.plovdivcity.net/bg/plovdiv_history.html |date=12 April 2008 }}, посетен на 10 ноември 2007 г.</ref>

In 250 the city was captured and looted after the ] by the ], led by their ruler ]. Many of its citizens, 100,000 according to ], died or were taken captive.<ref>{{cite book | author1 = Елена Кесякова | author2 = Александър Пижев |author3 = Стефан Шивачев |author4 = Недялка Петрова | year = 1999 | title = Книга за Пловдив | publisher = Издателство "Полиграф" | location = Пловдив | isbn = 954-9529-27-4 | language = bg | pages=47–48}}</ref> It took a century and hard work to recover the city. However, it was destroyed again by ]'s ]s in 441–442 and by the ] of Teodoric Strabo in 471.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185326/http://www.romanplovdiv.org/en/history/6 |date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>

An ancient Roman inscription written in Ancient Greek dated to 253 – 255 AD were discovered in the ]. The inscription refers to the ] and also mentions Roman Emperors ] and ]. It has been found on a large stele which was used as construction material during the building of the Great Basilica.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://archaeologyinbulgaria.com/2019/07/18/huge-roman-inscription-of-dionysus-cult-secret-society-after-251-goth-invasion-found-in-early-christian-great-basilica-in-bulgarias-plovdiv/ |title=HUGE ROMAN INSCRIPTION OF DIONYSUS CULT SECRET SOCIETY AFTER 251 GOTH INVASION FOUND IN EARLY CHRISTIAN GREAT BASILICA IN BULGARIA'S PLOVDI |date=18 July 2019 |access-date=1 December 2019 |archive-date=6 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106175429/http://archaeologyinbulgaria.com/2019/07/18/huge-roman-inscription-of-dionysus-cult-secret-society-after-251-goth-invasion-found-in-early-christian-great-basilica-in-bulgarias-plovdiv/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2024, archaeologists from the Regional Archaeological Museum announced the discovery of a well-preserved Thracian temple dated to the third century BCE. The 10-metre-long temple is made of dry joints and clay-sand mortar and has two rooms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archaeologists Discover 3rd Century BC Thracian Temple in Plovdiv |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/729806-archaeologists-discover-3rd-century-bc-thracian-temple-in-plovdiv |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=www.bta.bg |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=staff |first=The Sofia Globe |date=2024-08-22 |title=Archaeology: Third century BCE Thracian temple found fully preserved in Bulgaria’s Plovdiv |url=https://sofiaglobe.com/2024/08/22/archaeology-third-century-bce-thracian-temple-found-fully-preserved-in-bulgarias-plovdiv/ |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=The Sofia Globe |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Middle Ages===
] in Plovdiv, who was the first Bulgarian ruler to capture Plovdiv.]]
] had fully settled in the area by the middle of the 6th century. This was done peacefully as there are no records for their attacks.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dimitrov |first=B. |title=The Bulgarians – the first Europeans |publisher=University press "St Climent of Ohrid" |location=Sofia |page=25 |language=bg |isbn=954-07-1757-4 |year=2002 }}</ref> With the establishment of ] in 681, Philippoupolis, the name of the city then, became an important border fortress of the ]. It was captured by Khan ] in 812, but the region was fully incorporated into the ] in 834 during the reign of Khan ].<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 66 {{ISBN|954-427-216-X}}.</ref> It was reconquered by the ] in 855–856 for a short time until it was returned to ].<ref>Gjuzelev, p. 130 (Gjuzelev, V., (1988) Medieval Bulgaria, Byzantine Empire, Black Sea, Venice, Genoa (Centre Culturel du Monde Byzantin). Published by Verlag Baier).</ref><ref>Bulgarian Historical Review, p. 9 (Bulgarian Historical Review (2005), United Center for Research and Training in History, published by Publishing House of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, v.33:no.1–4).</ref> From Philippopolis, the influence of ] doctrines spread to Bulgaria forming the basis of the ] heresy. The city remained in Bulgarian hands until 970.<ref>Делев, "Българската държава и общество при управлението на цар Петър", ''История и цивилизация за 11. клас'', 2006.</ref> However, the city is described at the time of ] in the 10th century as being within the Byzantine province (] of ]).{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Philippopolis was captured by the Byzantines in 969, shortly before it was sacked by the ruler of ] ] who impaled 20,000 citizens.<ref>Fine, pp. 160–161, 186: John V. A. Fine Jr., The Early Medieval Balkans, Ann Arbor, 1983.</ref> Before and after the Rus' massacre, the city was settled by ] heretics transported from Syria and Armenia to serve as military settlers on the European frontier with Bulgaria. Aime de Varennes in 1180 encountered the singing of Byzantine songs in the city that recounted the deeds of Alexander the Great and his predecessors over 1300 years before.<ref>Vacalopoulos, Apostolos E. ''Origins of the Greek Nation''. (New Brunswick, New Jersey: ], 1970) p. 22.</ref>

Byzantine rule was interrupted by the ] (1189–1192) when the army of the ] emperor ] conquered Philippopolis. ] was appointed as the governor of the Byzantine Theme of Philippopolis in 1196, but between 1198 and 1200 separated it from Byzantium in a union with Bulgaria.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}} The ] conquered Philippopolis in 1204, and there were two short interregnum periods as the city was twice occupied by ] before his death in 1207.<ref name=pldv>, посетен на 17 ноември 2007 г.</ref> In 1208, Kaloyan's successor ] was defeated by the Latins in the ].<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 180 {{ISBN|954-427-216-X}}.</ref> Under Latin rule, Philippopolis was the capital of the ], which was governed by ] and later on by Gerard de Strem. The city was possibly at times a vassal of Bulgaria or ]. ] conquered the duchy finally in 1230 but the city had possibly been conquered earlier.<ref>{{cite book |first=John V. A. |last=Fine |title=The Late Medieval Balkans |year=1994 |isbn=978-0-472-08260-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hh0Bu8C66TsC |page=125 |publisher=University of Michigan Press |access-date=13 December 2015 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330024852/https://books.google.com/books?id=Hh0Bu8C66TsC |url-status=live }}</ref> Afterwards, Philippopolis was conquered by Byzantium. According to some information, by 1300 Philippopolis was a possession of ] of Bulgaria. It was conquered from Byzantium by ] of Bulgaria in 1322.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 253 {{ISBN|954-427-216-X}}.</ref> ] unsuccessfully besieged the city, but a treaty restored Byzantine rule once again in 1323. In 1344 the city and eight other cities were surrendered to Bulgaria by the regency for ] as the price for ]'s support in the ].<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 272 {{ISBN|954-427-216-X}}.</ref>

===Ottoman rule===
In 1364 the ] under ] seized Plovdiv.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 274 {{ISBN|954-427-216-X}}.</ref><ref name="pat">{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |page=139 |language=bg |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=Evgeni Dinchev |display-authors=etal}}</ref> According to other data, Plovdiv was not an Ottoman possession until the ] in 1371, after which, the citizens and the Bulgarian army fled leaving the city without resistance. Refugees settled in ]. During the ] in 1410, ] conquered the city killing and displacing inhabitants.<ref name="egeweb2.ege.edu.tr">{{cite web|url=http://www.egeweb2.ege.edu.tr/tid/dosyalar/XXII-2_2007/TIDXXII-2_2007-04.pdf |title=1695 Tarihli Mufassal Avâriz Defterine Gore Filibe Kazâsinda Nüfus Ve Yerleşme Duzeni |website=Ege Üniversite |access-date=26 August 2017|archive-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316144332/http://egeweb2.ege.edu.tr/tid/dosyalar/XXII-2_2007/TIDXXII-2_2007-04.pdf |language=tr}}</ref> The city was the centre of the ] from 1364 until 1443, when it was replaced by ] as the capital of ]. Plovdiv served as a sanjak centre within Rumelia between 1443 and 1593, the sanjak centre in ] between 1593 and 1826, the sanjak centre in ] between 1826 and 1867, and the sanjak centre of ] between 1867 and 1878. During that period, Plovdiv was one of the major economic centers in the Balkans, along with ] (]), ], ], and Sofia. The richer citizens constructed beautiful houses, many of which can still be seen in the architectural reserve of Old Plovdiv. From the early 15th century till the end of 17th century the city was predominantly inhabited by Muslims.<ref>{{citation |author=Grigor Boykov |title=Demographic features of Ottoman Upper Thrace: A case study on Filibe, Tatar Pazarcık and İstanimaka (1472–1614) |publisher=Department of History, Bilkent University, Ankara |date=September 2004 |url=http://www.thesis.bilkent.edu.tr/0002749.pdf |access-date=8 May 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808235201/http://www.thesis.bilkent.edu.tr/0002749.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

====National revival====
{{Main|Bulgarian National Revival}}
].]]
Under the rule of the ], Filibe (as the city was known at that time) was a focal point for the Bulgarian national movement and survived as one of the major cultural centers for Bulgarian culture and tradition.

Filibe was described as consisting of Turks, Bulgarians, Hellenized Bulgarians, Armenians, Jews, Vlachs, Arvanites, Greeks, and Roma people. In the 16–17 century a significant number of ] settled along with a smaller Armenian community from ]. The ]s adopted Catholicism or lost their identity. The abolition of ] as the language of the ] as well as the complete abolition of the church in 1767 and the introduction of the ] led to ethnic division among people of different religions. Christian and Muslim Bulgarians were subjected to ] and ] respectively. A major part of the inhabitants was fully or partly Hellenized due to the Greek patriarchate. The "Langeris" are described as Greeks from the area of the nearby ]. The process of Hellenization flourished until the 1830s but declined with the ] as the idea of the ] of Christians grew and was associated with ethnic Greeks.

The re-establishment of the Bulgarian Church in 1870 was a sign of ethnic and national consciousness. Thus, although there is a little doubt about the Bulgarian origin of the Gulidas, the city could be considered of Greek or Bulgarian majority in the 19th century.<ref>{{cite book|last=Detrez|first=Raymon|title=Relations between Greeks and Bulgarians: The Gudilas of Plovid|year=2003|publisher=Ashgate|location=Aldershot, England|isbn=978-0-7546-0998-8|page=34|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s1VpAAAAMAAJ&q=stanimaka|quote=deciding whether Plovdiv had a Bulgarian or a Greek majority depends on whether the Gudilas are considered as Bulgarians or Greeks|access-date=19 October 2020|archive-date=29 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529150559/https://books.google.com/books?id=s1VpAAAAMAAJ&q=stanimaka|url-status=live}}</ref> Raymond Detrez has suggested that when the Gudilas and Langeris claimed to be Greek it was more in the sense of "] than Ellines, in a cultural rather than an ethnic sense".<ref name="balkanologie"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219171700/http://balkanologie.revues.org/2342 |date=19 February 2016 }}</ref> According to the statistics by the Bulgarian and Greek authors, there were no Turks in the city; according to an alternative estimate the city was of Turkish majority.<ref>{{cite book|editor-last1=Roth|editor-first1=Ralf|editor-last2=Beachy|editor-first2=Robert|title=Who ran the cities?: city elites and urban power structures in Europe and North America, 1750–1940|date=2007|publisher=Ashgate|location=Aldershot |isbn=978-0-7546-5153-6|pages=189–190|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UQzGUZasbQkC&q=plovdiv+muslim+majority&pg=PA189|access-date=19 October 2020|archive-date=29 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529150559/https://books.google.com/books?id=UQzGUZasbQkC&q=plovdiv+muslim+majority&pg=PA189|url-status=live}}</ref>

Filibe had an important role in the struggle for Church independence which was, according to some historians, a peaceful bourgeois revolution. Filibe became the center of that struggle with leaders such as ], Dr Valkovich, ], and whole families. In 1836 the first Bulgarian school was inaugurated, and in 1850, modern secular education began when the "St Cyrill and Methodius" school was opened. On 11 May 1858, the day of ] was celebrated for the first time; this later became a National holiday which is still celebrated today (but on 24 May due to Bulgaria's 1916 transition from the ] (]) to the ] (]) calendar). In 1858 in the ], the Christmas liturgy was served for the first time in the ] since the beginning of the Ottoman occupation. Until 1906 there were Bulgarian and Greek bishops in the city. In 1868 the school expanded into the first grammar school. Some of the intellectuals, politicians, and spiritual leaders of the nation graduated that school.<ref name="pld"/>

The city was conquered by the Russians under ] for several hours during the ] on 17 January 1878.<ref name="pat"/> It was the capital of the ] between May and October. According to the Russian census of the same year, Filibe had a population of 24,000 citizens, of which ethnic ] comprised 45.4%, ] 23.1% and ] 19.9%.

===Eastern Rumelia===
{{Main|Bulgarian unification}}
]
]
According to the ] on 3 March 1878, the Principality of Bulgaria included the lands with predominantly Bulgarian population. Plovdiv which was the biggest and most vibrant Bulgarian city was selected as a capital of the restored country and for a seat of the Temporary Russian Government.<ref name="ocertsi">Очерци из историята на Пловдив (стр. 80 – Космополитен град. Махали и квартали в ново време)</ref> Great Britain and ], however, did not approve that treaty and the final result of the war was concluded in the ] which divided the newly liberated country into several parts. It separated the autonomous region of ] from Bulgaria, and Plovdiv became its capital. The Ottoman Empire created a constitution and appointed a governor.<ref> at ] (20 April 2006).</ref>

In the spring of 1885, ] formed the Secret Bulgarian Central Revolutionary Committee in the city which actively conducted propaganda for the unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. On 5 September, several hundred armed rebels from Golyamo Konare (now ]) marched to Plovdiv. In the night of 5–6 September, these men, led by Danail Nikolaev, took control of the city and removed from office the General-Governor ]. A provisional government was formed led by ], and universal mobilization was announced.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 322 {{ISBN|954-427-216-X}}.</ref> After the Serbs were defeated in the ], Bulgaria and Turkey reached an agreement that the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia had a common government, Parliament, administration, and army. Today, 6 September is celebrated as the Unification Day and the Day of Plovdiv.

===Recent history===
After the unification, Plovdiv remained the second most populous city in Bulgaria after the capital ]. The first railway in the city was built in 1874 connecting it with the Ottoman capital, and in 1888, it was linked with Sofia. In 1892 Plovdiv became the host of the First Bulgarian Fair with international participation which was succeeded by the ]. After the liberation, the first brewery was inaugurated in the city.

The noteworthy English travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor visited Plovdiv in the late summer of 1934 and he was charmed by the town and a local woman name Nadjeda.<ref>Patrick Leigh Fermor, The Broken Road: From the Iron Gates to Mouth Athos (London: John Murray, 2013), pp. 15ff.</ref>

In the beginning of the 20th century, Plovdiv grew as a significant industrial and commercial center with well-developed light and food industry. In 1927 the electrification of Plovdiv has started. German, French, and ] capital was invested in the city in the development of modern trade, banking, and industry. In 1939, there were 16,000 craftsmen and 17,000 workers in manufacturing factories, mainly for food and tobacco processing.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} During the Second World War, the tobacco industry expanded as well as the export of fruit and vegetables. In 1943, 1,500 Jews were saved from deportation in ]s by the archbishop of Plovdiv, ], who later became the Bulgarian Patriarch. In 1944, the city was bombed by the British-American coalition.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

Tobacco Depot workers ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=КОНЕЦ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОГО ЛАГЕРЯ.НРБ: ТРУДНЫЙ РАЗЖИМ |url=https://solidarizm.ru/txt/trura.shtml |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=solidarizm.ru |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Nick Heath |url=https://archive.org/details/afterthedeathofstalin/page/n1/mode/2up |title=After the Death of Stalin: The First Revolt- The Plovdiv Tobacco Workers’ Strike, May 1953}}</ref>

On 6 April 1956, the first trolleybus line was opened and in the 1950s the Trimontsium Hotel was constructed. In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a construction boom and many of the modern neighborhoods took shape. In the 1970s and 1980s, antique remains were excavated and the Old Town was fully restored. In 1990 the sports complex "Plovdiv" was finished. It included the largest stadium and rowing canal in the country. In that period, Plovdiv became the birthplace of Bulgaria's movement for democratic reform, which by 1989 had garnered enough support to enter government.

Plovdiv has hosted specialized exhibitions of the ] in 1981, 1985, and 1991.

{{wide image|Plovdiv panorama.jpg|1600px}}
{{wide image|Plovdivpanorama.jpg|1600px}}


==Geography== ==Geography==
].]] ]
]s in the background.]] ]
] in the background.]]
Plovdiv is on the banks of the ] river, southeast of the Bulgarian capital, ]. The city is in the southern part of the Plain of Plovdiv, an ] forming the western portion of the ]. The heights of ] rise to the northwest, to the east are the Chirpan Heights, and the ] surround the plain from the south.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |page=145 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=avtori Evgeni Dinchev ...|display-authors=etal}}</ref> The city had originally developed to the south of Maritsa, and expanded across the river only within the last 100 years. Modern Plovdiv covers an area of {{convert|101|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}, which is less than 0.1% of Bulgaria's total area. This makes Plovdiv the most densely populated city in the country with 3,769 inhabitants per km².
Plovdiv is located on the banks of the ] river, southeast of the Bulgarian capital ]. The city is in the southern part of the ''Plain of Plovdiv'', an ] that forms the western portion of the ]. From there, the peaks of the ] mountain range rise to the northwest, the Chirpan Heights to the east, and the ] to the south.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |page=145 |language=bg |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=avtori Evgeni Dinchev ...|display-authors=etal}}</ref> Originally, Plovdiv's development occurred south of Maritsa, with expansion across the river taking place only within the last 100 years. Modern Plovdiv covers an area of {{convert|101|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}, less than 0.1% of Bulgaria's total area. It is the most densely populated city in Bulgaria, with 3,769 inhabitants per km<sup>2</sup>.


Inside the city proper are six syenite hills,. In the beginning of the 20th century, there used to be seven of them, but one (]) was destroyed. Three of them are called the Three Hills ({{lang-bg|Трихълмие}} ''Trihalmie''), the others are called the Hill of the Youth ({{lang-bg|Младежки хълм}}, ''Mladezhki halm''), the Hill of the Liberators ({{lang-bg|Хълм на освободителите}}, ''Halm na osvoboditelite'') and the Hill of ] ({{lang-bg|Данов хълм}}, ''Danov halm'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.milarodino.com/bg/13_centuries/city/plovdiv/ |title=Седемте чудеса на България – Пловдив |publisher=Milarodino.com |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> Inside the city proper are six ] hills. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were seven syenite hills, but one (]) was destroyed. Three of them are called the Three Hills ({{langx|bg|Трихълмие}} ''Trihalmie''), the others are called the Hill of the Youth ({{langx|bg|Младежки хълм}}, ''Mladezhki halm''), the Hill of the Liberators ({{langx|bg|Хълм на освободителите}}, ''Halm na osvoboditelite''), and the Hill of ] ({{langx|bg|Данов хълм}}, ''Danov halm'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.milarodino.com/bg/13_centuries/city/plovdiv/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904074310/http://www.milarodino.com/bg/13_centuries/city/plovdiv/ |archive-date=4 September 2012 |title=Седемте чудеса на България – Пловдив |publisher=Milarodino.com |access-date=7 January 2011 }}</ref>


===Climate=== ===Climate===
Plovdiv has a ] (] ''Cfa'') with considerable ] influences. There are four distinct seasons, with large temperature jumps between seasons being common. Plovdiv has a ] (] ''Cfa'') with considerable ] influences. There are four distinct seasons with large temperature jumps between seasons.

Summer (mid May to late September) is hot, moderately dry, and sunny with a July and August maximum average of {{convert|31|°C|0|abbr=on}}. Plovdiv sometimes experiences very hot days which are typical in the interior of the country. Summer nights are mild.


Summer (mid-May to late September) is hot, moderately dry and sunny, with July and August having an average high of {{convert|33|°C|0|abbr=on}}. Plovdiv sometimes experiences very hot days which are typical in the interior of the country. Summer nights are mild.
Autumn starts in late September; days are long and relatively warm in early autumn. The nights become chilly by September. The first frost occurs on average by November.


Autumn starts in late September; days are long and relatively warm in early autumn. The nights become chilly by September. The first frost usually occurs by November.
Winter is normally cold and snow is common. The average number of days with snow cover in Plovdiv is 33. The average depth of snow cover is {{convert|2|to|4|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} and the maximum is normally {{convert|6|to|13|cm|in|0|abbr=on}}, but in some winters it can reach {{convert|70|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} or more. Average January temperature is {{convert|-0.4|°C|0|abbr=on}}.


Winter is normally cold and snow is common. The average number of days with snow coverage in Plovdiv is 15. The average depth of snow coverage is {{convert|2|to|4|cm|in|0|abbr=on}}, and the maximum is normally {{convert|6|to|13|cm|in|0|abbr=on}}, but some winters coverage can reach {{convert|70|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} or more. The average January temperature is {{convert|-0.4|°C|0|abbr=on}}.
Spring arrives in March but that season is cooler than autumn. The frost season ends in March or in April at the latest. The days are mild and relatively warm in mid spring.


Spring begins in March and is cooler than autumn. The frost season ends in March. The days are mild and relatively warm in mid-spring.
The average relative humidity is 73%, being highest in December, with 86%, and lowest in August, with 62%. The total precipitation is {{convert|540|mm|2|abbr=on}} and is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest months of the year are May and June, with an average precipitation of {{convert|66.2|mm|2|abbr=on}}, while the driest month is August, with an average precipitation of {{convert|31|mm|2|abbr=on}}.


The average relative humidity is 73% and is highest in December at 86% and the lowest in August at 62%. The total precipitation is {{convert|540|mm|2|abbr=on}} and is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest months of the year are May and June, with an average precipitation of {{convert|66.2|mm|2|abbr=on}}, and the driest month is August, with an average precipitation of {{convert|31|mm|2|abbr=on}}.
Gentle winds (0 to 5&nbsp;m/s) are predominant in the city with wind speeds of up to 1&nbsp;m/s, representing 95% of all winds during the year. Mists are common in the cooler months, especially along the banks of the Maritsa. On average there are 33&nbsp;days with ] during the year.<ref>, посетен на 10 ноември 2007 г.</ref>


Gentle winds (0 to 5&nbsp;m/s) are predominant in the city with wind speeds of up to 1&nbsp;m/s, representing 95% of all winds during the year. Mists are common in the cooler months, especially along the banks of the Maritsa. On average there are 33&nbsp;days with ] during the year.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214084451/http://new.plovdiv.bg/files/OPR_END.pdf |date=14 February 2012 }}, посетен на 10 ноември 2007 г.</ref>
'''Climate table:'''
{{Weather box {{Weather box
|location = Plovdiv(1952-2000) |location = Plovdiv (1952–2000; extremes 1942–present)
|metric first = yes |metric first = yes
|single line = yes |single line = yes
Line 105: Line 190:
|Apr record high C = 34.2 |Apr record high C = 34.2
|May record high C = 36.0 |May record high C = 36.0
|Jun record high C = 40.0 |Jun record high C = 41.0
|Jul record high C = 43.0 |Jul record high C = 45.0
|Aug record high C = 41.0 |Aug record high C = 42.5
|Sep record high C = 37.6 |Sep record high C = 37.6
|Oct record high C = 36.8 |Oct record high C = 36.8
|Nov record high C = 27.0 |Nov record high C = 27.0
|Dec record high C = 22.9 |Dec record high C = 22.9
|year record high C = 43.0 |year record high C = 45.0
|Jan high C = 5.4 |Jan high C = 5.2
|Feb high C = 8.3 |Feb high C = 8.3
|Mar high C = 13.0 |Mar high C = 13.0
Line 119: Line 204:
|May high C = 23.7 |May high C = 23.7
|Jun high C = 28.0 |Jun high C = 28.0
|Jul high C = 30.6 |Jul high C = 30.7
|Aug high C = 30.2 |Aug high C = 30.3
|Sep high C = 26.0 |Sep high C = 26.0
|Oct high C = 19.4 |Oct high C = 19.4
|Nov high C = 11.9 |Nov high C = 11.9
|Dec high C = 6.6 |Dec high C = 6.4
|year high C = 18.5 |year high C = 18.5
|Jan mean C = 0.9 |Jan mean C = 0.9
Line 152: Line 237:
|Dec low C = -1.3 |Dec low C = -1.3
|year low C = 7.1 |year low C = 7.1
|Jan record low C = -23.0 |Jan record low C = -31.5
|Feb record low C = -16.4 |Feb record low C = -29.1
|Mar record low C = -14.4 |Mar record low C = -17.5
|Apr record low C = -4.7 |Apr record low C = -4.0
|May record low C = 0.0 |May record low C = -0.3
|Jun record low C = 4.0 |Jun record low C = 6.0
|Jul record low C = 5.0 |Jul record low C = 8.2
|Aug record low C = 8.0 |Aug record low C = 5.6
|Sep record low C = 1.0 |Sep record low C = 0.7
|Oct record low C = -10.2 |Oct record low C = -5.9
|Nov record low C = -9.8 |Nov record low C = -9.1
|Dec record low C = -19.0 |Dec record low C = -22.7
|year record low C = -23.0 |year record low C = -31.5
|precipitation colour = green |precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 27 |Jan precipitation mm = 27
Line 219: Line 304:
|year sun = 2339 |year sun = 2339
|source 1 = Climatebase.ru |source 1 = Climatebase.ru
|source 2 = ] (sun and relative humidity),<ref name=DMI>{{cite web | last1 = Cappelen | first1 = John | last2 = Jensen | first2 = Jens | url = http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/tr01-17.pdf | work = Climate Data for Selected Stations (1931-1960) | title = Bulgarien - Plovdiv | page = 42 | publisher = Danish Meteorological Institute | language = Danish | accessdate = April 16, 2013}}</ref> |source 2 = ] (sun and relative humidity),<ref name=DMI>{{cite web | last1 = Cappelen | first1 = John | last2 = Jensen | first2 = Jens | url = http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/tr01-17.pdf | work = Climate Data for Selected Stations (1931–1960) | title = Bulgarien Plovdiv | page = 42 | publisher = Danish Meteorological Institute | language = da | access-date = 16 April 2013 | archive-date = 16 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130116071752/http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/tr01-17.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref>
|date=June 2012 |date=June 2012
}} }}


{{Weather box
==History==
| width = auto
{{Main|History of Plovdiv|Timeline of Plovdiv}}
| location = Plovidiv (2008-2021)
| metric first = Y
| single line = Y
| source = Stringmeteo.com{{page needed|date=August 2021}}
Meteomanz<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.meteomanz.com/sy3?l=1&cou=6250&ind=15626&m1=01&y1=2000&m2=07&y2=2024 |title=Plovdiv - Weather data by months |access-date=8 July 2024 |website=meteomanz}}</ref>(precipitation and days 2000-2013)
| Jan mean C = 2.2
| Feb mean C = 4.5
| Mar mean C = 8.5
| Apr mean C = 14.3
| May mean C = 19.3
| Jun mean C = 23.4
| Jul mean C = 25.6
| Aug mean C = 25.5
| Sep mean C = 21.6
| Oct mean C = 16.3
| Nov mean C = 10.7
| Dec mean C = 4.6
| year mean C = 14.0
| Jan high C = 7.3
| Feb high C = 10.2
| Mar high C = 16.2
| Apr high C = 19.3
| May high C = 25.2
| Jun high C = 28.7
| Jul high C = 32.1
| Aug high C = 31.8
| Sep high C = 26.9
| Oct high C = 21.5
| Nov high C = 15.3
| Dec high C = 8.8
| year high C = 21
| Jan low C = -1.0
| Feb low C = -0.3
| Mar low C = 3.6
| Apr low C = 8.3
| May low C = 13.5
| Jun low C = 17.3
| Jul low C = 18.9
| Aug low C = 18.8
| Sep low C = 15.1
| Oct low C = 10.8
| Nov low C = 6.3
| Dec low C = 0.5
| date = March 2019


| precipitation colour = green
===Antiquity===
| Jan precipitation mm =41.6
]
| Feb precipitation mm =34.9
Plovdiv has settlement traces including necropolises dating from the Neolithic, roughly 6000 BC.<ref></ref> Archaeologists have discovered fine pottery<ref>. ''The Courier''. January–February 2010.</ref>
| Mar precipitation mm =42.3
and, objects of everyday life from as early as the Neolithic Age, showing that in the end of the 4th millennium BC, there already was an established settlement there,<ref>Детев, П. ''Разкопки на Небет тепе в Пловдив'', ГПАМ, 5, 1963, pp. 27–30.</ref><ref>Ботушарова, Л. ''Стратиграфски проучвания на Небет тепе'', ГПАМ, 5, 1963, pp. 66–70.</ref> Thracian necropolises dating back to the 2nd-3rd millennium BC have been discovered, while the Thracian town was established between the 2nd and the 1st millennium BC.<ref> European Capital of Culture for 2019 (in Bulgarian)</ref>
| Apr precipitation mm =40.0

| May precipitation mm =59.5
The town was a fort of the independent local ] tribe ].<ref>{{cite book | author1 = Елена Кесякова | author2 = Александър Пижев |author3 = Стефан Шивачев |author4 = Недялка Петрова | year = 1999 | title = Книга за Пловдив | publisher = Издателство „Полиграф“ | location = Пловдив | isbn = 954-9529-27-4 | language = bg | pages=20–21}}</ref> In 516 BC during the rule of ] Thrace was included in the ].<ref>The Oxford Classical Dictionary by Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth,ISBN 0-19-860641-9," page 1515, "The Thracians were subdued by the Persians by 516"</ref> In 492 BC the Persian general ] re-subjected Thrace again, which became nominally a vassal of Persia until 479 BC and the early rule of ].<ref>The orders, medals, and history of the Kingdom of Bulgaria by Dimitri Romanoff, p. 9</ref> The town was included in the ] (460 BC-46 AD), a ] tribal union. The town was conquered by ]<ref>''История на България'', Том 1, Издателство на БАН, София, 1979, p. 206.</ref> and the Odrysian king was deposed in 342 BC. Ten years after the Macedonian invasion the Thracian kings started to exercise power again after the Odrysian ] had re-established their kingdom under Macedonian suzerainty as a result of a somehow successful revolt against ]'s rule resulting in neither victory, nor defeat, but stalemate.<ref>Conquest and Empire: The Reign of Alexander the Great by A. B. Bosworth s,"page 12,"Cambridge University Pres"</ref> The Odrysian kingdom gradually overcome the Macedonian suzerainty, while the city was destroyed by the ] as part of the ], most likely in the 270s BC.<ref>{{cite book|year=1979|title=Bulgaria|location=University of Indiana|page=4}}</ref> In 183 BC ] conquered the city, but shortly after the Thracians re-conquered it.
| Jun precipitation mm =61.7

| Jul precipitation mm =56.1
In 72 BC the city was seized by the Roman general ] but was soon restored to Thracian control. In AD 46 the city was finally incorporated into the ] by emperor ],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dimitrov |first=B. |title=The Bulgarians – the first Europeans |publisher=University press "St Climent of Ohrid" |location=Sofia |page=17 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-07-1757-4 |year=2002 }}</ref> it served as metropolis (capital) of the province of ] and gained a city status in the late 1st century.<ref>''История на България'', Том 1, Издателство на БАН, София, 1979, p. 307.</ref> Trimontium was an important crossroad for the Roman Empire and was called "The largest and most beautiful of all cities" by ]. Although it was not the capital of the Province of Thrace, the city was the largest and most important centre in the province,<ref>Lenk, B. – RE, 6 A, 1936 col. 454 sq.</ref> as such the city was the seat of the Union of Thracians.<ref>Римски и ранновизантийски градове в България, p. 183</ref> In those times, the ] (or Via Diagonalis), the most important military road in the ], passed through the city.<ref>{{cite web
| Aug precipitation mm =45.9
|url=http://www.seecorridors.eu/index.php?w_p=27&w_l=2&w_c=3&w_id=450
| Sep precipitation mm =44.6
|title=Cultural Corridors of South East Europe/Diagonal Road
| Oct precipitation mm =44.3
|publisher=Association for Cultural Tourism
| Nov precipitation mm =24.0
}}</ref><ref>Николов, Д. ''Нови данни за пътя Филипопол-Ескус'', София, 1958, p. 285</ref> The Roman times were a period of growth and cultural excellence.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dimitrov |first=B. |title=The Bulgarians – the first Europeans |publisher=University press "St Climent of Ohrid" |location=Sofia |pages=18–19 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-07-1757-4 |year=2002 }}</ref> The ancient ruins tell a story of a vibrant, growing city with numerous public buildings, shrines, baths, theatres, a stadium and the only developed ancient water supply system in Bulgaria. The city had an advanced water system and ]. In 179 a second wall was built to encompass Trimontium which had already extended out of the Three hills into the valley. Many of those are still preserved and can be seen by tourists. Today only a small part of the ancient city has been excavated.<ref name=pldiv>, посетен на 10 ноември 2007 г.</ref>
| Dec precipitation mm =60.2
{{Quote box |width= 20em |border= 1px |margin= 2px |align= left |bgcolor= #c6dbf7 |qalign= left
| year precipitation mm =
|quote= "This Plovdiv is the biggest and loveliest of all cities. Its beauty shines from faraway..."
| unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm
|source= Roman writer ].}}
| precip days colour =
In 250 AD the whole city was ] by the ], led by their ruler ], and much of its citizens, according to ] numbering 100,000, died or were taken captive.<ref>{{cite book | author1 = Елена Кесякова | author2 = Александър Пижев |author3 = Стефан Шивачев |author4 = Недялка Петрова | year = 1999 | title = Книга за Пловдив | publisher = Издателство „Полиграф“ | location = Пловдив | isbn = 954-9529-27-4 | language = bg | pages=47–48}}</ref> It took a century and hard working to recover the city. However, it was destroyed again by ]'s ]s in 441-442 and by the ] of Teodoric Strabo in 471.<ref></ref>
| Jan precipitation days =10.1

| Feb precipitation days =7.8
===Middle Ages===
| Mar precipitation days =8.1
] had fully settled in the area by the middle of the 6th century, peacefully as there are no any records for their attacks.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dimitrov |first=B. |title=The Bulgarians – the first Europeans |publisher=University press "St Climent of Ohrid" |location=Sofia |page=25 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-07-1757-4 |year=2002 }}</ref> With the establishment of ] in 681 Philippoupolis, the name of the city then, became an important border fortress of the ]. It was captured by Khan ] in 812 but the region was fully incorporated into the ] in 834 during the reign of Khan ].<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 66 ISBN 954-427-216-X.</ref> It was reconquered by the ] in 855–856 for a short time until it was returned to ].<ref>Gjuzelev, p. 130 (Gjuzelev, V., (1988) Medieval Bulgaria, Byzantine Empire, Black Sea, Venice, Genoa (Centre Culturel du Monde Byzantin). Published by Verlag Baier).</ref><ref>Bulgarian Historical Review, p. 9 (Bulgarian Historical Review (2005), United Center for Research and Training in History, published by Publishing House of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, v.33:no.1-4).</ref> From Philippoupolis the influence of ] doctrines spread to Bulgaria forming the basis of the ] heresy. The city possibly remained in Bulgarian hands until 970.<ref>Делев, "Българската държава и общество при управлението на цар Петър", ''История и цивилизация за 11. клас'', 2006.</ref> However, the city is described at the time of ] in the 10th century as being within the Byzantine province (] of ]). The historian John Fine describes Philippopolis as being a Byzantine possession at the time it was sacked by the ruler of ] ] in 969 who impaled 20,000 citizens.<ref>Fine, pp. 160–161, 186: John V.A. Fine Jr., The Early Medieval Balkans, Ann Arbor, 1983.</ref> Before and after the Rus' massacre, the city was settled by ] heretics transported from Syria and Armenia to serve as military settlers on the European frontier with Bulgaria. Aime de Varennes in 1180 encountered the singing of Byzantine songs in the city that recounted the deeds of Alexander the Great and his predecessors, over 1300 years before.<ref>Vacalopoulos, Apostolos E. ''Origins of the Greek Nation''. (New Brunswick, New Jersey: ], 1970) p. 22.</ref>
| Apr precipitation days =9.6

| May precipitation days =11.6
] in Plovdiv, who was the first Bulgarian ruler to capture Plovdiv.]]
| Jun precipitation days =10.2
Byzantine rule was interrupted by the ](1189-1192) when the army of the ] emperor ] conquered Philippopolis. ] was appointed as the governor of the Byzantine Theme of Philippopolis in 1196, but between 1198 and 1200 separated it from Byzantium in a union with Bulgaria. The ] conquered Philippoupolis in 1204, and there were two short interregnum periods as the city was twice occupied by ] before his death in 1207.<ref name=pldv>, посетен на 17 ноември 2007 г.</ref> In 1208 Kaloyan's successor ] was defeated by the Latins in the ].<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 180 ISBN 954-427-216-X.</ref> Under Latin rule, Philippopolis was the capital of the ], which was governed by ], later on by Gerard de Strem and was possibly at times a vassal of Bulgaria or ]. ] conquered the duchy finally in 1230 but the city had possibly been earlier conquered.<ref>{{cite book |first=John v.a. |last=Fine |title=The Late Medieval Balkans |isbn=978-0-472-08260-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hh0Bu8C66TsC |page=125}}</ref> Afterwards Plovdiv was conquered by Byzantium, according to some information, by 1300 Plovdiv was a possession of ] of Bulgaria. It was conquered from Byzantium by ] of Bulgaria in 1322.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 253 ISBN 954-427-216-X.</ref> ] unsuccessfully besieged the city, but a treaty restored Byzantine rule once again in 1323. In 1344 the city and eight other cities were surrendered to Bulgaria by the regency for ] as the price for ]'s support in the ].<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 272 ISBN 954-427-216-X.</ref>
| Jul precipitation days =8.1

| Aug precipitation days =5.7
===Ottoman Rule===
| Sep precipitation days =7.4
In 1364, the ] under ] seized Plovdiv.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 274 ISBN 954-427-216-X.</ref><ref name="pat">{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |page=139 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=avtori Evgeni Dinchev ...|display-authors=etal}}</ref> According to other data, Plovdiv was not Ottoman until the ] in 1371 following which the citizens and the Bulgarian army fled leaving the city without resistance. Refugees settled in ]. During the ], in 1410 ] conquered the city killing and displacing inhabitants. The city was the centre of the ] between 1364–1443, a sanjak centre of it between 1443-1593, the sanjak centre in ] between 1593-1826, the sanjak centre in ] between 1826-1867 and the sanjak centre of ] between 1867–1878. During that period Plovdiv was a major economic center along with ], ] and ]. The richer citizens constructed beautiful houses many of which can still be seen in the Architectural reserve Old Plovdiv.
| Oct precipitation days =8.1

| Nov precipitation days =5.7
====National revival====
| Dec precipitation days =11
{{Main|Bulgarian National Revival}}
| year precipitation days =
].]]
| unit snow days =
Under the rule of the ], Filibe, the name of the city then, was a focal point for the Bulgarian national movement and survived as one of the major cultural centers for Bulgarian culture and tradition.
| Jan snow days =5.8

| Feb snow days =4.5
Filibe was described as consisting of Turks, Bulgarians, Hellelnized Bulgarians, Armenians, Jews, Vlachs, Arvanites, Greeks and Gypsies. In the 16-17 century a significant number of ] settled along with a smaller Armenian community from ]. The ]s adopted Catholicism or lost their identity. With the abolishment of ] as the language of the ] and the complete abolition of the church in 1767, the introduction of the ], a doctrine of ethnic division by religion, Christian and Muslim Bulgarians were subjected to ] and ] respectively. A major part of it was fully or partly Hellenized and was of Greek identity more in the sense of “] than ], in a cultural rather than an ethnic sense, the "Langeris" are also described as Greeks from the area of the nearby ]. This process of Hellenization flourished up until the 1830s and declined with the ], the idea of the ] instead of the ] as Hellenes meant pagans to the Chirstians and finally with the re-establishment of the Bulgarian Church in 1870. According to records of the households and owners/renters in the central part of Plovdiv in the middle 19th century provided by Bulgarian and Greek chroniclers Genchev and Lyberatos, of a total of 358/421 the Bulgarians were either 141 or 118 and constituted 39.4% or 33.7%, the Gudilas were 94 or 141 constituting 26.3% or 38.1%, while the Langeris were 36-39 and between 10.1% and 10.5%, while according to the Bulgarian author the Bulgarian parents with children Gulidas were another 41 (11.4%).<ref></ref><ref name=Detrez>{{cite book|last=Detrez|first=Raymon|title=Relations between Greeks and Bulgarians: The Gudilas of Plovid|year=2003|publisher=Ashgate|location=Aldershot, England|isbn=978-0-7546-0998-8|page=34,36|url=https://books.google.bg/books?hl=bg&id=s1VpAAAAMAAJ&dq=langeris+plovdiv&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=stanimaka}}</ref> Thus, although there is a little doubt about the Bulgarian origin of the Gulidas, the city could be considered of Greek or Bulgarian majority in the 19th century, on whether the Gudilas were considered part of the one or the other community.<ref>{{cite book|last=Detrez|first=Raymon|title=Relations between Greeks and Bulgarians: The Gudilas of Plovid|year=2003|publisher=Ashgate|location=Aldershot, England|isbn=978-0-7546-0998-8|page=34|url=https://books.google.bg/books?hl=bg&id=s1VpAAAAMAAJ&dq=langeris+plovdiv&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=stanimaka|quote=deciding whether Plovdiv had a Bulgarian or a Greek majority depends on whether the gudilas are considered as Bulgarians or Greeks}}</ref> According to the statistics by the Bulgarian and Greek authors there is no Turks in the city, according to an alternative estimate the city was of Turkish majority then.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Roth|first1=ed. by Ralf|last2=Beachy|first2=Robert|title=Who ran the cities? : city elites and urban power structures in Europe and North America, 1750-1940|date=2007|publisher=Ashgate|location=Aldershot |isbn=9780754651536|page=189-190|url=https://books.google.bg/books?id=UQzGUZasbQkC&pg=PA189&dq=plovdiv+muslim+majority&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjQmo_ykYjNAhWI8RQKHVKYBr0Q6AEILzAE#v=onepage&q=plovdiv%20muslim%20majority&f=false}}</ref>
| Mar snow days =1.8

| Apr snow days =0.2
Filibe had an important role in the struggle for Church independence which was according to some historians a peaceful bourgeois revolution. Filibe became the center of that struggle with leaders such as ], Dr Valkovich, ] and whole families. In 1836 the first Bulgarian school was inaugurated and in 1850 modern secular education began when the "St Cyrill and Metodius" school was opened. On 11 May 1858 the day of ] was celebrated for the first time, this later became a National holiday which is still celebrated today (but on the 24th May due to Bulgaria's 1916 transition from the ] (i.e. ]) to the ] calendar, i.e. the ]). In 1858 in the ] the Christmas liturgy was served for the first time in the ] since the beginning of the Ottoman occupation. Until 1906 there were Bulgarian and Greek bishops in the city. In 1868 the school expanded into the first grammar school. Some of the intellectuals, politicians and spiritual leaders of the nation graduated that school.<ref name="pld"/>
| May snow days =0

| Jun snow days =0
The city was conquered by the Russians under ] for several hours during the ] on January 17, 1878.<ref name="pat"/> It was the capital of the ] between May and October. According to the Russian census of the same year Filibe had a population of 24,000 citizens, of which ethnic ] comprised 45.4%, ] - 23.1% and ] - 19.9%.
| Jul snow days =0

| Aug snow days =0
===Eastern Rumelia===
| Sep snow days =0
{{Main|Bulgarian unification}}
| Oct snow days =0
According to the ] on 3 March 1878 the Principality of Bulgaria included the lands with predominantly Bulgarian population. Plovdiv which was the biggest and most vibrant Bulgarian city was selected as a capital of the restored country and for a seat of the Temporary Russian Government.<ref name="ocertsi">Очерци из историята на Пловдив (стр. 80 – Космополитен град. Махали и квартали в ново време)</ref> Great Britain and ], however, did not approve that treaty and the final result of the war was concluded in the ] which divided the newly liberated country into several parts. It separated the autonomous region of ] from Bulgaria and Plovdiv became its capital. The Ottoman Empire created a constitution and appointed a governor.<ref> {{wayback|url=http://www.mfa.bg/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7915&Itemid=367 |date=20120306054931 |df=y }}</ref>
| Nov snow days =0.6

| Dec snow days =5.1
In the spring of 1885 ] formed the Secret Bulgarian Central Revolutionary Committee in the city which actively conducted propaganda for the unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. On 5 September several hundred armed rebels from Golyamo Konare (now ]) marched to Plovdiv. In the night of 5–6 September these men led by Danail Nikolaev took control of the city and removed from office the General-Governor ]. A provisional government was formed led by ] and universal mobilization was announced.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 322 ISBN 954-427-216-X.</ref> After the Serbs were defeated in the ], Bulgaria and Turkey reached an agreement according to which the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia had a common government, Parliament, administration and army. Today 6 September is celebrated as the Unification Day and the Day of Plovdiv.
| year snow days =

}}
===Recent history===
], informally known as ''Alyosha'']]
After the unification, Plovdiv remained the second city in Bulgaria in population and significance after the capital ]. The first railway in the city was built in 1874 connecting it with the Ottoman capital, and in 1888 it was linked with Sofia. In 1892 Plovdiv became host of the First Bulgarian Fair with international participation which was succeeded by the ]. After the liberation the first brewery was inaugurated in the city.

In the beginning of the 20th century Plovdiv grew as a significant industrial and commercial center with well-developed light and food industry. In 1927 the electrification of Plovdiv has started. German, French and ] capital was invested in the city in development of modern trade, banking and industry. In 1939 there were 16,000 craftsmen and 17,000 workers in manufacturing factories, mainly for food and tobacco processing. During the Second World War the tobacco industry expanded as well as the export of fruit and vegetables. In 1943 1,500 Jews were saved from deportation in ]s by the archbishop of Plovdiv, ], who later became the Bulgarian Patriarch. In 1944 the city was bombed by British-American coalition.

Tobacco Depot workers went on strike on May the 4th, 1953.
On 6 April 1956 the first trolleybus line was opened and in the 1950s the Trimontsium Hotel was constructed. In the 1960s and 1970s there was a construction boom and many of the modern neighborhoods took shape. In the 1970s and 1980s antique remains were excavated and the Old Town was fully restored. In 1990 the sports complex "Plovdiv" was finished. It included the largest stadium and rowing canal in the country. In that period Plovdiv became the birthplace of Bulgaria's movement for democratic reform, which by 1989 had garnered enough support to enter government.

Plovdiv has hosted specialized exhibitions of the ] in 1981, 1985, and 1991.

Plovdiv was the first geographic location to be featured as a theme day in Reddit's <ref>http://re.reddit.com/r/PictureGame/comments/2d6s7q/vote_for_the_theme_on_next_theme_day_saturday_16/</ref>


==Population== ==Population==
The population by permanent address for the municipality of Plovdiv for 2007 is 380,682,<ref name="grao.bg">{{cite web |url=http://www.grao.bg/tna/tab02.txt |title=General Directorate of Citizens' Registration and Administrative Services: Population Chart by permanent and tempoprary address (for provinces and municipalities) as of 15 September 2010, (Bulgarian). Retrieved on 17 September 2010 |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> which makes it the second in population in the nation. According to the data of NSI (National Institute of Statistics) the people who actually live in Plovdiv are 346,790.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://grao.bg/tna/tab02.txt |title=Grao.bg |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> The population by permanent address for the municipality of Plovdiv in 2007 was 380,682,<ref name="grao.bg">{{cite web |url=http://www.grao.bg/tna/tab02.txt |title=General Directorate of Citizens' Registration and Administrative Services: Population Chart by permanent and tempoprary address (for provinces and municipalities) as of 15 September 2010, (Bulgarian). Retrieved on 17 September 2010 |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-date=29 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329013416/http://www.grao.bg/tna/tab02.txt |url-status=live }}</ref> which makes it the second most populated in the nation. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (NSI), the population of people who actually live in Plovdiv is 346,790.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://grao.bg/tna/tab02.txt |title=Grao.bg |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=15 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315231858/http://www.grao.bg/tna/tab02.txt |url-status=live }}</ref>
According to the 2012 census 339,077 live within the city limits, and 403,153 in the municipal triangle of Plovdiv, including ] and ], of which the city is the municipal center.<ref name=census>{{cite web |url=http://www.nsi.bg/census2011/pagebg2.php?p2=36&sp2=37&SSPP2=39 |title=Население към 01.02.2011 година в област Пловдив |publisher=Nsi.bg |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> According to the 2012 census, 339,077 live within the city limits and 403,153 in the municipal triangle of Plovdiv, including ] and ].<ref name=census>{{cite web |url=http://www.nsi.bg/census2011/pagebg2.php?p2=36&sp2=37&SSPP2=39 |title=Население към 01.02.2011 година в област Пловдив |publisher=Nsi.bg |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714103411/http://www.nsi.bg/census2011/pagebg2.php?p2=36&sp2=37&SSPP2=39 |archive-date=14 July 2011 }}</ref>
Population of Plovdiv:{{historical populations|1887|33032|1910|47981|1934|99883|1946|126563|1956|161836|1965|222508|1975|299638|1985|342131|1992|341058|2001|338224|2011|338153|2021|342048|2022|343070|align=right|cols=1|source=Censuses<ref name="BAN">{{cite web |url=http://www.geography.iit.bas.bg/2009/1-09/13-17.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-02-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706142758/http://www.geography.iit.bas.bg/2009/1-09/13-17.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-06 }}</ref>{{cite web|title=National statistical institute|url=https://www.nsi.bg/bg/content/21552/bg002c-%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B2|date=2024-10-31}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Cities of Bulgaria|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/bulgaria-cities.htm|date=2024-04-03}}</ref>}}
Population of Plovdiv:

<!--THIS TABLE IS STANDARD TO ALL BULGARIAN CITIES ARTICLES. PLEASE LEAVE -->
{{Table BG town population
| city = Plovdiv
| 1880 = 24,053
| 1884 = 33,442
| 1887 = 33,032
| 1892 = 36,033
| 1900 = 43,033
| 1910 = 47,981
| 1920 = 64,415
| 1926 = 84,655
| 1934 = 99,883
| 1939 = 105,643
| 1946 = 126,563
| 1956 = 161,836
| 1965 = 225,508
| 1975 = 299,638
| 1985 = 342,131
| 1992 = 341,058
| 2001 = 338,224
| 2005 =
| 2009 =
| 2011 = 338,153
| 2013 = 341,041
| highest number = 348,465
| highest year = 2009
| ref 1 =<ref name="statistika">.</ref><ref>.</ref>
| ref 2 =<ref name="population">.</ref>
| ref 3 =<ref name="pop-stat">{{cite web|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/bulgaria-cities.htm |title=pop-stat.mashke.org |publisher=Pop-stat.mashke.org |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref>
| ref 4 =<ref name="BAN">{{bg icon}} .</ref>
}}

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bar:2015 at: 341 text: 341,6 shift:(-14,5)
</timeline> </timeline>


At the first census after the ] in 1880 with 24,053 citizens<ref></ref> Plovdiv is the second largest city behind ], which had 26 163 citizens then,<ref> {{wayback|url=http://www.geography.iit.bas.bg/2009/1-09/13-17.pdf |date=20110706142758 |df=y }}</ref> while the capital ] had 20 501 citizens then. As of the 1887 census Plovdiv was the largest city in the country for several years with 33,032 inhabitants compared to 30,428 for Sofia. According to the 1946 census Plovdiv was the second largest city with 126,563 inhabitants compared to 487,000 for the capital.<ref name="ocertsi"/> At the first census after the ] in 1880 with 24,053 citizens,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/index.php?lang_id%3D1%26prm%3Dactions%26subprm%3D+Zfdghkl%3A |title=Исторически Музей - Пловдив |access-date=11 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711171419/http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/index.php?lang_id=1&prm=actions&subprm=%20Zfdghkl%3A |archive-date=11 July 2011 }}</ref> Plovdiv was the third largest city behind ], which had 25,460 citizens prior to being burnt to the ground<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dolap.bg/2016/07/20/%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0-%D0%B7/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011173842/http://dolap.bg/2016/07/20/%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0-%D0%B7/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2017 |title=Трима достойни възродители на Стара Загора }}</ref> as well as ], which had 26,163 citizens then,<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.geography.iit.bas.bg/2009/1-09/13-17.pdf |script-title=bg:УРБАНИЗАЦИЯТА В БЪЛГАРИЯ ОТ ОСВОБОЖДЕНИЕТО ДО КРАЯ НА ВТОРАТА СВЕТОВНА ВОЙНА |script-journal=bg:ГЕОГРАФИЯ '21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706142758/http://www.geography.iit.bas.bg/2009/1-09/13-17.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2011 |language=bg}}</ref> and ahead of the capital ], which had 20,501 citizens then. As of the 1887 census, Plovdiv was the largest city in the country for several years with 33,032 inhabitants compared to 30,428 for Sofia. According to the 1946 census, Plovdiv was the second largest city with 126,563 inhabitants compared to 487,000 for the capital.<ref name="ocertsi"/>


===Ethnicity and religion=== ===Ethnicity and religion===
{| class="wikitable"
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" style="margin:auto;"
|+Households of the Ottoman city by ethnoreligious groups
|-
! style="width:9%;"| Year<ref>{{Cite thesis |url=https://www.academia.edu/952671 |title=Demographic Features of Ottoman Upper Thrace: A Case Study On Filibe, Tatar Pazarcik and Stanımaka (1472–1614)| publisher=The Institute of Economics and Social Sciences of Bilkent University|first=Grigor|last=Boykov|degree=MA|access-date=25 August 2017 |archive-date=22 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922185748/http://www.academia.edu/952671/Demographic_Features_of_Ottoman_Upper_Thrace_A_Case_Study_on_Filibe_Tatar_Pazarcik_and_Istanimaka_1472-1614 |url-status=live |date=January 2004 }}</ref>
! style="width:9%;"| ]
! style="width:9%;"| ]
! style="width:9%;"| ]
! style="width:9%;"| ]
|-
! 1472
| 81.7%||18.3% || ||
|-
! 1489
| 87.1% || 8.2%||3.5% ||
|-
! 1490 (households)<ref>Art and Society of Bulgaria in the Turkish Period: A Sketch of the Economic, Juridical, and Artistic Preconditions of Bulgarian Post-Byzantine Art and Its Place in the Development of the Art of the Christian Balkans, 1360/70-1700 : a New Interpretation, p. 83</ref>
| 796||78||33 ||
|-
! 1516
| 86.7%|| 7%|| 2.8%|| 2.5%
|-
! 1525
| 85.2%|| 7.5%|| 3.2%|| 3%
|-
! 1530
| 82.1%|| 9.1%|| 3.8%|| 3.7%
|-
! 1570
| 82%|| 9.3%|| 2.7%|| 5.4%
|-
! 1595
| 78.2%|| 14%|| 2.9%|| 4.8%
|-
! 1614
| 68.3%|| 22.6%|| 7.7%|| 4.1%
|-
! 1695<ref name="egeweb2.ege.edu.tr"/>
| 81% || 14% || ||
|-
! 1876<ref>{{cite web |last=Demeter |first=Gabor |title=New series of ethnic maps by Zsolt Bottlik |website=Academia |url=https://www.academia.edu/25242517 |access-date=9 March 2019 |archive-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529150601/https://www.academia.edu/25242517/New_series_of_ethnic_maps_by_Zsolt_Bottlik |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 33% || || ||
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Population by ethnic groups under ], ] and Bulgaria
|- |-
! style="width:9%;"| Census ! style="width:9%;"| Census
Line 378: Line 510:
! style="width:9%;"| ] ! style="width:9%;"| ]
! style="width:9%;"| ] ! style="width:9%;"| ]
! style="width:9%;"| ] ! style="width:9%;"| ]
! style="width:9%;"| Others ! style="width:9%;"| Others
! style="width:9%;"| Unspecified ! style="width:9%;"| Unspecified
|- |-
! 1878 ! 1878
| 24&nbsp;053<ref>, посетен на 17 януари 2008 г.</ref> || 10&nbsp;909 (45.35%)|| 5558 (23.10%) || 1134 (4.71%) || 4781 (19.88%) || 806 (3.35%) || 865 (3.60%) || 902 (3.75%) | {{val|24053}}<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711171419/http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/index.php?lang_id=1&prm=actions&subprm=%20Zfdghkl: |date=11 July 2011 }}, посетен на 17 януари 2008 г.</ref> || {{val|10909}} (45.35%)|| {{val|5558}} (23.10%) || {{val|1134}} (4.71%) || {{val|4781}} (19.88%) || 806 (3.35%) || 865 (3.60%) || 902 (3.75%)
|- |-
! 1884<ref name="histmuseum">{{cite web|url=http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/index.php?lang_id=1&prm=actions&subprm=%20Zfdghkl:|title=Източна Румелия между Европа и Ориента|publisher=Регионален исторически музей Пловдив|language= Bulgarian|accessdate=11 January 2010}}</ref> ! 1884<ref name="histmuseum">{{cite web|url=http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/index.php?lang_id=1&prm=actions&subprm=%20Zfdghkl:|title=Източна Румелия между Европа и Ориента|publisher=Регионален исторически музей Пловдив|language=bg|access-date=11 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711171419/http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/index.php?lang_id=1&prm=actions&subprm=%20Zfdghkl:|archive-date=11 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

| 33&nbsp;442 || 16&nbsp;752 (50,09%)|| 7144 (21,36%)|| 2168 (6,48%)|| 5497 (16,44%)|| 979 (2,93%)|| 112 || 902 (2,70%) | {{val|33442}} || {{val|16752}} (50.09%)|| {{val|7144}} (21.36%)|| {{val|2168}} (6.48%)|| {{val|5497}} (16.44%)|| 979 (2.93%)|| 112 || 902 (2.70%)
|- |-
! 1887 ! 1887
| 33&nbsp;032 || 19&nbsp;542 ||5615||2202 ||3930 ||903 ||348 ||492 | {{val|33032}} || {{val|19542}} ||{{val|5615}} ||{{val|2202}} ||{{val|3930}} ||903 ||348 ||492
|- |-
! 1892 ! 1892
| 36&nbsp;033 || 20&nbsp;854 ||6381 ||2696||3906 ||1024 ||237 ||935 | {{val|36033}} || {{val|20854}} ||{{val|6381}} ||{{val|2696}}||{{val|3906}} ||{{val|1024}} ||237 ||935
|- |-
! 1900 ! 1900
| 43&nbsp;033 || 24&nbsp;170 ||4708 ||3602 ||3908 ||1844 ||1934 ||2869 | {{val|43033}} || {{val|24170}} ||{{val|4708}} ||{{val|3602}} ||{{val|3908}} ||{{val|1844}} ||{{val|1934}} ||{{val|2869}}
|- |-
! 1910 ! 1910
| 47&nbsp;981 || 32&nbsp;727||2946||4436 ||1571 ||1794 ||3524 ||983 | {{val|47981}} || {{val|32727}}||{{val|2946}}||{{val|4436}} ||{{val|1571}} ||{{val|1794}} ||{{val|3524}} ||983
|- |-
! 1920 ! 1920
| 64&nbsp;415 || 46&nbsp;889 ||5605 ||5144 ||1071||3773||1342 ||591 | {{val|64415}} || {{val|46889}} ||{{val|5605}} ||{{val|5144}} ||{{val|1071}}||{{val|3773}}||{{val|1342}} ||591
|- |-
! 1926 ! 1926
| 84&nbsp;655 || 63&nbsp;268 ||4748||5612 ||549||5881||2746 ||1851 | {{val|84655}} || {{val|63268}} ||{{val|4748}}||{{val|5612}} ||549||{{val|5881}}||{{val|2746}} ||{{val|1851}}
|- |-
! 1934 ! 1934
| 99&nbsp;883 || 77&nbsp;449||6102 ||5574 ||340 ||5316||2728 ||2374 | {{val|99883}} || {{val|77449}}||{{val|6102}} ||{{val|5574}} ||340 ||{{val|5316}}||{{val|2728}} ||{{val|2374}}
|- |-
! 1939 ! 1939
| 105&nbsp;643 (100%) || 82&nbsp;012 (77,63%)||6462 (6,12%)||5960 (5,64%)||200 (0,19%)||6591 (6,24%)||2982 (2,82%) ||1436 (1,36%) | {{val|105643}} (100%) || {{val|82012}} (77.63%)||{{val|6462}} (6.12%)||{{val|5960}} (5,64%)||200 (0.19%)||{{val|6591}} (6.24%)||{{val|2982}} (2.82%) ||{{val|1436}} (1.36%)
|- |-
! 2001<ref name="mncp">{{cite web|url=http://new.plovdiv.bg/files/OPR_END.pdf |title=Municipal development plan of Plovdiv (incl. 2001 census data) |format=PDF |accessdate= 10 August 2011}}</ref> ! 2001<ref name="mncp">{{cite web |url=http://new.plovdiv.bg/files/OPR_END.pdf |title=Municipal development plan of Plovdiv (incl. 2001 census data) |access-date=10 August 2011 |archive-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214084451/http://new.plovdiv.bg/files/OPR_END.pdf }}</ref>
| 338,224 || 302&nbsp;858 (89.5%)||22,501 (6.7%)||||||||5,192 (1.5%) ||5,764 (1.7%)||1,909 | {{val|338224}} || {{val|302858}} (89.5%)||{{val|22501}} (6.7%)||||||||{{val|5192}} (1.5%) ||{{val|5764}} (1.7%)||{{val|1909}}
|- |-
! 2011<ref>{{bg icon}} </ref><ref> {{bg icon}}</ref> ! 2011<ref>{{in lang|bg}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908134107/http://www.nsi.bg/ORPDOCS/Census2011_1.pop_by_age.xls |date=8 September 2013 }}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521202356/http://www.nsi.bg/ORPDOCS/Census2011_4.pop_by_ethnos.xls |date=21 May 2013 }} {{in lang|bg}}</ref>
|338,153 || 277&nbsp;804 (89.9%) || 16&nbsp;032 (5,2%)||||||||9,438 (3.1%) ||1436 (1,36%)||3,105 (1.0%)|31,774 |{{val|338153}} || {{val|277804}} (82.2%) || {{val|16032}} (4.7%)|||||||1436 (0.4%) ||9438 (2.8%)||{{val|3105}} (0.9%)||{{val|31774}} (9.4%)
|} |}


In its ethnic character Plovdiv is the second or the third largest cosmopolitan city inhabited by ] after ] and possibly ]. According to the 2001 census from population of 338 224 inhabitants the Bulgarians were 302 858 (90%). ] in Plovdiv is the largest Gypsy neighbourhood in the ], having a population of around 20,000 alone, further Gypsy ghettos are ] and ]. Therefore, the census number is a deflation of the number of the Gypsies and they are most likely the second largest group after the Bulgarians, most of all because the Muslim Gypsies in Plovdiv claim to be of Turkish ethnicity and Turkish-speaking at the census ("] Roma").<ref></ref> For further information see the article ]. Like elsewhere in the country, Gypsies are subjected to discrimination and segregation (See the Bulgaria section of the article ]). In its ethnic character Plovdiv is the second or the third-largest cosmopolitan city inhabited by ], after ] and possibly ]. According to the 2001 census, out of a population of 338,224 inhabitants, the Bulgarians numbered 302,858 (90%). ] in Plovdiv is the largest Roma neighbourhood in the ], having a population of around 20,000 alone; further Roma ghettos are ] and ]. Therefore, the census number is a deflation of the number of Roma people, and they are most likely the second-largest group after the Bulgarians, most of all because the Muslim Roma in Plovdiv claim to be of Turkish ethnicity and Turkish-speaking at the census ("] Roma").<ref>{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> For further information see the article ]. Like elsewhere in the country, Roma people are subjected to discrimination and segregation (See the Bulgaria section of the article ]).


After the Wars for National Union (] and World War I) the city became home for thousands of refugees from the former Bulgarian lands in ], ] and ]. Many of the old neighbourhoods are still referred to as ''Belomorski'', ''Vardarski''. Most of the Jews left the city after the foundation of ] in 1948, as well as most of the Turks and Greeks. Prior to the population exchange, as of 1 January 1885, the city of Plovdiv had a population of 33,442, of which 16,752 were ] (50%), 7,144 ] (21%), 5,497 ] (16%), 2,168 Jews (6%), 1,061 ] (3%), 151 ], 112 ], 112 ], 80 ], 61 ] and 304 people of other nationalities.<ref name="histmuseum"/> After the Wars for National Union (] and World War I), the city became home for thousands of refugees from the former Bulgarian lands in ], ] and ]. Many of the old neighbourhoods are still referred to as ''Belomorski'', ''Vardarski''. Most of the Jews left the city after the foundation of ] in 1948, as well as most of the Turks and Greeks. Prior to the population exchange, as of 1 January 1885, the city of Plovdiv had a population of 33,442, of which 16,752 were ] (50%), 7,144 ] (21%), 5,497 ] (16%), 2,168 Jews (6%), 1,061 ] (3%), 151 ], 112 ], 112 ], 80 ], 61 ] and 304 people of other nationalities.<ref name="histmuseum"/>

The vast majority of the inhabitants are Christians, mostly ], Catholics, ]s, and Protestant trends (], ] and others). There are also some ] and Jews. In Plovdiv, there are many churches, two mosques and one synagogue (see ]).

Some ] also inhabit Plovdiv.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/IJSL.2006.029/pdf|title=The Aromânians: an ethnos and language with a 2000-year history|first=Nikolai|last=Kyurkchiev|journal=]|issue=179|pages=115–129|year=2006|doi=10.1515/IJSL.2006.029|s2cid=144939846}}</ref>


The vast majority of the inhabitants are Christians – mostly ] — and there are Catholics, ]s and Protestant trends (], ] and others). There are also some ] and Jews. In Plovdiv there are many churches, two mosques and one synagogue (see ]).
<gallery> <gallery>
File:Sveta-Bogoroditsa-Church-Plovdiv.jpg| The Virgin Mary Eastern Orthodox Church File:Sveta-Bogoroditsa-Church-Plovdiv.jpg|The Virgin Mary Eastern Orthodox Church
File:Synagogue_in_Plovdiv_D.jpg|The ] File:Synagogue_in_Plovdiv_D.jpg|The ]
File:ProtestantChurchPlovdiv (2).JPG|A Protestant church File:ProtestantChurchPlovdiv (2).JPG|A Protestant church
Line 436: Line 571:


==City government== ==City government==
Plovdiv is the administrative center of ], Municipality of Plovdiv, ] and ]. The mayor of the Municipality of Plovdiv, ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.plovdiv.bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=192&Itemid=196 |title=Кмет |publisher=www.plovdiv.bg |accessdate=8 July 2009}}</ref> with the six district mayors represent the local executive authorities. The Municipal Council which consists of 51 municipal counselors, represents the legislative power and is elected according to the proportional system by parties' lists.<ref>{{cite web Plovdiv is the administrative center of ] which consists of the Municipality of Plovdiv, the ], and the ]. The mayor of the Municipality of Plovdiv, ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.plovdiv.bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=192&Itemid=196 |title=Кмет |publisher=www.plovdiv.bg |access-date=8 July 2009 |archive-date=17 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517115049/http://www.plovdiv.bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=192&Itemid=196 |url-status=live }}</ref> with the six district mayors represent the local executive authorities. The Municipal Council which consists of 51 municipal counsellors, represents the legislative power, and is elected according to the proportional system by parties' lists.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://new.plovdiv.bg/?lang_id=1&prm=power&subprm=plovdiv |url=http://new.plovdiv.bg/?lang_id=1&prm=power&subprm=plovdiv
|title=Община Пловдив |title=Община Пловдив
|access-date=16 August 2006
}}</ref> The executive government of the Municipality of Plovdiv consists of a mayor who is elected by majority representation, five deputy mayors and one administrative secretary. All the deputy mayors and the secretary control their administrative structured units.
|archive-date=6 July 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706143457/http://new.plovdiv.bg/?lang_id=1&prm=power&subprm=plovdiv
|url-status=live
}}</ref> The executive government of the Municipality of Plovdiv consists of a mayor who is elected by majority representation, five deputy mayors, and one administrative secretary. All the deputy mayors and the secretary control their administrative structured units.


According to the ''Law for the territorial subdivision of the Capital municipality and the large cities''<ref>, посетен на 16 ноември 2007 г.</ref> the territory of Plovdiv Municipality is subdivided into six district administrations, their mayors being appointed following approval by the Municipal Council. According to the ''Law for the territorial subdivision of the Capital municipality and the large cities,''<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530004423/http://lex.bg/laws/ldoc.php?IDNA=2133624321 |date=30 May 2008 }}, посетен на 16 ноември 2007 г.</ref> the territory of Plovdiv Municipality is subdivided into six district administrations with their mayors being appointed following approval by the Municipal Council.
]
]


==Districts and neighbourhoods==
{{Plovdiv districts}}
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|- |-
! Number
! District
! Neighbourhood
! Neighbourhoods
! Number
! Neighbourhood
! Number
! Neighbourhood
! Number
! Neighbourhood
|- |-
| 1 || Center
| ] <br/>
| 12 || Sadiiski
| ''Kapana'', ''Stariya grad'', ''Marasha'', ''Centar''
| 23 || Hristo Smirnenski
| 34 || Sheker Mahala
|- |-
| 2 || Old Town
| ] <br/>
| 13 || Stochna Gara
| ''Karshiaka'', ''Gagarin'', ''Filipovo'', ''Zaharna Fabrika''
| 24 || Proslav
|- |-
| 3 || Kamenitsa 1
| ] <br/>
| 14 || Kyutchuk Paris
| ''Hristo Botev – Yug'', ''Hristo Botev – Sever'', ''Vastanecheski'', ''Uhoto'', ''Yuzhen'', ''Komatevo'', ''Ostromila'', ''Belomorski''
| 25 || Mladezhki Halm
|- |-
| 4 || Kamenitsa 2
| ] <br/>
| 15 || Vastannicheski
| ''Kamenitsa'', ''Izgrev'', ''Stolipinovo''
| 26 || Otdih i Kultura
|- |-
| 5 || Izgrev
| ] <br/>
| 16 || Belomorski
| ''Hristo Smirnenski'', ''Proslav'', ''Mladezhki Halm'', ''Mladost''
| 27 || Marasha
|-
| 6 || Stolipinovo
| 17 || Institut po Ovoshtarstvo
| 28 || Maritsa Sever
|-
| 7 || Izgrev
| 18 || Ostromila
| 29 || Zaharna Fabrika
|-
| 8 || Industrial zone – East
| 19 || Yuzhen
| 30 || Karshiaka
|-
| 9 || Trakia
| 20 || Tsentralna Gara
| 31 || Gagarin
|-
| 10 || Industrial zone – Trakia
| 21 || Komatevo
| 32 || Industrial Zone – North
|-
| 11 || Industrial zone – South
| 22 || Komatevski Vazel
| 33 || Filipovo
|- |-
| ] <br/>
| ''Olga Skobeleva'', ''Lauta''
|} |}


In 1969 the villages of ] and ] were incorporated into the city. In 1987 the municipalities of Maritsa and Rodopi were separated from Plovdiv which remained their administrative center. In the last several years the inhabitants from those villages had taken steps to rejoin the "urban" municipality.<ref>, 3 February 2008 г.</ref> In 1969 the villages of ] and ] were incorporated into the city. In 1987 the municipalities of Maritsa and Rodopi were separated from Plovdiv which remained their administrative center. In the last several years, the inhabitants from those villages had taken steps to rejoin the "urban" municipality.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906180635/http://news.plovdiv24.com/36695.html |date=6 September 2008 }}, 3 February 2008 г.</ref>


==Main sights== ==Main sights==
The city has more than 200 archaeological sites,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |publisher=|location=Sofia |page=371 |language=Bulgarian, English |isbn=954-91672-1-6 |year=2005 }}</ref> 30 of which are of national importance. There are many remains from antiquity Plovdiv is among the few cities with two ancient theatres; remains of the medieval walls and towers; Ottoman baths and mosques; a well-preserved old quarter from the National Revival period with beautiful houses, churches and narrow paved streets. There are numerous museums, art galleries and cultural institutions. Plovdiv is host to musical, theatrical and film events. The city has more than 200 archaeological sites,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |location=Sofia |page=371 |language=bg, en |isbn=954-91672-1-6 |year=2005 }}</ref> 30 of which are of national importance. There are many remains from antiquity. Plovdiv is among the few cities with two ancient theatres; remains of the medieval walls and towers; Ottoman baths and mosques; a well-preserved old quarter from the National Revival period with beautiful houses; churches; and narrow paved streets. There are numerous museums, art, galleries and cultural institutions. Plovdiv is host to musical, theatrical, and film events. The ] is the main street in Plovdiv.


The city is a starting point for trips to places in the region, such as the ] at {{convert|30|km|0|abbr=on}} to the south, the ski-resort ] at {{convert|90|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} to the south or the ]s to the north ], ], Krasnovo, ].<ref name="autogenerated3">{{Cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |publisher=|location=Sofia |page=395 |language=Bulgarian, English |isbn=954-91672-1-6 |year=2005 }}</ref> The city is a starting point for trips to places in the region, such as the ] at {{convert|30|km|0|abbr=on}} to the south, the ski-resort ] at {{convert|90|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} to the south or the ]s to the north ], ], Krasnovo, and ].<ref name="autogenerated3">{{Cite book|last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |location=Sofia |page=395 |language=bg, en |isbn=954-91672-1-6 |year=2005}}</ref>


===Roman City=== ===Roman City===
{{Location map many|Bulgaria Plovdiv city centre
]]]
| width = 300px
].]]
| caption = Ancient monuments in Plovdiv
] before the reconstruction in 2010–2012]]
| alt = Ancient monuments in Plovdiv
].]]
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The ] is probably the best-known monument from ] in Bulgaria.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.purebulgaria.com/bg_version/cities.php?city_id=165 |title=Античен театър – Пловдив, информация за градове, региони, забележителности:: |publisher=PureBulgaria |date=9 April 2009 |accessdate=8 July 2009}}</ref> It was built in the beginning of the 2nd century during the reign of the ] Emperor ]. It is situated in the natural saddle between two of the Three Hills. It is divided into two parts with 14 rows each divided with a horizontal lane. The theatre could accommodate up to 7,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ideabg.com/clients/oldtown/en/mesta/antichen.php |title=The Ancient theatre |publisher=Ideabg.com |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> The three-story scene is on the southern part and is decorated with ]s, cornices and statues. The theatre was studied, conserved and restored between 1968 and 1984. Many events are still held on the scene<ref>{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |page=140 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=avtori Evgeni Dinchev ...|display-authors=etal}}</ref> including the ] festival and the International Folklore festival. The Roman Odeon was restored in 2004.<ref>.</ref> It was built in the 2nd–5th centuries and is the second (and smaller) antique theatre of Philipopolis with 350 seats. It was initially built as a bulevterion edifice of the city council and was later reconstructed as a theatre. The ] is probably the best-known monument from ] in Bulgaria.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.purebulgaria.com/bg_version/cities.php?city_id=165 |title=Античен театър – Пловдив, информация за градове, региони, забележителности:: |publisher=PureBulgaria |date=9 April 2009 |access-date=8 July 2009 |archive-date=4 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704082650/http://www.purebulgaria.com/bg_version/cities.php?city_id=165 |url-status=live }}</ref> During recent archaeological survey, an inscription was found on a postament of a statue at the theatre. It revealed that the site was constructed at the 90s of the 1st century CE. The inscription itself refers to Titus Flavius Cotis, the ruler of the ancient city during the reign of Emperor Domitian.


The Ancient theatre is situated in the natural saddle between two of the Three Hills. It is divided into two parts with 14 rows each divided with a horizontal lane. The theatre could accommodate up to 7,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ideabg.com/clients/oldtown/en/mesta/antichen.php |title=The Ancient theatre |publisher=Ideabg.com |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017044044/http://ideabg.com/clients/oldtown/en/mesta/antichen.php |archive-date=17 October 2010 }}</ref> The three-story scene is on the southern part and is decorated with ]s, cornices, and statues. The theatre was studied, conserved, and restored between 1968 and 1984. Many events are still held on the scene<ref>{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |page=140 |language=bg |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=avtori Evgeni Dinchev ...|display-authors=etal}}</ref> including the Opera Festival Opera Open, the Rock Festival Sounds of the Ages, and the International Folklore festival. The Roman Odeon was restored in 2004.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025224250/http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1308.htm |date=25 October 2014 }}.</ref> It was built in the 2nd–5th centuries and is the second (and smaller) antique ] with 350 seats. It was initially built as a bulevterion, an edifice of the city council, and was later reconstructed as a theatre.
The ]<ref></ref> is another important monument of the ancient city. It was built in the 2nd century during the reign of the ] Emperor ]. It is situated between Danov Hill and one of the Three Hills, nowadays – beneath the main street from Dzhumaya Square to Kamenitsa Square. It was modeled after the stadium in ]. It was approximately 240 meters long and 50 meters wide, and could seat up to 30 000 spectators. The athletic games at the stadium were organised by the General Assembly of the province of Thrace. In their honour the royal mint of Philippopolis coined money featuring the face of the ruling emperor as well as the types of athletic events held in the stadium. Only a small part of the northern section with 14 seat rows can be seen today; the larger part lies under the main street and a number of buildings.


The ]<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414210531/http://ancient-stadium-plovdiv.eu/?p=12&l=2 |date=14 April 2016 }}</ref> is another important monument of the ancient city. It was built in the 2nd century during the reign of the ] Emperor ]. It is situated between Danov Hill and one of the Three Hills, beneath the main street from Dzhumaya Square to Kamenitsa Square. It was modelled after the stadium in ]. It was approximately {{convert|240|m|abbr=off}} long and {{convert|50|m|abbr=off}} wide, and could seat up to 30,000 spectators. The athletic games at the stadium were organised by the General Assembly of the province of Thrace. In their honour, the royal mint of Philippopolis coined money featuring the face of the ruling emperor as well as the types of athletic events held in the stadium. Only a small part of the northern section with 14 seat rows can be seen today; the larger part lies under the main street and a number of buildings.
The Roman forum dates from the reign of ] in the 1st century and was finished in the 2nd century. It is near the modern post office next to the Odeon. It has an area of 11 hectares and was surrounded by shops and public buildings. The forum was a focal point of the streets of the ancient city.<ref name="ppdv">{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |page=138 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=avtori Evgeni Dinchev ...|display-authors=etal}}</ref>


] dates from the reign of ] in the 1st century and was finished in the 2nd century. It is near the modern post office next to the Odeon. It has an area of 11 hectares and was surrounded by shops and public buildings. The forum was a focal point of the streets of the ancient city.<ref name="ppdv">{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |page=138 |language=bg |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=avtori Evgeni Dinchev ...|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
The Eirene Archaeological complex is in the southern part of the Three Hills on the northern part of an ancient street in the Arheologicheski underpass. It includes remains of a public building from the 3rd–4th centuries which belonged to a noble citizen. Eirene is the Christian name for Penelopa – a maiden from Megadon who was converted to Christianity in the 2nd century. There are colourful mosaics which have geometrical forms and figures.<ref>.</ref>


The ] is in the southern part of the Three Hills on the northern part of an ancient street in the Archeological underpass. It includes remains of a public building from the 3rd–4th centuries which belonged to a noble citizen. Eirene is the Christian name for Penelopa, a maiden from Megadon, who was converted to Christianity in the 2nd century. There are colourful mosaics which have geometrical forms and figures.<ref>.</ref>
On one of the Three Hills are remains of the first settlement which in 12th-century BC grew to the ] city of Eumolpias, one of the first cities in Southeastern Europe. Massive walls surrounding a temple and a palace have been excavated. The oldest part of the fortress was constructed from large syenite blocks – the so-called "cyclopean construction".

On ] are the remains of the first settlement which in 12th century BCE grew to the ] city of Eumolpias, one of the first cities in Southeastern Europe. Massive walls surrounding a temple and a palace have been excavated. The oldest part of the fortress was constructed from large syenite blocks, the so-called "cyclopean construction".
<gallery mode="packed-hover" class="center" caption="Ancient monuments">
File:Bulgaria Bulgaria-0785 - Roman Theatre of Philippopolis (7432772486).jpg|]
File:Roman stadium.jpg|Roman stadium
File:Odeon plovdiv.jpg|]
File:Plovdiv forum panorama.jpg|]
File:The Bishop`s basilica.jpg|The Bishop's basilica of Phiippopolis
File:Bazilika golyama2.jpg|]
File:Small basilica.jpg|]
File:Small basilica1.jpg|Small basilica
File:Round tower plovdiv.jpg|3rd century round tower
File:Eirene mosaics5.jpg|Mosaics in ]
File:Wodo.jpg|Aqueduct
File:Plovdiv6.jpg|Nebet tepe
</gallery>


===Museums and protected sites=== ===Museums and protected sites===
The Archaeological Museum was established in 1882 as the People's Museum of ].<ref> {{wayback|url=http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=main&prm=welcome |date=20061018015407 |df=y }}</ref> In 1928 the museum was moved to a 19th-century edifice on Saedinenie Square built by Plovdiv architect ]. The museum contains a rich collection of Thracian art. The three sections "Prehistory",<ref>. {{wayback|url=http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=prehist |date=20080418041917 |df=y }}</ref> "Antiquity"<ref>. {{wayback|url=http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=roman |date=20081004220700 |df=y }}</ref> and "Middle Ages"<ref>. {{wayback|url=http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=medieval |date=20081004220639 |df=y }}</ref> contain precious artifacts from the ] to the early Ottoman period (15th–16th centuries).<ref name="mus">.</ref> The famous ] is part of the museum's collection.<ref>. {{wayback|url=http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=thracian |date=20081006141314 |df=y }}</ref> The Archaeological Museum was established in 1882 as the People's Museum of ].<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018015407/http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=main&prm=welcome |date=18 October 2006 }}</ref> In 1928 the museum was moved to a 19th-century edifice on Saedinenie Square built by Plovdiv architect ]. The museum contains a rich collection of Thracian art. The three sections "Prehistory",<ref>. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418041917/http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=prehist |date=18 April 2008 }}</ref> "Antiquity",<ref>. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004220700/http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=roman |date=4 October 2008 }}</ref> and "Middle Ages"<ref>. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004220639/http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=medieval |date=4 October 2008 }}</ref> contain precious artifacts from the ] to the early Ottoman period (15th–16th centuries).<ref name="mus"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026003333/http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1719.htm |date=26 October 2014 }}.</ref> The famous ] is part of the museum's collection.<ref>. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006141314/http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=thracian |date=6 October 2008 }}</ref>


The ] of Plovdiv<ref>{{cite web|url= http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/?lang_id=2 |title=Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum |publisher=Historymuseumplovdiv.com |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> was founded in 1951 as a scientific and cultural institute for collecting, saving, and researching historical evidence about Plovdiv and the region from 16th to 20th centuries. The exhibition is situated in three buildings.<ref name="mus"/> The ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/?lang_id=2 |title=Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum |publisher=Historymuseumplovdiv.com |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317200133/http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/?lang_id=2 |archive-date=17 March 2011 }}</ref> was founded in 1951 as a scientific and cultural institute for collecting, saving, and researching historical evidence about Plovdiv and the surrounding region from 16th to 20th centuries. The exhibition is situated in three buildings.<ref name="mus"/>


The ] was inaugurated in 1917. On 14 October 1943 it was moved to a house in the Old Town. In 1949 the Municipal House-museum was reorganized as a People's Ethnographic Museum and in 1962 it was renovated. There are more than 40,000 objects.<ref name="mus"/> The ] was inaugurated in 1917. On 14 October 1943, it was moved to a house in the Old Town. In 1949 the Municipal House-museum was reorganized as a People's Ethnographic Museum and in 1962 it was renovated. There are more than 40,000 objects.<ref name="mus"/>


The Museum of Natural Science was inaugurated in 1955 in the old edifice of the Plovdiv Municipality built in 1880. It is among the most important museums in the country with rich collections in its ], ] and ] sections. There are several rooms for wildlife and it contains Bulgaria's largest freshwater aquarium with 40 fish species.<ref name="mus"/> It has a collection of minerals from the ]. The Museum of Natural Science was inaugurated in 1955 in the old edifice of the Plovdiv Municipality built in 1880. It is among the most important museums in the country with rich collections in its ], ], and ] sections. There are several rooms for wildlife and it contains Bulgaria's largest freshwater aquarium with 40 fish species.<ref name="mus"/> It has a collection of minerals from the ].


The Museum of Aviation was established on 21 September 1991 on the territory of the Krumovo airbase<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infoplovdiv.com/bg/catalog/profile/23/98/104/index.html |title=Museum of Aviation |publisher=Infoplovdiv |date=16 February 2008 |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> {{convert|12|km|0|abbr=on}} to the southeast of the city. The museum possesses 59 aircraft and indoor and outdoor exhibitions.<ref name="mus"/> The Museum of Aviation was established on 21 September 1991 on the territory of the Krumovo airbase<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infoplovdiv.com/bg/catalog/profile/23/98/104/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209203451/http://www.infoplovdiv.com/bg/catalog/profile/23/98/104/index.html |archive-date=9 December 2019 |title=Museum of Aviation |publisher=Infoplovdiv |date=16 February 2008 |access-date=7 January 2011 }}</ref> {{convert|12|km|0|abbr=on}} to the southeast of the city. The museum possesses 59 aircraft and indoor and outdoor exhibitions.<ref name="mus"/>


The Old Town of Plovdiv is a historic preservation site known for its Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style. The Old Town covers the area of the three central hills (Трихълмие, ''Trihalmie''). Almost every house in the Old Town has its characteristic exterior and interior decoration. The Old Town of Plovdiv is a historic preservation site known for its Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style. The Old Town covers the area of the three central hills (Трихълмие, ''Trihalmie''). Almost every house in the Old Town has its characteristic exterior and interior decoration.
<gallery mode="packed-hover" class="center" caption="The Old Town">
File:Old town Plovdiv2.jpg|Balabanov house
File:Old town3.jpg|Lamartine House
File:Old town14.jpg|]
File:Klianti.jpg|Klianti House
File:Old town Plovdiv.jpg|Old town
File:Old town of Plovdiv.jpg|Street of Old town
File:Bulgaria Bulgaria-0743 - Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum (7432394622).jpg|]
File:Old town Plovdiv4.jpg|Old town
File:Old town Plovdiv1.jpg|Old town - Plovdiv
File:Old town georgiadi.jpg|]
File:Casa Hindliyan - 01 (5641181670).jpg|]
File:Old town hisar kapia.jpg|Hisar gate with the ethnographical museum
</gallery>


===Churches, mosques and temples=== ===Churches, mosques and temples===
There are a number of 19th-century churches, most of which follow the distinctive ] construction style. They are the Saint Constantine and Saint Helena, the Saint Marina, the Saint Nedelya, the Saint Petka and the Holy Mother of God Churches. As the city have been for a long period of time a gathering center for the Orthodox Christians Plovdiv is surrounded by several monasteries located at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains - like "St. George", "St Kozma and Damian", St Kirik and Yulita(Ulita). They keep a good examples of the late Middle Age Orthodox architecture as well some iconography masterpieces typical for the region. There are also Roman Catholic cathedrals in Plovdiv, the largest of them being the ]. There are several more modern Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and other Protestant churches, as well as older style ] churches. Two mosques remain in Plovdiv from the time of the Ottoman rule. The Djumaya Mosque is considered the oldest European mosque outside Moorish Spain. There are a number of 19th-century churches, most of which follow the distinctive ] construction style. They are the Saint Constantine and Saint Helena, the Saint Marina, the Saint Nedelya, the Saint Petka, and the Holy Mother of God Churches. As the city has been a gathering center for Orthodox Christians for a long period of time, Plovdiv is surrounded by several monasteries located at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains such as "St. George", "St. Kozma and Damian", St. Kirik, and Yulita (Ulita). They remain good examples of the late Middle Age Orthodox architecture and iconography masterpieces typical for the region. There are also Roman Catholic cathedrals in Plovdiv, the ] being the largest. There are several more modern Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and other Protestant churches, as well as older style ] churches.


Two mosques remain in Plovdiv from the time of Ottoman rule. The ] is considered the oldest European mosque outside Moorish Spain.
The ] ] is at Tsar Kaloyan Street 13, in the remnants of a small courtyard in what was once a large Jewish quarter. Dating to the 19th century, it is one of the best-preserved examples of the so-called "Ottoman-style" synagogues in the Balkans. According to author Ruth E. Gruber, the interior of the ] is a "hidden treasure…a glorious, if run-down, burst of color." An exquisite Venetian glass chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling, which has a richly painted dome. All surfaces are covered in elaborate, Moorish-style, geometric designs in once-bright greens and blues. Torah scrolls are kept in the gilded Aron-ha-Kodesh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heritageabroad.gov/projects/bulgaria2.html |title=Synagogue of Plovdiv, Bulgaria |publisher=Heritageabroad.gov |date=5 October 2009 |accessdate=14 June 2010}}</ref>

The ] ] is at Tsar Kaloyan Street 13 in the remnants of a small courtyard in what was once a large Jewish quarter. Dating to the 19th century, it is one of the best-preserved examples of the so-called "Ottoman-style" synagogues in the Balkans. According to author Ruth E. Gruber, the interior of the ] is a "hidden treasure...a glorious, if run-down, burst of color." An exquisite Venetian glass chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling, which has a richly painted dome. All surfaces are covered in elaborate, Moorish-style, geometric designs in once-bright greens and blues. Torah scrolls are kept in the gilded Aron-ha-Kodesh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heritageabroad.gov/projects/bulgaria2.html |title=Synagogue of Plovdiv, Bulgaria |publisher=Heritageabroad.gov |date=5 October 2009 |access-date=14 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907192519/http://www.heritageabroad.gov/projects/bulgaria2.html |archive-date=7 September 2009 }}</ref>


== Culture == == Culture ==


===Theatre and music=== ===Theatre and music===
] ]
] ]]]
The Plovdiv Drama Theatre<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dt-plovdiv.org/main.php?lang_id=2 |title=Drama Theatre Plovdiv |publisher=Dt-plovdiv.org |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> is a successor of the first professional theatre group in Bulgaria founded in 1881. The Plovdiv Puppet Theatre, founded in 1948, remains one of the leading institutions in this genre. The Plovdiv Opera was established in 1953. The Plovdiv Drama Theatre<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dt-plovdiv.org/main.php?lang_id=2 |title=Drama Theatre Plovdiv |publisher=Dt-plovdiv.org |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726004921/http://www.dt-plovdiv.org/main.php?lang_id=2 |archive-date=26 July 2011 }}</ref> is a successor of the first professional theatre group in Bulgaria founded in 1881. The Plovdiv Puppet Theatre, founded in 1948, remains one of the leading institutions in this genre. The Plovdiv Opera was established in 1953.


Another pillar of Plovdiv's culture is the Philharmonic, founded in 1945.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://petracho.ofd-plovdiv.org/philharmony.html |title=Philharmonic of Plovdiv |publisher=Petracho.ofd-plovdiv.org |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> Soloists such as ], ], ], Yuri Boukov and Mincho Minchev have worked with the Plovdiv Philharmonic. The orchestra has toured in almost all of the European countries. Another pillar of Plovdiv's culture is the Philharmonic, founded in 1945.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://petracho.ofd-plovdiv.org/philharmony.html |title=Philharmonic of Plovdiv |publisher=Petracho.ofd-plovdiv.org |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183245/http://petracho.ofd-plovdiv.org/philharmony.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Soloists such as ], ], ], Yuri Boukov, and Mincho Minchev have worked with the Plovdiv Philharmonic. The orchestra has toured in almost all of the European countries.


The Trakiya Folklore Ensemble, founded in 1974, has performed thousands of concerts in Bulgaria and more than 42 countries.<ref> (in ]).</ref> The Trakiya Traditional Choir was nominated for a ]. The ] is one of the oldest and best-known youth choirs in Bulgaria, winner of numerous awards from international choral competitions. ] is another girls' choir from Plovdiv, whose patron when it was established in 2006 became the then mayor ]. The choir was appointed a ] and a municipal choir. The Trakiya Folklore Ensemble, founded in 1974, has performed thousands of concerts in Bulgaria and more than 42 countries.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229231745/http://www.ensembletrakia.hit.bg/ |date=29 December 2014 }} (in ]).</ref> The Trakiya Traditional Choir was nominated for a ]. The ] is one of the oldest and best-known youth choirs in Bulgaria and the winner of numerous awards from international choral competitions. ] is another girls' choir from Plovdiv, whose establishing patron, ], became the then mayor in 2006. The choir was appointed a ] and a municipal choir.


===Literature=== ===Literature===
Plovdiv is among the nation's primary literary centres – in 1855 ] created the first Bulgarian publishing company and later the first printing-press.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pero-publishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=27 |title=Hristo Danov |publisher=Pero-publishing.com |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> The city's traditions as a literary centre are preserved by the first public library in Bulgaria, the ], by the 19 '']'' (cultural centres) and by numerous booksellers and publishers. The library was founded in 1879<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libplovdiv.com/history.html |title=History of the Ivan Vazov National Library |publisher=Libplovdiv.com |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> and named after the famous Bulgarian writer and poet ] who worked in Plovdiv for five years creating some of his best works.<ref>With the exception of '']'' the other significant works of Ivan Vazov (''Nemili-nedragi'', ''Eppopee of the Forgotten'', ''Uncles'') were written in Plovdiv.</ref> Today the Ivan Vazov National Library is the second largest national library institution with more than 1,5&nbsp;million books,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libplovdiv.com/structure.html |title=Structure of the Ivan Vazov National Library |publisher=Libplovdiv.com |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> owning rare Bulgarian and European publications. Plovdiv is among the nation's primary literary centres. In 1855 ] created the first Bulgarian publishing company and printing-press.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pero-publishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=27 |title=Hristo Danov |publisher=Pero-publishing.com |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806072357/http://www.pero-publishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=27 |url-status=live }}</ref> The city's traditions as a literary centre are preserved by the first public library in Bulgaria, the ], the 19 '']'' (cultural centres), and by numerous booksellers and publishers. The library was founded in 1879<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.libplovdiv.com/history.html |title=History of the Ivan Vazov National Library |publisher=Libplovdiv.com |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713203853/http://www.libplovdiv.com/history.html |archive-date=13 July 2011 }}</ref> and named after the famous Bulgarian writer and poet ] who worked in Plovdiv for five years creating some of his best works.<ref>With the exception of '']'', the other significant works of Ivan Vazov (''Nemili-nedragi'', ''Eppopee of the Forgotten'', ''Uncles'') were written in Plovdiv.</ref> Today the Ivan Vazov National Library is the second largest national library institution with more than 1.5&nbsp;million books,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.libplovdiv.com/structure.html |title=Structure of the Ivan Vazov National Library |publisher=Libplovdiv.com |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713203928/http://www.libplovdiv.com/structure.html |archive-date=13 July 2011 }}</ref> owning rare Bulgarian and European publications.


===Arts=== ===Arts===
] ]
The city has traditions in ] since the Middle Ages. During the Period of National Revival a number of notable icon-painters (called in Bulgarian ''zografi'', ''зографи'') from all regions of the country worked in Plovdiv{{spaced ndash}} ] and his son Zafir Zograf, ], Georgi Danchov and others.<ref name="pat"/> After the Liberation, the Bulgarian painter of ] origin ] came to work in the city. The Painters' Society was established there by artists from southern Bulgaria in 1912, whose members included painters ], ] and ]. The city has traditions in ] since the Middle Ages. During the Period of National Revival, a number of notable icon-painters (called in Bulgarian ''zografi'', ''зографи'') from all regions of the country worked in Plovdiv such as{{spaced ndash}} ], his son Zafir Zograf, ], Georgi Danchov, and others.<ref name="pat"/> After the Liberation, the Bulgarian painter of ] origin ] came to work in the city. The Painters' Society was established there by artists from southern Bulgaria in 1912 whose members included painters ], ] and ].


Today the city has 30 art galleries. The Art Gallery of Plovdiv was founded in the late 19th century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://art.domino.bg/gallery.php?galID=6 |title=Art Gallery of Plovdiv|publisher=Art.domino.bg | language = Bulgarian|accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> It possesses 5,000 pieces of art in four buildings. Since 1981, it has had a section for ] art donated by Mexican painters in honour of the 1,300-year anniversary of the Bulgarian State. Today the city has more than 40 art galleries with most of them being privately owned. The Art Gallery of Plovdiv was founded in the late 19th century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://art.domino.bg/gallery.php?galID=6 |title=Art Gallery of Plovdiv |publisher=Art.domino.bg |language=bg |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706142802/http://art.domino.bg/gallery.php?galID=6 |url-status=live }}</ref> It possesses 5,000 pieces of art in four buildings. Since 1981, it has had a section for ] art donated by Mexican painters in honour of the 1,300-year anniversary of the Bulgarian State.


===European Capital of Culture=== ===European Capital of Culture===
On 5 September 2014 Plovdiv was selected as Bulgarian host of ] in 2019.<ref name=culturecapital>{{cite web |url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-973_en.htm?locale=en|title=Plovdiv to be 2019 European Capital of Culture in Bulgaria |publisher=Official website of the European Union |accessdate= 5 September 2014}}</ref> The city will co-host the event with ] and another city (yet to be decided). On 5 September 2014, Plovdiv was selected as the Bulgarian host of ] in 2019.<ref name=culturecapital>{{cite web |url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-973_en.htm?locale=en |title=Plovdiv to be 2019 European Capital of Culture in Bulgaria |publisher=Official website of the European Union |access-date=5 September 2014 |archive-date=6 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906171312/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-973_en.htm?locale=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The city will co-host the event with ] and another city (yet to be decided).

After Plovdiv was elected as European Capital of Culture in 2019, an ambitious cultural program has started its realisation. According to this program, there will be an Island of Arts in the middle of the Maritsa River in Plovdiv. The "Kapana" area (the "Trap") will become a quarter of the arts where the creative industries are going to be developed and presented. This famous area, Kapana, was renovated in 2014, restoring its authentic outlook.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} It has been used for a number of festivals and art events.

For 2019 the City Under the Hills is planning a number of concerts, including "Balkan Music in Plovdiv".The city will host the Plovdiv Biennale and a number of international forums, such as a meeting of collectors from Europe, a summer art school, dance projects, etc.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bulgariatravel.org/en/topical/129 |title=Plovdiv will be the European Capital of Culture in 2019 |website=bulgariatravel.org |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107011551/http://bulgariatravel.org/en/topical/129 |archive-date=7 November 2016 }}</ref>


==Economy== ==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Plovdiv}} {{Main|Economy of Plovdiv}}
{{Pie chart
]
| d = 150| width = 300|position = right| columns = 1 | background = clear | legend = right
Located in the middle of a rich agricultural region, since the beginning of the 20th century Plovdiv grew as an industrial center. ], tobacco, brewing and textiles were the main pillars of the industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bg.bgp.bg/BGP_articles_191/%d0%9f%d0%bb%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b4%d0%b8%d0%b2 |title=Plovdiv – BGP |publisher=Bg.bgp.bg |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> During Communist rule the city's economy greatly expanded and was dominated by heavy industry; it still produces lead and ], ], ], ]s, ] and cosmetics. After the fall of Communism in 1989 and the collapse of Bulgaria's ], a number of industrial complexes were closed.
| caption = GVA by sector (2013)
| label1 = Agriculture| value1 = 5
| label2 = Industry| value2 = 57
| label3 = Services| value3 = 38
}}
{{Pie chart
| d = 150| width = 300|position = right| columns = 1 | background = clear | legend = right
| caption = Employees by sector (2014)
| label1 = Manufacturing| value1 = 36
| label2 = Commerce| value2 = 16
| label3 = Education| value3 = 8
| label4 = Healthcare| value4 = 7
| label5 = Transport| value5 = 6
| label6 = Other| value6 = 27
}}
Although it is located in the middle of a rich agricultural region, Plovdiv's economy has shifted from agriculture to industry since the beginning of the 20th century. ], ], ], and ] formed the pillars of the industrial economic shift.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bg.bgp.bg/BGP_articles_191/%d0%9f%d0%bb%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b4%d0%b8%d0%b2 |title=Plovdiv – BGP |publisher=Bg.bgp.bg |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706142720/http://bg.bgp.bg/BGP_articles_191/%d0%9f%d0%bb%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b4%d0%b8%d0%b2 |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}</ref> During ] rule, the city's economy expanded and was dominated by heavy industry. After the fall of Communism in 1989 and the collapse of Bulgaria's ], a number of industrial complexes were closed; production of lead and ], ], ], ]s, ], and cosmetics have continued.


Plovdiv is the economic capital of Bulgaria as it has the country's largest economy and contributes 7.5% of Bulgaria's GDP {{As of|2014|lc=y}}.<ref name="nsi">https://web.archive.org/web/20140119050340/http://www.nsi.bg/bg/content/11420/%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82-%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B2 NSI (in Bulgarian)</ref> In 2014, more than 35 thousand companies operate in the region which create jobs for 285,000 people.<ref name="nsi"/> The advantages of Plovdiv include the central geographic location, good infrastructure, and large population. Plovdiv has an international airport, terminal for intermodal transport, several connections with ] (connecting ] and ]), proximity to ] (the main corridor to ]), and well-developed road and rail infrastructure which all led to the development of the city as the leading city in terms of industrial output in Bulgaria. Established in 1970, the ] company provides generation of electric power and heat and heat distribution for Plovdiv.<ref>{{cite web |title=EVN BULGARIA TOPLOFIKATSIA EAD (BULGARIA) |url=https://www.emis.com/php/company-profile/BG/EVN_Bulgaria_Toplofikatsia_EAD__%D0%95%D0%92%D0%9D_%D0%91%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%A2%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%95%D0%90%D0%94__en_1403605.html |website=EMIS.COM |publisher=EMIS |access-date=3 June 2023 |date=August 30, 2022 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603014326/https://www.emis.com/php/company-profile/BG/EVN_Bulgaria_Toplofikatsia_EAD__%D0%95%D0%92%D0%9D_%D0%91%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%A2%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%95%D0%90%D0%94__en_1403605.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Plovdiv has one of the country's fastest-growing economies with average GDP growth of 12%–13%. {{As of|2005}}, the total revenues were 9.4&nbsp;billion ]a (approximately 4.8&nbsp;billion euro), which was 88% more than in 2001. The profits for the same period rose 4.5 times.<ref name="econ">{{cite web|url=http://news.plovdiv24.com/31885.html |title=Plovdiv regains its business positions |publisher=News.plovdiv24.com |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> Unemployment is 6,5%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://plovdiv.mconet.biz/index.php?action=fullnews&id=338825&category=1763&category_name=%E2%84%96%D0%82%E2%84%96%D0%9E%D1%91%20%E2%84%96%D0%98%D1%91 |title=Unemployment in Plovdiv|publisher=Plovdiv.mconet.biz |date=28 July 2007 |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> which is lower than the national average. One recent problem is the municipality's administrative borders, which almost completely coincide with the city limits. Due to the constant increase of investments which are $465,000,000 for 2005 some of the businesses have to be redirected to the Maritsa or Rodopi municipalities such as the industrial zone of ] village.<ref name="econ"/>


The economy of Plovdiv has long tradition in ], ], ], ], and ]. Apart from the industrial development of Plovdiv, there has been a significant surge in the IT and outsourcing service sector in the recent years, as well as a double-digit increase in the tourism growth in the city every year for the past 5 years.<ref name="tourism">http://www.plovdiv.bg/%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B2-%D0%B5-%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80-%D0%B2-%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%82%D1%83%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D1%82%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B7%D1%8A%D0%BC-%D0%B2-%D0%B1/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826113136/http://www.plovdiv.bg/%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B2-%D0%B5-%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80-%D0%B2-%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%82%D1%83%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D1%82%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B7%D1%8A%D0%BC-%D0%B2-%D0%B1/ |date=26 August 2017 }} Tourism (in Bulgarian)</ref>
Industry has been expanding again since the late 1990s, with manufacturing plants built in the city or in its outskirts, mainly the municipality of Maritsa. In this period, some €500,000,000 has been invested in construction of new factories. Some of the new plants include the ] refrigerator plant with 1,850 employees and a capacity of 450,000 items per year, the Socotab tobacco processing plant (2,000 employees), a bicycle plant (500 workers, capacity 500,000 units),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://big.bg/modules/news03/comment_new.php?com_itemid=13466 |title=Bicycle factory in Tsaratsovo |publisher=Big.bg |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> а ] electronics factory,<ref>.</ref> a biodiesel plant, the Bulsaphil textile plant (790 workers), and several electronics and high-tech plants producing CD players and other electronic equipment. The largest electronics plant in the ] was inaugurated in the nearby village of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndt1.com/article.php/20040630183531160 |title=The biggest electronic plant to open in Voivodinovo (in Bulgarian) |publisher=Ndt1.com |date=30 June 2004 |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref>


===Economic Indicators===
Due to the demand for business office space ] was going to be constructed in the district of ], but the advance of the global financial crisis has put a halt on the project. The investment has been planned for €68,000,000 and the park should occupy an area of {{convert|110000|m²|2|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://business.actualno.com/news_160479.html |title=The construction of Business Park Plovdiv begins in October 2008 |publisher=Business.actualno.com |date=29 April 2008 |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.expert.bg/n158657/ |title=Business Park Plovdiv |publisher=News.expert.bg |date=14 April 2008 |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> A commercial and industrial park is to be built in the village of ] at several km to the north-west of the city with a built-up area of {{convert|50000|m²|2|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.expert.bg/n158852/ |title=ИТ парковете – нова концепция за България, ИТ парк Пловдив |publisher=News.expert.bg |date=15 April 2008 |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%"
|-
! Indicator
! Unit
! 2010
! 2011
! 2012
! 2013
! 2014
|-
| align="left" | GDP
| align="center" | BGN million
| align="right" | 5,539
| align="right" | 6,062
| align="right" | 6,178
| align="right" | 6,374
| align="right" | 6,273
|-
| align="left" | Share in Bulgaria's GDP
| align="center" | %
| align="right" | 7.5
| align="right" | 7.6
| align="right" | 7.6
| align="right" | 7.8
| align="right" | 7.5
|-
| align="left" | GDP per capita
| align="center" | BGN
| align="right" | 7,924
| align="right" | 8,888
| align="right" | 9,087
| align="right" | 9,394
| align="right" | 9,268
|-
| align="left" | Population
| align="center" | Number
| align="right" | 696,300
| align="right" | 680,884
| align="right" | 678,860
| align="right" | 678,197
| align="right" | 675,586
|-
| align="left" | Average annual number of employees under labor contract
| align="center" | Number
| align="right" | 208,438
| align="right" | 207,599
| align="right" | 205,876
| align="right" | 203,933
| align="right" | 207,057
|-
| align="left" | Average salary of employees under labor contract
| align="center" | BGN
| align="right" | 6,462
| align="right" | 6,889
| align="right" | 7,418
| align="right" | 7,922
| align="right" | 8,504
|-
| align="left" | Economic activity rate
| align="center" | %
|align="right" | 64.9
|align="right" | 64.2
|align="right" | 67.7
|align="right" | 70.7
|align="right" | 71.7
|-
| align="left" | Unemployment rate
| align="center" | %
|align="right" | 8.5
|align="right" | 8.8
|align="right" | 11.2
|align="right" | 13.4
|align="right" | 13.1
|-
| align="left" | FDI
| align="center" | EUR million
|align="right" | 1.118
|align="right" | 1.259
|align="right" | 1.340
|align="right" | 1.648
|align="right" | 1.546
|}
Source: The National Statistical Institute<ref name="nsi"/>


===Industry===
] is an industrial zone made up of several municipalities within the area of the city.
Industry has been the sole leader in attracting investment. Industry has been expanding since the late 1990s, with manufacturing plants being built in the city or in its outskirts mainly the municipality of Maritsa. In this period, some €500,000,000 has been invested in the construction of new factories. ] which is one of the largest industrial zones in Eastern Europe, is located around Plovdiv. Some of the biggest companies in the region include the Austrian utility company ], PIMK (transport), Insa Oil (fuels), ] (refrigerator plant), ] (automotive industry), Bella Bulgaria (food manufacturing), Socotab (tobacco processing), ], ], ], Sensata Technologies, etc.


===Shopping and commerce=== ===Shopping and commerce===
The commercial sector is developing quickly. Shopping centers have been built mainly in the Central district and the district of Trakiya. Those include Shopping Center Grand,<ref>. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011105414/http://plovdiv.imotibg.com/plovdiv/%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B2-%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8-%D1%82%D1%8A%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8-%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%8A%D1%80-enno170932.html |date=11 October 2009 }}</ref> Market Center,<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |url=http://big.bg/modules/news03/article.php?storyid=21452 |title=Пет големи търговски центъра слагат край на сергиите в центъра на Пловдив |publisher=Big.bg |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720082819/http://big.bg/modules/news03/article.php?storyid=21452 |archive-date=20 July 2011 }}</ref> and two more all on the Kapitan Raycho Street,<ref name="autogenerated2"/> Forum in Trakiya, Excelsior, and others. Plovdiv has three large shopping centers: the €40&nbsp;million Mall of Plovdiv (opened 2009) with a shopping area of {{convert|22000|m2|2|abbr=on}}, 11 cinema halls, and parking for 700 cars;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plovdiv24.com/news/21968.html|title=Construction of Mall of Plovdiv begins|date=18 December 2006|publisher=Plovdiv24.com|access-date=7 January 2011|archive-date=12 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612064436/http://www.plovdiv24.com/news/21968.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Markovo tepe Mall (opened 2016);<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comfort.bg/bg/public/news_2425_36.html |title=A Bulgarian-Israeli company to build a mall in Plovdiv |publisher=Comfort.bg |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706142759/http://www.comfort.bg/bg/public/news_2425_36.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and Plovdiv Plaza Mall which is 6 stories high with 127 000 m<sup>2</sup> area, half of which is the parking lot and the rest is shopping area.
]
The commercial sector is developing quickly. Shopping centers have been built mainly in the Central district and the district of Trakiya. Those include Shopping Center Grand,<ref>. {{wayback|url=http://plovdiv.imotibg.com/plovdiv/%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B2-%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8-%D1%82%D1%8A%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8-%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%8A%D1%80-enno170932.html |date=20091011105414 |df=y }}</ref> Market Center<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=http://big.bg/modules/news03/article.php?storyid=21452 |title=Пет големи търговски центъра слагат край на сергиите в центъра на Пловдив |publisher=Big.bg |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> and two more all on the Kapitan Raycho Street,<ref name="autogenerated2"/> Forum in Trakiya, Excelsior and others. There are several ]s under construction – the €40&nbsp;million Mall of Plovdiv with a shopping area of {{convert|40000|m²|2|abbr=on}}, 11 cinemas and parking for 700 cars,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plovdiv24.com/news/21968.html |title=Construction of Mall of Plovdiv begins |publisher=Plovdiv24.com |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> €50 mln. Central Mall Markovo tepe,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comfort.bg/bg/public/news_2425_36.html |title=A Bulgarian-Israeli company to build a mall in Plovdiv |publisher=Comfort.bg |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> a huge €60 mln. mall and hotel complex in the district of Trakiya<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comfort.bg/bg/public/news_2070_110.html |title=Мол за 60 млн. евро ще строят в пловдивския райoн Тракия |publisher=Comfort.bg |accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> as well as several other projects planned or under construction.


Due to the high demand for business office space, new office and commercial buildings have been built. Several hypermarkets have been built mainly on the outskirts of the city: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Technopolis, Technomarket Europa, and others. The main shopping area is the central street with its shops, cafés, and restaurants. A number of cafés, craftsmen workshops, and souvenir shops are in the Old Town and the small streets in the centre, known among the locals as "The Trap" ({{langx|bg|Капана}}).
Plovdiv also has the Galeria Mall, with a free 1350-car parking space, 100 shops, coffee houses, ice-skating rink, 6 story inside climbing wall and other entertainment (bowling and arcade center). The mall is 6 stories high with 127 000 square meters area, half of which is the parking lot and the rest is shopping area, one of the largest in the Balkans. It has Carefur, Zora, Multirama, Paolo Botticelli, Adidas, Cult, Aqua, Rivas, Roberto Zago, Swatch, DM, Lustro, Fabiano, Denix, Colette and many other well known brand stores.


The ], held annually since 1892, is the largest and oldest fair in the country and all of southeastern Europe, gathering companies from all over the world in an exhibition area of {{convert|138000|m2|2|abbr=on}} located on a territory of {{convert|352000|m2|2|abbr=on}} on the northern banks of the Maristsa river.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fair.bg/bg/fair/ |title=Plovdiv International Fair |publisher=Fair.bg |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706143020/http://www.fair.bg/bg/fair/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It attracts more than 600,000 visitors from many countries.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |location=Sofia |page=393 |language=bg, en |isbn=954-91672-1-6 |year=2005}}</ref>
Several hypermarkets have been built mainly on the outskirts of the city: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Technopolis, Technomarket Europa, and others. The main shopping area is the central street with its shops, cafés and restaurants. A number of cafés, craftsmen workshops and souvenir shops are in the Old Town and the small streets in the centre, known among the locals as "The Trap" ({{lang-bg|Капана}}).

The ], held annually since 1892, is the largest and oldest fair in the country and all of southeastern Europe, gathering companies from all over the world in an exhibition area of {{convert|138000|m²|2|abbr=on}} located on a territory of {{convert|352000|m²|2|abbr=on}} on the northern banks of the Maristsa river.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fair.bg/bg/fair/ |title=Plovdiv International Fair |publisher=Fair.bg |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> It attracts more than 600,000 visitors from many countries.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |publisher=|location=Sofia |page=393 |language=Bulgarian, English |isbn=954-91672-1-6 |year=2005 }}</ref>


The city has had a duty-free zone since 1987. It has a customs terminal handling cargo from trucks and trains.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> The city has had a duty-free zone since 1987. It has a customs terminal handling cargo from trucks and trains.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
File:Plovdiv Plaza.jpg|Mall Plovdiv Plaza
File:MallMakrovo.jpg|Mall Markovo tepe
File:Mall Plovdiv.jpg|Mall Plovdiv
File:Trade Center Forum, Trakiya, Plovdiv.JPG|Forum Trakia shopping center
</gallery>


== Transport == ==Transport==
].]] ].]]
Plovdiv's geographical position makes it an international transport hub. Three of the ten ] run into or near the city: Corridor IV (]–]–]-Plovdiv-]), Corridor VIII (]-Sofia-Plovdiv-]/]), and ] (]–]-Plovdiv-Istanbul).<ref name="trans"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704160240/http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1439.htm |date=4 July 2010 }}.</ref><ref>See the ].</ref> A major tourist centre, Plovdiv lies at the foot of the ], and most people wishing to explore the mountains choose it as their trip's starting point.
].]]
Plovdiv has a geographical position which makes it an international transport hub. Three of the ten ] run into or near the city: Corridor IV (]–]–]-Plovdiv- ]), Corridor VIII (]-Sofia-Plovdiv-]/]) and ] (]–]-Plovdiv-Istanbul).<ref name="trans">.</ref><ref>See the ].</ref> A major tourist centre, Plovdiv lies at the foot of the ], and most people wishing to explore the mountains choose it as their trip's starting point.


The city is a major road and railway hub in southern Bulgaria:<ref>{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |pages=143–144 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=avtori Evgeni Dinchev ...|display-authors=etal}}</ref> the ] (A1) is only at {{convert|5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} to the north. It lies on the important national route from Sofia to Burgas via Stara Zagora. First-class roads lead to Sofia to the west, ] to the north, ] and ] to the south, ] and ] to the east. There are ]es which link Plovdiv with cities and towns all over the country and many European countries. They are based in three ]s: South, Rodopi and North. The city is a major road and railway hub in southern Bulgaria with<ref>{{Cite book |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |pages=143–144 |language=bg |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 |author=avtori Evgeni Dinchev ...|display-authors=etal}}</ref> the ] (A1) only {{convert|5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} to the north. It lies on the important national route from Sofia to Burgas via Stara Zagora. First-class roads lead to Sofia to the west, ] to the north, ], ] to the south, and ] and ] to the east. There are ]es which link Plovdiv with cities and towns all over the country and many European countries. They are based in three ]s: South, Rodopi, and North.


Railway transport in the city dates back to 1872 when it became a station on the ]–] railway line. There are railway lines to Sofia, ], Karlovo, ], Stara Zagora, ] and Asenovgrad. There are three ]s{{spaced ndash}} ], Trakia and Filipovo{{spaced ndash}} as well as a freight station.<ref name="trans"/> Railway transport in the city dates back to 1872 when it became a station on the ]–] railway line. There are railway lines to Sofia, ], Karlovo, ], Stara Zagora, ], and Asenovgrad. There are three ]s:{{spaced ndash}} ], Trakia, and Filipovo{{spaced ndash}} as well as a freight station.<ref name="trans"/>


]
Plovdiv has a large public transport system,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snimka.bg/album.php?album_id=47688 |title=A map of the Plovdiv Public transport |publisher=Snimka.bg |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> including around 29 main and 10 extra bus lines. However, there are no ]s in the city, and the ] was closed in autumn 2012.<ref>''Trolleybus Magazine'' No. 308 (March–April 2013), p. 47. National Trolleybus Association (UK). ISSN 0266-7452.</ref> Six bridges span the ] river including a railway bridge and a ]. There are important road junctions to the south, southwest and north.
]
Plovdiv has a large public transport system<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.snimka.bg/album.php?album_id=47688 |title=A map of the Plovdiv Public transport |publisher=Snimka.bg |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=15 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115112608/http://www.snimka.bg/album.php?album_id=47688 |url-status=live }}</ref> including around 30 main and 2 extra bus lines. However, there are no ]s in the city, and the ] was closed in autumn 2012.<ref>''Trolleybus Magazine'' No. 308 (March–April 2013), p. 47. National Trolleybus Association (UK). {{ISSN|0266-7452}}.</ref> Six bridges span the ] river including a railway bridge and a ]. There are important road junctions to the south, southwest, and north.
]<br />Green: built<br />Orange: planned]]
Plovdiv has a well-developed cycling infrastructure which covers almost all districts of the city. The total length of the cycling roads is {{convert|60|km|abbr=off}} ({{convert|48|km|abbr=off}} are completed and {{convert|12|km|abbr=off}} are under construction). The city has a total of 690 bike parkings.


<gallery mode="packed-hover" class="center" caption="Cycling Infrastructure">
The number of registered private automobiles in the city increased from 178,104 in 2005 to 234,298 in 2009.<ref> (in ]).</ref> or some 658 cars per 1,000 inhabitants<ref>.</ref>
File:Velo1.jpg
File:Velo2.jpg
File:Velo3.jpg
File:Velo4.jpg
File:Velo5.jpg
File:Velo6.jpg
</gallery>


The number of registered private automobiles in the city increased from 178,104 in 2005 to 234,298 in 2009.<ref> (in ]).</ref> There are around 658 cars per 1,000 inhabitants<ref>.</ref>
The ] is near the village of ], {{convert|5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} southeast of the city. It takes charter flights from Europe and has scheduled services with Ryanair to London and ] and S7 to Moscow. Many small airports are in the city's surroundings, including the ] in ] to the north of Plovdiv.
].]]
] is near the village of ], {{convert|5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} southeast of the city. It takes charter flights from Europe and has scheduled services with Ryanair to London Stansted and Dublin and S7 to Moscow. Wizz Air have services to London Luton, Dortmund, and Munich West.Many small airports are in the city's surroundings, including the ] in ] to the north of Plovdiv.


The ] is held every two years on the ] airbase, one of the biggest airshows in the Balkans.{{citation needed|date=August 2012|reason=particularly for the "one of the biggest...in the balkans" assertion}} The ] is held every two years on the ] airbase and is one of the biggest airshows in the Balkans.{{citation needed|date=August 2012|reason=particularly for the "one of the biggest...in the balkans" assertion}}


== Education == ==Education==
Around two thirds of the citizens (62,38%) have secondary, specialized or higher education. That percentage increased in the period from 1992 to 2001.<ref name="edu">{{dead link|date=August 2012}} {{cite web|url=http://www.pd.e-gov.bg/index.php?f=obstini&p=obstini&obst=plovdiv |title=Information for Plovdiv – Education |publisher=Pd.e-gov.bg |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> Around two thirds of the citizens (62,38%) have secondary, specialized, or higher education. That percentage increased from 1992 to 2001.<ref name="edu">{{dead link|date=August 2012}} {{cite web |url=http://www.pd.e-gov.bg/index.php?f=obstini&p=obstini&obst=plovdiv |title=Information for Plovdiv – Education |publisher=Pd.e-gov.bg |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706142802/http://www.pd.e-gov.bg/index.php?f=obstini&p=obstini&obst=plovdiv |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}</ref>


Plovdiv has 78 schools including elementary, high, foreign language, mathematics, technical and art schools. There are also 10 private schools and a ]. The number of pupils for 2005 was 36,964 and has been constantly decreasing since the mid-1990 due to lower birth rate.<ref name="edu"/> Among the most prestigious schools are the English Language School, the High School of Mathematics, the Ivan Vazov Language School, the National Schools of Commerce{{spaced ndash}} Plovdiv,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ntg-plovdiv.net |title=National School of Commerce – Plovdiv |publisher=Ntg-plovdiv.net |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> the English Academy,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.englishacademybg.com |title=English Academy Plovdiv |publisher=Englishacademybg.com |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Plovdiv,<ref>.</ref> and the French High School of Plovdiv.<ref>{{cite web|author=Vassil Todorov |url=http://feg.plovdiv.free.fr |title=French High School of Plovdiv |publisher=Feg.plovdiv.free.fr |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> Plovdiv has 78 schools including elementary, high, foreign language, mathematics, technical, and art schools. There are also 10 private schools and a ]. The number of pupils in 2005 was 36,964 and has been constantly decreasing since the mid-1990 due to lower birth rate.<ref name="edu"/> Among the most prestigious schools are the ], the High School of Mathematics, the Ivan Vazov Language School, the ], the National School of Commerce, and the French High School.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://podtepeto.com/aktualno/top-10-na-gimnaziite-v-plovdiv/#google_vignette |title=Pod Tepeto-online media |publisher=podtepeto.com |access-date=7 July 2024}}</ref>


The city has six universities and a number of state and private colleges and branches of other universities. Those include ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uni-plovdiv.bg |title=University of Plovdiv "Paisiy Hilendarski" |publisher=Uni-plovdiv.bg |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> with 900 lecturers and employees and 13,000 students; the ], with 2,600 students;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://meduniversity-plovdiv.bg/ |title=Medical University |publisher=Meduniversity-plovdiv.bg |date= 29 June 2011 |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> the Medical College; the Technical University of Sofia{{spaced ndash}}Branch Plovdiv;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tu-plovdiv.bg |title=Technical University of Sofia, Plovdiv branch |publisher=Tu-plovdiv.bg |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> the Agricultural University{{spaced ndash}} Plovdiv;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.au-plovdiv.bg |title=University of Agriculture |publisher=Au-plovdiv.bg |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> the University of Food Technologies;<ref>. {{wayback|url=http://www.uft-plovdiv.bg/index_ie.htm |date=20080410085650 |df=y }}</ref> the Academy for Music, Dance and Fine Arts;<ref>. {{wayback|url=http://www.artacademyplovdiv.com/home_en.htm |date=20061206104954 |df=y }}</ref> and others.<ref name="edu"/> The city has six universities and a number of state and private colleges and branches of other universities. Those include ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uni-plovdiv.bg |title=University of Plovdiv "Paisiy Hilendarski" |publisher=Uni-plovdiv.bg |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=5 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705111907/http://uni-plovdiv.bg/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with 900 lecturers and employees and 13,000 students; the ], with 2,600 students;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://meduniversity-plovdiv.bg/ |title=Medical University |publisher=Meduniversity-plovdiv.bg |date=29 June 2011 |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706143155/http://meduniversity-plovdiv.bg/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the Medical College; the Technical University of Sofia{{spaced ndash}}Branch Plovdiv;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tu-plovdiv.bg |title=Technical University of Sofia, Plovdiv branch |publisher=Tu-plovdiv.bg |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327142400/http://www.tu-plovdiv.bg/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the Agricultural University{{spaced ndash}} Plovdiv;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.au-plovdiv.bg |title=University of Agriculture |publisher=Au-plovdiv.bg |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706142718/http://www.au-plovdiv.bg/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the University of Food Technologies;<ref>. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410085650/http://www.uft-plovdiv.bg/index_ie.htm |date=10 April 2008 }}</ref> the Academy for Music, Dance and Fine Arts;<ref>. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206104954/http://www.artacademyplovdiv.com/home_en.htm |date=6 December 2006 }}</ref> and others.<ref name="edu"/>


The 2009 ] (IOI) was held at the ], between 8 and 15 August 2009. The 2009 IOI Honorary Patron was ] ].{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} The 2009 ] (IOI) was held at the ], between 8 and 15 August 2009. The 2009 IOI Honorary Patron was ] ].{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}


Between 1875 and 1906, the ] was one of the local Greek educational institutions that provided elementary and secondary education.<ref>{{cite book | last1= Cornis-Pope | first1=Marcel| last2= Neubauer |first2= John|title=History of the literary cultures of East-Central Europe: junctures and disjunctures in the 19th and 20th centuries| publisher=John Benjamins Publishing Company | year=2006 | editor= |url= http://books.google.gr/books?id=5pAwqsSyTlsC&pg=PA143&lpg=PA143&dq=%22zariphios%22&source=bl&ots=3UuQ5tcKoI&sig=ST3FBNLPuAX3b2HGO9lQz9lSoBs&hl=el&ei=_u5NTJWKBciWOPGJgZYD&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CBsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22zariphios%22&f=false | isbn= 978-960-98903-5-9| page =143}}</ref> Between 1875 and 1906, the ] was one of the local Greek educational institutions that provided elementary and secondary education.<ref>{{cite book | last1= Cornis-Pope | first1= Marcel | last2= Neubauer | first2= John | title= History of the literary cultures of East-Central Europe: junctures and disjunctures in the 19th and 20th centuries | publisher= John Benjamins Publishing Company | year= 2006 | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=5pAwqsSyTlsC&q=%22zariphios%22&pg=PA143 | isbn= 978-960-98903-5-9 | page= 143 | access-date= 19 October 2020 | archive-date= 29 May 2021 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210529150601/https://books.google.com/books?id=5pAwqsSyTlsC&q=%22zariphios%22&pg=PA143 | url-status= live }}</ref>


==Sports and recreation== ==Sports and recreation==
] consists of ] with several additional football fields, tennis courts, ]s, a ] with a 2&nbsp;km-long channel, restaurants, and cafés in a spacious park in the western part of the city just south of the ] river. There are also playgrounds for children. It is popular among the citizens and guests of Plovdiv who use it for jogging, walking, and relaxation. Plovdiv Stadium (55,000 seats) is the largest football venue in Bulgaria.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldstadiums.com/europe/countries/bulgaria.shtml |title=World Stadiums |publisher=World Stadiums |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=5 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805140219/http://www.worldstadiums.com/europe/countries/bulgaria.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
]

{{citation needed span|date=August 2012|text=The ] is the biggest in Eastern Europe.}} It consists of ] with several additional football fields, tennis courts, ]s, a ] with a 2&nbsp;km-long channel, restaurants and cafés in a spacious park in the western part of the city, just south of the ] river. There are also playgrounds for the children. It is popular among the citizens and guests of Plovdiv who use it for jogging, walking and relaxation. Plovdiv Stadium has 55,000 seats which makes it the largest football venue in Bulgaria.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldstadiums.com/europe/countries/bulgaria.shtml |title=World Stadiums |publisher=World Stadiums |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref>
Other stadiums include ] (19,000 seats), ] (10,000 seats), ] (5,000 seats), and ] (7,000 seats). There are seven indoor ]s: ], University Hall, Olimpia, Lokomotiv, Dunav, Stroitel, Chaika, Akademik, and Total Sport. In 2006, ], a water park, was opened near the city centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.plovdivguide.com/newsfiles/news.php?id=2127&lang_id=1 |title=Aqualand |publisher=Plovdivguide.com |date=4 August 2006 |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061103030221/http://www.plovdivguide.com/newsfiles/news.php?id=2127&lang_id=1 |archive-date=3 November 2006 }}</ref> Several smaller water parks are in the city as well.
<gallery mode="packed-hover" class="center" caption="Sport Facilities">
File:Plovdiv_Stadium.JPG|] and sport complex
File:Гребната през есента.jpg|Rowing base
File:Kolezha.jpg|]
File:Lokomotiv Stadium 2022.jpg|]
File:Sports hall of Plovdiv University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria 2.jpg|Plovdiv University sports hall
</gallery>
] is the most popular sport in the city; Plovdiv has four professional teams. The city has ], founded in 1912 and ], founded in 1926.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lokomotivpd.com/ |title=Official site of Lokomotiv Plòvdiv |publisher=Lokomotivpd.com |date=28 May 2011 |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=26 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226131542/http://lokomotivpd.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Both teams are a regular fixture in the ]. The rivalry between them is considered to be even more fierce than the one between ] and ] of ]. There are two other football clubs in the city – ] (founded in 1921) and ] (1947).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spartakpd.info/ |title=Spartak Plovdiv |publisher=Spartakpd.info |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=19 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719045859/http://www.spartakpd.info/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Plovdiv is host of the international ] tournament "Strandzha" which has taken place since 1949.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxing.mdkbg.com/eng/index.html |title=International boxing tournament Strandzha |publisher=Boxing.mdkbg.com |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714063510/http://boxing.mdkbg.com/eng/index.html |archive-date=14 July 2011 }}</ref> In 2007, 96 boxers from 20 countries participated in the tournament. There is a ] club and a horse base near the city. Plovdiv has several volleyball and basketball teams.
Other stadiums include ] (under re-construction), ] (10,000 seats), ] (5,000 seats) and ] (7,000 seats). There are seven indoor ]s: ], University Hall, Olimpia, Lokomotiv, Dunav, Stroitel, Chaika, Akademik, Total Sport. In 2006, ], a water park, was opened near the city centre.<ref>{{cite web|author=webmaster |url= http://www.plovdivguide.com/newsfiles/news.php?id=2127&lang_id=1 |title=Aqualand |publisher=Plovdivguide.com |date= 4 August 2006|accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> Several smaller water parks are in the city as well.
]
] ]
Three of the city's seven hills are protected natural territories since 1995. Two of the first parks in Bulgaria are located in the city center {{spaced ndash}} ''Tsar Simeon garden – city garden'', where the very first work of the Italian sculptor ] could be seen, and ''Dondukov garden – old city garden''. Some of the larger parks include the ''Botanical garden'', ''Beli Brezi'', ''Ribnitsa'', and ''Lauta''.
] is the most popular sport in the city; Plovdiv has three professional teams. The city has ], founded in 1912 and ], founded in 1926.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lokomotivpd.com/ |title=Official site of Lokomotiv Plòvdiv |publisher=Lokomotivpd.com |date= 28 May 2011 |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> Both teams are a regular fixture in the ]. The rivalry between them is considered to be even more fierce than the one between ] and ] of ]. There are two other football clubs in the city – ] (founded in 1921) and ] (1947).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spartakpd.info/ |title=Spartak Plovdiv |publisher=Spartakpd.info |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref>


==Notable people==
Plovdiv is host of the international ] tournament "Strandzha" which takes place since 1949.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxing.mdkbg.com/eng/index.html |title=International boxing tournament Strandzha |publisher=Boxing.mdkbg.com |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref> In 2007, 96 boxers from 20 countries participated in the tournament. There is a ] club and a horse base near the city. Plovdiv has several volleyball and basketball teams.
]]]
]]]
]]]
* ] – (1865–1914), writer, thinker
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1934–2011), actor
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1984), racing driver
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1903–1976), painter
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1914–1993), basso
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1828–1911), publisher
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1887–1916), writer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1966), German actor
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1939–2019), actor, writer, politician and fencer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1823–1900), linguist, folklorist and writer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1849–1924), former ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1851–1876), a 19th-century Bulgarian revolutionary
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1843–1903), revolutionary and former ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1936–2005), actor
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (ca.1785-1828), Greek scholar and educator
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (19th.C.), Greek merchant and the 4th member of Filiki Eteria
* ] {{spaced ndash}} (1937–2019), musician
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1866–1933), former ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1867–1938), former ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1945), classical violinist
* ] {{spaced ndash}} (1856–1938), painter
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1852–1891), former ] of Bulgaria, the chief architect of the ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1980), acting ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1967), British chef, food writer, TV personality and restaurateur
* ] {{spaced ndash}} (1925–2012), female military officer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1866–1912), writer and poet
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1853–1901), former ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1952), former ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} medical physicist, President ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1957), pianist
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1974), conductor
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1877-1947), Greek ] and technological pioneer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1850–1921), writer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1959), former ]
* ] (1922-2023), screenwriter and author
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1981), opera singer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (1880–1937), writer


]]]
Three of the city's seven hills are protected natural territories since 1995. Two of the first parks in Bulgaria are located in the city center {{spaced ndash}} ''Tsar Simeon garden - city garden'' (where the very first work of the Italian sculptor ] could be seen) and ''Dondukov garden - old city garden''. Some of the larger parks include the ''Botanical garden'', ''Beli Brezi'', ''Ribnitsa'' and ''Lauta''.


==Notable citizens== === Sport ===
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1984), professional wrestler, performing under the name of Miro
]]]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1985), former professional footballer

* ]{{spaced ndash}} painter * ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1965), world-record holder in the women's high jump
* ]{{spaced ndash}} writer * ]{{spaced ndash}} (1896–1980), Greek athlete
* ]{{spaced ndash}} basso * ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1987), professional tennis player
* ]{{spaced ndash}} publisher * ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1972), long jumper and triple jumper
* ]{{spaced ndash}} former ] * ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1966), football player
* ]{{spaced ndash}} fencer, actor, writer, politician * ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1969), boxer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} linguist, folklorist and writer * ]{{spaced ndash}} (born 1973), gymnast
* ]{{spaced ndash}} ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} actor
* ]{{spaced ndash}} world-record holder in the women's high jump
* ]{{spaced ndash}} writer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} former ]
* ] {{spaced ndash}} athlete
* ]{{spaced ndash}} revolutionary
* Asen Asparuhov{{spaced ndash}} All-American Placekicker, Fresno State University (USA)
* ]{{spaced ndash}} writer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} former ] of Bulgaria, the chief architect of the ]
* ], revolutionary
* ]{{spaced ndash}} former ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} Bulgarian number-one tennis player and world number 40
* The birthplace of ]{{spaced ndash}} British chef, food writer, television personality and restaurateur
* ]{{spaced ndash}} medical physicist, President ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} football player
* Stoytcho Gotchev{{spaced ndash}} most successful Bulgarian National Men's Gymnastics Captain of Olympic and World Championship teams.
* ]{{spaced ndash}} former ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} writer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} former ]
* ] {{spaced ndash}} ] and technological pioneer
* ]{{spaced ndash}} actor
* ]{{spaced ndash}} former ]
* ]{{spaced ndash}} gymnast
* ]{{spaced ndash}} professional wrestler
* ] {{spaced ndash}} painter
* ] {{spaced ndash}} musician
* Tzanko Lavrenov{{spaced ndash}} painter
* ], footballer


==Twin towns – sister cities==
==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Bulgaria}} {{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Bulgaria}}


]
===Twin towns – Sister cities===
Plovdiv is ] with:<ref>{{cite web|title=Побратимени градове|url=https://www.plovdiv.bg/en/about-plovdiv/%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5/|website=plovdiv.bg|publisher=Plovdiv|access-date=2019-10-29|archive-date=23 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323130759/https://www.plovdiv.bg/en/about-plovdiv/%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5/|url-status=live}}</ref>
]
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
Plovdiv is ] with the following cities:<ref name="Plovdiv1">{{cite web|url=http://www.plovdiv.bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=261&Itemid=279 |title=Plovdiv Sister cities |publisher=Plovdiv.bg |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="Plovdiv2">{{cite web|url=http://www.namrb.org/filesystem.php?id=12.xls |title=Plovdiv Twinning |accessdate= 3 July 2011}}</ref>
<!--Brno, Leipzig, Poznań - not twinning-->
{| class="wikitable"
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
|- valign="top"
*{{flagicon|CHN}} ], China
|
*{{flagicon|CZE}} ], Czech Republic. *{{flagicon|USA}} ], United States
*{{flagicon|KOR}} ], South Korea
*{{flagicon|ARM}} ], Armenia.<ref></ref><ref></ref>
*{{flagicon|UKR}} ], Ukraine
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey<ref name="Bursa twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.bursa.bel.tr/kardes-sehirler/sayfa/261/|title=Kardeş Şehirler|accessdate = 2013-07-27|work=Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyesi Basın Koordinasyon Merkez|publisher=Tüm Hakları Saklıdır}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|USA}} ], United States. *{{flagicon|ARM}} ], Armenia
*{{flagicon|KOR}} ], South Korea. *{{flagicon|KSA}} ], Saudi Arabia
*{{flagicon|ARM}} ], Armenia. *{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
*{{flagicon|KSA}} ], Saudi Arabia. *{{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey. *{{flagicon|GRC}} ], Greece
*{{flagicon|PHI}} ], Philippines *{{flagicon|SVK}} ], Slovakia
*{{flagicon|MKD}} ], North Macedonia
||
*{{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia. *{{flagicon|GEO}} ], Georgia
*{{flagicon|SRB}} ], Serbia
*{{flagicon|SVK}} ], Slovakia. <small>''(since 2000)''</small><ref name="Košice twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.kosice.sk/clanok.php?file=gov_s_c-00_uk.html|title=Twin cities of the City of Kosice|accessdate=2013-07-27|work=Magistrát mesta Košice, Tr.}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|MKD}} ], Мacedonia. *{{flagicon|CHN}} ], China
*{{flagicon|GEO}} ], Georgia. *{{flagicon|MKD}} ], North Macedonia
*{{flagicon|SRB}} ], Serbia. *{{flagicon|JPN}} ], Japan
*{{flagicon|SRB}} ], Serbia. *{{flagicon|JOR}} ], Jordan
*{{flagicon|PRC}} ], China.
*{{flagicon|MKD}} ], Macedonia.
||
*{{flagicon|JPN}} ], Japan.
*{{flagicon|JOR}} ], Jordan.
*{{flagicon|POL}} ], Poland.
*{{flagicon|ITA}} ], Italy *{{flagicon|ITA}} ], Italy
*{{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia. *{{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia
*{{flagicon|UZB}} ], Uzbekistan
*{{flagicon|GRE}} ], Greece.<ref name=Thessaloniki>{{cite web |url=http://www.thessalonikicity.gr/English/twinning-cities.htm |title=Twinning Cities |work=City of Thessaloniki |accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|VEN}} ], Venezuela. *{{flagicon|CHN}} ], China
*{{flagicon|GRE}} ], Greece
*{{flagicon|GRE}} ], Greece. <small>''(since 2005)''</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plovdivguide.com/Current-News/Plovdiv-has-yet-another-sister-city---Kastoria-in-Greece-1164/_p423/|title=Plovdiv has yet another sister city|accessdate=1 March 2015}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|VEN}} ], Venezuela
|}
*{{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia
{{div col end}}


==Honour== ==Honour==
The ] (]) 3860 Plovdiv is named after the city. It was discovered by the ] astronomer ] on 8 August 1986. ] ({{convert|1040|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) on ] in the ], ], is also named after Plovdiv. The ] (]) ] is named after the city. It was discovered by the ] astronomer ] and the ] astronomer ] on 8 August 1986. ] ({{convert|1040|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) on ] in the ], ], is also named after Plovdiv.


==Gallery== ==Gallery==
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File:Plovdiv Bulgaria street view.JPG|Looking down one of the streets in Plovdiv. File:Plovdiv Bulgaria street view.JPG|Looking down one of the streets in Plovdiv.
File:Plovdiv Fortress Plan.png|Plan of the medieval fortress
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==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|Plovdiv}} {{Commons category|Plovdiv}}
{{wikivoyage|Plovdiv}} {{Wikivoyage|Plovdiv}}
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Latest revision as of 13:25, 25 December 2024

Oldest and second-largest city in Bulgaria

City in Bulgaria
Plovdiv Пловдив
City
From top, left to right: Plovdiv on the banks of Maritsa • The old town at night • A street in the old town • The central street • A street • City Hall • Plovdiv Roman Theatre • Saint Marina Church • The baths and the Cyril and Methodius Church • Dzhumaya Mosque • FountainFrom top, left to right: Plovdiv on the banks of Maritsa • The old town at night • A street in the old town • The central street • A street • City Hall • Plovdiv Roman Theatre • Saint Marina Church • The baths and the Cyril and Methodius Church • Dzhumaya Mosque • Fountain
Flag of PlovdivFlagCoat of arms of PlovdivCoat of arms
Nickname(s): The city of the seven hills
Градът на седемте хълма (Bulgarian)
Gradăt na sedemte hălma (transliteration)
Motto(s): Ancient and eternal
Древен и вечен (Bulgarian)
Dreven i vechen (transliteration)
Plovdiv is located in BulgariaPlovdivPlovdivLocation of Plovdiv within BulgariaShow map of BulgariaPlovdiv is located in BalkansPlovdivPlovdivPlovdiv (Balkans)Show map of BalkansPlovdiv is located in EuropePlovdivPlovdivPlovdiv (Europe)Show map of Europe
Coordinates: 42°9′N 24°45′E / 42.150°N 24.750°E / 42.150; 24.750
CountryBulgaria
ProvincePlovdiv
MunicipalitiesPlovdiv-city
Government
 • MayorKostadin Dimitrov (GERB)
Area
 • Total101.98 km (39.37 sq mi)
Elevation164 m (538 ft)
Population
 • Total371,536
 • Urban368,983
 • Metro675,586
Demonym(s)Plovdivchanin (m.)
Plovdivchanka (f.)
Пловдивчанин/Пловдивчанка (bg)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code4000
Area code(+359) 032
Car platesPB
Websiteplovdiv.bg

Plovdiv (Bulgarian: Пловдив, pronounced [ˈpɫɔvdif]) is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, 93 miles southeast of the capital Sofia. It had a population of 371,536 as of 2024 and 675,000 in the greater metropolitan area. Plovdiv is a cultural hub in Bulgaria and was the European Capital of Culture in 1999 and 2019. The city is an important economic, transport, cultural, and educational centre. Plovdiv joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016.

Plovdiv is in a fertile region of south-central Bulgaria on the two banks of the Maritsa River. The city has historically developed on seven syenite hills, some of which are 250 metres (820 feet) high. Because of these hills, Plovdiv is often referred to in Bulgaria as "The City of the Seven Hills". There is evidence of habitation in the area dating back to the 6th millennium BCE, when the first Neolithic settlements were established. The city was subsequently a Thracian settlement, later being conquered and ruled also by Persians, Ancient Macedonians, Celts, Romans, Byzantines, Goths, Huns, Bulgarians, Thraco-Romans, Bulgars, Slavic tribes, Crusaders, and Ottoman Turks.

Philippopolis (Greek: Φιλιππούπολις) was founded as a polis by the father of Alexander the Great, Philip the Great (r. 359–336 BCE), the king of ancient Macedonia, settling there both Thracians and 2,000 Macedonians (Greeks) in 342 BCE. Control of the city alternated between the Macedonian kingdom and the Thracian Odrysian kingdom during the Hellenistic period; the Macedonian king Philip V (r. 221–179 BCE) reoccupied the city in 183 BCE and his successor Perseus (r. 179–168 BCE) held the city with the Odrysians until the Roman Republic conquered the Macedonian kingdom in 168 BCE. Philippopolis became the capital of the Roman province of Thracia. The city was at the centre of the road network of inland Thrace, and the strategic Via Militaris was crossed by several other roads at the site, leading to the Danube, the Aegean Sea, and the Black Sea. The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (r. 161–180 CE) built a new wall around the city.

In Late Antiquity, Philippopolis was an important stronghold, but was sacked in 250 during the Crisis of the Third Century, after the Siege of Philippopolis by the Goths led by Cniva. After this the settlement contracted, though it remained a major city, with the city walls rebuilt and new Christian basilicas and Roman baths constructed in the 4th century. The city was again sacked by the Huns in 441/442, and the walls were again rebuilt. Roman Philippopolis resisted another attack, by the Avars in the 580s, after the walls were renewed yet again by Justinian the Great (r. 527–565).

In the Middle Ages, Philippopolis fell to the Bulgars of the First Bulgarian Empire in 863, during the reign of Boris I (r. 852–889), having been briefly abandoned by the Christian inhabitants in 813 during a dispute with the khan Krum (r.c. 803 – 814). During the Byzantine–Bulgarian wars, the emperor Basil the Bulgar-Slayer (r. 960–1025) used Philippopolis as a major strategic fortification, governed by the protospatharios Nikephoros Xiphias. In the middle 11th century, the city was attacked by the Pechenegs, who occupied it briefly around 1090. The city continued to prosper, with the walls restored in the 12th century, during which the historian and politician Niketas Choniates was its governor and the physician Michael Italikos was its metropolitan bishop.

According to the Latin historian of the Fourth Crusade, Geoffrey of Villehardouin, Philippopolis was the third largest city in the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople (Istanbul) and Thessalonica (Thessaloniki). It suffered damage from the armies passing through the city during the Crusades as well as from sectarian violence between the Eastern Orthodox and the Armenian Orthodox and Paulician denominations. The city was destroyed by Kaloyan of Bulgaria (r. 1196–1207) in 1206 and rebuilt thereafter. In 1219, the city became the capital of the Crusader Duchy of Philippopolis, part of the Latin Empire. The Second Bulgarian Empire recovered the city in 1263, but lost it to Byzantine control before recapturing it in 1323. The Ottoman Empire conquered Philippopolis (Turkish: Filibe) in 1363 or 1364. During the 500 years of Ottoman rule, Filibe served as one of the important commercial and transportation nodes in the Ottoman Balkans. It also played a role as an administrative centre of various sanjaks and eyalets.

On 4 January 1878, at the end of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), Plovdiv was taken away from Ottoman rule by the Russian army. It remained within the borders of Bulgaria until July of the same year, when it became the capital of the autonomous Ottoman region of Eastern Rumelia. In 1885, Plovdiv and Eastern Rumelia joined Bulgaria.

There are many preserved ruins such as the ancient Plovdiv Roman theatre, a Roman odeon, a Roman aqueduct, the Plovdiv Roman Stadium, the archaeological complex Eirene, and others. Plovdiv is host to a huge variety of cultural events such as the International Fair Plovdiv, the international theatrical festival "A stage on a crossroad", the TV festival "The golden chest", and many more novel festivals, such as Night/Plovdiv in September, Kapana Fest, and Opera Open. The oldest American educational institution outside the United States, the American College of Sofia, was founded in Plovdiv in 1860 and later moved to Sofia.

Etymology

Ancient settlements with names related to "deva". Pulpudeva denotes Plovdiv in which the latter name is rooted.
Map describing the city as "Philippopolis, que et Poneropolis, Duloupolis, Eumolpiada, item Trimontium, at que Pulpudena"

Plovdiv has been given various names throughout its long history. The Odrysian capital Odryssa (Greek: ΟΔΡΥΣΣΑ, Latin: ODRYSSA) is suggested to have been modern Plovdiv by numismatic research or Odrin. The Greek historian Theopompus mentioned it in the 4th century BCE as a town named Poneropolis (Greek: ΠΟΝΗΡΟΠΟΛΙΣ "town of villains") in pejorative relation to the conquest by king Philip II of Macedon who is said to have settled the town with 2,000 men who were false-accusers, sycophants, lawyers, and other possible disreputables. According to Plutarch, the town was named by this king after he had populated it with a crew of rogues and vagabonds, but this is possibly a folk name that did not actually exist. The names Dulon polis (Greek: ΔΟΥΛΩΝ ΠΟΛΙΣ "slaves' town") and possibly Moichopolis (Greek: ΜΟΙΧΟΠΟΛΙΣ "adulterer's town") likely have similar origins.

The city has been called Philippopolis (ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΠΟΛΙΣ pronounced [pʰilipopolis]; Greek: Φιλιππούπολη, in modern Greek, Philippoupoli pronounced [filipupoli]) or "the city of Philip", from Greek Philippos "horse-lover", most likely in honor of Philip II of Macedon after his death or in honor of Philip V, as this name was first mentioned in the 2nd century BCE by Polybius in connection with the campaign of Philip V. Philippopolis was identified later by Plutarch and Pliny as the former Poneropolis. Strabo identified Philip II's settlement of most "evil, wicked" (Gr. πονηροτάτους ponerotatous) as Calybe (Kabyle), whereas Ptolemy considered the location of Poneropolis different from the rest.

Kendrisia (Greek: ΚΕΝΔΡΕΙϹΕΙΑ) was an old name of the city. Its earliest recorded use is on an artifact mentioning that king Beithys, priest of the Syrian goddess, brought gifts to Kendriso Apollo; the deity is recorded to be named multiple times after different cities. Later Roman coins mentioned the name which is possibly derived from Thracian god Kendriso who is equated with Apollo, the cedar forests, or from the Thracian tribe artifacts known as the kendrisi. Another assumed name is the 1st century CE Tiberias in honor of the Roman emperor Tiberius, under whom the Odrysian Kingdom was a client of Rome. After the Romans had taken control of the area, the city was named in Latin: TRIMONTIUM, meaning "The Three Hills", and mentioned in the 1st century by Pliny. At times the name was Ulpia, Flavia, Julia after the Roman families.

Ammianus Marcellinus wrote in the 4th century CE that the then city had been the old Eumolpias/Eumolpiada, (Latin: EVMOLPIAS, EVMOLPIADA), the oldest name chronologically. It was named after the mythical Thracian king Eumolpos, son of Poseidon or Jupiter, who may have founded the city around 1200 BCE or 1350 BCE. It is also possible that it was named after the Vestal Virgins in the temples – evmolpeya.

In the 6th century CE, Jordanes wrote that the former name of the city was Pulpudeva (Latin: PVLPVDEVA) and that Philip the Arab named the city after himself. This name is most likely a Thracian oral translation of the other as it kept all consonants of the name Philip + deva (city). Although the two names sound similar, they may not share the same origin as Odrin and Adrianople do, and Pulpudeva may have predated the other names meaning "lake city" in Thracian. Since the 9th century CE the Slavic name began to appear as Papaldiv/n, Plo(v)div, Pladiv, Pladin, Plapdiv, Plovdin, which originate from Pulpudeva. As a result, the name has lost any meaning. In British English the Bulgarian variant Plòvdiv has become prevalent after World War I. The Crusaders mentioned the city as Prineople, Sinople and Phinepople. The Ottomans called the city Filibe, a corruption of "Philip", in a document from 1448.

History

Main articles: Philippopolis (Thracia), Timeline of Plovdiv, and History of Plovdiv
History of Plovdiv
Timeline of events
6000–5000 BC Establishment of the earliest settlements on the territory of modern Plovdiv (Yasa Tepe 1 and Yasa Tepe 2)
5th century BC Ancient Plovdiv was incorporated into the Odrysian kingdom
347–342 BC The Thracian town was conquered by Philip II of Macedon who named it Philippopolis
46 Philippopolis was incorporated into the Roman Empire by emperor Claudius
1st–3rd century Philippopolis became the central city of the Roman province Thracia
250 The whole city was burned down by the Goths
4th century Philippopolis regained its previous size. The city was part of the Eastern Roman Empire
836 Khan Malamir incorporated the city into the First Bulgarian Empire
976–1014 Basil II based his army in Philippopolis during the war with Samuel of Bulgaria
1189 The city was conquered by the crusader army of Frederick Barbarossa
1205 Philippopolis was conquered and raided by the Latin Empire and Kaloyan of Bulgaria
1371 Phillipopolis was conquered by the Ottomans. The city name was changed to Filibe
January 1878 Plovdiv was liberated from Ottoman rule during the Battle of Philippopolis
July 1878 Plovdiv became capital of Eastern Rumelia
1885 Plovdiv is at the center of the events that led to the Bulgarian unification
1920–1960 Period of industrialization
1970-1980 Discovery of the archeological sights in Plovdiv, the Old town was restored
1999 Plovdiv hosted European Cultural Month
2014 Plovdiv was awarded the title European capital of culture 2019

Antiquity

Plan of the known parts of the Roman city superimposed on a plan of modern Plovdiv.
Part of a series on the ancient city of
Philippopolis
Buildings and structures
Public Religious Fortification Residential
Related topics

The history of the region spans more than eight millennia. Numerous nations have left their traces on the twelve-metre-thick (39-foot) cultural layers of the city. The earliest signs of habitation in the territory of Plovdiv date as far back as the 6th millennium BCE. Plovdiv has settlement traces including necropolises dating from the Neolithic era (roughly 6000–5000 BCE) like the mounds Yasa Tepe 1 in the Philipovo district and Yasa Tepe 2 in Lauta park.

Archaeologists have discovered fine pottery and objects of everyday life on Nebet Tepe from as early as the Chalcolithic era, showing that at the end of the 4th millennium BCE, there was already an established settlement there which was continuously inhabited since then. Thracian necropolises dating back to the 2nd–3rd millennium BCE have been discovered, while the Thracian town was established between the 2nd and the 1st millennium BCE.

The town was a fort of the independent local Thracian tribe Bessi. In 516 BCE during the rule of Darius the Great, Thrace was included in the Persian empire. In 492 BCE, the Persian general Mardonius subjugated Thrace again, and it nominally became a vassal of Persia until 479 BCE and the early rule of Xerxes I. The town became part of the Odrysian kingdom (460 BCE – 46 CE), a Thracian tribal union. The town was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, and the Odrysian king was deposed in 342 BCE. Ten years after the Macedonian invasion, the Thracian kings started to exercise power again after the Odrysian Seuthes III had re-established their kingdom under Macedonian suzerainty as a result of a successful revolt against Alexander the Great's rule resulting in a stalemate. The Odrysian kingdom gradually overcame the Macedonian suzerainty, while the city was destroyed by the Celts as part of the Celtic settlement of Eastern Europe, most likely in the 270s BCE. In 183 BCE, Philip V of Macedon conquered the city, but shortly after, the Thracians re-conquered it.

In 72 BCE, the city was seized by the Roman general Marcus Lucullus but was soon restored to Thracian control. In 46 CE, the city was finally incorporated into the Roman Empire by emperor Claudius; it served as the capital of the province of Thrace. Although it was not the capital of the Province of Thrace, the city was the largest and most important centre in the province. As such, the city was the seat of the Union of Thracians. In those times, the Via Militaris (or Via Diagonalis), the most important military road in the Balkans, passed through the city. The Roman times were a period of growth and cultural excellence. The ancient ruins tell a story of a vibrant, growing city with numerous public buildings, shrines, baths, theatres, a stadium, and the only developed ancient water supply system in Bulgaria. The city had an advanced water system and sewerage. In 179 a second wall was built to encompass Trimontium which had already extended out of the Three hills into the valley. Many of those are still preserved and can be seen by tourists. Today only a small part of the ancient city has been excavated.

In 250 the city was captured and looted after the Battle of Philippopolis by the Goths, led by their ruler Cniva. Many of its citizens, 100,000 according to Ammianus Marcellinus, died or were taken captive. It took a century and hard work to recover the city. However, it was destroyed again by Attila's Huns in 441–442 and by the Goths of Teodoric Strabo in 471.

An ancient Roman inscription written in Ancient Greek dated to 253 – 255 AD were discovered in the Great Basilica. The inscription refers to the Dionysian Mysteries and also mentions Roman Emperors Valerian and Gallienus. It has been found on a large stele which was used as construction material during the building of the Great Basilica.

In August 2024, archaeologists from the Regional Archaeological Museum announced the discovery of a well-preserved Thracian temple dated to the third century BCE. The 10-metre-long temple is made of dry joints and clay-sand mortar and has two rooms.

Middle Ages

Monument of Krum in Plovdiv, who was the first Bulgarian ruler to capture Plovdiv.

The Slavs had fully settled in the area by the middle of the 6th century. This was done peacefully as there are no records for their attacks. With the establishment of Bulgaria in 681, Philippoupolis, the name of the city then, became an important border fortress of the Byzantine Empire. It was captured by Khan Krum in 812, but the region was fully incorporated into the Bulgarian Empire in 834 during the reign of Khan Malamir. It was reconquered by the Byzantine Empire in 855–856 for a short time until it was returned to Boris I of Bulgaria. From Philippopolis, the influence of dualistic doctrines spread to Bulgaria forming the basis of the Bogomil heresy. The city remained in Bulgarian hands until 970. However, the city is described at the time of Constantine VII in the 10th century as being within the Byzantine province (theme of Macedonia). Philippopolis was captured by the Byzantines in 969, shortly before it was sacked by the ruler of Rus' Sviatoslav I of Kiev who impaled 20,000 citizens. Before and after the Rus' massacre, the city was settled by Paulician heretics transported from Syria and Armenia to serve as military settlers on the European frontier with Bulgaria. Aime de Varennes in 1180 encountered the singing of Byzantine songs in the city that recounted the deeds of Alexander the Great and his predecessors over 1300 years before.

Byzantine rule was interrupted by the Third Crusade (1189–1192) when the army of the Holy Roman emperor Frederick Barbarossa conquered Philippopolis. Ivanko was appointed as the governor of the Byzantine Theme of Philippopolis in 1196, but between 1198 and 1200 separated it from Byzantium in a union with Bulgaria. The Latin Empire conquered Philippopolis in 1204, and there were two short interregnum periods as the city was twice occupied by Kaloyan of Bulgaria before his death in 1207. In 1208, Kaloyan's successor Boril was defeated by the Latins in the Battle of Philippopolis. Under Latin rule, Philippopolis was the capital of the Duchy of Philippopolis, which was governed by Renier de Trit and later on by Gerard de Strem. The city was possibly at times a vassal of Bulgaria or Venice. Ivan Asen II conquered the duchy finally in 1230 but the city had possibly been conquered earlier. Afterwards, Philippopolis was conquered by Byzantium. According to some information, by 1300 Philippopolis was a possession of Theodore Svetoslav of Bulgaria. It was conquered from Byzantium by George Terter II of Bulgaria in 1322. Andronikos III Palaiologos unsuccessfully besieged the city, but a treaty restored Byzantine rule once again in 1323. In 1344 the city and eight other cities were surrendered to Bulgaria by the regency for John V Palaiologos as the price for Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria's support in the Byzantine civil war of 1341–47.

Ottoman rule

In 1364 the Ottoman Turks under Lala Shahin Pasha seized Plovdiv. According to other data, Plovdiv was not an Ottoman possession until the Battle of Maritsa in 1371, after which, the citizens and the Bulgarian army fled leaving the city without resistance. Refugees settled in Stanimaka. During the Ottoman Interregnum in 1410, Musa Çelebi conquered the city killing and displacing inhabitants. The city was the centre of the Rumelia Eyalet from 1364 until 1443, when it was replaced by Sofia as the capital of Rumelia. Plovdiv served as a sanjak centre within Rumelia between 1443 and 1593, the sanjak centre in Silistra Eyalet between 1593 and 1826, the sanjak centre in Eyalet of Adrianople between 1826 and 1867, and the sanjak centre of Edirne Vilayet between 1867 and 1878. During that period, Plovdiv was one of the major economic centers in the Balkans, along with Istanbul (Constantinople), Edirne, Thessaloniki, and Sofia. The richer citizens constructed beautiful houses, many of which can still be seen in the architectural reserve of Old Plovdiv. From the early 15th century till the end of 17th century the city was predominantly inhabited by Muslims.

National revival

Main article: Bulgarian National Revival
The Virgin Mary Church.

Under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, Filibe (as the city was known at that time) was a focal point for the Bulgarian national movement and survived as one of the major cultural centers for Bulgarian culture and tradition.

Filibe was described as consisting of Turks, Bulgarians, Hellenized Bulgarians, Armenians, Jews, Vlachs, Arvanites, Greeks, and Roma people. In the 16–17 century a significant number of Sephardic Jews settled along with a smaller Armenian community from Galicia. The Paulicians adopted Catholicism or lost their identity. The abolition of Slavonic as the language of the Bulgarian Church as well as the complete abolition of the church in 1767 and the introduction of the Millet System led to ethnic division among people of different religions. Christian and Muslim Bulgarians were subjected to Hellenization and Turkification respectively. A major part of the inhabitants was fully or partly Hellenized due to the Greek patriarchate. The "Langeris" are described as Greeks from the area of the nearby Stenimachos. The process of Hellenization flourished until the 1830s but declined with the Tanzimat as the idea of the Hellenic nation of Christians grew and was associated with ethnic Greeks.

The re-establishment of the Bulgarian Church in 1870 was a sign of ethnic and national consciousness. Thus, although there is a little doubt about the Bulgarian origin of the Gulidas, the city could be considered of Greek or Bulgarian majority in the 19th century. Raymond Detrez has suggested that when the Gudilas and Langeris claimed to be Greek it was more in the sense of "Romei than Ellines, in a cultural rather than an ethnic sense". According to the statistics by the Bulgarian and Greek authors, there were no Turks in the city; according to an alternative estimate the city was of Turkish majority.

Filibe had an important role in the struggle for Church independence which was, according to some historians, a peaceful bourgeois revolution. Filibe became the center of that struggle with leaders such as Nayden Gerov, Dr Valkovich, Joakim Gruev, and whole families. In 1836 the first Bulgarian school was inaugurated, and in 1850, modern secular education began when the "St Cyrill and Methodius" school was opened. On 11 May 1858, the day of Saints Cyril and Methodius was celebrated for the first time; this later became a National holiday which is still celebrated today (but on 24 May due to Bulgaria's 1916 transition from the Old Style (Julian) to the New Style (Gregorian) calendar). In 1858 in the Church of Virgin Mary, the Christmas liturgy was served for the first time in the Bulgarian language since the beginning of the Ottoman occupation. Until 1906 there were Bulgarian and Greek bishops in the city. In 1868 the school expanded into the first grammar school. Some of the intellectuals, politicians, and spiritual leaders of the nation graduated that school.

The city was conquered by the Russians under Aleksandr Burago for several hours during the Battle of Philippopolis on 17 January 1878. It was the capital of the Provisional Russian Administration in Bulgaria between May and October. According to the Russian census of the same year, Filibe had a population of 24,000 citizens, of which ethnic Bulgarians comprised 45.4%, Turks 23.1% and Greeks 19.9%.

Eastern Rumelia

Main article: Bulgarian unification
Nebet Tepe, drawing from The Graphic – London, 1885
Taat tepe, in Plovdiv, with the governor's palace and Maritsa river in the foreground. Drawing from The Graphic – London, 1885

According to the Treaty of San Stefano on 3 March 1878, the Principality of Bulgaria included the lands with predominantly Bulgarian population. Plovdiv which was the biggest and most vibrant Bulgarian city was selected as a capital of the restored country and for a seat of the Temporary Russian Government. Great Britain and Austria-Hungary, however, did not approve that treaty and the final result of the war was concluded in the Congress of Berlin which divided the newly liberated country into several parts. It separated the autonomous region of Eastern Rumelia from Bulgaria, and Plovdiv became its capital. The Ottoman Empire created a constitution and appointed a governor.

In the spring of 1885, Zahari Stoyanov formed the Secret Bulgarian Central Revolutionary Committee in the city which actively conducted propaganda for the unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. On 5 September, several hundred armed rebels from Golyamo Konare (now Saedinenie) marched to Plovdiv. In the night of 5–6 September, these men, led by Danail Nikolaev, took control of the city and removed from office the General-Governor Gavril Krastevich. A provisional government was formed led by Georgi Stranski, and universal mobilization was announced. After the Serbs were defeated in the Serbo-Bulgarian War, Bulgaria and Turkey reached an agreement that the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia had a common government, Parliament, administration, and army. Today, 6 September is celebrated as the Unification Day and the Day of Plovdiv.

Recent history

After the unification, Plovdiv remained the second most populous city in Bulgaria after the capital Sofia. The first railway in the city was built in 1874 connecting it with the Ottoman capital, and in 1888, it was linked with Sofia. In 1892 Plovdiv became the host of the First Bulgarian Fair with international participation which was succeeded by the International Fair Plovdiv. After the liberation, the first brewery was inaugurated in the city.

The noteworthy English travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor visited Plovdiv in the late summer of 1934 and he was charmed by the town and a local woman name Nadjeda.

In the beginning of the 20th century, Plovdiv grew as a significant industrial and commercial center with well-developed light and food industry. In 1927 the electrification of Plovdiv has started. German, French, and Belgian capital was invested in the city in the development of modern trade, banking, and industry. In 1939, there were 16,000 craftsmen and 17,000 workers in manufacturing factories, mainly for food and tobacco processing. During the Second World War, the tobacco industry expanded as well as the export of fruit and vegetables. In 1943, 1,500 Jews were saved from deportation in concentration camps by the archbishop of Plovdiv, Cyril, who later became the Bulgarian Patriarch. In 1944, the city was bombed by the British-American coalition.

Tobacco Depot workers went on strike on 4 May 1953.

On 6 April 1956, the first trolleybus line was opened and in the 1950s the Trimontsium Hotel was constructed. In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a construction boom and many of the modern neighborhoods took shape. In the 1970s and 1980s, antique remains were excavated and the Old Town was fully restored. In 1990 the sports complex "Plovdiv" was finished. It included the largest stadium and rowing canal in the country. In that period, Plovdiv became the birthplace of Bulgaria's movement for democratic reform, which by 1989 had garnered enough support to enter government.

Plovdiv has hosted specialized exhibitions of the World's Fair in 1981, 1985, and 1991.

Geography

Plovdiv seen from space
A view of Nebet tepe hill
A view of Plovdiv with the Stara Planina Mountain in the background.

Plovdiv is located on the banks of the Maritsa river, southeast of the Bulgarian capital Sofia. The city is in the southern part of the Plain of Plovdiv, an alluvial plain that forms the western portion of the Upper Thracian Plain. From there, the peaks of the Sredna Gora mountain range rise to the northwest, the Chirpan Heights to the east, and the Rhodope mountains to the south. Originally, Plovdiv's development occurred south of Maritsa, with expansion across the river taking place only within the last 100 years. Modern Plovdiv covers an area of 101 km (39 sq mi), less than 0.1% of Bulgaria's total area. It is the most densely populated city in Bulgaria, with 3,769 inhabitants per km.

Inside the city proper are six syenite hills. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were seven syenite hills, but one (Markovo tepe) was destroyed. Three of them are called the Three Hills (Bulgarian: Трихълмие Trihalmie), the others are called the Hill of the Youth (Bulgarian: Младежки хълм, Mladezhki halm), the Hill of the Liberators (Bulgarian: Хълм на освободителите, Halm na osvoboditelite), and the Hill of Danov (Bulgarian: Данов хълм, Danov halm).

Climate

Plovdiv has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with considerable humid continental influences. There are four distinct seasons with large temperature jumps between seasons.

Summer (mid-May to late September) is hot, moderately dry and sunny, with July and August having an average high of 33 °C (91 °F). Plovdiv sometimes experiences very hot days which are typical in the interior of the country. Summer nights are mild.

Autumn starts in late September; days are long and relatively warm in early autumn. The nights become chilly by September. The first frost usually occurs by November.

Winter is normally cold and snow is common. The average number of days with snow coverage in Plovdiv is 15. The average depth of snow coverage is 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2 in), and the maximum is normally 6 to 13 cm (2 to 5 in), but some winters coverage can reach 70 cm (28 in) or more. The average January temperature is −0.4 °C (31 °F).

Spring begins in March and is cooler than autumn. The frost season ends in March. The days are mild and relatively warm in mid-spring.

The average relative humidity is 73% and is highest in December at 86% and the lowest in August at 62%. The total precipitation is 540 mm (21.26 in) and is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest months of the year are May and June, with an average precipitation of 66.2 mm (2.61 in), and the driest month is August, with an average precipitation of 31 mm (1.22 in).

Gentle winds (0 to 5 m/s) are predominant in the city with wind speeds of up to 1 m/s, representing 95% of all winds during the year. Mists are common in the cooler months, especially along the banks of the Maritsa. On average there are 33 days with mist during the year.

Climate data for Plovdiv (1952–2000; extremes 1942–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 23.0
(73.4)
24.0
(75.2)
30.0
(86.0)
34.2
(93.6)
36.0
(96.8)
41.0
(105.8)
45.0
(113.0)
42.5
(108.5)
37.6
(99.7)
36.8
(98.2)
27.0
(80.6)
22.9
(73.2)
45.0
(113.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5.2
(41.4)
8.3
(46.9)
13.0
(55.4)
18.4
(65.1)
23.7
(74.7)
28.0
(82.4)
30.7
(87.3)
30.3
(86.5)
26.0
(78.8)
19.4
(66.9)
11.9
(53.4)
6.4
(43.5)
18.5
(65.3)
Daily mean °C (°F) 0.9
(33.6)
3.2
(37.8)
7.2
(45.0)
12.3
(54.1)
17.3
(63.1)
21.5
(70.7)
23.9
(75.0)
23.2
(73.8)
19.0
(66.2)
13.1
(55.6)
6.9
(44.4)
2.3
(36.1)
12.7
(54.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −3.0
(26.6)
−1.4
(29.5)
1.8
(35.2)
6.2
(43.2)
11.0
(51.8)
15.0
(59.0)
17.0
(62.6)
16.5
(61.7)
12.6
(54.7)
7.6
(45.7)
2.6
(36.7)
−1.3
(29.7)
7.1
(44.8)
Record low °C (°F) −31.5
(−24.7)
−29.1
(−20.4)
−17.5
(0.5)
−4.0
(24.8)
−0.3
(31.5)
6.0
(42.8)
8.2
(46.8)
5.6
(42.1)
0.7
(33.3)
−5.9
(21.4)
−9.1
(15.6)
−22.7
(−8.9)
−31.5
(−24.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 27
(1.1)
34
(1.3)
37
(1.5)
41
(1.6)
77
(3.0)
57
(2.2)
39
(1.5)
43
(1.7)
35
(1.4)
37
(1.5)
36
(1.4)
39
(1.5)
502
(19.8)
Average precipitation days 4.8 5.1 5.8 4.7 6.5 6.2 3.8 3.1 3.1 3.9 5.8 6.2 60.7
Average relative humidity (%) 76 67 60 53 53 50 45 46 48 59 69 76 59
Mean monthly sunshine hours 94 110 170 200 252 281 328 315 230 162 120 77 2,339
Source 1: Climatebase.ru
Source 2: Danish Meteorological Institute (sun and relative humidity),
Climate data for Plovidiv (2008-2021)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 7.3
(45.1)
10.2
(50.4)
16.2
(61.2)
19.3
(66.7)
25.2
(77.4)
28.7
(83.7)
32.1
(89.8)
31.8
(89.2)
26.9
(80.4)
21.5
(70.7)
15.3
(59.5)
8.8
(47.8)
21
(70)
Daily mean °C (°F) 2.2
(36.0)
4.5
(40.1)
8.5
(47.3)
14.3
(57.7)
19.3
(66.7)
23.4
(74.1)
25.6
(78.1)
25.5
(77.9)
21.6
(70.9)
16.3
(61.3)
10.7
(51.3)
4.6
(40.3)
14.0
(57.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −1.0
(30.2)
−0.3
(31.5)
3.6
(38.5)
8.3
(46.9)
13.5
(56.3)
17.3
(63.1)
18.9
(66.0)
18.8
(65.8)
15.1
(59.2)
10.8
(51.4)
6.3
(43.3)
0.5
(32.9)
9.3
(48.8)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 41.6
(1.64)
34.9
(1.37)
42.3
(1.67)
40.0
(1.57)
59.5
(2.34)
61.7
(2.43)
56.1
(2.21)
45.9
(1.81)
44.6
(1.76)
44.3
(1.74)
24.0
(0.94)
60.2
(2.37)
555.1
(21.85)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) 10.1 7.8 8.1 9.6 11.6 10.2 8.1 5.7 7.4 8.1 5.7 11 103.4
Average snowy days 5.8 4.5 1.8 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.6 5.1 18
Source: Stringmeteo.com

Meteomanz(precipitation and days 2000-2013)

Population

The population by permanent address for the municipality of Plovdiv in 2007 was 380,682, which makes it the second most populated in the nation. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (NSI), the population of people who actually live in Plovdiv is 346,790. According to the 2012 census, 339,077 live within the city limits and 403,153 in the municipal triangle of Plovdiv, including Maritsa municipality and Rodopi municipality.

Population of Plovdiv:

Historical population
YearPop.±%
188733,032—    
191047,981+45.3%
193499,883+108.2%
1946126,563+26.7%
1956161,836+27.9%
1965222,508+37.5%
1975299,638+34.7%
1985342,131+14.2%
1992341,058−0.3%
2001338,224−0.8%
2011338,153−0.0%
2021342,048+1.2%
2022343,070+0.3%
Source: Censuses"National statistical institute". 31 October 2024.

At the first census after the Liberation of Bulgaria in 1880 with 24,053 citizens, Plovdiv was the third largest city behind Stara Zagora, which had 25,460 citizens prior to being burnt to the ground as well as Ruse, which had 26,163 citizens then, and ahead of the capital Sofia, which had 20,501 citizens then. As of the 1887 census, Plovdiv was the largest city in the country for several years with 33,032 inhabitants compared to 30,428 for Sofia. According to the 1946 census, Plovdiv was the second largest city with 126,563 inhabitants compared to 487,000 for the capital.

Ethnicity and religion

Households of the Ottoman city by ethnoreligious groups
Year Muslims Christians Roma Jews
1472 81.7% 18.3%
1489 87.1% 8.2% 3.5%
1490 (households) 796 78 33
1516 86.7% 7% 2.8% 2.5%
1525 85.2% 7.5% 3.2% 3%
1530 82.1% 9.1% 3.8% 3.7%
1570 82% 9.3% 2.7% 5.4%
1595 78.2% 14% 2.9% 4.8%
1614 68.3% 22.6% 7.7% 4.1%
1695 81% 14%
1876 33%
Population by ethnic groups under Russian administration, Eastern Rumelia and Bulgaria
Census Total Bulgarians Turks Jews Greeks Armenians Roma Others Unspecified
1878 24053 10909 (45.35%) 5558 (23.10%) 1134 (4.71%) 4781 (19.88%) 806 (3.35%) 865 (3.60%) 902 (3.75%)
1884

33442 16752 (50.09%) 7144 (21.36%) 2168 (6.48%) 5497 (16.44%) 979 (2.93%) 112 902 (2.70%)
1887 33032 19542 5615 2202 3930 903 348 492
1892 36033 20854 6381 2696 3906 1024 237 935
1900 43033 24170 4708 3602 3908 1844 1934 2869
1910 47981 32727 2946 4436 1571 1794 3524 983
1920 64415 46889 5605 5144 1071 3773 1342 591
1926 84655 63268 4748 5612 549 5881 2746 1851
1934 99883 77449 6102 5574 340 5316 2728 2374
1939 105643 (100%) 82012 (77.63%) 6462 (6.12%) 5960 (5,64%) 200 (0.19%) 6591 (6.24%) 2982 (2.82%) 1436 (1.36%)
2001 338224 302858 (89.5%) 22501 (6.7%) 5192 (1.5%) 5764 (1.7%) 1909
2011 338153 277804 (82.2%) 16032 (4.7%) 1436 (0.4%) 9438 (2.8%) 3105 (0.9%) 31774 (9.4%)

In its ethnic character Plovdiv is the second or the third-largest cosmopolitan city inhabited by Bulgarians, after Sofia and possibly Varna. According to the 2001 census, out of a population of 338,224 inhabitants, the Bulgarians numbered 302,858 (90%). Stolipinovo in Plovdiv is the largest Roma neighbourhood in the Balkans, having a population of around 20,000 alone; further Roma ghettos are Hadji Hassan Mahala and Sheker Mahala. Therefore, the census number is a deflation of the number of Roma people, and they are most likely the second-largest group after the Bulgarians, most of all because the Muslim Roma in Plovdiv claim to be of Turkish ethnicity and Turkish-speaking at the census ("Xoraxane Roma"). For further information see the article Roma people in Plovdiv. Like elsewhere in the country, Roma people are subjected to discrimination and segregation (See the Bulgaria section of the article Antiziganism).

After the Wars for National Union (Balkan Wars and World War I), the city became home for thousands of refugees from the former Bulgarian lands in Macedonia, Western and Eastern Thrace. Many of the old neighbourhoods are still referred to as Belomorski, Vardarski. Most of the Jews left the city after the foundation of Israel in 1948, as well as most of the Turks and Greeks. Prior to the population exchange, as of 1 January 1885, the city of Plovdiv had a population of 33,442, of which 16,752 were Bulgarians (50%), 7,144 Turks (21%), 5,497 Greeks (16%), 2,168 Jews (6%), 1,061 Armenians (3%), 151 Italians, 112 Germans, 112 Romani people, 80 French people, 61 Russians and 304 people of other nationalities.

The vast majority of the inhabitants are Christians, mostly Eastern Orthodox, Catholics, Eastern Catholics, and Protestant trends (Adventists, Baptists and others). There are also some Muslims and Jews. In Plovdiv, there are many churches, two mosques and one synagogue (see Plovdiv Synagogue).

Some Aromanians also inhabit Plovdiv.

City government

Plovdiv is the administrative center of Plovdiv Province which consists of the Municipality of Plovdiv, the Maritsa municipality, and the Rodopi municipality. The mayor of the Municipality of Plovdiv, Kostadin Dimitrov, with the six district mayors represent the local executive authorities. The Municipal Council which consists of 51 municipal counsellors, represents the legislative power, and is elected according to the proportional system by parties' lists. The executive government of the Municipality of Plovdiv consists of a mayor who is elected by majority representation, five deputy mayors, and one administrative secretary. All the deputy mayors and the secretary control their administrative structured units.

According to the Law for the territorial subdivision of the Capital municipality and the large cities, the territory of Plovdiv Municipality is subdivided into six district administrations with their mayors being appointed following approval by the Municipal Council.

Districts and neighbourhoods

Plovdiv

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
Number Neighbourhood Number Neighbourhood Number Neighbourhood Number Neighbourhood
1 Center 12 Sadiiski 23 Hristo Smirnenski 34 Sheker Mahala
2 Old Town 13 Stochna Gara 24 Proslav
3 Kamenitsa 1 14 Kyutchuk Paris 25 Mladezhki Halm
4 Kamenitsa 2 15 Vastannicheski 26 Otdih i Kultura
5 Izgrev 16 Belomorski 27 Marasha
6 Stolipinovo 17 Institut po Ovoshtarstvo 28 Maritsa Sever
7 Izgrev 18 Ostromila 29 Zaharna Fabrika
8 Industrial zone – East 19 Yuzhen 30 Karshiaka
9 Trakia 20 Tsentralna Gara 31 Gagarin
10 Industrial zone – Trakia 21 Komatevo 32 Industrial Zone – North
11 Industrial zone – South 22 Komatevski Vazel 33 Filipovo

In 1969 the villages of Proslav and Komatevo were incorporated into the city. In 1987 the municipalities of Maritsa and Rodopi were separated from Plovdiv which remained their administrative center. In the last several years, the inhabitants from those villages had taken steps to rejoin the "urban" municipality.

Main sights

The city has more than 200 archaeological sites, 30 of which are of national importance. There are many remains from antiquity. Plovdiv is among the few cities with two ancient theatres; remains of the medieval walls and towers; Ottoman baths and mosques; a well-preserved old quarter from the National Revival period with beautiful houses; churches; and narrow paved streets. There are numerous museums, art, galleries and cultural institutions. Plovdiv is host to musical, theatrical, and film events. The Knyaz Alexander I Street is the main street in Plovdiv.

The city is a starting point for trips to places in the region, such as the Bachkovo Monastery at 30 km (19 mi) to the south, the ski-resort Pamporovo at 90 km (56 mi) to the south or the spa resorts to the north Hisarya, Banya, Krasnovo, and Strelcha.

Roman City

Ancient monuments in PlovdivTheatreTheatreNebet TepeNebet TepeHisar KapiaHisar KapiaEastern GateEastern GateStadiumStadiumGreat BasilicaGreat BasilicaSmall BasilicaSmall BasilicaForumForumOdeonOdeonLibraryLibrarySynagogueSynagogueEirene ResidenceEirene Residenceclass=notpageimage| Ancient monuments in Plovdiv

The Ancient theatre (Antichen teatur) is probably the best-known monument from antiquity in Bulgaria. During recent archaeological survey, an inscription was found on a postament of a statue at the theatre. It revealed that the site was constructed at the 90s of the 1st century CE. The inscription itself refers to Titus Flavius Cotis, the ruler of the ancient city during the reign of Emperor Domitian.

The Ancient theatre is situated in the natural saddle between two of the Three Hills. It is divided into two parts with 14 rows each divided with a horizontal lane. The theatre could accommodate up to 7,000 people. The three-story scene is on the southern part and is decorated with friezes, cornices, and statues. The theatre was studied, conserved, and restored between 1968 and 1984. Many events are still held on the scene including the Opera Festival Opera Open, the Rock Festival Sounds of the Ages, and the International Folklore festival. The Roman Odeon was restored in 2004. It was built in the 2nd–5th centuries and is the second (and smaller) antique theatre of Philipopolis with 350 seats. It was initially built as a bulevterion, an edifice of the city council, and was later reconstructed as a theatre.

The Ancient Stadium is another important monument of the ancient city. It was built in the 2nd century during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is situated between Danov Hill and one of the Three Hills, beneath the main street from Dzhumaya Square to Kamenitsa Square. It was modelled after the stadium in Delphi. It was approximately 240 metres (790 feet) long and 50 metres (160 feet) wide, and could seat up to 30,000 spectators. The athletic games at the stadium were organised by the General Assembly of the province of Thrace. In their honour, the royal mint of Philippopolis coined money featuring the face of the ruling emperor as well as the types of athletic events held in the stadium. Only a small part of the northern section with 14 seat rows can be seen today; the larger part lies under the main street and a number of buildings.

The Roman forum dates from the reign of Vespasian in the 1st century and was finished in the 2nd century. It is near the modern post office next to the Odeon. It has an area of 11 hectares and was surrounded by shops and public buildings. The forum was a focal point of the streets of the ancient city.

The Eirene Residence is in the southern part of the Three Hills on the northern part of an ancient street in the Archeological underpass. It includes remains of a public building from the 3rd–4th centuries which belonged to a noble citizen. Eirene is the Christian name for Penelopa, a maiden from Megadon, who was converted to Christianity in the 2nd century. There are colourful mosaics which have geometrical forms and figures.

On Nebet hill are the remains of the first settlement which in 12th century BCE grew to the Thracian city of Eumolpias, one of the first cities in Southeastern Europe. Massive walls surrounding a temple and a palace have been excavated. The oldest part of the fortress was constructed from large syenite blocks, the so-called "cyclopean construction".

Museums and protected sites

The Archaeological Museum was established in 1882 as the People's Museum of Eastern Rumelia. In 1928 the museum was moved to a 19th-century edifice on Saedinenie Square built by Plovdiv architect Josef Schnitter. The museum contains a rich collection of Thracian art. The three sections "Prehistory", "Antiquity", and "Middle Ages" contain precious artifacts from the Paleolithic to the early Ottoman period (15th–16th centuries). The famous Panagyurishte treasure is part of the museum's collection.

The Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum was founded in 1951 as a scientific and cultural institute for collecting, saving, and researching historical evidence about Plovdiv and the surrounding region from 16th to 20th centuries. The exhibition is situated in three buildings.

The Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum was inaugurated in 1917. On 14 October 1943, it was moved to a house in the Old Town. In 1949 the Municipal House-museum was reorganized as a People's Ethnographic Museum and in 1962 it was renovated. There are more than 40,000 objects.

The Museum of Natural Science was inaugurated in 1955 in the old edifice of the Plovdiv Municipality built in 1880. It is among the most important museums in the country with rich collections in its Paleontology, Mineralogy, and Botanic sections. There are several rooms for wildlife and it contains Bulgaria's largest freshwater aquarium with 40 fish species. It has a collection of minerals from the Rhodope mountains.

The Museum of Aviation was established on 21 September 1991 on the territory of the Krumovo airbase 12 km (7 mi) to the southeast of the city. The museum possesses 59 aircraft and indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

The Old Town of Plovdiv is a historic preservation site known for its Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style. The Old Town covers the area of the three central hills (Трихълмие, Trihalmie). Almost every house in the Old Town has its characteristic exterior and interior decoration.

Churches, mosques and temples

There are a number of 19th-century churches, most of which follow the distinctive Eastern Orthodox construction style. They are the Saint Constantine and Saint Helena, the Saint Marina, the Saint Nedelya, the Saint Petka, and the Holy Mother of God Churches. As the city has been a gathering center for Orthodox Christians for a long period of time, Plovdiv is surrounded by several monasteries located at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains such as "St. George", "St. Kozma and Damian", St. Kirik, and Yulita (Ulita). They remain good examples of the late Middle Age Orthodox architecture and iconography masterpieces typical for the region. There are also Roman Catholic cathedrals in Plovdiv, the Cathedral of St Louis being the largest. There are several more modern Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and other Protestant churches, as well as older style Apostolic churches.

Two mosques remain in Plovdiv from the time of Ottoman rule. The Djumaya Mosque is considered the oldest European mosque outside Moorish Spain.

The Sephardic Plovdiv Synagogue is at Tsar Kaloyan Street 13 in the remnants of a small courtyard in what was once a large Jewish quarter. Dating to the 19th century, it is one of the best-preserved examples of the so-called "Ottoman-style" synagogues in the Balkans. According to author Ruth E. Gruber, the interior of the Plovdiv Synagogue is a "hidden treasure...a glorious, if run-down, burst of color." An exquisite Venetian glass chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling, which has a richly painted dome. All surfaces are covered in elaborate, Moorish-style, geometric designs in once-bright greens and blues. Torah scrolls are kept in the gilded Aron-ha-Kodesh.

Culture

Theatre and music

A preserved medieval street in the Old town
A performance in the Roman Odeon

The Plovdiv Drama Theatre is a successor of the first professional theatre group in Bulgaria founded in 1881. The Plovdiv Puppet Theatre, founded in 1948, remains one of the leading institutions in this genre. The Plovdiv Opera was established in 1953.

Another pillar of Plovdiv's culture is the Philharmonic, founded in 1945. Soloists such as Dmitri Shostakovich, Sviatoslav Richter, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yuri Boukov, and Mincho Minchev have worked with the Plovdiv Philharmonic. The orchestra has toured in almost all of the European countries.

The Trakiya Folklore Ensemble, founded in 1974, has performed thousands of concerts in Bulgaria and more than 42 countries. The Trakiya Traditional Choir was nominated for a Grammy Award. The Detska Kitka Choir is one of the oldest and best-known youth choirs in Bulgaria and the winner of numerous awards from international choral competitions. The Evmolpeya choir is another girls' choir from Plovdiv, whose establishing patron, Ivan Chomakov, became the then mayor in 2006. The choir was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador and a municipal choir.

Literature

Plovdiv is among the nation's primary literary centres. In 1855 Hristo G. Danov created the first Bulgarian publishing company and printing-press. The city's traditions as a literary centre are preserved by the first public library in Bulgaria, the Ivan Vazov National Library, the 19 chitalishta (cultural centres), and by numerous booksellers and publishers. The library was founded in 1879 and named after the famous Bulgarian writer and poet Ivan Vazov who worked in Plovdiv for five years creating some of his best works. Today the Ivan Vazov National Library is the second largest national library institution with more than 1.5 million books, owning rare Bulgarian and European publications.

Arts

The Art Gallery of Plovdiv

The city has traditions in iconography since the Middle Ages. During the Period of National Revival, a number of notable icon-painters (called in Bulgarian zografi, зографи) from all regions of the country worked in Plovdiv such as – Dimitar Zograf, his son Zafir Zograf, Zahari Zograf, Georgi Danchov, and others. After the Liberation, the Bulgarian painter of Czech origin Ivan Mrkvička came to work in the city. The Painters' Society was established there by artists from southern Bulgaria in 1912 whose members included painters Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, Tsanko Lavrenov and Sirak Skitnik.

Today the city has more than 40 art galleries with most of them being privately owned. The Art Gallery of Plovdiv was founded in the late 19th century. It possesses 5,000 pieces of art in four buildings. Since 1981, it has had a section for Mexican art donated by Mexican painters in honour of the 1,300-year anniversary of the Bulgarian State.

European Capital of Culture

On 5 September 2014, Plovdiv was selected as the Bulgarian host of European Capital of Culture in 2019. The city will co-host the event with Matera and another city (yet to be decided).

After Plovdiv was elected as European Capital of Culture in 2019, an ambitious cultural program has started its realisation. According to this program, there will be an Island of Arts in the middle of the Maritsa River in Plovdiv. The "Kapana" area (the "Trap") will become a quarter of the arts where the creative industries are going to be developed and presented. This famous area, Kapana, was renovated in 2014, restoring its authentic outlook. It has been used for a number of festivals and art events.

For 2019 the City Under the Hills is planning a number of concerts, including "Balkan Music in Plovdiv".The city will host the Plovdiv Biennale and a number of international forums, such as a meeting of collectors from Europe, a summer art school, dance projects, etc.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Plovdiv

GVA by sector (2013)

  Agriculture (5%)  Industry (57%)  Services (38%)

Employees by sector (2014)

  Manufacturing (36%)  Commerce (16%)  Education (8%)  Healthcare (7%)  Transport (6%)  Other (27%)

Although it is located in the middle of a rich agricultural region, Plovdiv's economy has shifted from agriculture to industry since the beginning of the 20th century. Food processing, tobacco, brewing, and textiles formed the pillars of the industrial economic shift. During Communist rule, the city's economy expanded and was dominated by heavy industry. After the fall of Communism in 1989 and the collapse of Bulgaria's planned economy, a number of industrial complexes were closed; production of lead and zinc, machinery, electronics, motor trucks, chemicals, and cosmetics have continued.

Plovdiv is the economic capital of Bulgaria as it has the country's largest economy and contributes 7.5% of Bulgaria's GDP as of 2014. In 2014, more than 35 thousand companies operate in the region which create jobs for 285,000 people. The advantages of Plovdiv include the central geographic location, good infrastructure, and large population. Plovdiv has an international airport, terminal for intermodal transport, several connections with Trakia motorway (connecting Sofia and Burgas), proximity to Maritsa motorway (the main corridor to Turkey), and well-developed road and rail infrastructure which all led to the development of the city as the leading city in terms of industrial output in Bulgaria. Established in 1970, the Toplofikatsiya Plovdiv company provides generation of electric power and heat and heat distribution for Plovdiv.

The economy of Plovdiv has long tradition in manufacturing, commerce, transport, communications, and tourism. Apart from the industrial development of Plovdiv, there has been a significant surge in the IT and outsourcing service sector in the recent years, as well as a double-digit increase in the tourism growth in the city every year for the past 5 years.

Economic Indicators

Indicator Unit 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
GDP BGN million 5,539 6,062 6,178 6,374 6,273
Share in Bulgaria's GDP % 7.5 7.6 7.6 7.8 7.5
GDP per capita BGN 7,924 8,888 9,087 9,394 9,268
Population Number 696,300 680,884 678,860 678,197 675,586
Average annual number of employees under labor contract Number 208,438 207,599 205,876 203,933 207,057
Average salary of employees under labor contract BGN 6,462 6,889 7,418 7,922 8,504
Economic activity rate % 64.9 64.2 67.7 70.7 71.7
Unemployment rate % 8.5 8.8 11.2 13.4 13.1
FDI EUR million 1.118 1.259 1.340 1.648 1.546

Source: The National Statistical Institute

Industry

Industry has been the sole leader in attracting investment. Industry has been expanding since the late 1990s, with manufacturing plants being built in the city or in its outskirts mainly the municipality of Maritsa. In this period, some €500,000,000 has been invested in the construction of new factories. Trakia Economic Zone which is one of the largest industrial zones in Eastern Europe, is located around Plovdiv. Some of the biggest companies in the region include the Austrian utility company EVN, PIMK (transport), Insa Oil (fuels), Liebherr (refrigerator plant), Magna International (automotive industry), Bella Bulgaria (food manufacturing), Socotab (tobacco processing), ABB Group, Schneider Electric, Osram, Sensata Technologies, etc.

Shopping and commerce

The commercial sector is developing quickly. Shopping centers have been built mainly in the Central district and the district of Trakiya. Those include Shopping Center Grand, Market Center, and two more all on the Kapitan Raycho Street, Forum in Trakiya, Excelsior, and others. Plovdiv has three large shopping centers: the €40 million Mall of Plovdiv (opened 2009) with a shopping area of 22,000 m (236,806.03 sq ft), 11 cinema halls, and parking for 700 cars; Markovo tepe Mall (opened 2016); and Plovdiv Plaza Mall which is 6 stories high with 127 000 m area, half of which is the parking lot and the rest is shopping area.

Due to the high demand for business office space, new office and commercial buildings have been built. Several hypermarkets have been built mainly on the outskirts of the city: Metro, Kaufland, Triumf, Praktiker, Billa, Mr. Bricolage, Baumax, Technopolis, Technomarket Europa, and others. The main shopping area is the central street with its shops, cafés, and restaurants. A number of cafés, craftsmen workshops, and souvenir shops are in the Old Town and the small streets in the centre, known among the locals as "The Trap" (Bulgarian: Капана).

The Plovdiv International Fair, held annually since 1892, is the largest and oldest fair in the country and all of southeastern Europe, gathering companies from all over the world in an exhibition area of 138,000 m (1,485,419.64 sq ft) located on a territory of 352,000 m (3,788,896.47 sq ft) on the northern banks of the Maristsa river. It attracts more than 600,000 visitors from many countries.

The city has had a duty-free zone since 1987. It has a customs terminal handling cargo from trucks and trains.

  • Mall Plovdiv Plaza Mall Plovdiv Plaza
  • Mall Markovo tepe Mall Markovo tepe
  • Mall Plovdiv Mall Plovdiv
  • Forum Trakia shopping center Forum Trakia shopping center

Transport

Plovdiv Central railway station.

Plovdiv's geographical position makes it an international transport hub. Three of the ten Pan-European corridors run into or near the city: Corridor IV (DresdenBucharestSofia-Plovdiv-Istanbul), Corridor VIII (Durrës-Sofia-Plovdiv-Varna/Burgas), and Corridor X (SalzburgBelgrade-Plovdiv-Istanbul). A major tourist centre, Plovdiv lies at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains, and most people wishing to explore the mountains choose it as their trip's starting point.

The city is a major road and railway hub in southern Bulgaria with the Trakia motorway (A1) only 5 km (3 mi) to the north. It lies on the important national route from Sofia to Burgas via Stara Zagora. First-class roads lead to Sofia to the west, Karlovo to the north, Asenovgrad, Kardzhali to the south, and Stara Zagora and Haskovo to the east. There are intercity buses which link Plovdiv with cities and towns all over the country and many European countries. They are based in three bus stations: South, Rodopi, and North.

Railway transport in the city dates back to 1872 when it became a station on the LyubimetsBelovo railway line. There are railway lines to Sofia, Panagyurishte, Karlovo, Peshtera, Stara Zagora, Dimitrovgrad, and Asenovgrad. There are three railway stations: – Plovdiv Central, Trakia, and Filipovo – as well as a freight station.

Bus in Plovdiv
Trolleybus in Plovdiv

Plovdiv has a large public transport system including around 30 main and 2 extra bus lines. However, there are no trams in the city, and the Plovdiv trolleybus system was closed in autumn 2012. Six bridges span the Maritsa river including a railway bridge and a covered bridge. There are important road junctions to the south, southwest, and north.

Map of Plovdiv's cycling infrastructure
Green: built
Orange: planned

Plovdiv has a well-developed cycling infrastructure which covers almost all districts of the city. The total length of the cycling roads is 60 kilometres (37 miles) (48 kilometres (30 miles) are completed and 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) are under construction). The city has a total of 690 bike parkings.

  • Cycling Infrastructure

The number of registered private automobiles in the city increased from 178,104 in 2005 to 234,298 in 2009. There are around 658 cars per 1,000 inhabitants

Plovdiv Airport.

Plovdiv International Airport is near the village of Krumovo, 5 km (3 mi) southeast of the city. It takes charter flights from Europe and has scheduled services with Ryanair to London Stansted and Dublin and S7 to Moscow. Wizz Air have services to London Luton, Dortmund, and Munich West.Many small airports are in the city's surroundings, including the Graf Ignatievo Air Base in Graf Ignatievo to the north of Plovdiv.

The BIAF Airshow is held every two years on the Krumovo airbase and is one of the biggest airshows in the Balkans.

Education

Around two thirds of the citizens (62,38%) have secondary, specialized, or higher education. That percentage increased from 1992 to 2001.

Plovdiv has 78 schools including elementary, high, foreign language, mathematics, technical, and art schools. There are also 10 private schools and a seminary. The number of pupils in 2005 was 36,964 and has been constantly decreasing since the mid-1990 due to lower birth rate. Among the most prestigious schools are the Plovdiv Language School, the High School of Mathematics, the Ivan Vazov Language School, the Sts. Cyril and Methodius High School of Humanities, the National School of Commerce, and the French High School.

The city has six universities and a number of state and private colleges and branches of other universities. Those include Plovdiv University, with 900 lecturers and employees and 13,000 students; the Plovdiv Medical University, with 2,600 students; the Medical College; the Technical University of Sofia – Branch Plovdiv; the Agricultural University – Plovdiv; the University of Food Technologies; the Academy for Music, Dance and Fine Arts; and others.

The 2009 International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) was held at the University of Plovdiv "Paisiy Hilendarski", between 8 and 15 August 2009. The 2009 IOI Honorary Patron was Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov.

Between 1875 and 1906, the Zariphios School was one of the local Greek educational institutions that provided elementary and secondary education.

Sports and recreation

Plovdiv Sports Complex consists of Plovdiv Stadium with several additional football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, a rowing base with a 2 km-long channel, restaurants, and cafés in a spacious park in the western part of the city just south of the Maritsa river. There are also playgrounds for children. It is popular among the citizens and guests of Plovdiv who use it for jogging, walking, and relaxation. Plovdiv Stadium (55,000 seats) is the largest football venue in Bulgaria.

Other stadiums include Stadion Botev (19,000 seats), Lokomotiv (10,000 seats), Maritsa Stadium (5,000 seats), and Todor Diev Stadium (7,000 seats). There are seven indoor sports halls: Kolodruma, University Hall, Olimpia, Lokomotiv, Dunav, Stroitel, Chaika, Akademik, and Total Sport. In 2006, Aqualand, a water park, was opened near the city centre. Several smaller water parks are in the city as well.

Football is the most popular sport in the city; Plovdiv has four professional teams. The city has PFC Botev Plovdiv, founded in 1912 and PFC Lokomotiv, founded in 1926. Both teams are a regular fixture in the top Bulgarian league. The rivalry between them is considered to be even more fierce than the one between Levski and CSKA of Sofia. There are two other football clubs in the city – Maritsa FC (founded in 1921) and Spartak Plovdiv (1947).

Plovdiv is host of the international boxing tournament "Strandzha" which has taken place since 1949. In 2007, 96 boxers from 20 countries participated in the tournament. There is a horse racing club and a horse base near the city. Plovdiv has several volleyball and basketball teams.

A view from the "singing fountains" in Tsar Simeon's garden.
A view from the City garden.

Three of the city's seven hills are protected natural territories since 1995. Two of the first parks in Bulgaria are located in the city center  – Tsar Simeon garden – city garden, where the very first work of the Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi could be seen, and Dondukov garden – old city garden. Some of the larger parks include the Botanical garden, Beli Brezi, Ribnitsa, and Lauta.

Notable people

Georgi Ivanov
Sava Mutkurov
Ivan Vazov
Hristo Stoichkov

Sport

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Bulgaria
Sign showing Plovdiv's sister cities

Plovdiv is twinned with:

Honour

The asteroid (minor planet) 3860 Plovdiv is named after the city. It was discovered by the Belgian astronomer Eric W. Elst and the Bulgarian astronomer Violeta G. Ivanova on 8 August 1986. Plovdiv Peak (1,040 m or 3,412 ft) on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, is also named after Plovdiv.

Gallery

  • A panoramic view A panoramic view
  • Looking down one of the streets in Plovdiv. Looking down one of the streets in Plovdiv.
  • Plan of the medieval fortress Plan of the medieval fortress

See also

Portals:

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