The Bulgarian city, captivating with its beauty and sights, is participating in the international tourism exhibition Vacation & SPA Expo
Every journey to Plovdiv is a journey in time. Evidence dating back to the Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and modern culture coexist, interwoven in the irresistible beauty of this ancient and eternal city, which has preserved extremely valuable cultural monuments.
In the following lines we present some of the highlights with which the Municipality of Plovdiv is participating in the tourism exhibition Holiday&SPA Expo – in hall 3, stand C5. The international format at Inter Expo Center starts on March 9 and will last until March 11.
Nebet Tepe Archaeological Complex
This is where the existence of the ancient city began. The first stone in the development of the settlement was laid there in the 4th millennium BC. Eras and civilizations have been layered on top of each other in this part of the Three Hills, which has been declared a cultural monument of national importance and is undoubtedly one of the most important cultural and historical sites not only in Bulgaria, but also on the Balkans.
Initially, the settlement emerged in the naturally fortified and protected place in front of the northern hill. Within the period from the 5th century BC to the 1st century BC, the fortifications formed the citadel of the ancient city center and the settlement became part of the famous Odrysian kingdom. The growth of the city and its transformation into one of the main centers of ancient Thrace is associated with the name of Philip II of Macedon, who laid out streets and continued the strengthening of the city. During this period, the name of the city was Philippopolis. In the 1st century, Philippopolis was included in the Roman Empire. This act enhanced its importance as a political, economic and cultural center of the province of Thrace.
The city also became a metropolitan city – a regional center. It was where the meetings of the general assembly of the Thracians were held, with representatives coming from all the settlements in the province of Thrace who alone had the right to address the Roman emperor directly on matters concerning life in the province. In 172, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, using funds from the imperial treasury, a new fortress wall was built, joining the town in the lowland to the Three Hills. In the early Byzantine era (V-VII century), during the reign of Justinian I, the Three Hills remained strongly fortified.
The Eastern Gate – the main entrance to ancient Philippopolis
A special place in the defense system of ancient Philippopolis is taken by the Eastern Gate complex, which is located at the foot of the Three Hills.
It consists of a street, 13.20 m wide, with sidewalks and porticoes on both sides. The street pavement is made of large syenite slabs and is preserved in its original form. This is the widest preserved street from Roman times on the territory of our country. In this place there was a gate with an honorary arch in the 2nd century.
The gate has three entrances – a large central one and two small ones for pedestrians. According to preserved inscriptions, the construction dates back to 172 – the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It is assumed that there were barracks on both sides of the street, which together with the gate were part of a complete complex. And between them and the street, free-standing marble columns have been formed. The monumental design of the Eastern Gate suggests that it was the most representative entrance to the city.
The tourist attractions have been restored and exhibited under the project “Along the fortress walls of Philippopolis”.
Засилен интерес към участие и посещение от чужбина отчита туристическото изложение Ваканция&СПА Експо
Ваканция&СПА Експо 2025 създава нови перспективи за туристическия бранш от 9 до 11 март