Kapana
Kapana is a wonderful area full of bars, cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and some great murals just to the west of the Old Town. The name translates as ‘The Trap’ but I don’t think it’s as complicated to get around as the Old Town. It’s a place to mooch, have a drinky or two and wind down, or up- the choice is yours.
The City Centre
The modern city centre is just to the south of the Old Town and Kapana and is pedestrianised in parts. There are the usual tempting range of shops, bars and restaurants as well as ancient ruins, museums, mosque’s and churches. The synagogue is a bit harder to find ! [see below].
For more information on Roman Ruins, beautiful mosaics and ancient Plovdiv click HERE.
You may come accross Milyo the crazy in Ul Knyaz Alexander I, a pedestrianised shopping street in the town centre. It is said that if you whisper in his ear your wish will come true! The Unification Monument is in the square next to the Archaeological Museum [See my page on Ancient Plovdiv for more information]. It was erected in 1985 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the unification of Bulgaria.
Churches, Mosques and Synagogue
St Nedelya Church
This handsome church and bell tower was built in 1832 on the site of an older church that was demolished. It’s best known for its striking walnut iconostasis, so make sure that you venture inside.
Sveta Marina Church
This church dates from 1783 and was built on the site of church that was destroyed by fire. It is richly decorated on the inside and features an imposing pagoda shaped bell tower.
St Louis Cathedral
This Catholic church was built in 1850’s and is opposite the Bishop’s Basilica. The bell tower adorned with a large cross was built in 1898. The church was reconstructed in the 1930’s after a fire.
St Petka Church
The church was built in 1888 and was named after the Patron Saint of Plovdiv. The dome was restored after a fire in the 1970’s.
Dzhumaya Mosque
Dzhumaya Mosque is next to the Roman Stadium slap bang in the city centre. It is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the Balkans and dates from the mid 14th Century. It has 9 lead covered domes which is unusual as most mosques have one central dome [see photo below taken from Sahat Tepe]. The inside of the Mosque is beautiful. Don’t forget to take off your shoes.
Imaret Mosque
Imaret Mosque was built in 1445 and was originally intended as a refuge for the homeless. It’s tucked away down a small street north of the city centre near the river. The unusual chevron pattern on the minaret is striking.
The synagogue is hidden in a small courtyard behind sturdy metal gates behind Hotel Ego. You need to make an appointment if you want to visit. It was built in 1892 and is rather plain on the outside but is attractively decorated on the inside in the Moorish style.
Hills and gardens
Sahat Tepe
Sahat Tepe is on the edge of the city centre. The short walk to the top is not as arduous as one may think and the views over the city are well worth the effort. There is a modern television tower at the top as well as a Mediaeval Clock Tower which has no clock face but it does chime on the hour.
Liberators Hill
The enormous 11 metre tall monument known as Alyosha is at the top of The Hill of the Liberators and was built to commemorate the end of the Second World War and the arrival of the Soviets. He looks a bit like Joey from Friends!
Tsar Simeon Garden
This is an attractive park to the south of the city centre and is the perfect place to wander and relax. Locals congregate here to play chess. In the summer months you can watch the singing fountain display which are held at 9.30pm on Thursday- Saturday.
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