The dates September 5 and 6 mark not one or two but three historic events for Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second largest city.
They mark 133 years since the reunification of the Bulgarian Principality and Eastern Rumelia in 1885, the city’s holiday – and four years since the city was announced as European Capital of Culture for 2019, alongside Matera in Italy.
The title of Cultural Capital is perceived as an acknowledgment of the city’s successful attempt to brand itself as an alternative to Sofia for tourism, business, party and work, but also as a catalyst that could put Plovdiv on the essential travel destination map of Europe.
Walking down the cobbleed streets of the Old City and the Kapana, or “The Trap” creative district, it is easy to understand why Plovdiv deserves the title.
The ancient city built on seven hills, called “tepeta” (from Turkish) by the locals, is among the oldest continuously inhabited places not only in Europe, but in the world.
It has hosted Thracian princes, ancient Greek leaders, Roman emperors, Bulgarian kings and Ottoman Sultans, all of whom left their imprints on the architecture and cultural mix of the city.
For more read the full of article at The Balkaninsight
