Oldest town in Europe and comparisons

Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Historians refer to Plovdiv as one of the oldest towns in Europe; older than Rome, even!?

As you walk through the old town you can start to belive this as there are numberous archaelogical sites that have been excavated during attempts to build more modern architecture and their discovery has halted further building works .

The more impressive fins, such as the Roman Amphitheatre, which can be reached from Bul Alexander I (main street), create a feeling of the time and what it was once like here. The excavations continue and there is likely to be significantly more to see in the coming months.

I really like the feel of this city. Overall Bulgaria has had little to offer (in my view) compared to Romania, but Plovdiv has restored my interest.

As you roam further into the old town, it is easy to imagine how life her progressed as a lot of the houses have recently been restored. Painted in a variety of colours, which I think is from the 19th Century Ottoman period (sorry got overwhelmed with infomation and may have got confused), no building is the same. However there are many which are merely piles of rubble too!

A clumb up the hill to the citadel is well worth it for the view of the two hills which awaits, and after that meander back to the shopping street near to the main square and there's plenty to occupy you if you want to stock up on souvenirs or just sit at a cafe and people watch .

As I said earlier in this entry, Bulgaria seems to have less to offer than Romania, and therefore as we plan to make out way over the border on a night bus (!)... I look back at the highlights of these two countries.

Romania

Beautiful homestay in Vadu Izei - the Palenka induced card game (unluck, lucky or just too drunk?) and a variety of sights include the rather different Merry Cemetary in Sapanta.

Sighisoara - Vlad's birthplace... and far too much Palenka from Teo's (gulp!).

Sleeping in a drawer at Viscri.

The picturesque Peles Castle which I personally rate over Bran castle, despite it being closed.

Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo - the strange painting in the fortress and the change of pace, food and standards.

Gorno Draglishte - a local homestay with a difference.

Bansko - relaxing and a visit to the dancing bear sancturay.... moving and memorable!

Next stop Istanbul....
Other Entries

Comments

2025-02-07

Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank