ISSN 2367-4717 I FREE GUIDE IN ENGLISH + MAP I Nov - Dec 2016 I ISSUE 15

Bulgaria in Brief 1 2 in Brief

1 Bulgaria in Brief

12 Overview

20 Accommodation

24 Bars AND

Restaurants Dear Readers, Greetings and warm welcome to 28 ENTERtainment City® Info Guide. Plovdiv awaits you in every season with its artistic and wonderful atmosphere. We 30 culture always give you the best suggestions and tips for accommodation and dining which are also our favorite places in . Take a 36 useful Numbers look also at the monthly editorial highlights from the cultural calendar in Plovdiv. ® P lovdiv City Info Guide I wish you all Merry Christmas. I hope you Publisher: had on amazing holidays. Have a great time Nova Advertising Ltd. in . See you next year when a lot of Ukrainian National Academic OpeRA /Нова Адвъртайзинг ЕООД/ surprises are prepared for you. Stay tuned. Manager: Lyudmila Mladenova Editor: Lyubina Panayotova Do not hesitate to contact us if you have Design: Nova Advertising Ltd. any tips, photos and stories you want to share. We will be glad if you want to tell us Cover: Photo by Marina Karkalicheva your thoughts and opinion about some of Print: Janet 45 Ltd. the Bulgarian features and we would like to For Advertising, find out your perspective to the cities which Bulk Orders and Subscriptions: you’ve visited. You are always welcome to (before 10th of the preceding month, please!) be our guest and we are hoping that you will Phone: 02 980 85 01 plan another trip to Bulgaria any time soon. Cell: 0896 717 225 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] See you next time, facebook.com/cityinfoguides.bulgaria Lyubina Panayotova All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be Editor reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission. Monthly circulation: 5 000

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WELCOME TO BULGARIA Religion: Orthodox Average summer temperatures: 26° to 30°C Welcome to one of the oldest European states Average winter temperatures: -5° to 5°C with 6000-years old gold treasures, a center Time zone: GMT +2 of ancient civilizations, a country that hosts the Country dialing code: 00 359 sanctuary of the mystical singer Orpheus and Internet country code: .bg gave to the Slavonic people the Cyrillic alphabet. Capital: Sofia Bulgaria is the only one country in Europe Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN) that hasn’t changed its name since it was first established. The Bulgarian army has never lost a single in battle. The is a HISTORY tricolor consisting of three equal-sized horizontal The Bulgarian state was founded circa 681 as bands of (from top to the bottom) white, green a union of the new-settled Proto-, of and red. It was first adopted after Russo-Turkish seven Slavonic tribes who have already settled War (1877-1878), where Bulgaria regained inde- this territory and with the inclusion of some pendence. The current flag was re-established smaller ethnical groups ( and others). with the 1991 . The state was ruled by its founder Khan Asparuh, the leader of the proto-Bulgarians and the first Bulgarian capital was . The Thracians were a tribal society who inhabited a vast area in Central and Southeastern Europe. They were well-known in the Ancient world for making filigree gold and silver jewelry. The great Homer described in his masterpiece Iliad a Thracian king, having “the biggest and the most handsome horses I have ever seen, /whiter than snow and swifter than the winds/and a chariot finely wrought with silver and gold.” Important & significant events 681 – The Bulgarian state acquired political recognition from the .

718 – The Bulgarian Khan has stopped the Arabic invasion to European continent. 855 – The Cyrillic alphabet by the brothers Cyril and Methodius. It corresponded perfectly to the phonetic riches and needs of the Slavonic- . As of today more than 250 million people in Europe and Asia use the Cyrillic alphabet for their national languages. Details Armiger - Republic of Bulgaria 864 – During his rule Knyaz Boris I converted the Adopted - 1997 state to Orthodox . Crest - Crown of theSecond Escutcheon - Gules, a lion rampant crowned 893-927 – During the Golden Age of Tzar Simeon Supporters - Two lions rampant crowned The Greatest the First Bulgarian State stretched Compartment - Two crossed oak branches gradually from Transylvania in the north, to the with fruits Aegean Sea in the south, from the in Motto - Съединението прави силата the east and to the Adriatic Sea in the west. At this time Bulgaria gradually reached its cultural “Saedinenieto pravi silata” and territorial apogee, when it developed into “Unity makes strength” the cultural and literary center of Slavic Europe, as well as becoming one of the largest states FACTS & FIGURES in Europe. Population: 7 364 570 Area: 110 993 sq. km 1018 – The Bulgarian army fell to Byzantines and Language: Bulgarian after that the Bulgaria State had been conquered Bulgaria in Brief 5 by the Emperor Vassileios II. Borders through the centuries 1185 – The Second Bulgarian State was estab- Bulgaria has expanded twice its borders to the lished at , reinstated the borders of shores of Black, Aegean and Adriatic seas. the First Bulgarian Kingdom and a second Golden Bulgarian Empire is a term used to describe Age began during which Bulgaria expanded its two periods in the medieval , borders to the shores of Black, Aegean and during which it acted as a key regional power in Adriatic seas. Europe in particular, often rivaling Byzantium. Here is the picture of Bulgarian borders in our 1396-1878 – The country was under the rule of days. the .

1878 – Liberation from the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Establishment of the Third Bulgarian State.

1878-1879 – As the result of the Treaty of , the Bulgarian State was divided in two territories. An autonomous Principality of Bulgaria was cre- ated, between the and the Stara Planina range, with its seat at the old Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo, and including Sofia. An autono- CITY mous Ottoman province under the name of INFO was created south of the Stara GUIDES Planina range, whereas Macedonia was returned .com under the sovereignty of the Sultan. For more info, look for Varna, 06.09.1908 – The establishment of the and Plovdiv City Info Guides Independence of Bulgaria. On that date Eastern WWW.CITYINFOGUIDES.COM Rumelia rejects the rule of Sultan and announced that joined the Principality of Bulgaria. Two Unesco Heritage days later, the Prince Alexander Battenberg First signed a manifesto to approve the accession of The UNESCO List of World Heritage now fea- the field and taken to be titled as a future prince tures over 300 landmarks in our country. Nine of Northern and Southern Bulgaria. Bulgarian wonders - seven cultural and two natural sites – are included among them: Rila 1944 – The After Communist Party, led by Georgi Monastery, Nessebar, The Kazanluk Tomb, The Dimitrov, took the power as a result of almost Sveshtari Tomb, The Madara Horseman, The bloodless coup d’état and proclaimed Bulgaria , The Ivanovo Rock Monasteries, for a “People’s Republic” in 1946 after a contro- , Sreburna Lake. versial referendum. National Holidays 10.11.1989 – The Communist regime ended 1 January – New Year’s Day when Bulgaria peacefully ousted the Communist 3 March – National Holiday /The liberation of Party leader Todor Zhivkov. the Bulgarian land from the Ottoman Empire is celebrated on this day/ 1989 – The establishment of a multi-party 1 May – Labour and International Worker’s system and the begging of the Bulgaria’s democ- Solidarity Day ratization. 6 May – St. George’s Day (Gergyovden) and the Bulgarian Army’s Day 12.07.1991 – The new Constitution of the 24 May – Bulgarian Education, Culture and Republic of Bulgaria was adopted and it pro- Cyrillic Alphabet Day claimed the country as a parliamentary republic. 6 September – Unification Day 22 September – Independence Day 29.03.2004 – Bulgaria joined NATO. 1 November – Day of the Bulgarian Enlighteners (Holiday for all educational institutions) 01.01.2007 – The country became a member of 24 December - Christmas Eve the European Union. 25, 26 December – Christmas Days 6 Bulgaria in Brief

Monthly Holidays 8th – November – St. Archangel Mihail’s Celebration In folk beliefs human’s soul can be celebrated from the body, if only St. Archangel comes and takes it. He is called a tormentor because he harasses human’s soul. This day is celebrated in honour of the death for the man to be at ease when his life is harassed. In many places on this day a sacrafice is made for the Saint. Ritual table includes ritual bread, red wine and mutton. The oldest in the house breaks the bread in the form of a cross, sprays it with some wine and blesses the family. Corn is handed which everybody takes in pairs for the year to be bounteous and he or she utters: “As much are the grains, as many are the bowls and health.”. On this day is 6th December – St. Nicholaus the Archangel’s service for the dead – one of the St. Nicholaus is among the few saints commemorated in biggest during the year. Official service is carried both the Eastern and Western beliefs. For many children out in the church. from the northern countries he is associated with the gift- Name day celebrate all those called Angel, giving figure of Santa Clause. Angelina, Mila, Milka, Mihail, Michaela, Rangel, Every year on 6th December the Bulgarian Orthodox Rayna. Church holds a festive liturgy devoted to St. Nicholaus during which ritual loaves of bread, fish and wine are sanctified. St. Nicholaus is considered to be the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, merchants and pawnbrokers. He is also regarded as the protector of children. According to old legends he is the one who stirs up the sea storms and hurricanes. For this reason all sailing boats stay at peace on this day. Even today fishermen believe that the observance of this feast day protects people from drowning. Name day celebrate all those called Nikolay, Nikolina, Nikola.

30th – November – Andreevden According to the calendar it is considered the beggining of the winter holiday cycle. It is connected with the belief that the day starts to grow like a millet grain from this day on and the sun starts to move like a chicken in an egg. The day is celebrated in honour of the bear. Corn, which is left in water over the night, is boiled in a cauldron early in the morning on this day. The boiled corn is tossed up into the chimney and people say: “Bear, take that boiled corn so that you will not eat the raw one, the cattle and the people!”. They also put in the cauldron a few grains from everything that is soughed in the field and in the garden: beans, lentilsm millet, wheat, barley, oats and etc. This is done so that everything that is soughed grows big. Ritual 20th December – St. Ignatius table includes boiled wheat and beans grains, Long time ago, the New Year was celebrated on St. fresh bread. Ignatuis Day. Nowadays this day marks the beginning Name day celebrate all those called Andrey, of the Christmas festivities. From St. Ignatuis Day Andrian, Andriana, Andrea. till Christmas, Christians would observe a strict fast, Bulgaria in Brief 7 excluding even vegetable oil from their diet. On 20th December we should not welcome into our Tips and Features About Bulgarians houses people with evil intentions otherwise we will be steeped in unhappiness throughout the forthcoming One unique feature is that Bulgarians most often nod year. However it is considered a good sign if a domestic for ‘no’ and shake their heads for ‘yes’. It can lead to animal enters your home. We should not go on a visit a funny confusion. empty-handed, nor lend money on that day. Under no circumstances should parents reproach their children. It is common courtesy to take flowers when invited If that happens, they will be in constant conflict during to someone’s home. These should be an odd number the New Year. Name day celebrate all those called Ignat. ( i.e. 3, 5 or 7 stems). The even numbers (2, 4 or 6 stems) are taken only at funerals.

If you are invited on a Birthday party it is expected to bring a present for the host. He will make sure that there is enough food and drinks for everyone and will treat you as a very important guest.

Bulgarians are quite a hospitable nation and they will lay a plenty of food on the table for you. Do your best not to leave anything on your plate or you will hurt your hostess. If your hosts have young children, 24th December – Christmas Eve remember to bring a bar of chocolate or some treats The night before Christ’s Nativity is a family celebration. for them. Everything put on the table symbolizes fertility and prosperity. Bread takes place of honor – large, beautiful, Homemade “rakia” – A type of high-grade liquor is with the lucky coin hidden inside, it “speaks” of wealth. a magic drink no one can resist. If you are invited to Rakiya and red wine are drunk. Only vegetarian dishes are a Bulgarian home, your host will proudly offer you served, mostly pulses – and an odd number of those as a some aged „slivovitza“ (plum rakia) or „grozdanka“ rule. The night of new beginnings and bright expectations (made of grapes). The very first glass is certain is connected with fortune-telling for personal happiness to raise your spirit but after the third one you may and fertility. Name day celebrate all those called Evgeni, have a splitting headache on the next day. „Drink in Evgenia, Bozhan, Bozhana, Biser and Bistra. moderation” is a recommendation left to everyone’s best judgment. 25th December – Christmas Day, the birth of Christ Christmas is an official holiday in Bulgaria and the whole Prices in shops and markets are fixed do not try to bar- family is at home to celebrate the birth of Christ - a symbol gain it usually is not taken good from the stuff but nego- of the never-failing hope for salvation of human soul. The tiations are acceptable at antique shops and bazaars, aroma of magnificently decorated fir-trees permeates the also when you buy a second hand car or a house. air, children are impatient to receive their presents and housewives are busy preparing many culinary surprises. Tipping in a restaurant is expected – around 10-15%, According to the tradition, as of midnight a group of even when the service has been dire. Taxi drivers people, called “koledari”, go from house to house and expect a tip too, in the same percentages. sing Christmas songs to the hosts, who in return give them walnuts and sweeties. Smoking is permitted at the restaurants. Usually they Name day celebrate all those called Hristo, Hristina, have a smoking area for their customers. It is allowed Kristian and Kristiana. to smoke in open public areas. 1st January – St. Vasily According to tradition, on the first day of the year people Drinking in public spaces is also acceptable in honour St. Vasily. Early in the morning young boys called consideration to not violate the public order and “sourvakari” perform rituals for good health and rich tranquility. Parks are not locked during the night harvest. They go from house to house wishing people a and they become an alternative party space during Happy New Year. the summer. On December 31st, maidens put their “kasmeti” (fortune slips) in a copper pot. On January 1st, they gather and If you follow the last advice and had a great night with start drawing the slips predicting who will get married and friends in park or in music club Bulgarians have their who will give birth in the following year. As a ritual, the own solution for the hangover on the next day – try young girls sing carols and perform a traditional dance to have “shkembe chorba” for a breakfast or drink called “Vasilino horo”. Those named Vasil and Vasilka “sauerkraut juice”– it helped to decades of people. celebrate their name day on January 1st. 8 Bulgaria in Brief e-mail: [email protected] Skype: Svetlik.bg phone: +359895799532 www.facebook.com/SreshtaZaednoZaSvetlik/ www.facebook.com/ivan.paunov.18

Meeting Together for Svetlik No one in this world can choose his birthplace and his homeland. Man possesses intelligence which helps him differentiate between good and evil. The setting up of the Svetlik community is aimed to establish contacts between people in different countries so that they may get to know each other and find out what they share, to help them overcome their selfishness, greed, the striving for supremacy over weaker people, to help them learn to exist together despite their differences, to help each other and to realize that life is a unique value and should be lived with dignity. By setting up schools of crafts, patriotism, embroidery, dancing, singing and the art of drama we shall strive to unite people from different countries and above all people in our beloved Bulgaria. Please, join the webpages on Facebook: “Vanko’s Coffee-house”and “Meeting Together for Svetlik” so that you may feel the thirst for life and the aspiration for a spiritual Renaissance which is the only solution of our human troubles today.

https://www.facebook.com/izgrev.trigrad The Authentic Folklore Female Group with the “Izgrev-1936” Community Centre in the village of Trigrad was set up in 1950 and as early as that same year the group ranked first at the county review of amateur art activities in the city of Plovdiv. The group strives to preserve the cultural heritage of the Trigrad region through its activities by searching, recording and singing old songs which boast their own history. The group has participated in numerous events for decades on a local, municipal and international level and is a holder of gold, silver and bronze medals, of many diplomas and honorary distinctions.

The name “Nusha” was chosen by the woman who manages and inspires our choir, the unfathomable Nelly Andreeva. It is with honor and gratitude that our name honors the efforts of the formidable Nusha Ishizaka – a Bulgarian woman who is married to a Japanese man and has dedicated her life to the promotion of Bulgarian folklore, performers and choreographers not only in Bulgaria and Japan but all over the world. Nelly Andreeva has been a soloist for the renowned Bulgarian National Folklore Ensemble “Filip Koutev” for eighteen year and her brilliant talent and enviable resume are surpassed only by her humility and embedded kindness. Our repertoire includes folklore songs from each Bulgarian folklore region. It is with immense pleasure that we aim to revive Bulgarian folklore and to maintain the traditions of our unique and irreplaceable national heritage. www.NushaMuzik.com Bulgaria in Brief 9

www.NushaMuzik.com 10 Bulgaria in Brief

Alphabet Аа a (as in cat) Пп p (as in pot) Бб b (as in bus) Рр r (as in red) Вв v (as in very) Сс s (as in sit) Гг g (as in good) Тт t (as in tree) Дд d (as in dog) Уу u (as in yule) Ее e (as in egg) Фф f (as in foot) Жж zh (like’s‘ in leisure) Хх h (like ’ch‘ in Bach) Зз z (as in zoo) Цц ts (as in puts) Ии i (as in instant) Чч ch (as in check) Йй y (as in young) Шш sh (as in shut) Кк k (as in kick) Щщ sht (like ’shed‘ in pushed) Лл l (as in love) Ъъ a (like ’u‘ in but) Мм m (as in marry) Ьь (consonant soften ing sign) Нн n (as in no) Юю yu (like you) Оо o (as in hot) Яя ya (as in yank)

Months January januari April april July yuli October oktomvri February fevruari May may August avgust November noemvri March mart June yuni September December dekemvri

Week Days

Monday ponedelnik Wednesday sryada Friday petak Tuesday vtornik Thursday chetvartak Saturday sabota Sunday nedelya

Numbers

1 edno 12 dvanadeset 53 petdeset i tri 2 dve 13 trinadeset 64 shestdeset i chetiri 3 tri 14 chetirinadeset 75 sedemdeset i pet 4 chetiri 15 petnadeset 86 osemdeset i shest 5 pet 16 shestnadeset 97 devetdeset i sedem 6 shest 17 sedemnadeset 100 sto 7 sedem 18 osemnadeset 1,000 hilyada 8 osem 19 devetnadeset 10,000 deset hilyadi 9 devet 20 dvadeset 100,000 sto hilyadi 10 deset 31 trideset i edno 1,000,000 edin milion 11 edinadeset 42 chetirideset i dve Bulgaria in Brief 11 BULGARIAN SPOKEN ENGLISH Поздрави Pozdravi Greetings

Добро утро [Do’bro ‘utro] Good morning Добър ден [‘Dobar ‘den] Good day Добър вечер [‘Dobar ‘vecher] Good evening Здравейте [Zdra’veite] Hallo Как сте? [‘Kak ste?] How are you? Добре [Do’bre] Good Аз съм добре [‘Az sam do’bre] I’m all right Благодаря [Blagoda’rya] Thank you Извинявайте [Izvi’nyavaite] Excuse me Как се казвате? [‘Kak se ‘kazvate?] What’s your name? Къде се намира...? [Ka’de se na’mira] Where is ...?

Местоположение Mestopolozhenie Getting Around

... улица/булевард [‘ulitsa/bule’vard ...] ...Street/Boulevard ... площад/паметник [plosh’tad/’pametnik] ... Square/Monument ... пощата/летището [‘poshtata/le’tishteto] ... the post/the airport ... ресторант [resto’rant ...] ... restaurant ...... пазара/аптеката [pa’zara/ap’tekata] ... the market/pharmacy ... хотел [ho’tel ...] ... hotel ...... гарата/автогарата [‘garata/’avto’garata] ... the station/the bus station магазин [maga’zin] shop спирка [‘spirka] bus/tram stop първата/втората [‘parvata/’vtorata the first/second пресечка pre’sechka] intersection...... наляво [na’lyavo] ... on the left ... надясно [na’dyasno] ... on the right ... направо [na’pravo] ... straight ahead

Пазаруване Pazaruvane Shopping Колко струва това? [‘Kolko ‘struva to’va?] How much does this cost? Къде мога да купя?... [Ka’de ‘moga da ‘kupya?] Where can I buy?... дрехи [‘drehi] clothes обувки [o’buvki] shoes храна [hra’na] food цигари [tsi’gari] cigarettes подаръци [po’daratsi] presents евтино [‘evtino] cheap скъпо [‘skapo] expensive

Храна и напитки Hrana i napitki Eating & Drinking Имате ли меню на [‘Imate li me’nyu na Do you have a menu in английски? ang’liiski?] English? предястия [pre’dyastiya] starters основни ястия [os’novni ‘yastiya] main courses десерт [de’sert] dessert вегетариански [vegeta’rianski] vegetarian пиле [‘pile] chicken риба [‘riba] fish свинско [‘svinsko] pork телешко [‘teleshko] veal / beef картофи [kar’tofi] potatoes ориз [o’riz] rice kафе [ka’fe] coffee чай [‘chai] tea горещо [go’reshto] hot (temp) бира [‘bira] bier бяло вино [‘byalo ‘vino] white wine червено вино [cher’veno ‘vino] red wine вода [vo’da] water Сметката, ако обичате. [‘Smetkata, a’ko o’bichate.] Can we have the bill, please? 12 overview

Plovdiv - Ancient and Eternal

Plovdiv is one of the oldest urban estab- some of the reasons for which the city of lishments in the world history. Its his- Plovdiv remains so interesting and appeal- tory dates back to the Neolithic era and ing throughout the years. Its geographical according to many updated historical data position between seven syenite hills and and researches the first settlement in this on the two banks of Maritsa River and area was founded around 4000 year B.C. mild climate with many warm sunny days Initially it was a Thracian city known as during the whole year also adds greatly to Puplpudeva but throughout the centuries its special charm. On the other hand the Plovdiv was largely known by its Greek passage of various tribes, the frequent name Philippopolis given to it in the honor change of ruling states especially in the of the father of Alexander the Great king medieval ages and the long Ottoman Philip II. The ancient name of the city dominance are maybe the main reasons Philippopolis is still largely used in Greece for Plovdiv’s unique history, cultural tradi- and in Cyprus. tions, local mentality of the city inhabitants Plovdiv passed in Roman hands as a and way of life. result of the separation of the Roman And last but not the least-Plovdiv has Empire and then the city passed under always been one of the main spiritual cen- Byzantine rule. The Bulgarian hegemony ters in Bulgaria. Its longstanding Orthodox over Plovdiv was firmly established after tradition has defined its history from 5th the wars of King Simeon the Great with century onwards. Nowadays Plovdiv is the Byzantium but later Byzantine Emperor second largest Christian Orthodox diocese Vassileios II got back control of the city. In of the Bulgarian Patriarchy which has the beginning of 13th century Plovdiv got a significant importance in the religious matters of our country. under the jurisdiction of the Latin Empire Many scholars point out the fact that which marked the beginning of major Plovdiv is the perfect example how rela- Catholic religious influence in the area. tively harmonious coexistence among As a result of this even at this point the different cultures can be achieved in the biggest Catholic community in Bulgaria is . Bulgarians, , Jews, Turks, in Plovdiv. Armenians and Roma live together in a Later on Bulgarian rule was established quite convenient way. These character- in Plovdiv for a short period but in 1364 istics of the city have also found their the expanding Ottoman army seized the reflection in its architecture, in its gastro- city and it became part of the new empire. nomic culture and generally in the way of Plovdiv was finally included in the borders life of the citizens. The local inhabitants of the modern Bulgarian state on 6th of are generally open for new contacts and September 1885 after the Unification of experiences, warm and talkative and ready the Princedom of Bulgaria with the Eastern to offer a helping hand to a stranger. Also Rumelia Province of the ailing Ottoman they are very fond of having a good time Empire. and with a vibrant sense of humor which This short historical flashback shows sometimes could be quite spicy. overview 13

Bearing in mind all of the above you will have a splendid time in Plovdiv for sure. The best way to feel and research the unique atmosphere of the city is to visit some of its historical and cultural landmarks where you can also meet and observe its people. They are located mainly in the centre and in the areas around it so they could be easily found and accessed. Here is a list of some of them:

The ancient Roman Theatre is one of the few of its kind so well preserved and maintained. It dates back to the rule of Emperor Trajan (98-117) and it has 7000 seats. On some of the walls of the theatre there are some quite interesting inscriptions in ancient Greek. It is part of the greater Roman City which includes the Odeon and the Stadium. The Roman theatre is one of the symbols of Plovdiv and is included in the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage. It is good to know also that during spring and summer time a lot of theatrical plays are staged there. The experience of watching a performance in such a surrounding is really unforgettable.

St. Marina Cathedral is the main temple of the Plovdiv Orthodox diocese. The tradition says that the church was erected first in the middle of 15th century but it was constructed in its current state and wholly in stone from 1851 to 1856. St. Marina Cathedral is notable for its unique wooden bell tower, for the mural paintings depicting masterfully different Bible themes and for the astonishing wood carved Episcopal The Old Town is definitely one of the best throne. The cathedral is very popular spot preserved and maintained cultural sites for the citizens of Plovdiv especially on big in Bulgaria. It is designated as a historical Christian holidays and also is preferred holy reserve by state law and was fully renovated space for religious weddings and baptisms. and maintained during the 70’s and the 80’s of the last century. It gives the visitor the opportunity for a walk through a historical micro cosmos of the different stages of development of Plovdiv-from the ancient times to the period of the liberation of the country. The Old Town of Plovdiv is one of the most visited and popular historical sites in Bulgaria and still is a centre of a rich cultural activity. Each building carries its own charm and character and combines various features from different epochs and architectural influences. 14 overview

The Dzhumaia Mosque is a typical The Cathedral of St. Louis is maybe Ottoman medieval religious temple. It is the biggest Catholic temple in Bulgaria. It located in the center of Plovdiv The inside was constructed in 1850 and also the first decoration of the mosque is dominated organ in the country was installed inside it by typical Ottoman designs some of in 1861. The cathedral is the natural centre which depict various verses from the of the rich Catholic tradition in this part of Quran. Recently it has become object of the state and adds a different neoclassical controversy between the Muslim religious touch to the architectural scenery of the communities in Bulgaria and some political city. circles and NGOs.

The Synagogue Cion is a perfect example of the Jewish religious architecture enriched from the influences of the Ottoman culture. It is built in a part of the Old Town of Plovdiv where the Jewish quarter was located two or three centuries ago. The Synagogue has a richly painted dome, an exquisite Venetian-glass chandelier and all the surfaces are covered with elaborate geometrical designs.

There are some other places and sites in Plovdiv where you can feel its spirit and unique atmosphere. For example there are interesting open spaces, sports and recreational areas and also beautiful parks and quarters nearby the city centre. We recomended some of them:

The Kapana area is located very close The City Centre is an ideal option for to the city center and to the Old Town. It a walk in all times of the day. Most of the is a charming neighborhood with small buildings are well preserved and renovated picturesque streets and little shops full and create wonderful scenery for a beautiful of handcrafted souvenirs, paintings and day out. The main street “Alexander jewelry. The architecture is very similar to Battenberg” is pedestrian zone and most this of the Old Town so it is a perfect place of the major luxury shops, restaurants and for a walk and shopping. cafeterias are situated there. overview 15

Nebet Tepe is one of the many historical spaces in Plovdiv which deserves your The International Trade Fair is attention. It is an archeological site where another landmark of the city which deserves you may find the remnants of an ancient attention. It was founded in 1892 and since citadel which dates back to the Thracian then the Fair has gradually become the and the Hellenic Era. Down the hill there biggest exhibition venue in Southeastern are two beautiful Orthodox temples-St Europe. Except the trade shows which the Constantine and St. and St. Nedelya. Fair hosts every year there are a lot of other cultural, commercial and public activities which take place there on a permanent basis. It has 17 pavilions, vast parking lot and is a prime example of the modern architecture from the 80’s.

The Bunardzhika Hill is the second highest hill of the seven ones among which the city has evolved through the centuries. The city inhabitants prefer the Bunardzhika Hill for small getaways in the nature and for The Rowing Channel is one of the other recreational activities. There are also biggest and most elaborate athletic facilities two monuments of major significance-the ever built in Bulgaria. Its length is 2200 statue of the Russian Tzar Alexander II and meters and it is designed to meet all the the monument of the Soviet soldier Alyosha, requirements for international rowing a vast reminder of the period of Communist championships. rule in Bulgaria.

The Lauta carting track is outside the The open space between Ramada Hotel and city center. Many young people visit the the Central Post Office is a preferred route place in order to experience high levels of for a walk by many of the citizens of Plovdiv. adrenaline when racing the small carting Very often this part of the large pedestrian vehicles which slightly resemble the bolides area in the city center hosts various major of a Formula 1 Championship. If you are concerts and other happenings. Nearby not so fond of extreme experiences you there are a lot of restaurants and cafeterias just may watch the amateur races among where you can have a good meal or a the drivers or play some pool games in the refreshment. recreational premises nearby. 16 overview

Plovdiv CITY REGION Waters Today Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria The main river in Plovdiv region is Maritsa. It is a with a total population about 350.000 people. It is major natural water and energy source not only a big economical, cultural, educational and tourist for Bulgaria but also for our southern neighbors center and therefore it plays major role in the Greece and Turkey. Its hydro abundance makes development of the country. The vast traditions it extremely significant for the public water supply in trade, handcrafts, industrial development and in the near areas and also for the irrigation of the entrepreneurship make Plovdiv an attractive point rich arable land in the Thracian lowlands. Maritza’s for business investments, for education, for main tributaries are Pyasachnik, Stryama, Vucha recreational and leisure activities. Besides the fact and Chepelarska rivers. From the ancient times of being somehow underestimated in favor of the region has been quite famous for its mineral Sofia during the Communist regime Plovdiv was springs. The main concentration of curative waters able to maintain its standing as a large local center is in Hissar, Klissura, Assenovgrad, Banya, and and as the most significant city in South Bulgaria. also in the villages of , Narechen, Krasnovo, Stoletovo, Rozino, Bogdan and Kliment. Thus the Some of the top Bulgarian educational and cultural region has become one of the most significant institutions such as the University of Plovdiv “Paisii centers of spa tourism in Southeastern Europe Hilendarski”, the University for Food Technologies, especially in the last 30 years. the Medical University, the Agricultural University and the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, the Waterfalls State Opera Theatre, the Drama Theatre, the Puppet SLIVODOLSKO PADALO (near the village of Yugovo, Theatre, the Public Library “” are located Lucky municipality) is situated near the town of in Plovdiv. For example, it is a well-known fact that Bachkovo which is the home of one of the most the first modern theater performance in Bulgaria important Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria – the was staged in Plovdiv. Monastery of Bachkovo. The waterfall Slivodolsko padalo is the highest waterfall in the Rhodope Land Mountain. It was designated in 2005 as a protected Plovdiv region is located in Central Southern Bulgaria. natural phenomenon together with the adjacent It is surrounded by the regions of , Sofia, typical rock formations in the village of Yugovo, , , , Kurdzhali and Lucky municipality. It is a part of the natural reserve . The area includes the Upper Thracian “Chervenata stena”. The water drops from over lowlands, parts of the Rhodope and Sredna Gora 40m height and the natural phenomenon covers a mountains and the Balkan range with its beautiful territory of 0.7 hectares. It is a preferred destination foothills. The main road artery is the Trakia for a getaway trip because one can combine a motorway which was built after a lengthy and highly visit to the waterfall and the rock formations in controversial construction process. The highway the reserve with a great spiritual experience at the connects Western Europe with Turkey and its Bachkovo Monastery. capital Istanbul and thus the road serves as a main THE SOUCHOUROUM is situated north from the transportation artery between the Old Continent and beautiful town of , which is a place of great Asia. The modern road is also of top importance for historical and cultural significance. The area of 0.6 Bulgaria since it is the main infrastructural commute hectares around the waterfall is a protected territory. between Western Bulgaria and the southern parts of Located at 1,700 m above sea level, the height of the Black Sea Coast. Another important artery in the the waterfall is 15 meters. Here you may enjoy a region is the Sub-Balkan Road, which runs parallel small piece of the incredible beauty of the Balkan to the Trakia motorway. It connects the Northern Mountain and also to feel the soothing effect of the and the Southern parts of Bulgaria and also provides grand natural scenery. the travelers with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy THE RAYSKO PRASKALO is the highest waterfall on stunning natural scenery along with their trip. the Balkan Peninsula and one of the most famous natural sights in Bulgaria. It is located in the Balkan Climate Mountain range and it is a part of the Dzhendema Plovdiv city enjoys usually hot summers, beautiful and Natural Reserve. Near the waterfall is another town sunny springs and autumns and rarely snowy winters. with historical significance – . The waterfall overview 17 is surrounded by beautiful rock formations which forests, as well as the magnificent Steneto Gorge. attract hikers and tourists who enjoy the natural The reserve covers a total of 3578.8 hectares and beauty, especially in summer. is the second largest after Dzhendema. The reserve DAMS contains the largest variety of forest and rock birds on the Balkans (rare winged creatures - Booted Konush Dam is located in the vicinity of the and Golden eagle, Eurasian hobby, Eurasian eagle- village of Konush, 15 km to the northeast of the owl, little owls, as well as almost all woodpeckers town of Assenovgrad. Near the dam is the habitat indigenous to Bulgaria. The Steneto Reserve is of more than 114 rare bird species, 21 of which are well-known for the numerous rock caves and included in the Bulgarian Red Book for Endangered hollows situated there, also with rock formations

Species. The region is especially important for the with severe, imposing beauty. preservation of rare species because it is the only place in Europe where the small cormorant bird CHERVENATA STENA (THE RED WALL) is part could be found during its migration period and also of the outer lands of the villages of Borovo, an almost extinct type of pelican. The surrounding Lucky Municipality and the villages of Bachkovo, area is included in the “Natura 2000” program. Dobrostan and Oreshetz, Assenovgrad Municipality. It is the biggest biosphere reserve at the Rhodope Pyasachnik Dam Mountain. There can be found rare floral and animal The total area of the dam is 3178.99 hectares. It is located entirely in the Plovdiv region. It was built on species which are almost extinct in Bulgaria and the river of the same name about 2 km northeast Greece. You may combine a visit to the reserve with of the village of Lyuben, Plovdiv region. The rivers a trip to the Bachkovo Monastery and the famous of Kalavashtitsa and Gerenska flow into the dam. Assenovgrad fortress. The dam is quite famous among the fans of fishing BELINTASH is located near the village of Sini Vrah, and in the recent years some small hotels have Assenovgrad Municipality. It was declared a reserve been opened there. A world record for catching the in 2003 for the purpose of protecting the unique biggest grass carp fish was hanged up at the dam rock formation on the territory of the village. It a few years ago. covers an area of 2.3 hectares. There is a significant Natural phenomena and reserves historical relic – the Rock Epigraphy of Belintash, The Dzhendema Natural Reserve is also which is a major source of the historical study of known as White River, with a territory of 4220, 2 the Thracian civilization. hectares. Dzhendema is the largest reserve in the Balkan Mountain range and the second largest in Through the Centuries In the distant past, the region was inhabited by Bulgaria. It is located in the Central Balkan Natural the Thracians, and later it was conquered by the Reserve under Botev peak. 70 % of its territory Romans (Roman province of Thrace). These lands is covered by old forests. It is famous for its bird became part of the Bulgarian state in the species (The Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Golden during the reign of Khan Presian. In the period 14th Eagle) and also for the highest waterfall at the – 19th century, Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Balkan Peninsula – Raysko Praskalo waterfall. Empire, and after the Liberation of 1878, the Berlin The Stara Reka (Old River) Reserve covers a total Treaty divided the country into several parts. The area of 1947.7 hectares. It was established in town of Plovdiv was part of the province of Eastern 1981 with main purpose to preserve the unique Rumelia, and in the subsequent years the Bulgarian eco-systems of deciduous, coniferous and mixed population of the region and the rest of the country forests, as well as rare and endangered plant took active part in the struggle to unite Eastern species. Twenty of these plant species cannot be found anywhere else outside Bulgaria. The reserve Rumelia with the Principality of Bulgaria. The union is located in the catchment areas of the Stara Reka took place on 6 September 1885. and Mala Reka rivers, near the historical town of Economy Karlovo. Plovdiv region is a large industrial and agricultural STENETO reserve spans over Plovdiv and Lovech area with well-developed and diverse sectors of the Districts and includes territories of the outer lands economy. Over 100 types of agricultural crops of of the villages of Karnare and Pevcite, Plovdiv area. economic significance are grown there including Here you can enjoy centuries’ old beech and spruce some of the most aromatic and exclusive brands 18 overview

of oriental tobacco. The region is well-known also for ancient times. The spa tourism has been a boosting its large vine fields which are the basis for numerous trend in the area especially in the last 30 years sorts of strong, potent and fine dry red wines like and a lot of fine hotels and spa centers have been Trakia and . These sorts are exclusively developed there. developed in the foothills of Rodope Mountains near Krastova Gora (Fortress of the Cross) and the the city of Assenovgrad which together with Melnik numerous monasteries in the Rhodope Mountain is one of the oldest wine producing regions in our and in the foothills of the Balkan Mountain range are country. Other significant regions with exquisite wine suitable for the development of pilgrimage tourism. selections are the of and Karlovo, Especially popular among the tourists and the people which are located to the north of Plovdiv. with strong Orthodox beliefs are the BACHKOVO Plovdiv region has a strong tradition in the industrial Monastery, the KUKLEN Monastery. sector. The main production branches here are food and meat production and processing and also Airport Information canning, wine, dairy, brewery and tobacco industries. For flight information: www.plovdivairport.com Another strongly developed sectors are those of light Phone: +359 (0)32 60 11 27 industrial activities especially cotton processing and Plovdiv Airport is located 12 kilometers southeast clothing, footwear and leather industry. of Plovdiv (near the main road to Assenovgrad). Fair Plovdiv There are regular flights to and from London Since 1892 when the International Plovdiv Fair (Stansted) and Frankfurt (Hahn). commenced its existence Plovdiv has established itself as a top destination for business tourism. Public Transport Two times each year the Fair with its 19 pavilions The transport inside the city is relatively easy to gathers business travelers from all over the world use. There are regular bus and trolley lines. Most of offering them plenty of opportunities for future the locations in the city center are easier to access professional and entrepreneurial contacts and for a walking on a foot. The taxi’s services are not very quality time entertainment. expensive. The taxi fares are fixed since the large transport companies involved in this activity have its Tourism own price control policy. But be careful when you The city of Plovdiv and the region have a well- hire a cab from the Intercity Bus Stations or in front developed infrastructure, which covers to a great of a large hotel, because sometimes the drivers may extent the demands of the modern tourist industry. try to make you pay higher price than the usual one. Plovdiv region spans over an area of 5.962 sq. km You have to take good notice of the price sticker on and includes 18 municipalities. the side doors and also of the service number of the Plovdiv and the surrounding area are rich in natural, taxi driver which is usually displayed above the front cultural, archaeological and historical sites, providing seat together with his company ID. excellent conditions for the development of cultural tourism –the Old Town of Plovdiv, the fortress of Assenovgrad, the Roman fortress in Hissar, the Railway Central Railway Station Plovdiv is located near museum-towns of Kalofer, Sopot, Karlovo, Klisura, , the Thracian cult center in the village the centre. of Starosel, etc. 46 Blvd. The provides favorable Phone: +359 (0)32 622 729; +359 (0)32 632 720 conditions for mountain, ski, ecological, hunting www.bdz.bg and fishing tourism. The biosphere reserves there are full of natural phenomena, rich in rare flora and Taxi fauna which attract nature lovers and members of the All legal and registered taxi cabs in Plovdiv must scientific community. be yellow. Prices are about 0.65 BGN per kilometer The mineral springs near Hissar, Banya and plus an initial fee. Before you take a cab make Narechen are a prerequisite for the development of sure that the prices are correct listed on the car’s balneological and SPA centers. The curative waters window. Recommended phone numbers: 6665, there have been famous all over the Balkans from 9199, 6106, 6142. overview 19 20 Accommodation

Room Service TV in All Rooms Minibar in All Rooms Airconditioned Rooms Restaurant Bar Business Facilities Swimming Pool Fitness Facilities Casino Hotel Parking Credit Cards WiFi Handicape Room with good view

RAMADA PLOVDIV Trimontium

2, Kapitan Raycho Str. www.bgprincess.com HEBROS [email protected] Phone: 032/ 605 000; 032/ 605 009 Beds - 290, Double - 154, Appartments - 4

51, Konstantin Stoilov Str. (Old Town) [email protected] Phone: 032/ 260 180 hotel-residence www.hebros-hotel.com Beds - 21 Double - 5 Appartments - 3 Single - 1

1, St. Valentin Str. Regatta Venue www.landmarkhotel.bg [email protected] Rooms: Double 52 We are pleased to present to you the newest four-stars boutique hotel in Plovdiv - Landmark Creek. It offers a wonderful combination of the tranquility of ALLIANCE the nature and the dynamic of the urban environment. Landmark Creek Hotel is a prime first-class option for organizing various special events, seminars, conferenc- 7, Vasil Aprilov Blvd. es, workshops, team-building, combined with relaxation [email protected] and spa treatment. Phone: 032/ 646 333 There are 52 rooms with spectacular views, garden- www.alliancehotel.com restaurant, lobby bar, spa and fitness center, swimming Beds - 50, Rooms - 25 pool, conference rooms, panoramic bar. Our services include car rental, airport transfers, travel agency and airline tickets sales. We are expecting you! Accommodation 21

Room Service TV in All Rooms Minibar in All Rooms Airconditioned Rooms Restaurant Bar Business Facilities Swimming Pool Fitness Facilities Casino Hotel Parking Credit Cards WiFi Handicape Room with good view

LEIPZIG SANKT PETERBURG

70, Ruski Blvd. www.leipzig.bg 97, Bulgaria Blvd. [email protected] www.sphotel.net [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 032/ 654 000; 032/ 654 404 Phone: 032/ 951 830 Beds - 96, Single - 19, Double - 31, Appart.- 10 Single - 38, Double - 38, Studios - 100, Suits - 14

MARITSA

42, Boris III Obedinitel Blvd. www.victoria-group.net/ hotelmaritza/bg/welcome.htm [email protected] 64, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. Phone: 032/ 952 735 Phone: 032/ 350 500; 032/ 340 560 Beds - 146, Rooms - 111 Cell: 0888 312 723; 0885 945 788 Fax: 0888 / 312 730 [email protected] www.mirenahotel.com 27 rooms (14 of which are doubles, 6 double bedrooms, 7 beds) and 1 suite. ∙ Central air-conditioning and ventilation, with the opportunity for the guests in each room. ∙ High-speed wired internet access, LCD TV, telephone, personal electronic safe, mini bar. ∙ Bathroom with telephone and hairdryer, spe- NOVIZ cially equipped room and bathroom for disabled. ∙ Parking outside and underground parking with 4 spaces. 55, Ruski Blvd. ∙ Room service, transportation services upon [email protected] request. www.hotel.noviz.com ∙ Laundry and dry cleaning. Phone: 032/ 631 281 ∙ Warm hospitality combined high level of ser- Cell: 0888 826 666 vice. Beds - 40, Single - 4, Double - 10, ∙ Affordable, opportunities for discounts. Appartments - 4, Studio - 2 ∙ Cash and credit cards. 22 Accommodation

Every Saturday, at top places, in top cities: Free, organized running for everyone! The pleasure - to run for pleasure! Anyone can do it!

What is it: a 5 km, free but organized run Who is it for: It is suitable for every enthusiast without limitations in gender and age (including people with disabilities, parents pushing a pram and dogs on a leash) When: Weekly - every Saturday at 9:00 am (Winter 10:00 am) Where: South Park, Sofia, Sea Garden, Varna and Greben Kanal, Plovdiv, Sea Garden, Burgas. How: After a single registration on our website, read here how to register What do I get: Personal statistic, comparison and distribution of information of your individual results, such as your finishing time and place, as well as personal awards. What else: Many individual and overall statistics data, charts based on the accomplished results, rankings and photos of you running on the track. How much does it cost: It is free of charge We believe that the distance of 5km is suitable for a wide range of people, and it is a great challenge for all those deciding to run for the first time in their life! 5 km is a universal discipline of endurance and complex load. It is toning and keeps you in a good mood. It’s neither too much nor too little - 5 km a week is good for each of us.

cityinfoguides.com Accommodation 23

cityinfoguides.com 24 bars & restaurants

Please note: the price guide is an approximate dinner cost s - up to 25 lv per person; ss - up to 40 lv per person sss - over 40 lv per person

BULGARIAN

29, Saborna Str. Old Town ss Phone: 032 624 851 Cell: 0896 834 325 Kitchen of Raya www.philippopolis.com 1, Centralen Sq. s Open: 10.00 - 24.00 Phone: 032 398 999 Restaurant-garden “Philippopolis” is a great Cell: 0877 833 900 place for relaxation. With its exquisite cuisine, www.raia.bg an extensive wine list and excellent service are Open: 10.00 - 24.00 among some of the best and popular top restau- Credit Card Accepted rants in Plovdiv! The summer garden provides Located in the centre of the city – on a narrow quiet unique panoramic view. In hot summer days it is street – Kuhnyata na Raya is one of the very few an attractive place for the guests of the city. places in town where you can enjoy your meal in All credit cards accepted relaxing atmosphere. At first the place will impress Summer garden: 80 seats you with its interior – entirely in Provencal style Parking Place: Yes with French flair and antique furniture in white. Then you are captured by the great variety of meals – traditional Bulgarian dishes, fish dishes, fresh produce and fresh seasonal vegetables, served with taste and in perfect combination of colors and flavors. The restaurant is suitable for any celebra- tions and private parties, which often take place outside in the garden during the warmer months. Raya Restaurant 34, Kapitan Raycho Str. s Phone: 032 621 906 Cell: 0878 16 17 27 www.raia.bg Piknik s [email protected] The park after the Parvenets village, Plovdiv Open: 10.00 - 24.00 district Stylish interior with soft and warm colors Phone: 031 11/20 70 supplemented by smiles and emotion. This is Cell: 0884 22 20 70 Raya – abundance of sweet aroma, fizzy wines, [email protected] savoury meals. Here special attention is paid Open: 11:00 - 01:00 to the preliminary selection and preparation Restaurant Piknik is only 15 minutes by car of the food – daily supplies with fresh fruits, from the center of Plovdiv. It is located in the vegetables and freshly chilled meat and fish in deep green of natural park, perfect place for proper marinade and spices so they can reach short break from the city noise. The restaurant their peak gustative qualities. Raya business is in entirely folkstyle and offers Bulgarian card is the pleased customers who come back cuisine – besides the typical Classic dishes again to taste the delicious meals decorated and specialties, Piknik offers classical Rhodope with taste and accompanied by selected wines dishes like samp, patatnik /potato meal/, tra- from the most famous regions in Bulgaria hana /meatless meal/, Rhodope klin /rice meal/ and worldwide. Accessible and comfort place and other. There is fresh fish for fans. We have which is proper for wedding receptions, jubilee great selection of good wines from different Bulgarian regions. and company celebrations. bars & restaurants 25

ITALIAN Pizzaria Verdi ”Petko Petkov” s 41, Petko Petkov Str. Cell: 0882 660 242 Open: 11.30-23.00 every day Seats: 75; Garden 80 All credit cards accepted!

Pizzaria Verdi ”Mall Plovdiv” s 26, Otets Paisiy Str. s 88, Str. fl.3 (+35932) 623711 Cell: 0882 660 118 [email protected] Open: 11.30-23.00 every day www.gustobg.com All credit cards accepted! Open: 10.00 - 24.00h All credit cards accepted www.verdi.bg Seats: 200 Summer garden: 60 seats Parking Place: Yes Gusto serves original Italian pizza and pasta, as well as salads and appetizers from authentic Mediterranean cuisine by original recipes. The Chefs cook for you best beefsteaks and quality European desserts. Daily lunch menu.Outdoors seating.

For two decades the lovely small pizza place INTERNATIONAL called Verdi turned into a fortress of the tradi- tional Italian cuisine. In our Italian restaurants we use original products of excellent quality, which guarantees the unique taste of the dishes in all pizzerias “Verdi”. “Verdi” is the ideal place both for business meetings and family events, which Classic will turn into an unforgettable experience. RESTAURANT - GARDEN s s 22, Iztochen Blvd. Pizzaria Verdi “Radio&TV” Phone: 032/63 80 18 19, Nayden Gerov Str. Cell: 0886 638 018 Cell: 0882 660 220 [email protected] Open: 11.30-23.00 every day Open: 11:00–24:00 Seats: 75; Garden 120 Classic restaurant is famous with good cuisine All credit cards accepted! and carefully selected recipes. They offered meat specialties: pork and veal knuckle, roasted Pizzaria Verdi ”Trakia” s suckling-calf, pork ribs. The good food is accom- Trakia 142 block panied by good wine . You can taste Bulgarian Cell: 0882 660 156 and foreign wines. You can relax in pleasant and Open: 11.30-23.00 every day calm atmosphere in the evening. Make reserva- Seats: 75; Garden 90 tion in advance! Catering for your party, private Parking - yes celebration or just for any occasion. Orders over All credit cards accepted! 30lv – free delivery. 26 bars & restaurants THE DAROBAS WINEGROWING AND WINEMAKING COMPLEX

Please note: the price guide is an approximate dinner cost s - up to 25 lv per person; ss - up to 40 lv per person sss - over 40 lv per person

INTERNATIONAL & SUSHI MEXICAN

s Torro GrandE ss Sombrero RESTAURANT 5, Dunav Str. (Royal City Center ) 66, Capitan Raycho Str. Phone: +359 882 354 394; (32) 336179 Phone: +359 885 39 99 39;+359 32 www.sombrero-bg.com 39 99 39 [email protected] Sombrero is unique place in the variety of www.torrogrande.com thematic restaurants in Plovdiv – the first Open: 07:00 - 02:00 Mexican restaurant in the city. You can Torro Grande is the place to “meat in style” taste fajitas, burritos, quesadilla, nachos in Plovdiv. Located in the heart of the city and much more exotic meals from all over Torro Grande is a must landmark for all Mexico. You can taste some sort sangria, those who cherish classy comfort and tequila or authentic cocktails. There are excellent cuisine. The unique environment traditional Mexican food as well as typical creates an attractive and engaging space in the lunch menu. Special that tickles the senses of all guests. The menu for children. service of personal attitude and individual approach adds to the quality of the cooking and inspires one complete experience that is modern, delicious and fun. The menu offers a variety of unique dishes for every taste, from salads and homemade bread, to sushi, fish and meat. THE DAROBAS WINEGROWING AbarsND WI NEM& restaurantsAKING COMPLEX27

FIAL Winegrowing and Winemaking The Darobas Winegrowing and Winemaking Complex Darobas Complex harvested in 2005-6 its first vintage Sofia, 173, Ev. and Hr. Georgievi Blvd. from its own vineyards, cultivated from Phone: 02/946 16 65 certified elite planting materials of famous E_mail: [email protected] French, Italian and Spanish nurseries. They encompass a rich variety of classical European and domestic sorts and as accents, some more aristocratic and exotic vines. This is a result of the main objective that the FIAL Company, as a small wine maker, has set for itself – to offer to the numerous wine connoisseurs, even those of more modest means, a comparatively large collection of first-class wines in boutique series, but at affordable prices. Nevertheless, these are natural products from an ecological region, with minimal use of specially selected pes- ticides with milder effects. We hope the results will be a contribution to the emerg- ing new trend which will surely restore the once high prestige of domestic winegrowing and winemaking. Because we believe that good wines are an achievement and a sure sign of civilized living. This is a great chal- lenge but these ambitions are backed up by the many years of collective experience of our enthusiastic and dedicated team of professionals. Winning a gold medal wines “Moskato Giallo“ and “Sangioves“, and all others with exquisite taste wines bearing the DAROBAS will find the newly opened shop on 6th Street ; GSM 0887 687 345 or 0888 222 881. For home delivery - a www.fialbg.com 28 ENTERTAINMENT

BARS & CLUBS BILLIARD BAR CLUB FABRIC Billiard club147 Licensed professional snooker and billiards 111, Otets Paisiy Str. club. Cell: +359898715213 92, Hristo Botev Blvd. Open: 10.00 - 02.00 Cell: 088 533 3147 Bar Fabric is one of the most attractive Every Day: 10.00 - 02.00. spots of Plovdiv’s nightlife. In short period of time the club established it- BowlING self as a favorite among all who hold unreserved fun. The music program is Bowling BAR Gallery full of themed party nights to suit ev- ery taste and mood. Monday nights are MALL GALERIA, 3rd floor3, for karaoke, on Tuesdays they have a Georgi Stranski Str. student party, the Wednesdays are re- Phone: 032/396981 served for all the rockers, on Thursday Cell: 0896 787 403; it’s time for Unplugged, Fridays and 0896 787 400 Saturdays are for crazy dance with DJ Open: Mon-Sun.: 10:00 - 2:00. Party and on Sunday it’s time for the www.bowlingbargallery.com bartender’s Ailyak Party. Wide selec- tion of branded drinks and attractive promotions. Summer garden with 50 SPORTs seats, true color oasis to escape from the noise and stress of the day.

BRILIANTIN 20, Avksentiy Veleshki Str. Karting Track Lauta Cell: 0886 008 808 Locomotiv Stadium, Open: 23.00 - 6.00 Phone: 032 631 852 Cell: 0899 907 981 ENERGY www.kartinglauta.com 87, Dimitar Talev Str. Every year the track hosts national and in- Cell: 0888 200 715 ternational competitions, and gives you one 0886 000 249 of the first places among the facilities that most contribute to the development of Kart- PLANETA PLAYNER ing in Bulgaria. 122, Maritsa Blvd. Reservation Rowing Channel – Plovdiv Cell: 0899 871 253 Open: 22.00 - 6.00 Plovdiv, Recreation Park Complex (opposite Plovdiv Stadium) PLAZMA 82,Hristo BotevBlvd. Riding Center HAN Cell: 0887 538 442; (CLUB HEROS) 0886 663 773 Village Vojvodinovo Open: 23.00 - 8.00 www.klub-heros.hit.bg ENTERTAINMENT 29

MALL 2, Makedonia Blvd. Phone: 032/ 657 010 132A, Dimitar Talew Str. Phone: 032/ 277 020 78, Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. Phone: 032/ 278 080 Mall Plovdiv www.billa.bg 8, Perushtitsa Str. Phone: 032/250 084 www.mallplovdiv.bg Open: Everyday 10.00 - 21.00 Mall Plovdiv Plovdiv is the first modern shopping center with a supermarket, more than 110 shops, cinema, fast food outlets, cafes and restaurants, underground and Lidl surface parking. 97A, Makedonia Str. 34, Peshtersko Shose Blvd. SHOPS 43, Osvobozhdenie Blvd.

Piccadilly 14, Str. Mall Plovdiv Phone: +359 988 989 065 8, Perushtica Str. Open: Mondays - Fridays: 10:00 - 19:00; Phone: 032/ 234 329 Saturdays: 10:00 - 16:00; Retail Park Plodiv Closed on Sundays 2B, Mendeleev Blvd. Facebook: PoDIAMOND Jewlery Phone: 032/ 283 416 [email protected] www.podiamond.com Silver, gold and diamonds jewelry Unique design Personal attention Mr.Bricolage Special price for engagenment ring 223A, 6 Septemvri Blvd. Phone: 032/ 605 260 www.mr-bricolage.bg

Metro Cash&Carry 135, Sankt Peterbug Blvd. Praktiker Phone: 0700 100 71 115A, Bulgaria Blvd. www.metro.bg Phone: 032/ 909 100 Carrefour www.praktiker.bg 3, Georgi Stranski Str. Phone: 032/396 601

Technopolis 133, Sankt Peterburg Blvd. Billa Phone: 0700 12340 221, 6 Septemvri Blvd. 032/ 683 313 Phone: 032/658 120 www.technopolis.bg 30 CULTURE Galleries

Vazrazdane Gallery Old town, 1, Stoyan Chalakov Str. Phone: + 359 32/ 63 53 39 Cell: +359 889 822 640 e-mail : [email protected] www.vazrazdane-gallery.com Mon – Sat : 10.00 – 19.00 Sunday : 11.00 – 17.00 The Vazrazdane art gallery, a member of the National community centre “Vazrazdane” has been established on 5.IX.1995. It is presented only the contemporary pictorial and plastic art. There is a run on authors, creating modern figurative art, especially depicting the body. In the gallery depot there is, maintained a rare and diverse collection of oil paintings, graphic works and drawings, sculptures. The collection on theme “The BODY” is especially stunning.

From 11th of November until 14th of Interesting facts about Vazrazdane gallery: • 9540 pieces of art have been shown. November, exhibition by • Visitors until this moment: Ivan Gazdov - “Graphicatures“ more than 106 000. • The 39 painters have debuted in the gallery. From 15th of November until 12th of • Over 114 artists have been showed for the first time in Plovdiv. November, exhibition by Stavri Kalinov - sculptures and drawings

From 12th of Desember until 31st of December, exhibition by Vasil Petrov – paintings.

www.vazrazdane-gallery.com CULTURE 31 Galleries

1-2, Vitosha Str. Phone: +032 628 061 Email: [email protected]

Anastas Gallery is located at the heart of The Ancient Plovdiv. Elaborated following the ideas of Anastas Konstantinov, the gallery was opened in 1994 year. The entire exhibition area, inclusive of 300 sq.m. covered area and open yard space, has been uniquely designed with handmade floor mosaics, numerous oil paintings, plastic arts and sculptures, all of them works of the artist Anastas Konstantinov.

Throughout the 20 years of operation and market positioning, Anastas gallery has managed to attract collectors of art from all over the world. Being the first gallery of such scope in Bulgaria, it has established nowadays as a representative corner of Anastas Konstantinov’s art life. Anastas Gallery is an intellectual achievement – a small bit of contribution to the world cultural heritage.

www.galleryanastas.com 32 CULTURE

exposition “Unification of Bulgaria 1885” was opened here. MUSEUMS &GALLERIES On an area covering 1000 sq. m., through authentic items, weapons, photographs and documents are traced back the efforts of Bulgarians in the establishing of Eastern Rumelia as The Second Bulgarian State, their fight for the Unification with Principality of Bulgaria and its military defense - The Serbian-Bulgarian War.

REGIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM 1, Saedinenie Sq. tel.: 032/ 624 339, tel./fax: 032/ 633 106 Exposition “Book Publishing in Bulgaria www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org in the second half of 19th and the begin- [email protected] ning of 20th century” Summer working hours /May – October/: 10:00 – 18:00 2, Mitropolit Paisiy Str. Closed: Monday tel.: 032 629 405 Winter working hours /November – April/: 9:30 – 17:00 Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Closed: Sunday and Monday Closed: Saturday and Sunday Day for a free-of-charge visit: Winter working hours /November-March/: 9:30 – 17:00 First Thursday of each month – for students and retirees Closed: Saturday and Sunday Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each The Regional Archaeological Museum in Plovdiv is one of month the oldest cultural institutions in Bulgaria. Officially opened The building was built in the mid 19 century and Hristo in 1882, its development passes through the stage of Gruev Danov, the founder of organized book-publishing being archaeological-numismatic collection-office, until it in Bulgaria, lived here from 1869 until his death in 1911. was finally established as Archaeological Museum in 1920. Today, an exhibition dedicated to the history of book- The museum possesses one of the richest collections of publishing in Plovdiv and Plovdiv region is situated here. artifacts and works of human art related to the history of The stages in the development of Bulgarian education Plovdiv District and the Town of Plovdiv – successor to one on the basis of Hristo G. Danov and Dragan Manchov’s of the largest and most important ancient cities on the Balkan publishing activity are traced here. Peninsula – Philippopolis.

REGIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM www.historymuseumplovdiv.com [email protected]

Exposition „Bulgarian National Revival” 1, Tsanko Lavrenov Str. Exposition „The Unification of Bulgaria 1885” tel.: 032 623 378 Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 1, Saedinenie Sq. Winter working hours /November-March/: 9:30 – 17:00 tel.: 032 629409 Closed: Sunday Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each Closed: Saturday and Sunday month Winter working hours/November-March/: 9:30 – 17:00 “Bulgarian Revival” Exposition is set in the house of the Closed: Saturday and Sunday rich merchant of Plovdiv Dimitar Georgiadi, which was Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month built in 1848 and traces the history of Plovdiv during the The building was built in 1885 for the Provincial Counsel period from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. Rich of Eastern Rumelia. On 19.09.1985 the national museum documentary and photographic material allows guests CULTURE 33 to submerge in the atmosphere of the city’s distant and Srednogorie during the National Revival. Among the past – a time of foreign rule, but also a time of asser- many museum collections, those of brassware, pottery, tion of Bulgarians’ national identity, a time of fight for weapons, shepherds wood-carving, jewelry and church independent Bulgarian education, church and national items, sewn and crocheted laces, costumes from the entire independence. Bulgarian ethnic territory, musical instruments, and urban decor stand out.

REGIONAL NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 34, Hristo G. Danov Str. Museum Centre of Modern History tel.: 032/626 683 14, Angel Bukoreshtliev Str. www.rnhm.org tel.: 032 628 886 [email protected] Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Summer working hours /May-September/: 9:00 – 18:00 Closed: Saturday and Sunday Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00 Winter working hours /November-March/: 9:30 – 17:00 Winter working hours /October-April/: 8:30 – 17: 00 Closed: Saturday and Sunday Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00 month Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month The building was built in 1895 as officers’ club. From the The museum is the second largest natural history museum beginning of 1905 until 1923 it was a “Public House” in the country, with modern and contemporary styled exhibi- with theatrical company, brass music band, orchestra tions, with enhanced nature conservation idea. The halls of and night school. Today it is a Museum Centre for Con- Geology, Botanic, Invertebrates, Amphibians and Reptiles, temporary History and houses the permanent exhibition Birds and Mammals are on the first floor, and on the ground entitled The Soul of the Japanese Doll - a donation from the Friends of Bulgaria society in Japan. floor are the halls of Fishes, Aquarium and Seabed. The museum presents a freshwater aquarium with an area of 100 sq. m., where over 32 species of ornamental fish and exotic plants are shown. CITY ART GALLERY www.galleryplovdiv.com [email protected]

REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM 2, Dr. Stoyan Chomakov Str. Permanent exposition tel.: 032/625 654; fax: 032/626 328 14 A, Saborna Str. www.ethnograph.info tel.: 032 635 322 [email protected] Summer working hours /May-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:00 – 18:00 Winter working hours /November-April/: 9:00 – 17:30 Closed: Monday Day for a free-of-charge visit: Winter working hours /November-March/: 9:00 – 17:00 First Thursday of each month – for students Closed: Monday The exposition is housed in the building of the Young Day for a free-of-charge visit: Girls’ College, designed and built under the guidance First Thursday of each month – for students and retirees of architect Joseph Schnitter in 1881. It is arranged The exhibition is located in Argir Kuyumdzhiouglu’s beautiful chronologically on two floors. There are over 200 Renaissance house, which was built in 1847 by the master- original artworks, which trace the development of Bul- builder Hadzhi Georgi. Inside of it, there are representations garian art from the National Revival up to present day. of traditional material and spiritual culture of the Bulgarians Prominent authors and characteristic stylistic trends are who lived in the region of Plovdiv, Rhodope Mountains represented here. 34 CULTURE

Icon Gallery 9:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 17:30 22, Saborna Str. Closed: Sunday tel.: 032 626 086 Day for a free-of-charge visit: Summer work- First Thursday of each month – for students ing hours /May- Encho Pironkov (born 1932) is from the generation of October/: 9:30 – 12:30 and artists which in the 1960s not only modernized the look 13:00 – 18:00 of the Plovdiv art school, but also of the Bulgarian art. 45 Winter working works donated by the author, covering various periods of hours /November- his creative development are exhibited here. April/: 9:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 17:30 Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month – for students The Icon Exposition opened in 1975. It was structured near the Revival Church of St. Constantine and Elena, on top of the round defensive tower of the early Byzantine city wall in the Old Town. Some of the best examples of icons taken from the Gallery’s collection and the Plovdiv Bishopric are exhibited here. They represent the Ortho- Gallery of Temporary Exhibitions dox Christian art in the region of Plovdiv and the entire Southern Bulgaria from the end of the fifteenth century 15, Aleksandar I Str. to the late nineteenth century. tel.: 032 624 221 Summer working hours /May-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Permanent Expositions „Tsanko Lavrenov” Winter working hours /November-April/: 9:00 – 17:30 and „Mexican Art” Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month – for students 11, Artin Gidikov Str. The exhibition spaces are housed in a building with a tel.: 032/ 628 745 typical urban architecture from the beginning of the 20th Summer working hours /May- century. In the halls on both floors are presented tempo- October/: 9:30 – 12:30 and rary exhibitions relating to the anniversaries of outstand- 13:00 – 18:00 ing Bulgarian artists, as well as the history and problems Closed: Sunday of the country’s cultural life. Exhibitions of foreign art- Winter working hours /Novem- ists, experimental exhibitions and children exhibitions ber-April/: 9:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 17:30 are also presented here. Closed: Sunday Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month – for students Tsanko Lavrenov /1896-1978/ was one of the most fa- mous Bulgarian painters, a distinctive natural talent with high erudition, limitless energy and incredible creative imagination. The exhibition includes the artist’s best works. The first floor presents the exposition of Mexican Art – modern Mexican graphic arts, crafts and copies of stone sculpture and ceramics. The exhibits are donated in honor of the 1300 anniversary of the Bulgarian State, and the gallery was opened in 1981.

29, Saborna Str. Old Town Email: [email protected] Phone: 032 622 742 www.philippopolis.com Open: 10.00 - 19.00 Permanent Exposition „Encho Pironkov” Trakart Center & Museum This is Plovdiv. This is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and 6th in the World. 1, Vasil Kanchev Str. “Archeological” underpass tel.: 032/ 638 055 Phone: +032/ 631303 Summer working hours /May-October/: Cell: +359 882 877080; 9:30 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 18:00 +359 888 304851 Closed: Sunday Everyday: Open: 9.00 - 19.00 Winter working hours /November-April/: www.trakart.org CULTURE 35 PLOVDIV IN TOP 10 OF THE BEST CITIES IN THE WORLD

The Roman Stadium – one of the most significant sites in Plovdiv is now offering a new attraction. After a recent reconstruction a 3D Cinema is open! A 12-minute 3D movie takes you through the history of the Stadium and represents the sports games that took place at the venue.

But there is a lot more to come for Plovdiv: • The renovated Zoo • 3D planetarium in the Natural History Museum • Water attractions in the Tzar Simeon’s Garden Moreover, a project for renovation has been created for the Bishop . Also known as “The Great basilica” this is like the big brother of The Small basilica.

This is Plovdiv. This is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and 6th in the World. The City of the Seven Hills presents its touch of art and history! 36 USEFUL NUMBERS

AIRPORT INFORMATION INTERNATIONAL FAIR PLOVDIV Phone: 032/ 60 11 27 information 37, Tzar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd. www.plovdivairport.com Phone: 032/902 141, 032/902 432 Plovdiv Airport is situated 12 kilometres www.fair.bg southeast of Plovdiv (near the main road to Assenovgrad). RAILWAY BUS LINE Central Railway Station Plovdiv South Bus Station 46, Hristo Botev Blvd. Phone:032 622 729;032 632 720 47, Hristo Botev Blvd. www.razpisanie.bdz.bg;www.bdz.bg Phone: 032/ 626 937 www.hebrosbus.com There are mainly buses to and from Sofia, DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS Burgas, Varna, and destinations South of www.mfa.bg/en Plovdiv. Bus lines-Istanbul, Bursa and Eu- rope. EMERGENCY NUMBER & 112 Rodopi Bus Station TRAVEL Agency 1, Makedonia Blvd. Phone: 032/ 657 828. www.hebrosbus.com The bus station is right next to the central railway station. 117, 6th September Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv North Bus Station +359 (0) 884 455 405 2, Dimitar Stambolov Str. +359 (0) 888 487 113 Phone: 032/ 953 705. e-mail: [email protected] www.hebrosbus.com www.bulgariawinetours.com There are buses to over 40 destinations Memorable wine tours to premium wineries in North of Plovdiv. It is the only station rela- Bulgaria. tively far from the centre. CAR RENTALS

Sofia, 53, Nikola Vaptsarov Blvd. 1, Frederic Joliot - Curie Str. & 02 439 02 22/ 23 Phone: +359 32 660 861 fax: 02 439 12 25 +359 889 066 333 e-mail: [email protected] www.galateatours.com Sofia Airport: & 029 459 217 Galatea Tours is a licensed travel agency. We strive to give our customers the very INFO CENTERS best prices available anywhere and the best Municipality of Plovdiv service. We offer: City breaks in Plovdiv and Tourist Information the rest of Bulgaria, Hotel accommodation, 1, Central Sq., tel./fax:+359 32 656 794, Organized bus and plane tours, Tailor-made Phone: +359 32 620 229 trips, Holiday packages, Car rentals, Bus 1, Dr. St. Chomakov Str. (The Old Town), and airplane tickets, Cruises, Travel insur- Phone: +359 32 620 453 ance. Our team of highly qualified special- [email protected] ists meets all your needs and requirements www.visitplovdiv.com with professionalism and imagination. THE OLD TOWN MAIN STREET PHOTOS BY ASSEN VELIKOV