When you discover Plovdiv for the first time, you might feel as if traveling with a time machine. With a little bit of imagination, you can journey seven millennia back in time and feel the spirit of one of the oldest living cities in the world.
This is one of the cities with the richest ancient heritage on the Old Continent, described as "the new archaeological destination of Europe" by the award-winning website Archeology Travel.
The first traces of life beneath the hills date back to the 6th–5th millennium BC, with several settlements known from this period, the most important of which was located on the Three Hills (Trimontium).
In 342 BC, Philip II of Macedon conquered the existing Thracian settlement. It quickly expanded and became urbanized, eventually gaining fame in the ancient world under the name Philippopolis (the city of Philip).
A description by the Greek writer Lucian from the 2nd century AD has reached us: "And, by Jupiter! one of the greatest and noblest [cities] in the whole country! Its splendour is even conspicuous at a distance. And the great river that flows close under its walls" -  Words of Hermes, The Runaway Slaves, Lucian, 165–166 AD
Over the centuries, the city’s names have changed: Eumolpia, Odrissa, Trimontium, Pulpudeva, Paldin, and others.
In the 1st century AD, the city was permanently incorporated into the Roman Empire. Its strategically important geographical location played a key role in its rise during this era. Numerous roads and public buildings were constructed, many of which have been preserved to this day: the Ancient Theatre, the Roman Stadium, the Ancient Forum with the Odeon, aqueducts, and the Eastern Gate of Philippopolis.
Other significant ancient monuments include the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis (4th–6th century), the Small Early Christian Basilica (5th–6th century), the Late Antique Building Eirene (4th–5th century), and more.
With its rich cultural heritage, Plovdiv is one of the most fascinating destinations for archaeological tourism in Europe.