Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and is often considered its cultural capital for the thriving arts and music scene. It was the European Capital of Culture for the year 2019.
Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with over 6000 years of continuous human settlement.
Known as Philippopolis in ancient times, Plovdiv was ruled by various civilizations, including the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each leaving its mark on its architecture, culture, and traditions.
Evidence of its long, richly layered past is present throughout the city, from Roman ruins to Ottoman influences to Bulgarian National Revival architecture.
Walk Distance approx. 5 km / 3 miles.
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Embark on an enchanting journey through four Balkan countries with city walks that uncover the hidden gems of these seven captivating cities: Plovdiv and Sofia, Bulgaria; Split, Zadar and Zagreb, Croatia; Bucharest, Romania and Belgrade, Serbia.
Each guide takes you to at least 20 of the most iconic locations of each city. We provide a link to Google Maps, allowing you to see your location in relation to the walking path and each location. This book has 174 pages and 140 of our own photos.
Begin your journey in Bulgaria, exploring Plovdiv’s ancient ruins and Sofia’s eclectic blend of history and modernity.
In Croatia, stroll through Split‘s history, Zadar’s Roman forums and Zagreb’s vibrant street art.
Bucharest, Romania, offers a mix of grandiose communist architecture and lively old town charm.
Finally, Serbia’s Belgrade captivates with its fortress views and bustling nightlife.
Each city offers a unique tapestry of culture, history, and local flavours, perfect for the intrepid traveller seeking authentic experiences at their own pace.
Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. The area has been inhabited since 7000BC and has a recorded history dating back over 2,000 years.
Over the centuries Sofia has been conquered many times, as a result, the city has signs of Greek, Roman, Thracian, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. As you explore Sofia you will discover Roman ruins, medieval frescoes, Thracian relics, enthralling museums, and an Ottoman mosque.
It is interesting to note many of the churches here spent 500 years of their existence as mosques under Ottoman rule.
This city walk will guide you to the key sights of this ancient city.
