Download Tag: Bulgaria

Plovdiv City Walk

View over an ancient amphitheater with ballet dancers practicing

Plovdiv City Walk

The Plovdiv city walk takes in the sights of Bulgaria’s second-largest city. It is widely regarded as the country’s cultural capital thanks to its lively arts scene, independent galleries, and strong musical heritage.

Creative energy runs through everyday life here, not just during festivals. Plovdiv was named European Capital of Culture in 2019, placing this quietly confident city firmly on the European cultural map.

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 civilisations, 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 approximately 6.2 km / 3.8 miles.

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Balkan Countries City Walks

Balkan Countries City Walks

Embark on an enchanting journey four Balkan countries 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 City Walk

Sofia City Walk

The Sofia city walk showcases the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria, set dramatically at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, the area has been settled since around 7000 BC. Its recorded history stretches back more than two millennia. Layers of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences sit side by side, giving Sofia a grounded, lived-in feel rather than a polished postcard image.

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.

Walk Distance approximately 3.0km / 1.9 miles mostly flat.