Plovdiv - The Magic of the Old Town

ARTICLES  Plovdiv - The Magic of the Old Town John Lindley, Bulgarian Properties, Plovdiv office, 7th February 2006

typical architectural style from the Renaissance period of Bulgaria

Declared an architectural museum, a town within a town, protected by UNESCO and a source of pride amongst Bulgarians. You will never fail to be amazed at the variety of interest that this place generates. After walking around Plovdiv - visiting the shops, having a coffee, strolling along the canal, enjoying the many parks and open spaces, you cannot fail to come across the Old Town. The first thing that you notice are the steep cobbled streets and then the colour of the houses, bright and finely painted; giving them an instant eye catching appeal, especially the blue and white ones. Then

there are the gardens with plenty of flowers of so many different varieties and the unforgettable fruit trees, and if you look up every so often you will also notice the numerous garden pots that adourn the window ledges of the houses. Whilst you are exploring there is also the constant cascade of water from the many little fountains which seem to be constantly ringing in your ears. Whilst here try and visit the Ethnographical museum, the Renaissance museum and the Chomaka gallery. There are many places to visit here but the important thing is to get the magic atmosphere of the town and the houses. The properties all seem to have very stylish ceilings with lots of intricate

ornate carvings geometrically placed in a certain way to make it pleasing to the eye. It is no wonder that this place has been designated as being a place of national heritage and is to be protected by UNESCO. Whilst in the town you will also find a few souvenier shops and restaurants that offer good value for money. However if you would like to purchase a property here you could find it very expensive. A modest one bedroomed flat can cost 140 000 euros and a house as much as 400 000 euros. However there are properties within Plovdiv and the surrounding areas that cost considerably less. So if you want a holiday home and want to explore the Old Town at a more leisurely place you still can.

example of the interior of a house in The Old Town

the amphitheatre

one of the cobbled sreets in The Old Town