Stadium of Philippopolis, Plovdiv (must see)

Constructed during the early 2nd century under the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the Ancient Roman Stadium of Philippopolis stretches an impressive 240 meters in length. While its northern end has been uncovered and exposed to visitors, the remaining portion remains hidden beneath the city's main street.

Throughout its history, the stadium served as a venue for various events and spectacles. In ancient times, it witnessed thrilling gladiator fights, athletic competitions, and the renowned Alexandrian and Pythian games. Originally, these ancient Greek games were deeply rooted in religious traditions, dedicated to specific gods. However, during the Roman era, they evolved into sources of pure entertainment, and cities across the empire, including Philippopolis, invested in constructing stadiums, hippodromes for chariot races, and amphitheaters for gladiatorial contests. In the late 4th century, Emperor Theodosius I banned and condemned the Olympics as pagan rituals, leading to their demise.

The stadium's design features 14 rows of monolithic marble seats, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of its ancient events. An entrance below the seats leads to an underground passage or street, providing access to various corridors. One such corridor runs beneath the seating area and features a paved syenite floor, above which a drainage channel was ingeniously constructed. Some theories suggest that this underground passageway may have marked the beginning of a street encircling the fortified inner wall.

The Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis is an exceptional archaeological gem, representing an integral part of the city's Roman heritage. In recognition of its historical importance and architectural marvel, the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis was designated a national cultural heritage site in 199.