Roman Ruins Walking Tour (Self Guided), Plovdiv

The Odeon of Philippopolis, an architectural gem with roots dating back to the 2nd century AD during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian, stands as a testament to Plovdiv's rich historical legacy. This remarkable structure, with its 300 to 350 seats, represents the embodiment of a covered theater building, preserving an array of fascinating elements that offer a glimpse into the city's vibrant past.

Among the notable discoveries within the Odeon's hallowed halls are fragments of precious marble from the building, an inscription found on the base of an emperor's statue, a gallery showcasing the preserved antique walls, original marble semi-columns, and a trove of 87 ancient silver coins—believed to have been concealed during the tumultuous Gothic invasion of the past.

Throughout its storied history, these ancient ruins have served various purposes, once housing the city council of the esteemed citizens of ancient Plovdiv. Thanks to its versatile layout, the Odeon doubled as a theater, providing a platform for theatrical performances, musical events, and literary readings that brought the community together.

Remarkably, the Odeon of Philippopolis continues to play an active role in the cultural life of Plovdiv to this day.

The House of Eirene is an ancient Roman peristyle house. The construction of this house likely followed the devastating Siege of Philippoupolis by the Goths in 250 AD, a tumultuous period known as the Crisis of the Third Century in the Roman Empire. The name "Eirene" is derived from the central mosaic within the house, which portrays the graceful figure of the Greek goddess Eirene, symbolizing peace and tranquility.

The archaeological discovery of this late antique building, along with segments of two Roman streets forming a crossroads, was made possible through the dedicated efforts of archaeologists Zdravko Karov and Mina Bospachieva during excavations in 1983-1984.

The architectural features of the "Eirene" building are notable, with a distinctive entrance leading to a vestibule that grants access to the southern portico within an open courtyard. This portico serves as a link between the more formal sections of the house and the residential areas, connecting the courtyard with surrounding spaces such as the banquet hall (triclinium) and the reception room (tablinum) where the owner would welcome visitors.

The true treasures of the "Eirene" building lie underfoot, as the floors of its various rooms are adorned with polychrome mosaics showcasing intricate geometric patterns and figures. Initially, mosaics graced only the southern portico and the banquet hall, with a particularly remarkable mosaic depicting a woman accompanied by an ancient Greek inscription. Subsequently, mosaics were also laid in the vestibule, the eastern portico (over the marble slab pavement), the northern room, and the reception room, including its added apse.

Following the conclusion of excavations in the area, a concerted effort was made to preserve these archaeological structures in their original location. The formal sections of the "Eirene" domus were separated and transformed into an exhibition hall, allowing for the preservation and public display of these captivating finds. Today, visitors have the opportunity to admire the beautifully restored mosaics in their original setting at the Trakart Cultural Center.

The Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis occupies the largest footprint among Early Christian temples in Bulgaria. A remarkable coin, dating back to the era of Emperor Licinius (308-324), was unearthed during the basilica's excavation. This discovery has given rise to the hypothesis that the basilica was one of the earliest Christian structures to be erected in the Roman Empire following the legalization of Christianity in 313. Its imposing size, intricate decoration, and central location near the ancient city's forum suggest the presence of a thriving and influential Christian community in Philippopolis.

Stretching 36 meters in width and over 90 meters in length, the basilica was a marvel of ancient architecture. Its design featured a central nave flanked by two side naves, an apse, a narthex (anteroom), and a colonnaded atrium (inner courtyard). Rising in the central nave was a presbyterium, adorned with marble decorations, intended for the bishop and the clergy.

Inside this magnificent basilica, columns adorned with Christian symbols on their capitals, vibrant murals, and opulent mosaic floors graced the space. The mosaics, which remain exceptionally well-preserved, cover an area of approximately 2,000 square feet and depict a rich tapestry of imagery. Among the intricate patterns and designs, one can find representations of flora and fauna, Christian iconography, intricate geometric motifs, and the basilica's iconic symbol—the peacock.

For several centuries, from the 4th to the 6th, this basilica served as the spiritual heart of the city's Christian community. However, its eventual demise and abandonment, likely the result of a seismic event, marked the end of an era.

The basilica was constructed over the ruins of an earlier building, possibly dating back to the 1st century AD. After its abandonment in the 10th to 12th centuries, the site evolved into a significant Christian necropolis, complete with a cemetery church adorned with exquisite murals.

The Small Basilica of Philippopolis remained virtually unknown to the wider public until the year 2013.

Constructed in the 470s, the Small Basilica once stood proudly beside the eastern fortification wall of Philippopolis. In 1988, archaeological excavations unearthed the Small Basilica, revealing its ornate mosaics and an intricately decorated baptistry. Some of the mosaics were carefully removed and stored, while the baptistry was shielded with a protective layer of concrete. The Small Basilica was officially recognized as a cultural monument in 1995.

Unfortunately, like many archaeological sites, the basilica faced years of neglect, leaving it in a state of disrepair. However, a turning point came in 2010 when the America for Bulgaria Foundation embarked on a restoration project, with the aim of bringing the mosaics back to the church and transforming the site into a museum of archaeology.

Among the highlights of the Small Basilica's historical significance is an inscription in front of the altar that partially mentions "a victor and a patrician." This inscription pays tribute to Basiliscus, a military commander of the Roman province of Thrace during the mid-5th century. Grateful citizens of Philippopolis erected a statue in Basiliscus's honor by the Eastern Gate and commissioned the construction of the Small Basilica as a commemoration. Sadly, years later, the basilica was tragically destroyed in a fire. Nevertheless, the resilient citizens of Philippopolis decided to rebuild the church from scratch. Although the floor of the new basilica was laid with bricks, it gained another remarkable feature—the baptistry.

The baptistry featured a deep cross-shaped baptismal pool made of marble with running water. Above it, four marble pillars supported a magnificent marble cover, and the floor was adorned with mosaics depicting pigeons and grazing stags. Today, only two of the four mosaics from the baptistry have survived, but they continue to astonish viewers with their vivid colors and timeless beauty.

The Ancient Roman Theatre of Philippopolis is renowned as one of the best-preserved ancient theaters globally, and its exquisite beauty transports visitors back to the time of Emperor Trajan during the early 2nd century.

This magnificent theater boasts 28 concentric rows of seats, adorned with intriguing inscriptions and stunning statues, all of which contribute to its captivating allure. The theater's design is a testament to ancient engineering and craftsmanship, drawing the gaze of every beholder and exuding the spirit of ancient Rome. With its unique architecture, the theater offers exceptional acoustics, enabling it to host spectacular performances, games, and events in antiquity.

The theater also boasts several preserved stelae and wall inscriptions, predominantly in Greek. It is believed that prior to its construction, this location may have been a temple dedicated to the Thracian goddess Bendis, underscoring the site's historical significance.

Access to the theater is facilitated through entrances that connect the visual space known as the cavea with the stage building. An underground passage featuring a vaulted corridor originates from the middle of the orchestra, extending beneath the stage building and beyond. Another vaulted passageway runs beneath the central sector of the highest seating rank, linking the cavea of the theater with three nearby hills. Above this passageway stands the Honorary Lodge, adorned with inscriptions, a feature characteristic of honorary theater seats across the Roman Empire.

Today, the Roman Theatre of Philippopolis continues to serve as a venue for concerts and performances, with seating for approximately 5,000 spectators. Experiencing a live performance in this ancient setting is a truly unparalleled and immersive experience, far surpassing the atmosphere of a modern stadium.

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.

The Castle Gate in Plovdiv, situated around the eastern gate of the Acropolis fortress wall, stands as one of Plovdiv's iconic symbols. The origins of Castle Gate date back to ancient times when there was a gate in this location. Beneath the modern-day cobblestone street pavement, one can find the foundations that date back to the Roman period, likely originating in the 2nd century AD.

However, the most prominent features of Castle Gate owe their current appearance to medieval alterations, particularly those from the 11th to the 13th century. Above the outer arch, one can observe distinctive construction techniques, wherein each stone is encased in pieces of red brick, bonded together with plaster. This method is characteristic of the masterful craftsmanship of Bulgarian builders during the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

Adjacent to Castle Gate stands the outdoor quadrangular tower, situated under the altar of the Saint Konstantin and Elena Church. This tower, with its crypt-like function as an ossuary, has been an integral part of the ensemble for many years. Further south from the church complex, one can observe a substantial section of the fortified wall, which dates back to the 5th to 6th century during the reign of Justinian the Great.

With the Ottoman invasion in the 14th century, a Turkish garrison was established here, causing the Castle Gate's significance as part of the Acropolis' fortification system to wane. In later centuries, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries, the area saw the construction of houses belonging to the wealthy merchant class. These Revival Period houses were built into the walls of the former fortress, further enhancing the unique character of the Castle Gate.

Perched atop the plateau of Nebet Tepe Hill in the northern part of the Three Hills, the Guardian Hill Archaeological Complex is often referred to as the "birth certificate of Plovdiv," as this complex represents the very place where Plovdiv first came into existence. Evidence of the oldest settlements on the territory of present-day Plovdiv, dating back to the 6th century BC, has been uncovered at Guardian Hill. Recognized as a cultural monument, the Guardian Hill stands as one of the most significant cultural-historical sites not only in Bulgaria but also in the entire Balkans.

Legend has it that Guardian Hill welcomed its first residents due to the natural protection provided by the rocks on the northern part of the hill. These early foundations paved the way for what would become the most significant Thracian city in Bulgaria, inhabited by the Thracian tribe Besi.

The exact timeline of Philipopolis's fortification and urbanization has been the subject of scholarly debate. Some experts believe that the village transformed into a town and was fortified around the second millennium BC. There are also hypotheses suggesting the existence of a royal complex and religious center on Guardian Hill. Recent archaeological research has shed new light on the city's transformation, indicating that Philipopolis assumed its urban and architectural identity around the 4th century BC.

The Guardian Hill is imbued with a unique energy, a rich history, and the spirit of countless civilizations, each leaving an indelible imprint on the rocks and ruins. Moreover, the Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views, adding to its romantic appeal.