Plovdiv & Southern Mountains

Spectacular mountains encircle spiritual sights in this swathe of inland Bulgaria. Landscapes are as diverse as sandstone pyramids, glacial lakes and snow-streaked peaks more than 2000m high.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Bachkovo Monastery
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
About 30km south of Plovdiv stands the magnificent Bachkovo Monastery, founded in 1083. Most of the complex dates from the 17th century onwards, with the…
Roman Amphitheatre
Plovdiv
Plovdiv’s magnificent 2nd-century AD amphitheatre, built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, was uncovered during a freak landslide in 1972. It once held…
Red Church
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
The rust-red ruin of a late Roman church creates an enigmatic silhouette in the fragrant meadowlands outside Perushtitsa, 20km southwest of Plovdiv. The…
Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
The highlight of Rila Monastery is this magnificent church, built from 1834 to 1837, with distinctive black-and-white archways and three yellow-painted…
Historical Museum
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
Larger and much better presented than many of Bulgaria's regional museums, this multifloor exhibition space preens from a steep hill behind Smolyan's…
Balabanov House
Plovdiv
One of Plovdiv's most beautiful Bulgarian National Revival–era mansions, Balabanov House is an enjoyable way to experience old town nostalgia as well as…
Sveta Troitsa Church
Bansko
Surrounded by 1m thick stone walls, this 19th-century church has the air of a fortress. By contrast, the interior is a multicolour marvel with flower…
Velyan’s House
Bansko
This richly painted 18th-century mansion stands out among Bulgaria's countless heritage properties. Admire elaborate frescoes within the house-museum and…