The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Sofia’s Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

Sofia is an incredible city rich in culture, rich in history, and a must-see destination for any visitor to Bulgaria. Founded in AD 500, it is a city filled with a unique blend of unique sights, sounds, and experiences. Among the many attractions to be had are the city’s Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery. In this ultimate guide, we’ll discuss what it is that makes these three attractions so special, how to get there, and how you can get the most out of your visit.

Plovdiv, Sofia’s Jewel in the Crown

Plovdiv is one of Sofia’s oldest cities, and for good reason; it is an architectural delight, one of the oldest human centres in Europe, and a cultural hub for Bulgarians and tourists alike. Located on seven hills (or seven mounts as they are referred to in Bulgarian) overlooking the historic Maritsa River, Plovdiv is steeped in tradition and steeped in incredible sights, sounds, and experiences.

On arrival to Plovdiv, one of the first sights you’ll marvel at is The Old Town. Comprised of cobbled narrow streets and unique houses built with wooden balconies on the upper levels and shops, galleries, and cafés on the lower levels, The Old Town pays homage to centuries-old architecture and a time-honoured way of life. Here you can explore quaint shops selling local souvenirs and artwork, sample traditional Bulgarian cuisine or take a traditional Bulgarian baking lesson in one of the local bakeries, or simply just take a relaxing stroll up and down the streets soaking up the incredible energy and atmosphere.

The centrepiece of Plovdiv is unmistakably The Old Town Square in the middle of the seven hills. Here in the square you’re surrounded by incredible multi coloured buildings, large open spaces, lively street performers and vibrant bars. A great way to get acquainted with Plovdiv is to take a walking tour of the Old Town Square, and the best time to do this is during the summer when events like the Plovdiv Summer Festival are taking place.

Asen’s Fortress

Asen’s Fortress sits atop one of Plovdiv’s seven hills and offers breathtaking views across the city below. The fortress itself dates back to Roman times, however what remains today was built between the 12th – 14th centuries. During its time it has played a defensive role protecting Plovdiv from invaders, keeping its people safe and thriving.

Today Asen’s Fortress stands as a testament to one city’s strong will against invading forces. Entry to the fortress is free and guided tours are available for those who wish to learn more about its fascinating past. One of the must-sees on a visit to Asen’s Fortress is its Church of St Petka that houses remarkable murals dating back to the 13th century. That’s not all though; bear pits contain Siberian bears once kept by invaders as trophies of their conquests while incredible gardens and parks enveloping the fortress provide peaceful getaway spots during summer months.

Bachkovo Monastery

Located just at the base of The Rhodope Mountains sits Bachkovo Monastery. Founded all the way back in 1083 by two Georgian military commanders (the brothers Gregory & John). Bachkovo Monastery possesses one of Bulgaria’s most impressive exterior designs and the interior is even more remarkable. In its chapel, you’ll find beautiful murals that can be seen throughout including “The Last Supper’ at its centre by painters from Constantinople.

Bachkovo Monastery isn’t just a place for beautiful architecture and artwork; it’s also home to some of Bulgaria’s most precious artefacts like an Iconostasis dating back to 1612 and a symbol for faith for its visitors both old and new.

During summer months visitors can enjoy exploring local trails with beautiful river views located near to its grounds as well as great shoix shooting locations too.

Making the Most of Your Visit

To make sure you make the most of your visit to Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery it’s best to plan your visit well in advance. Pre-booking tickets online for attractions like Asen’s Fortress will help ensure you get value for your time while picking up local guidebooks or joining a walking tour will give you an insight into what makes these attractions so special. If you’re visiting during summer months also make sure you stop off at attractions like The Seven Rila Lakes located nearby as these offer great hiking trails too with stunning views from above.

After exploring incredible monuments like Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery it’s always best to stop off for lunch or dinner at a local Bulgarian restaurant near by. Here you can sample delicious traditional dishes made with local ingredients like Shopska salad (a cold salad consisting of finely chopped tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and onions along with feta cheese) or Dobrudzha beef stew (a beef stew slow cooked with mushrooms, peppers, carrots & potatoes).

During your time in Sofia don’t forget to check off some of their must-sees; sample Sofia’s vibrant nightlife in trendsetting venues like BulBar (the biggest Bulgarian-style tapas bar in town) or see what’s on show at Sofia Opera House located right in the heart on Triaditsa Square.

Your visit to Sofia wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some outdoor activities near by such as horse riding or white water rafting so why not check out GetYourGuide’s Sofia activities list today for more information on how to create your perfect adventure!

Sofia is a treasure trove for those looking for majestic monuments like Plovdiv’s Historic Old Town, Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery – 3 jewels in this beautiful city’s crown that should be experienced at least once in your lifetime! And with great outdoor activities within easy reach, there’s something for everyone here regardless of what you’re looking for. This ancient city continues to capture people imaginations year after year so why not explore Sofia today? You won’t regret it!

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Sofia’s Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery FAQ

Sofia is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, which is evident in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and art. One of the best ways to experience the city’s cultural legacy is by exploring its surroundings, especially Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery. Here are the most frequently asked questions about these popular tourist destinations:

1. What is Plovdiv, and why should I visit it?

Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history that dates back more than 8,000 years. The city is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Plovdiv Roman Theater, which is still used for performances today. Visitors can also explore the Old Town, which features traditional 19th-century architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and colorful houses. Other must-visit places in Plovdiv include the Ancient Stadium, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Kapana Creative District.

2. What is Asen’s Fortress, and what can I expect to see there?

Asen’s Fortress is a medieval fortress located in the Rhodope Mountains, about 20 km south of Plovdiv. The fortress was built in the 13th century and was an important stronghold during the Second Bulgarian Empire. Visitors can explore the remains of the fortress’s walls, towers, and gates, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Other features of the fortress include a chapel, a water storage system, and a small museum with exhibits about the fortress’s history.

3. What is Bachkovo Monastery, and why is it significant?

Bachkovo Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery located about 30 km south of Plovdiv. The monastery was founded in the 11th century and is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Bulgaria. Visitors can explore the monastery’s main church, which features beautiful frescoes and icons, and its museum, which houses a collection of religious artifacts and manuscripts. The monastery is also known for its tranquil gardens, which feature a small waterfall and several chapels and shrines.

4. How do I get to Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery?

Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery are all located in close proximity to each other and can be easily reached by car, bus, or organized tour. From Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Plovdiv by car or bus. Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery can be reached by car or bus from Plovdiv, with Asen’s Fortress being about a 40-minute drive and Bachkovo Monastery being about a 30-minute drive.

5. What is the best time of year to visit Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery?

The best time of year to visit Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery is during the spring and summer months, from March to September. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the surrounding mountains and valleys are lush and green. Visitors can also take advantage of the many outdoor activities and events that take place during this time, such as hiking, biking, and festivals.

6. What are some other nearby attractions that I can visit?

Besides Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery, there are many other nearby attractions that visitors can explore, including:

– The Rhodope Mountains, which offer stunning views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.
– The Devil’s Throat Cave, which features a deep underground waterfall and several chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
– The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features unique Thracian frescoes.

Conclusion

Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery are three of the most popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria, and for good reason. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, these places offer something for everyone. So why not plan a trip to Sofia and explore these amazing destinations for yourself?