Is this walking tour Plovdiv suitable for children?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. Children often enjoy the bird mosaics at the Bishop's Basilica and the 3D movie shown at the Ancient Stadium visitor center which recreates the ancient games.

What is the best time to see the Roman ruins in Plovdiv?

Morning is best to avoid the heat, especially since many sites are outdoors. Late afternoon is also beautiful as the sun hits the marble of the Ancient Stadium, making for great photography.

Are the Roman sites in Plovdiv accessible for wheelchairs?

Most of the major Roman sites on this route, including the Bishop's Basilica and the Ancient Stadium, are fully accessible with modern facilities. The walk between them is mostly on flat, paved pedestrian streets.

Do I need to pay to see the Ancient Stadium?

You can see the marble seating of the stadium for free from the street level. However, there is a small fee to enter the visitor center for the 3D cinema and detailed exhibits.

Can I see all these sites in one day?

Absolutely. These Roman landmarks are all located within a 1.5-kilometer radius in the city center, making it easy to see everything in a single morning or afternoon.

Is the Ancient Theatre included in this walk?

This specific route focuses on the lower city landmarks like the Forum and Stadium. The Ancient Theatre is located nearby in the Old Town on the hill; it can be added as an extension but involves a steep climb.

Is it worth visiting both the Small and Bishop's Basilicas?

Yes, because they offer different experiences. The Bishop's Basilica is massive and highly informative, while the Small Basilica is more intimate and features different mosaic styles and a unique baptistery.

The Roman Road: Plovdiv's Imperial Past | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Step back two millennia into the heart of Philippopolis, the Roman name for the vibrant city we now know as Plovdiv. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the monumental legacy of the Roman Empire in one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. As you follow this walking route through the modern city center, you will discover how the ancient imperial past remains woven into the fabric of contemporary Bulgarian life. The journey begins at the remnants of the Roman Aqueduct, a testament to the sophisticated engineering that once powered this thriving provincial capital. From there, your neighborhood stroll takes you to the Forum and Odeon, the civic and cultural pulse of the ancient city where citizens gathered for trade, politics, and music. One of the true highlights of this audio walk is the encounter with Plovdiv's early Christian heritage. You will visit the Small Basilica and the magnificent Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis, home to some of the most intricate and well-preserved Roman mosaics in the world. These vibrant depictions of birds and geometric patterns offer a window into the spiritual and artistic transition of the late Roman era. The route concludes at the Ancient Stadium, a massive structure that once held 30,000 spectators and now sits remarkably preserved beneath the main pedestrian street. Exploring Plovdiv independently allows you to appreciate the scale of these ruins at your own pace, moving between the bustling cafes of today and the marble steps of yesterday. This walking tour Plovdiv is designed for those who want to see the 'layers' of history, where a simple turn of a corner reveals a Roman gate or a hidden mosaic. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this route provides a clear and engaging narrative of how Philippopolis became the 'largest and most beautiful of all cities' in the province of Thrace.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The massive Ancient Stadium hidden beneath the modern pedestrian street
Exquisite bird mosaics at the Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis
The Roman Forum, once the administrative center of ancient Thrace
The Roman Odeon, a beautifully restored venue for ancient performances
The engineering marvel of the Roman Aqueduct remains
The Small Early Christian Basilica's intricate floor decorations

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Roman Aqueduct Remains

Begin your self-guided adventure at these weathered stone pillars, which are the remains of a massive Roman aqueduct system. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, Philippopolis required a steady supply of fresh water for its public baths and fountains. These ruins represent the western line of the aqueduct, which carried water from the Rhodope Mountains nearly 30 kilometers away. The engineering was precise, maintaining a steady slope to ensure the water reached the city's hills. Today, these arches stand as a quiet reminder of the city's former scale and the Roman commitment to public infrastructure.

2

Roman Forum of Philippopolis

Welcome to the civic heart of ancient Philippopolis. The Forum was the city's main square, where the most important administrative buildings, shops, and the treasury were located. Spanning over 11 hectares, it was one of the largest forums in the Roman Balkans. As you walk through the site, notice the foundations of the ancient shops that once lined the perimeter. This was the place where imperial edicts were read and where the city's inhabitants gathered to trade grain, pottery, and luxury goods. It remains a central landmark, bridging the gap between the ancient city and the modern central post office.

3

Roman Odeon of Philippopolis

Located at the northeastern corner of the Forum, the Odeon served as a smaller, roofed theater used for musical performances and meetings of the city council. Unlike the larger Amphitheatre nearby, the Odeon provided a more intimate setting for the cultural elite. During the 4th century, it was reconstructed as a small theater. Look at the marble seats and the orchestra area; it’s easy to imagine the debates that once echoed here. The site was rediscovered in the late 20th century and has since been carefully restored to host modern events, continuing its legacy as a place of assembly.

4

Small Early Christian Basilica

This site offers a glimpse into the spiritual transformation of the Roman Empire. Built in the late 5th century, the Small Basilica was located near the city's eastern fortification wall. It is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved floor mosaics, featuring colorful depictions of birds, deer, and geometric motifs. These symbols were common in early Christian art, representing the soul's journey and the garden of paradise. The craftsmanship here reveals the high level of artistic skill present in Philippopolis during the transition from the pagan Roman era to the Byzantine period.

5

Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis

This is the crown jewel of Plovdiv’s Roman heritage. The Bishop's Basilica is one of the largest early Christian temples in the Balkans, dating back to the 4th century. What makes this site world-class is the 2,000 square meters of floor mosaics spread across two levels. You will find over 100 unique depictions of birds, symbolizing the variety of life and the divine. The basilica was a major religious center until the 6th century. Today, it is housed in a modern museum complex that allows you to walk directly over the glass floors to view the intricate patterns below.

6

Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis

End your neighborhood stroll at the most spectacular remnant of the Roman era: the Ancient Stadium. Built in the 2nd century under Emperor Hadrian, it was roughly 240 meters long and could seat 30,000 people for athletic games and chariot races. Today, you are standing at the northern curved end of the stadium. While most of the structure remains buried under the modern shops of the pedestrian street, this excavated section allows you to descend into the original marble seating. It is a powerful reminder of the city's imperial grandeur and a favorite spot for locals to meet today.

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Explore “The Roman Road: Plovdiv's Imperial Past” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This includes time to explore the interior of the Bishop's Basilica and the Ancient Stadium's visitor center, which are the most time-consuming stops.