TOURIST PROGRAM
2. PLOVDIV CITY TOUR AND BACHKOVO MONASTERY
13 July 2010
On July 13th the delegates may take a daily trip to discover the second largest city in Bulgaria - Plovdiv situated on three hills rising up the Thracian plain and washed by the quietly flowing waters of Maritza River. It is not only a big industrial and administrative centre but also an ancient, cultural crossroad between East and West. One of Europe's oldest cities, it was originally a Thracian settlement before becoming a major city ruled by Greeks and Romans in Antiquity. In the middle Ages, it retained its strategic regional importance, changing hands between the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires. It came under ottoman rule in the 14th century. In 1878, Plovdiv was made the capital of the autonomous Ottoman region of Eastern Rumelia; in 1885, it became part of Bulgaria with the unification of that region and the Principality of Bulgaria. The unique treasure from its 24 centuries long history is preserved there, as well as brilliant examples of the Bulgarian National Revival Period.
A walking tour to the ethnographic Museum, Churches and the street of folk arts and crafts, major landmarks of the Old Town, will be followed by lunch and trip to Bachkovo Monastery.
One of the oldest monasteries in the Bulgarian lands, it rises in the picturesque Chaya river valley, 29 km south of Plovdiv. Founded in 1083, Bachkovo Monastery is chiefly known for its original architecture, rich collections of old icons, jewelry, coins and church plate. It was mostly destroyed by the Turks in the 14th century and rebuilt a century later. The main treasure of the monastery is a miracle-working icon Sveta Bogorodica which is said to heal the sick. The only part that has survived from the monastery's original structure is the ossuary, which has a specific architectural design and ancient frescoes, and is situated 300 m away from the contemporary monastery complex.
A professional guide will disclose you the beauty of the old city and to reveal the secrets of the great city of the seven Tepe. At noon time you will have a lunch in a tipical old bulgarian house with traditional dishes.
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