The City of the Plain

Arrival in Philippopolis

I arrived in Philippopolis on a Sunday evening after a long and tiring 16-hour journey along dusty roads. The horses were tired, but they picked up speed as we reached the cobbled streets of the city. The driver shouted and cracked his whip, trying to make it seem like he had been driving fast all day, which wasn’t true. I was exhausted and not looking forward to the kind of accommodation I would find.

As we entered the city, I saw a lit street, a lively café, and heard cheerful gipsy music. Hotel staff appeared, greeting me warmly. The owner came out, and yes, he had received my telegram! Rooms were ready for me, and I was shown to a nice, clean, simple room. After seeing myself in a mirror, I realized I was covered in dust, with my hair gray from the long journey. But no worries! A bath was waiting for me, followed by a nice little dinner. The wine? A pint of the local variety. Everything seemed perfect!

The City’s Setting and History

Philippopolis is located on the Plain of Thrace, which is incredibly flat and surrounded by tall, jagged mountains. The landscape is dotted with strange, large mounds, like exaggerated molehills. These mounds are ancient burial mounds called tumuli. In the summer, the plain feels hot and steamy, and through the haze, you can see a large hill that doesn’t look big from far away but, up close, shows several smaller hills, almost like a crouching animal. This is a huge piece of uneven granite that rises from the plain Customized Tours Bulgaria.

Many centuries ago, Philip of Macedon built a city on this hill. Today, that city is known as Philippopolis.

The Character of Philippopolis

Philippopolis has a unique character. The city has a strong passion for education, and its people are known for their hardworking nature. Bulgarians aren’t particularly speculative; they prefer stability, focusing on agriculture and the industry of their peasants. However, there are changes, as the Turks have returned to the area, influencing daily life.

The people of Philippopolis have distinct characteristics. They tend to avoid the heat of the summer by seeking shelter or cooler places. During my stay, I visited the Monastery of St. Petka, where I spent a night under the open sky, enjoying the calmness and simplicity of the place.