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Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis: Plovdiv's Hidden Gem

Discover the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis in Plovdiv: a remarkably preserved Roman stadium hidden beneath the city's bustling streets.

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The Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, built in the 2nd century AD during Roman rule, lies beneath Plovdiv's main pedestrian street. Partially excavated, this historical landmark offers a glimpse into the city's Roman past, where up to 30,000 spectators once gathered for athletic competitions and games.

A brief summary to Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on ancient cobblestones and exploring underground levels.
  • Visit the presentation center to view multimedia exhibits and learn more about the stadium's history.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Plovdiv's Old Town to see other Roman ruins and historic sites.
  • Check out the visible sections of the stadium integrated into the basements of shops along the main street.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Plovdiv's main pedestrian street (ul. Knyaz Alexander I), head towards the Old Town. Follow the signs for the Ancient Stadium, located on ul. Hristo G. Danov. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes, passing shops and cafes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Plovdiv Central Bus Station, take a bus heading to the city center (look for routes indicating 'Sredets' or 'Plovdiv Center'). Get off in the city center and walk towards ul. Hristo G. Danov. The stadium is a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare costs 1 BGN.

  • Taxi

    Use a taxi or ride-sharing service like Bolt or Uber. Input 'Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis' or the address 'ul. Hristo G. Danov, 4000 Plovdiv'. The fare within the city should be around 5-10 BGN.

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Discover more about Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis

The Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is one of the best-preserved structures from the Roman era in the Balkans. Commissioned by Emperor Hadrian, the stadium was a vital part of the Roman city of Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv), the capital of the Roman province of Thracia. Located beneath Plovdiv's main pedestrian street, the stadium's northern end is visible at Dzhumaya Square, allowing visitors to descend to the original level of the ancient town. The stadium could accommodate approximately 30,000 spectators, who gathered to watch athletic competitions, gladiator fights, and other public events. Games similar to the Pythian Games in Greece were also held here. To honor visits from Roman emperors, the games were sometimes named after them. The stadium's design includes 14 rows of marble seats divided by stepped aisles. The main entrance features masonry pillars adorned with marble pilasters and reliefs. A vaulted passage beneath the seating connected the track to a corridor, supporting the royal seats. Today, visitors can explore the excavated sections, including part of the track and the semi-circular spectator seats, and view a panoramic reconstruction of the stadium. The stadium was discovered in 1923, with more extensive excavations in the late 20th century. In 1995, it was designated a cultural landmark of national significance. The site includes a presentation center with multimedia information about the stadium's history and architecture.

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