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Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis: A Glimpse into Roman History

Explore Plovdiv's Ancient Stadium: A window into Roman history beneath the city's bustling heart.

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Discover the remarkably preserved Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, built in the 2nd century AD during Roman rule. Located beneath Plovdiv's main pedestrian street, this historical landmark once accommodated up to 30,000 spectators for athletic competitions and gladiatorial contests.

A brief summary to Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on ancient stone surfaces.
  • Visit during the cooler months or seek shelter in nearby restaurants overlooking the stadium to avoid the heat.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis for a comprehensive Roman experience.
  • Check out the presentation center for multimedia information about the stadium's history and architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Ancient Stadium is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most points in Plovdiv's city center. From the Kapana district, walk along the main pedestrian street, Knyaz Alexander I, towards Dzhumaya Square. The stadium entrance is near the square, look for the signs indicating the entrance to the underground level.

  • Public Transport

    Plovdiv has an extensive bus network. Several bus lines stop near Dzhumaya Square, including lines 1, 4, 7, 9, 11, 20, 26, 27, 37, 44, 93 and 99. From the bus stop, follow the signs to the Ancient Stadium. A single bus ticket costs 1 BGN.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Plovdiv. You can hail one from the street or book one by phone or via apps like TaxiStars or TaxiMe. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between 3 and 6 BGN. Ask the driver to take you to Dzhumaya Square.

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Discover more about Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis

The Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis, dating back to the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, stands as a testament to Plovdiv's rich Roman past. Known in Roman times as the Stadium of Philippopolis, it is among the largest and best-preserved structures from the Roman Empire in the Balkan Peninsula. Located in the heart of modern Plovdiv, the stadium is situated beneath the main pedestrian street, with its northern end visible at Dzhumaya Square. This strategic location within the ancient fortified city, nestled between Taksim Tepe and Sahat Tepe hills, allowed it to accommodate approximately 30,000 spectators. The stadium was a hub for various events, including athletic competitions, gladiatorial fights, and the Alexandrian and Pythian Games. Today, visitors can explore the excavated northern section of the stadium and a presentation center that showcases the stadium's history and significance. The visible remains offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the past, with tiered marble seats and vaulted passages that once connected the track to the outside Roman road. The stadium's design, featuring 14 rows of seats made from solid marble blocks, reflects the architectural sophistication of the Roman period. The stadium's historical importance is further underscored by its designation as a cultural value of national significance in 1995. Inscriptions on the marble blocks indicate reserved seating for members of higher public standing, and the main entrance was adorned with masonry pillars, marble pilasters, and reliefs.

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