Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, Thrace Travel Guide

4.7 (7939)

Discover the grandeur of the Roman Empire at the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, hidden beneath the bustling streets of Plovdiv.

Home
Travel Guides
Greece
Thrace
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis

The Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, built in the 2nd century AD during the Roman imperial period, is one of the best-preserved structures from that era in the Balkan Peninsula. Located beneath Plovdiv's main pedestrian street, it once accommodated up to 30,000 spectators for athletic competitions and other spectacles. Today, visitors can explore the partially excavated northern end and imagine the stadium's former glory.

A brief summary to Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis

ul. Hristo G. Danov, Plovdiv, Стария градCentral district, Plovdiv, 4000, BG
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis.

Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the stadium involves walking on uneven surfaces and descending stairs.
Visit the presentation center to learn more about the stadium's history and see a reconstruction of its original appearance.
Combine your visit with a walk along Plovdiv's main pedestrian street to see other Roman ruins and historical landmarks.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Delta Nestos National Park

Ethnological Museum of Thrace

White Tower of Thessaloniki

Meteora

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Explore Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis

Buy tickets

No tickets available

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Getting There

Walking

The Ancient Stadium is located under Plovdiv's main pedestrian street, easily accessible from most central locations. From Central Square ('Ploshtad Tsentralen'), walk north along the pedestrian street ('Glavnata'). You'll find the entrance to the stadium at Dzhumaya Square. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. There are no costs involved.
Public Transport

If arriving by bus or train at the Central Station, take bus number 1, 3, 11 or 27. A single one-way ticket costs 1.00 BGN and can be purchased from the conductor inside the bus. Get off at the 'Podlez Arheologicheski' stop, near the archaeological underpass. Walk through the underpass and follow signs to Dzhumaya Square and the Ancient Stadium. Total travel time is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Plovdiv. A taxi ride from the Central Railway Station to the Ancient Stadium typically costs between 5.5 BGN and 7 BGN. Ensure the taxi has a visible price list and that the driver uses the taximeter. The journey usually takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis

The Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis offers a fascinating glimpse into Plovdiv's rich Roman past. Constructed in the early 2nd century AD under Emperor Hadrian, this impressive structure measures approximately 240 meters long and 50 meters wide. It could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators who gathered to watch athletic competitions, gladiator fights, and games similar to the Pythian Games of Greece.The stadium's location within the fortified city, nestled between Taksim Tepe and Sahat Tepe hills, is unusual compared to other Roman stadia typically built outside city walls. The seating was tiered in 14 rows of solid marble blocks, with special seats reserved for high-ranking officials. The main entrance featured masonry pillars adorned with marble pilasters and reliefs.Today, visitors can explore the partially restored northern end of the stadium at Dzhumaya Square, where parts of the track and seating are visible. Descending below street level allows a closer look at the original structure and provides a sense of its immense scale. A presentation center offers multimedia information about the stadium's history and architecture. Although much of the stadium remains buried beneath Plovdiv's modern streets, the visible sections offer a captivating connection to the city's ancient past.