Published on
September 10, 2025
Bulgaria is a country where history is not confined to museums — it rises from stone walls, echoes in ancient theaters, and lingers in sacred monasteries. For travelers beginning in Sofia, a single day offers the chance to step beyond the capital and into a living chronicle of culture, faith, and resilience. The route to Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery reveals a story that spans millennia, stitched together by mountains, valleys, and faith.
The Ancient Spirit of Plovdiv
The journey begins in Plovdiv, often described as Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. With roots stretching back over 6,000 years, Plovdiv has been shaped by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Bulgarians. Each left their mark, and today the city feels like an open-air museum where different eras coexist.
At Nebet Tepe, an ancient settlement perched on a hill, the city’s origins come to life. Once a Thracian stronghold, it later grew into the nucleus of Philippopolis under Roman rule. From the hilltop, the modern city unfolds in every direction, a reminder that the ancient and the contemporary share the same ground.
Not far away lies the Roman Theater of Philippopolis, built in the 1st century. Remarkably preserved, it still hosts performances more than 1,800 years after its construction. The semicircular rows of marble seats bear silent witness to centuries of history, while the stage continues to echo with music and drama.
Plovdiv’s Old Town offers another layer of charm. Among cobblestone lanes and colorful Revival-era houses stands Hindliyan’s House, renowned for its richly decorated interiors and ornate woodwork. It offers a glimpse into the wealth and artistry of the 19th century, when merchants and intellectuals helped shape Bulgaria’s cultural identity.
Yet Plovdiv is not frozen in the past. The Kapana district, once a hub for craftsmen, has transformed into a lively creative quarter. Today it is filled with galleries, cafés, artisan shops, and street art. Visitors can wander along one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, experiencing a city that thrives on blending tradition with modern creativity.
The Strength of Asen’s Fortress
Leaving the plains of Plovdiv behind, the road ascends into the Rhodope Mountains. Rising dramatically above the valley is Asen’s Fortress, a medieval stronghold that once protected the passage between the Aegean Sea and Thrace. Its strategic position made it a crucial site for centuries of defenders.
The fortress ruins tell stories of sieges and resilience, but the most striking feature is the preserved Church of the Holy Mother of God. Built in the 12th century, it has survived through wars and natural decay. Inside, fragments of 14th-century frescoes remain, a fragile reminder of medieval artistry. Beside it stands a rectangular tower, believed to be the earliest preserved of its kind in the Balkans.
Beyond history, the fortress offers breathtaking views. From its vantage point, the Rhodope Mountains stretch endlessly, their forests and ridges bathed in shifting light. For many visitors, the experience is as much about the landscape as it is about the fortress itself.
The Peace of Bachkovo Monastery
Further into the mountains lies Bachkovo Monastery, a place of quiet devotion and cultural richness. Founded in 1083, it is the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria and one of the most significant centers of Orthodox Christianity in the Balkans.
The main church houses an intricately carved iconostasis and the revered Icon of the Virgin Mary, considered miraculous by the faithful. A vast 19th-century fresco dominates the interior, surrounding worshippers with biblical imagery. Smaller chapels, including those of St. Archangels and St. Nicolas, preserve vivid murals that showcase the mastery of Bulgarian icon painters.
The monastery’s old dining hall, with its marble table used by monks for centuries, adds another dimension to its heritage. Here, daily life and spirituality were deeply intertwined.
Equally memorable is the atmosphere of the courtyard. Shaded by ancient trees and framed by cloisters, it invites visitors to sit in silence, listen to the wind, and experience the calm that has drawn monks and pilgrims for centuries. Just outside the gates, stalls offer jars of honey, herbal teas, jams, and handmade crafts, extending the monastery’s tradition of hospitality and connection to the local community.
Returning to Sofia
As the day draws to a close, travelers return to Sofia carrying more than photographs. The journey through Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery offers a deeper understanding of Bulgaria’s cultural and spiritual soul. It is a reminder that beyond the bustle of the capital lies a world shaped by history, faith, and nature. In a single day, the past and present merge, offering not just a tour, but an experience of timeless Bulgaria.
