The second largest Bulgarian city – Plovdiv is situated in the western part of the Upper Thracian Valley, 150 km east of Sofia. Plovdiv is situated along the two banks of Maritsa River, and also on a number of picturesque hills (called "tepe" by the local people) that are part of the town's charm and beauty. Being the second largest city in the country, it has a population of 350 000 people.

     It is one of the oldest centres in Europe and keeps traces of many ancient cultures. Trimontium, Julia, Ulpia, Flavia, Poulpoudeva, Filipopolis - these are different variants of one and the same name - Plovdiv.  

     Today, Plovdiv is the major administrative center of the Plovdiv region, a picturesque town, with many parks and gardens, museums and archaeological monuments.