Nebet Tepe

Nebet Tepe — the cradle of Plovdiv

On the highest of the Old Town's hills stands Nebet Tepe, the spot where Plovdiv began. Excavations on the hilltop have revealed very ancient occupation: a fortified Thracian settlement (known as Eumolpias) that over the centuries was overlaid by Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman fortifications. Plovdiv is regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, and Nebet Tepe is the very core of that story.

What you'll see

The site is open-air and consists of fortress ruins: massive stone walls, cyclopean Thracian blocks and layers of masonry from different eras stacked one upon another. Beyond the stones, the real draw is the panorama: the hilltop terrace offers one of the finest views over all of Plovdiv, across the rooftops of the Old Town and the surrounding Thracian plain. It is a favourite spot, especially at sunset.

Practical

Nebet Tepe lies at the top end of the Old Town (Stariya Grad), reached by climbing the cobbled streets among the Bulgarian Revival-style houses. The way is uphill, so wear comfortable shoes. The site is free and open. The best times are early morning or towards sunset, for the light and fewer crowds. Nearby you'll find numerous house-museums, churches and workshops of the Old Town, plus the Roman Theatre, a few minutes' walk away.