Regional Archaeological Museum, Plovdiv

Regional Archaeological Museum, Plovdiv

The Regional Archaeological Museum of Plovdiv is where the archaeological finds of one of Europe's oldest inhabited cities are gathered. Located in the city centre, the museum preserves remains that illustrate the succession of civilisations that passed across this land: Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and later periods.

What you'll see

The collections traditionally cover prehistory, Thracian antiquity, the Greco-Roman period and the Middle Ages, through objects such as pottery, coins, inscriptions, sculpture and jewellery. Plovdiv (ancient Philippopolis) was an important Roman city, and the Thracian region is famed for its archaeological riches, including Thracian gold treasures — a hallmark of Bulgarian archaeological museums. The displays help you understand the context of the great monuments visible around town, such as the Roman Theatre and the Roman forum.

Practical

The museum sits centrally, easily reached on foot from the pedestrian zone. As visiting hours and entrance fees can vary, it is best to check them before your visit. The museum complements a tour of ancient Plovdiv nicely: after seeing the objects displayed here, the city's Roman monuments make far more sense. The main attractions of the centre and the Old Town are close by.