Bulgaria: Plovdiv
Just like Rome, the ancient city of Plovdiv is spread over seven hills. It was founded in 359 BC as Philippopolis by king Philipp II of Macedonia, and since then has a long a illustrious history of empires and kingdoms controlling it, and all leaving an architectural imprint on the city. There is an ancient Roman theater, one of the most intact in the world. Then, there is also a Roman stadium, and the ruins of ancient Philippopolis. Early Christian heritage includes several 3-4th century churches. Ottoman rule left an old Dzhumay Mosque built in 1300s. Finally, the old Plovdiv with its narrow cobblestone streets has many traditional half-timbered merchant houses with overhanging balconies and painted in vivid colors. Ottoman rule left
