Stara Zagora is situated in the heart of Bulgaria – at the confluence of the green Sredna Gora Mountain and the golden Thrace valley. It is one of the biggest cities in the nation, with a population of 160,500. It is 230 kilometers from Sofia and 180 kilometers from Bourgas.
Stara Zagora is a town that is experiencing rapid growth. It is a university town with a colorful history and a plethora of scientific and cultural organizations.
The town’s cultural and historical heritage is the result of an eight-thousand-year history, which can be traced through the extensive archives of the Regional History Museum; the Museum of „The Neolithic Dwellings,“ which houses the best-preserved Neolithic dwellings in Europe from the middle of the sixth century BC; the Antique Forum of Augusta Trayana; the „Defenders of Stara Zagora 1877“ Memorial Complex, the „Geo Milev“ Museum, the Art
The celebrations and festivals that take place here throughout the seasons contribute to the city’s unique atmosphere: the Festival of Masquerade Games, the National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore and Traditional Bulgarian Dishes, the National Thracian Folklore Convention in the „Virgin Mary’s footprint“ neighborhood, the „Jazz Forum Stara Zagora“ Festival, the International Puppet Theatre Festival for Adults „Pierrot,“ the Youth Festival of Arts „A Different Look,“ and numerous other fest
Stara Zagora’s „green“ streets, large parks, and gardens are a true gem. Ayazmoto Park, the town’s largest park, is a popular spot for relaxation and sports. It was founded in 1895 under Metropolitan Metodi Kussev’s suggestion. Today, over 150 exotic plant species thrive on 320 acres of land. There is a zoo on its grounds with over 80 kinds of animals from throughout the globe, a Hall of Laughter with distorted mirrors, a vast playground for outdoor exercise, and a summer theater.
The Stara Zagora mineral baths are located 15 kilometers from the town on the slopes of the Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain. They are a great spot to come and rest throughout the year due to their pure air, pleasant atmosphere, mineral water, and accommodating hotels. The „Virgin Mary’s footprint“ location is nearby. According to tradition, the Holy Mother walked through there once and imprinted a footprint in the stone, which has retained water ever since, even during periods of extreme drought. There is a church dedicated to the „Virgin Birth.“
Stara Zagora - Introduction
Geography and climate of Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora is located in the geographical center of Bulgaria and is connected to the rest of the nation as well as neighboring Turkey, Greece, and Romania by major highways and railways. You can reach all three nations in less than four hours over extremely good highways.
Stara Zagora is protected from the north winds by the mountains of Sredna Gora and the Balkans. As a result, the city has very mild winters, lengthy springs, and autumns. Summers in the city are bearable and not very hot, owing to the abundance of trees. The fertile soils and geographical location were the primary reasons for the 8000-year existence.
Population of Stara Zagora
Prior to its freedom from Ottoman dominion, Stara Zagora was arguably the largest city in what is now Bulgaria. However, the city was devastated and burnt by the Turkish army during the 1877–1878 Liberation War. Stara Zagora’s population plummeted to about 16,000 in the first decade after Bulgaria’s freedom in the 1880s. Since then, it has grown decade by decade, mostly due to migration from rural regions and neighboring smaller towns, reaching a high of more over 160,000. Following this, the population began to decline, mostly as a result of migration to the capital city of Sofia or elsewhere.
Individuals who identified their ethnic identification in the 2011 census were allocated as follows:
Bulgarians: 117,963 (93.2%)
Romani: 5,430 (4.3%)
Turks: 1,965 (1.6%)
Others: 579 (0.5%)
Indefinable: 617 (0.5%)
Undeclared: 11,718 (8.5%)
History of Stara Zagora
Within the municipal borders of today’s Stara Zagora, the area has been continually inhabited from the Neolithic (more than 8000 years ago) through the Thracians, until achieving grandeur during the Roman era. Augusta Traiana was the city’s original name, and it was one of the most prestigious cities in the Roman Province of Thrace at the time. Massive avenues lined with statues and paved in marble slabs survive from this time, as do a huge number of archaeological objects, including the Roman Walls and Gate of the city, mosaics, and the Roman Forum.
The city was renamed Beroe, Irinopolis, Eski Zagra, and eventually – Stara Zagora throughout the decades that followed (old city behind the mountain). The city was destroyed three times in the late 1800s, just before to its freedom from the Ottoman Empire, and nothing remains of the medieval or Bulgarian National Revival architecture. The exceptions include the city’s few churches and monasteries, as well as a 15th-century Ottoman mosque with amazing paintings that has been designated a National Monument of Culture.
How To Travel To Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora is practically geographically central to Bulgaria, with important highways and trains connecting it to the rest of the nation and neighboring Turkey, Greece, and Romania. You can reach all three nations in less than four hours over excellent highways.
By plane
Small private aircraft may land at the local airport.
By train
Stara Zagora is an important train center, with the line Rousse – Svilengrad – Istanbul connecting all Danube nations and North Europe (Romania, Russia, Moldova, and Ukraine) to the Mediterranean.
Additionally, the city is located at the intersection of the east-west railroad line Burgas-Sofia.
By car
From Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, take the Trakia expressway.
From Burgas, on the Black Sea Coast, take the Trakia expressway. (Karnobat – Stara Zagora section to be finished in 2011, now it is a two lane asphalted road.)
From Istanbul, Turkey, take the highway via Edirne, and Svilengrad, which is a good highway.
From Rousse, in northern Bulgaria, take the highways crossing Shipka or Haimboise Passes.
By bus
Stara Zagora is connected by bus to all major cities in Bulgaria, as well as to practically all towns and villages. Regular services every hour or half-hour from/to Sofia, Plovdiv, Haskovo (frequent), Bourgas, Sliven, Veliko Turnovo/Rousse, Varna, Svilengrad (once daily), and Harmanli, among others.
Districts & Neighbourhoods In Stara Zagora
Bedechka – Gradinski (Бедечка – Градински, named at river Bedechka)
Central City Part (includes Supercentre, Chayka & Zagorka) (Централна градска част (Суперцентър, Чайка и Загорка) – Chayka – Sea-gull, Zagorka – named after Zagorka brewery)
Makedonski (Македонски – Macedonian) know also as Chumleka (Чумлека)
Dabrava (Дъбрава – former village of Dabrava)
Eastern Industrial Zone (Източна индустриална зона)
Geo Milev (Гео Милев – named after the Bulgarian poet)
Golesh (Голеш)
Industrial Zone (Индустриална Зона)
Kazanski (Казански)
Kolyo Ganchev (Кольо Ганчев – named after the famous Bulgarian revolutionary)
Lozenets (Лозенец – from лозе – vineyard)
Mitropolit Metodiy Kusev (Митрополит Методий Кусев – named after a famous Starozagorian bishop)
Opalchenski (Опълченски – Volunteer’s district named after Bulgarian voluntary army units) also known as Chaika (Чайка – Sea-Gull)
Samara 1, 2 & 3 – (Самара 1, 2 и 3 – named after the sister city of Samara, Russia)
Slaveykov (Славейков – named after the famous Bulgarian poet Petko Slaveykov)
Studentski grad – (Студентски град – Student town)
Tri Chuchura north, centre & south – (Три чучура север, център и юг – „Three spouts“)
Vasil Levski – (Васил Левски – named after the famous Bulgarian revolutionary)
Vazrazhdane – (Възраждане – Renaissance)
Zheleznik (small & big) (Железник – like one of the former names of the city)
Zora (Зора – Dawn)
Future districts :
Atyuren (Атюрен – future district of the city)
Bogomilovo (Богомилово – village of Bogomilovo)
Hrishteni (Хрищени – village of Hrishteni)
Malka Vereya (Малка Верея – Vereya – old name of the city, Malka – small, village of Malka Vereya)
Sights & Landmarks In Stara Zagora
Regional Museum of History, Stara Zagora – 42 Ruski, Blvd., Stara Zagora (next to the Tourist Information Office and a city map) 5 BGN. The Regional Museum of History in Stara Zagora is one of the richest museums in the Balkans in terms of the quantity and importance of its objects. The museum’s biggest and best-preserved collection of Neolithic art, Roman glass, Thracian chariots, ancient bronzes, and items from the Roman city of Augusta Trajana all contribute to the museum’s prominence among European museums. With a history spanning more than eight millennia, the Stara Zagora area continues to delight scientists and history buffs with fresh archaeological and historical discoveries. These treasures, which are unearthed practically daily, are generating headlines throughout the globe. The Regional Museum of History in Stara Zagora continues to be a scientific center for the investigation and preservation of 130,000 priceless artefacts spanning all eras of human history in South Eastern Europe. For more than a century, the museum has also served as a center for education, entertainment, and enjoyment of the region’s rich cultural history. Although there is little Neolithic art on show, there are several Roman artifacts and even mastodon and mammoth bones. You may observe some Roman remains in the basement.
Antique Forum – includes a few columns beside the National Opera (Mitropolit Metodiy Kusev Blvd)
Underground Mosaics of a Slaveowner’s house – next to the forum (Gen. Stoletov Blvd)
Church of St. Dimityr – has exquisite woodcarvings and paintings (Georgi Kyumorev street). The little monastery neighboring has been converted into a museum.
Museum of 19.c city life – near the central post office (Sv. Knyaz Boris street) , which also displays ancient ruins
Eski Dzhamiya previous mosque – near the Province Government (Tsar Simeon Veliki Bivd) includes two prehistoric sanctuaries. Shooting photoes is prohibited.
Neolithic Dwellings – Armeyska Street, 20, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, 6000, Phone: +359.(0)42.622.109 Opening times: Tues – Sat: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm Stara Zagora’s museum „Neolithic Dwellings,“ founded in 1979, is home to one of Europe’s most significant prehistoric art displays. It was constructed in the vicinity of two Neolithic houses (dwellings) dating from the sixth millennium B.C. 1826 objects were discovered during the excavation of the Neolithic homes. The homes are the best-preserved examples of this era in Europe. Kitchens, fireplaces, manual grain mills, and pottery containers form Europe’s most extensive record of prehistoric home life dating back VI Millennia.The Prehistoric Art Exhibition features 333 of the most significant discoveries from the Neolithic, Eneolithic, and Chalcolitic periods (VI–III Millennia B.C.).
Park „Ayazmoto“
Located on the city’s north end. It is a sprawling wooded park with several alleyways. There are several drinking fountains, two restaurants, playgrounds, and attractions, including the following:
Zoo – one of the largest zoos in the country. Popular for breeding bears.
Curved mirrors hall – funny attraction
Summer theater – open-roof theater, hosting concerts and events during the summer
St. Theodor Tyron – a christian shrine with a holy water spring
If you like hiking, there are several woodland pathways that begin there and go to adjacent settlements.
Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora is situated in the heart of Bulgaria – at the confluence of the green Sredna Gora Mountain and the golden Thrace valley. It is one of the biggest cities in the nation, with a population of 160,500. It is 230 kilometers from Sofia and 180 kilometers from Bourgas.
Stara Zagora is a town that is experiencing rapid growth. It is a university town with a colorful history and a plethora of scientific and cultural organizations.
The town’s cultural and historical heritage is the result of an eight-thousand-year history, which can be traced through the extensive archives of the Regional History Museum; the Museum of „The Neolithic Dwellings,“ which houses the best-preserved Neolithic dwellings in Europe from the middle of the sixth century BC; the Antique Forum of Augusta Trayana; the „Defenders of Stara Zagora 1877“ Memorial Complex, the „Geo Milev“ Museum, the Art
The celebrations and festivals that take place here throughout the seasons contribute to the city’s unique atmosphere: the Festival of Masquerade Games, the National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore and Traditional Bulgarian Dishes, the National Thracian Folklore Convention in the „Virgin Mary’s footprint“ neighborhood, the „Jazz Forum Stara Zagora“ Festival, the International Puppet Theatre Festival for Adults „Pierrot,“ the Youth Festival of Arts „A Different Look,“ and numerous other fest
Stara Zagora’s „green“ streets, large parks, and gardens are a true gem. Ayazmoto Park, the town’s largest park, is a popular spot for relaxation and sports. It was founded in 1895 under Metropolitan Metodi Kussev’s suggestion. Today, over 150 exotic plant species thrive on 320 acres of land. There is a zoo on its grounds with over 80 kinds of animals from throughout the globe, a Hall of Laughter with distorted mirrors, a vast playground for outdoor exercise, and a summer theater.
The Stara Zagora mineral baths are located 15 kilometers from the town on the slopes of the Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain. They are a great spot to come and rest throughout the year due to their pure air, pleasant atmosphere, mineral water, and accommodating hotels. The „Virgin Mary’s footprint“ location is nearby. According to tradition, the Holy Mother walked through there once and imprinted a footprint in the stone, which has retained water ever since, even during periods of extreme drought. There is a church dedicated to the „Virgin Birth.“
Stara Zagora - Introduction
Geography and climate of Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora is located in the geographical center of Bulgaria and is connected to the rest of the nation as well as neighboring Turkey, Greece, and Romania by major highways and railways. You can reach all three nations in less than four hours over extremely good highways.
Stara Zagora is protected from the north winds by the mountains of Sredna Gora and the Balkans. As a result, the city has very mild winters, lengthy springs, and autumns. Summers in the city are bearable and not very hot, owing to the abundance of trees. The fertile soils and geographical location were the primary reasons for the 8000-year existence.
Population of Stara Zagora
Prior to its freedom from Ottoman dominion, Stara Zagora was arguably the largest city in what is now Bulgaria. However, the city was devastated and burnt by the Turkish army during the 1877–1878 Liberation War. Stara Zagora’s population plummeted to about 16,000 in the first decade after Bulgaria’s freedom in the 1880s. Since then, it has grown decade by decade, mostly due to migration from rural regions and neighboring smaller towns, reaching a high of more over 160,000. Following this, the population began to decline, mostly as a result of migration to the capital city of Sofia or elsewhere.
Individuals who identified their ethnic identification in the 2011 census were allocated as follows:
History of Stara Zagora
Within the municipal borders of today’s Stara Zagora, the area has been continually inhabited from the Neolithic (more than 8000 years ago) through the Thracians, until achieving grandeur during the Roman era. Augusta Traiana was the city’s original name, and it was one of the most prestigious cities in the Roman Province of Thrace at the time. Massive avenues lined with statues and paved in marble slabs survive from this time, as do a huge number of archaeological objects, including the Roman Walls and Gate of the city, mosaics, and the Roman Forum.
The city was renamed Beroe, Irinopolis, Eski Zagra, and eventually – Stara Zagora throughout the decades that followed (old city behind the mountain). The city was destroyed three times in the late 1800s, just before to its freedom from the Ottoman Empire, and nothing remains of the medieval or Bulgarian National Revival architecture. The exceptions include the city’s few churches and monasteries, as well as a 15th-century Ottoman mosque with amazing paintings that has been designated a National Monument of Culture.
How To Travel To Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora is practically geographically central to Bulgaria, with important highways and trains connecting it to the rest of the nation and neighboring Turkey, Greece, and Romania. You can reach all three nations in less than four hours over excellent highways.
By plane
Small private aircraft may land at the local airport.
By train
Stara Zagora is an important train center, with the line Rousse – Svilengrad – Istanbul connecting all Danube nations and North Europe (Romania, Russia, Moldova, and Ukraine) to the Mediterranean.
Additionally, the city is located at the intersection of the east-west railroad line Burgas-Sofia.
By car
By bus
Stara Zagora is connected by bus to all major cities in Bulgaria, as well as to practically all towns and villages. Regular services every hour or half-hour from/to Sofia, Plovdiv, Haskovo (frequent), Bourgas, Sliven, Veliko Turnovo/Rousse, Varna, Svilengrad (once daily), and Harmanli, among others.
Districts & Neighbourhoods In Stara Zagora
Future districts :
Sights & Landmarks In Stara Zagora
Regional Museum of History, Stara Zagora – 42 Ruski, Blvd., Stara Zagora (next to the Tourist Information Office and a city map) 5 BGN. The Regional Museum of History in Stara Zagora is one of the richest museums in the Balkans in terms of the quantity and importance of its objects. The museum’s biggest and best-preserved collection of Neolithic art, Roman glass, Thracian chariots, ancient bronzes, and items from the Roman city of Augusta Trajana all contribute to the museum’s prominence among European museums. With a history spanning more than eight millennia, the Stara Zagora area continues to delight scientists and history buffs with fresh archaeological and historical discoveries. These treasures, which are unearthed practically daily, are generating headlines throughout the globe. The Regional Museum of History in Stara Zagora continues to be a scientific center for the investigation and preservation of 130,000 priceless artefacts spanning all eras of human history in South Eastern Europe. For more than a century, the museum has also served as a center for education, entertainment, and enjoyment of the region’s rich cultural history. Although there is little Neolithic art on show, there are several Roman artifacts and even mastodon and mammoth bones. You may observe some Roman remains in the basement.
Antique Forum – includes a few columns beside the National Opera (Mitropolit Metodiy Kusev Blvd)
Underground Mosaics of a Slaveowner’s house – next to the forum (Gen. Stoletov Blvd)
Church of St. Dimityr – has exquisite woodcarvings and paintings (Georgi Kyumorev street). The little monastery neighboring has been converted into a museum.
Museum of 19.c city life – near the central post office (Sv. Knyaz Boris street) , which also displays ancient ruins
Eski Dzhamiya previous mosque – near the Province Government (Tsar Simeon Veliki Bivd) includes two prehistoric sanctuaries. Shooting photoes is prohibited.
Neolithic Dwellings – Armeyska Street, 20, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, 6000, Phone: +359.(0)42.622.109 Opening times: Tues – Sat: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm Stara Zagora’s museum „Neolithic Dwellings,“ founded in 1979, is home to one of Europe’s most significant prehistoric art displays. It was constructed in the vicinity of two Neolithic houses (dwellings) dating from the sixth millennium B.C. 1826 objects were discovered during the excavation of the Neolithic homes. The homes are the best-preserved examples of this era in Europe. Kitchens, fireplaces, manual grain mills, and pottery containers form Europe’s most extensive record of prehistoric home life dating back VI Millennia.The Prehistoric Art Exhibition features 333 of the most significant discoveries from the Neolithic, Eneolithic, and Chalcolitic periods (VI–III Millennia B.C.).
Park „Ayazmoto“
Located on the city’s north end. It is a sprawling wooded park with several alleyways. There are several drinking fountains, two restaurants, playgrounds, and attractions, including the following:
If you like hiking, there are several woodland pathways that begin there and go to adjacent settlements.
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