Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery in one day

This route covers three eras of Bulgarian history in one day: ancient Plovdiv, the medieval Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery, the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria. The three sites are less than 30 km apart, and the road runs along the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains.

Plovdiv – one of Europe’s oldest cities

Plovdiv has been continuously inhabited for more than 6,000 years. The Thracians called it Eumolpias, Philip II of Macedon called it Philippopolis, and the Romans called it Trimontium, “the city of three hills”. It was a European Capital of Culture in 2019.

What to see in 3–4 hours:

• The Roman Theatre (2nd century AD) – one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, still used for concerts and opera.
• The Roman Stadium – part of it is exposed beneath the main street, next to the Dzhumaya Mosque.
• The Old Town – cobbled lanes and Revival-era mansions. Visit the Ethnographic Museum in Kuyumdzhiev House and Balabanov House.
• Nebet Tepe – the hill with the ruins of a Thracian fortress and the best view of the city.
• Kapana district – old craftsmen’s streets turned into a quarter of galleries, cafés and bars.

Asen’s Fortress

About 3 km south of Asenovgrad, on a cliff above the Chaya River gorge, stands Asen’s Fortress. The site was fortified as early as Thracian times. In the 9th century the Byzantines turned it into a stronghold guarding the road to the Aegean. It is named after Tsar Ivan Asen II, who strengthened it around 1231.

The highlight is the surviving Church of the Holy Mother of God of Petrich (12th–13th century), with a two-storey structure and medieval frescoes. The view over the gorge and the Thracian Plain is spectacular.

Bachkovo Monastery

Bachkovo Monastery (Dormition of the Virgin) was founded in 1083 by Gregory Pakourianos, a Byzantine general of Georgian origin. It sits on the bank of the Chepelarska River, about 10 km south of Asenovgrad, and is the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria.

What to see:

• The main Church of the Dormition (1604) – home to a miracle-working icon of the Virgin that draws pilgrims from all over the country.
• The refectory – with 17th-century frescoes.
• The ossuary – the oldest surviving part (11th century), about 300 m from the monastery, with rare Byzantine-era frescoes.
• The courtyard – centuries-old trees, fountains and wooden balconies. Stalls outside sell Rhodope herbs, honey and jams.

Sample itinerary

1. 8:00 – leave Sofia on the Trakia motorway.
2. 10:00–13:00 – Plovdiv: the Roman Theatre, the Old Town and lunch in Kapana.
3. 13:30–14:30 – Asen’s Fortress. The road up is narrow but paved.
4. 15:00–16:30 – Bachkovo Monastery and the ossuary.
5. 17:00 – back to Sofia (about 2 h) or overnight in Plovdiv.

Getting there

By car – the easiest option, as public transport between the three sites is slow.

By train or bus to Plovdiv – frequent services run from Sofia. Buses to Asenovgrad and Bachkovo leave from Plovdiv’s Rodopi bus station. Reach the fortress by taxi or on foot (a steep climb).

When to visit

Spring and autumn are ideal. Plovdiv gets very hot in July and August, so sightsee in the morning and evening. Around 15 August (the Dormition), Bachkovo celebrates its feast day and is very busy.

Practical tips

• Dress modestly for the monastery, with shoulders and knees covered.
• Plovdiv has paid parking zones. Use the car parks around the centre.
• If you have two days, give Plovdiv a full day of its own. There’s much more to see.

Nearby

• Narechen Baths and the Wonderful Bridges – deeper in the Rhodopes.
• Koprivshtitsa – about 1 h 30 min away. See our guide.
• The Thracian tombs around Kazanlak and the wines of Thrace – further east.

FAQ

Can I see everything in one day? Yes, with a car and an early start. You’ll only get a taste of Plovdiv, which deserves at least another day.

Is there an entry fee for the monastery? The courtyard and church are usually free. The ossuary and some exhibitions charge a fee.