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BACHKOVO MONASTERY Bachkovo monastery ranks second only to Rila monastery both with regard to size, and architectural significance. It is situated 30 km. from Plovdiv in Bachkovo village. According to the historians it was founded during Byzantine slavery in 1083. Its founders are two Georgian brothers - Grigorii and Apasii Bakuriani. In his fiefs, Grigorii built a monastery, devoted to the woman-mother and called it Petrichki. The monastery had a rapid history. It was attacked and robbed more than once. Its bloom was during the 13th century, more precisely during the reign of Tzar Ivan Alexander /the second church-donor of the monastery/. An important period for the monastery was the 14th century. Regarding the architecture, the monastery presents as joined rectangular buildings that form an enormous inner yard, in which are located the churches - St. Trinity, St. Archangels and St. Nikola. The older church , St. Archangels, is a basilica, uni-domed building with overarches.......................25 km THRACIAN TOMB - STAROSEL In the year 2000, near the town of Plovdiv, in the village of Starosel, archeologists found a tomb that became real sensation because it is the most grandiose Thracian architectural monument until now. The tomb is turned towards the Thracian lowland, at the foot of Sredna Gora Mountain. It has an exquisite facade, which shows that it was built as important architectural monument. It is supposed that a Thracian ruler from 5-4th century before Christ is buried there. It is possible that this is Sitalk who was the most powerful ruler of the Odrin*s Kingdom. The entrance of the tomb is 1.60 meters wide and is fortified with beautiful limestone columns. The inner hall is not yet open, but archeologists suppose that there will be many precious itmes there. But it is possible that the tomb had been robbed back in antiquity. There are also statements that this mound is just a part of a cult complex. That the entrance looks towards the whole of Thrace shows the significance of the tomb.....................30 km THE OLD TOWN Another very interesting museum town for visitation is the old town of Plovdiv. Plovdiv is the cultural and artistic capital of southern Bulgaria. Its antique part is situated on three hills. Influences of European architectural styles can be noticed in almost every building and house. Here the Antiquity and Renaissance are combined in one. There are remains of ancient settlements, fortified walls, towers, underground passages. One of the most interesting landmarks is the Amphitheatre, which is restored and today is used as an open scene for different cultural activities. Another landmark is the Renaissance houses. They are characteristic with luxuriant inner and outer architecture - the work of the Bulgarian masters from the end of 19th century. You can visit Chifte Banya Bath, Djumaya mosque; see the clock tower on Sahat hill and many churches, connected with different periods of the Bulgarian history....................................0,5 km
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