Related Topics  Plovdiv		Plovdiv Out of Town About 29 km southwards of Plovdiv, at the foot of Rhodope Mountains, is situated one of the oldest and richest Bulgarian monasteries - Bachkovo Monastery. It was established in 1083 by the brothers Bakouriani, who were military commanders in the army of the Byzantine Emperor Alexis Comnenus. The church in the yard of the monastery was built in 1604, while the icon of the Holy Virgin was dated back to 1310. The icons, frescoes and the monastery crypt arouse special interest. Near the picturesque town of Assenovgrad and at the foot of the Rhodopes towers Assenova Krepost (the Fortress of Assen), erected in the late 10th century. This is an impressing medieval fortification from the period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Summer and winter mountain resorts, as well as spa are well developed in the region of Plovdiv. There are several attractive tourist centres in the beautiful Rhodopes such as Pamporovo - Smolian, Velingrad - Yundola, Devin - Dospat. The best renowned modern international winter resort is Pamporovo. Many mineral hot springs have been utilized in Plovdiv region. Thirteen bath-treatment resorts offering 2 000 beds function all the year round. One of the well-known spa towns situated not far away from Plovdiv is Hissarya, famous for its 22 mineral springs, modern sanatorium and tourist facilities. Important landmarks in the town are also the ruins of a Roman fortress, the second largest amphitheatre found in Bulgaria, remains of Roman baths.

	© 1997-2006 TETRACOM. All rights reserved