Plovdiv (Bulgarian: Пловдив, pronounced [ˈpɫɔvdif], historically known as Philippopolis), is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, standing on the banks of the Maritsa river in the historical region of Thrace.

The city was historically developed on seven syenite hills, some of which are 250 meters high. Because of these hills, Plovdiv is often referred to in Bulgaria as “The City of the Seven Hills”.

It was the first Bulgarian city chosen to host the European Capital of Culture title in 2019. With its cultural and historical heritage dating back 8000 years, Plovdiv is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and one of the oldest cities in the world.