This southern Bulgarian economic center houses two universities, an opera, and significant archaeological sites from Roman and Thracian times.
In Stara Zagora, you can walk on 2,000-year-old Roman streets, step inside 8,000-year-old Neolithic homes, and explore intricate Roman mosaics depicting Dionysus's Procession. The city's opera house stages regular performances, while the Regional History Museum displays over 100,000 artifacts. From the Defenders Memorial Complex, you'll see panoramic views of the Sredna Gora mountains and the Valley of Roses.
Transportation to Stara Zagora
Trains run every two hours from Sofia (25-30 BGN, 2.5 hours) and stop at Plovdiv along the way. Buses depart hourly from Sofia's Central Bus Station (20-25 BGN, 3 hours) and every two hours from Plovdiv (15 BGN, 1.5 hours). The city center lies 2 kilometers from the train station - take bus #24 or walk 20 minutes along Tsar Simeon Veliki Boulevard.
Ancient Roman Sites
Walk along the original stone-paved Roman street in the city center, with building foundations flanking both sides. The Ancient Forum spreads across 3,500 square meters in front of the State Opera. Inside several nearby buildings, you'll find floor mosaics from the 3rd century AD showing detailed scenes of Silenus, Bacchantes, and Dionysus's Procession. Entry costs 6 BGN, open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00.
Museums Worth Visiting
The Regional History Museum (8 BGN, open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00) displays artifacts from Thracian gold jewelry to medieval weapons. Visit the Museum of Religions in a 15th-century mosque to learn about Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in the region (5 BGN, open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00). The Neolithic Dwellings Museum houses two 8,000-year-old homes with original household items (6 BGN, open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00).
Parks and City Layout
Wide boulevards with linden trees form a grid pattern throughout the city. Ayazmoto Park covers 939 acres and includes an astronomy observatory (open Friday-Sunday evenings), a zoo (entry 4 BGN), and sports facilities. In Bedechka Park, you can rent paddle boats on Lake Zagorka (10 BGN per hour) and see the water wheels and lotus flowers that bloom in summer.
Local Wine and Industry
Visit Domaine Menada winery (advance booking required) to taste local wines and tour the production facilities. The Zagorka beer factory museum runs tours twice daily (15 BGN, includes beer tasting) where you'll learn about the brewing process and sample different varieties.
Mineral Springs and Wellness
The mineral baths sit 14 kilometers from the city center, accessible by bus #17 (2 BGN, 30 minutes). Water temperature stays at 40°C year-round, rich in minerals that help with neurological and respiratory conditions. Day passes cost 20 BGN, and several hotels offer accommodation with direct access to the springs.
