TRIP # 4 Starosel Thracian temple and Hissar spa resort

Period: year round      Trip duration: 4-5  hours

*Please note that all payments should be in Leva or in Euro only and are given directly to the driver after the trip is completed.

In August 2000, a sensational discovery occurred near the village of Starosel, in central Bulgaria. Archaeologists found the enormous temple/grave of what is believed to be a Thracian ruler, possibly Sitalkes I, the first king of a combined Thracian empire.The Starosel temple is the largest discovered so far dating back from the 4-5 centuries B.C.This impressive site is also known as the Starosel Thracian cult complex because around the central temple several tombs were found.On this trip we first visit the temple near Starosel then we go to Hissar (population: 7000 people) – a small resort town famous for its hot mineral springs. Located in the outskirts of the Sredna Gora mountain range at 346 m. a. s. l., it boasts of a very mild climate and over two dozen mineral springs, which make it a favorite spa for many Bulgarian and foreign tourists.Hissar is one of the 3 international spa resorts in Bulgaria, notorious for its Roman remains as well. These ruins are visible everywhere – public buildings, a small amphitheatre, the barracks of the Roman garrison, the foundations of a couple of the oldest churches in Bulgaria, as well as the best-preserved Roman fortress in Bulgaria. The southern gate is known as “The Camels”, because it had broken in the middle and looked like two camels facing each other, before it was partially restored in the early 20th century.In Hissar we go on a lovely walk in the town’s green parks among mineral hot springs, fountains and Roman ruins.

You start 9.00 A.M. After 50 minutes you arrive at Starosel.You explore the area on foot for about 30 minutes. Then you are back in the car and drive to Hissar for 30 minutes. You explore the city and the Roman ruins for about 1 hour. You can have lunch there. You drive back to Plovdiv for 50 minutes.