Asenovgrad

Asenovgrad is a destination in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It offers visitors a range of attractions and experiences in a distinctive setting.

By bus

Buses go between depart from Plovdiv 's "Rhodopi" bus station in the south of the city at least twice an hour normally, mostly on route to Smolyan or Kardzhali .

The town centre of Asenovgrad is compact and walkable. Local buses connect the main districts and nearby attractions. Taxis are available from the train station.

History Museum

Museum of Paleontology - has a complete skeleton of a Deinotherium giganteum , an extinct elephant-like mammal that was found nearby (replica, the original is in Sofia )

Asenovgrad's most notable sights are actually outside of the city:

Asen's Fortress

( Asenova krepost , Асенова крепост )

( about 2   km (1.2   mi) south of Asenovgrad, there's a paved road that splits off Road 86 at the south exit of Asenovgrad ).

Daily 9:00-18:00 .

Ruins of a medieval fortress perched on a steep rocky ridge. An inscription carved into the rock testifies that the fortress was strengthened in 1231 by the Bulgarian ruler Ivan Asen II, hence the name. Like most Bulgarian fortresses, only very basic ruins remain, with some modern reconstructions. The site's centerpiece is a fortified church overlooking the precipice. It had survived mostly intact until 1928, when an earthquake collapsed its dome, necessitating reconstructions in later years. There's a parking lot and a tiny on-site museum. One of the 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.

Adults: 8 лв, students/retirees: 5 лв, various other discounts apply; lecture/guided tour in English: 30 лв .   ( updated Aug 2024 )

Bachko

Visitors can explore the old town on foot, hike in the surrounding countryside, and attend local festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

Vito Bar & Dinner ,

ul. Treti Mart 9 ,

☏

+359 88 950 4594 .

Restaurant next to a river. Offers lunch, dinner and brunch. Vegetarian options available.   ( updated Nov 2023 )

Restaurant Salasha ,

Asen’s Fortress ,

☏

+359 89 666 2557 ,

[email protected] .

M closed, Tu-Su 11ː00-01ː00 .

BBQ restaurant close to the Arsen's Fortress. Offers a wide variety of meat, which is cooked on charcoal.   ( updated Nov 2023 )

Cafes and bars in the town centre serve coffee, wine, and local beverages. Regional wines and spirits are worth sampling.

Hotel Old Times ,

ul. Kiril i Medodii 16 ,

☏

+359 87 868 6876 ,

[email protected] .

Located in the old part of the town. It consists of two ancient buildings which are monuments of the Bulgarian culture. Restaurant and free WiFi available.

48 лв per night for a single room, 58 лв per night for a double room .   ( updated Nov 2023 )

Local shops offer regional products, handicrafts, and everyday necessities. Markets may be held weekly in the town square.

• Berlin — Germany's capital city, reachable by regional train
• Nearby towns in Plovdiv — explore the surrounding region