Stara Zagora

Overview

Stara Zagora is situated in the central part of Bulgaria. It is the 5-th biggest city in the country, with a population of 185 000 inhabitants. It is situated at the foot of Sredna Gora mountain, 197 m above sea level. The climate of the town is temperate continental with average annual temperature +13 o C. Stara Zagora region is rich in fertile land. It is a strategic c rossroad between the East and the West, the North and the South. The first inhabitants of the town date back from the end of the VII and the beginning of the VI millenium B. C. In the outskirts of the contemporary town, there are five prehistorical settlements from this time. During the IV century B.C. there was a big ancient Thracian settlement famous with the name Beroe. About the year 107 AD, not far from Beroe, Emperor Mark U.

Traian set up the town Ulpia Augusta Traiana. The forum, streets, colour floor mosaics and others were found from the ancient town.

After the foundation of the Bulgarian State, the town became an important military, strategic and cultural centre. During the time of the Turkish Yoke, the town was named Eski Zagra. At the end of 50s of XIX century the Bulgarian name Jeleznik was given. During 1871 the contemporary name of Stara Zagora was officially recognized. During the time of the liberation war was on fire and ruined.

On the 5th October 1879 the first symbolic stone of the foundations of the restoration of...more

History