The City and Region of Stara Zagora have so much to offer the tourist. Being centrally placed at the intersection of major routes, Stara Zagora has an enviable level of accessibility. The value for money is exceptional; travel, accommodation and even visiting the attractions themselves are all at a fraction of UK prices.
We have divided this section into two parts. Firstly, for the tourist visiting the exciting City of Stara Zagora and secondly, for those wishing to explore the peaceful Region of Stara Zagora. For those wishing to explore further field, but using Stara Zagora as a base, please refer to the Stara Zagora excursions page.
Stara Zagora City
Tourism in the city has been established for many years as Stara Zagora has a number of nationally and world-renowned archaeological sites. One of these, the Bereketska Mound (next to Kolyo Ganchev district) dates back 8,000 years and is the largest ancient settlement in Bulgaria. Two Neolithic dwellings from the 6th century BC are located next door to the city hospital. The Augusta Trayana - Vereya Roman ruins are in the centre of the city and are listed as an architectural reserve. Moving on through history, there is a superb 4th century floor mosaic visible in the Post Office building hallway and the Roman amphitheatre of Stara Zagora is presently being meticulously restored. Several museums in the city pay tribute to the long history of Stara Zagora.
Modern day Stara Zagora has a wealth of tourist attractions including museums, art galleries and is home to the largest zoo in Bulgaria. There are many parks, including the Ayazmo (Spring) Park that provides a wonderful area for sports and recreation against a backdrop of trees from all around the world, planted within a botanical garden. Stara Zagora is also a highly cultural city, known nationally as the city of painters and poets. Stara Zagora has the only Opera House outside of Sofia and a huge Art Gallery displaying more than 4000 works.
Stara Zagora is a large, exciting and cosmopolitan city and has excellent shopping and leisure facilities. The city has large outdoor markets together with the latest designer shops that grace any modern European city. Stara Zagora has a very well developed cafe culture, enhanced by a superb climate and tree-lined Boulevards that criss-cross the city. Add the fine restaurants, modern bars and famed, extensive nightlife that ranges from chic to hectic, Stara Zagora City really does offer something for everyone. Please feel welcome to see this for yourself in our gallery of Stara Zagora City images.
Stara Zagora Region
In addition to its rural tranquillity, the Stara Zagora Region also has the oldest and largest copper mine in Bulgaria. This is at Mechi Kladenets - the 'Bear's Well', 8km North-West of the city. Nearby is the nationally significant 'Stara Zagora Mineral Baths', located in the village of Staraozagorski bani. This spa resort is being carefully renovated to cater for the increasing popularity of health and well-being centres. The area around the spa resort also features a golf course, luxurious hotels and high quality private accommodation.
To the North of the spa resort lies the city of Kazanlak. This is the major city of the spectacular 'Valley of the Roses'. The road to Kazanlak is spectacular with rugged mountain scenery and deep gorges. The beautiful fragrance of the Valley of the Roses is at its height in May. The city also has Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of 9 in Bulgaria. Within the domed burial mound are Bulgaria's best-preserved paintings of Thracian Culture from the Hellenistic period.
The villages, resorts and attractions around Stara Zagora are all easily accessible due to the massive EU funding in the new motorways serving the region. The region offers a wonderful contrast to the city and we hope you enjoy planning your trip with the information and photographs available at This is Stara Zagora.
