General information

Stara Zagora is, as its name suggests  - "the Old Town behind the Mountain". To expand the romantic geographic description, Stara Zagora is just beyond the valley of roses in the picturesque Sredna Gora Valley where the Stara Zagora mineral baths are located. This water is beneficial in the healing of neurological, gynaecological, kidney and intestinal ailments. The clear fresh mountain air and agreeable climate is conducive to treatment for respiratory illness, as well as general revitalization. These subterranean waters are rich in minerals and taste providing the potential investor with opportunities for successful bottling and exporting and an avenue for tourism. Easily reached from Plovdiv, Stara Zagora is a must-see for those on the hunt for Bulgaria’s ancient history. It is the 6th largest city in Bulgaria and is known as the city of straight streets, reminding one of Manhattan. It is also the city of lime-trees, painters and poets.
   The beautiful nature, interesting objects, the comfortable position and the quick and diverse communications make the town of Stara Zagora an attractive place for many tourists.

Transport

The city has convenient railway connections to the biggest Bulgarian cities - Sofia, Vama, Bourgas, Plovdiv, etc. The Tracia highway and the network of second class roads provides quick access by car to all major Bulgarian cities, and to Turkey and Greece. The distance to Sofia is 231 km. It is a vital thriving community with tree-lined streets, lively cafes and beautiful garden parks.

history

Stara Zagora is considered to be one of the oldest settlements in Southeastern Europe - it was founded about 6-5th century BC with the name Beroe (meaning "iron"). 
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 the city has been burnt to the ground and raised from ashes.
On the 5th October 1879 the first symbolic stone of the foundations of the restoration of Stara Zagora was placed, according to the plan of Lubor Bayer. Thus, the town turned to be the first Bulgarian post-liberation town with contemporary architecture. A rapid economic and cultural progress followed. The first provincial opera and radio was opened in Stara Zagora. The town is full of organized musical and theatrical life.

tourism

There is a number of places that worth seeing in Stara Zagora. Some of them are the Roman Baths, the Thracian Tomb, the Defenders of Stara Zagora Memorial Complex. One shouldn't miss the Ayazmoto Park, which dominates the northern section of the city with 939 acres of exotic trees, an astronomy observatory, a zoo, children's playgrounds, a sports complex and an open-air theatre, where the National Festival of Gypsy Music and Songs is held each summer. Another place is the memorial house of Geo Milev - a famous Bulgarian poet and author. One should also see Stara Zagora Transmitter with one of the few Blaw-Knox Towers in Europe.