The President of the Republic together with the Estonian delegation acquainted with the old town of Plovdiv and visited the 19th century house of merchant Balabanov. After that, they visited the Ethnography Museum where a local folklore ensemble gave a performance, and the Antique Amphitheatre built during the 2nd-3th century A.D. Mayor of Plovdiv, Dr. Ivan Chomakov hosted a dinner in honour of the Head of Estonian state and Mrs. Ingrid Rüütel.
Plovdiv is an antique city with 6000-8000-year long history that has been a classical Greek polis, the capital of Thrace under the Roman Empire, and an important fortress and trade centre also during the Middle Ages and the period of Renaissance.
President Rüütel concluded the state visit to Bulgaria with the visit to Plovdiv.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 27, 2005
