Hisar Kapiya

There is a unique architectural and historic ensemble formed round the fortified gate in the course of many centuries. The item is among the significant symbols of Plovdiv. The gate has been existing in this same place since the very old days. Under the level of the cobble-stone street pavement there are bases laid in Roman times, probably in the second century. Nowadays the place exhibits momentous reconstructions made from 12th to 14th century. Above its outdoor arch the vault clearly displays a building style characterized by the enclosing of every stone within pieces of red brick welded together with white mortar-something typical of the Bulgarian building mastery of the second Bulgarian country period. During the Revival and at the beginning of 20th century the gate was subject to new reconstructions aimed at preventing its destruction. North of the fortified entrance lie the foundations of the old fortified wall whose height also undergoes some changes between the 12th and 14th century. This construction is used for the foundation of the big Revival house, belonging to Kuyumdjioglu, whose imposing body inclines over Nisar Kapiya. In the south the fortified wall sinks into the high church yard of St. St. Konstantin and Elena Church. On the outside of the eastern gate is a small picturesque square enclosed between the church fence walls, the façade of Kuyumdjiev’s house and the main façade of the home of Dimitar Georgiadi