Asenovgrad
Asenovgrad (Bulgarian: Асеновград [ɐˈsɛnovˌɡrat]) is a town in central southern Bulgaria, part of Plovdiv Province. It is the largest town in Bulgaria that is not a province center. Previously known as Stanimaka (Станимака; Greek: Στενήμαχος), it was renamed in 1934 after the 13th-century tsar Ivan Asen II.
Asenovgrad
Асеновград | |
|---|---|
Town | |
From the top, Town Centre, Ethnograph Museum, Church of the Dormition | |
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Coat of arms | |
Asenovgrad Location of Asenovgrad Asenovgrad Asenovgrad (Balkans) | |
| Coordinates: 42°1′N 24°52′E | |
| Country | Bulgaria |
| Province (Oblast) | Plovdiv |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Hristo Grudev |
| Area | |
| • Town | 78.012 km2 (30.121 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 269 m (883 ft) |
| Population (Census February 2011) | |
| • Town | 54,778 |
| • Density | 700/km2 (1,800/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 65,962 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal Code | 4230 |
| Area code | 0331 |
| License plate | PB |
| Climate | Cfa |
| Website | Official website |
Asenovgrad also includes the districts of Gorni Voden and Dolni Voden, which until 1986 were separate villages. According to the census data of 2021, the population of the city is 47 815 people. Above the town are the remains of the Asen Fortress, an old fortress that was strengthened under Tsar Ivan Asen II and turned into an important military post in the defense of the southern borders of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
The city is known for its many churches, monasteries and chapels and is often called Little Jerusalem. It is also known as the "City of Bridal Gowns" because of the large number of ateliers and shops for wedding dresses and accessories.
The majority of Asenovgrad residents are Bulgarians, with representatives of the Turkish and Romani people ethnic groups in the city.