History of Youth Hill
Youth Hill has a long history – from an ancient sanctuary to today’s protected park. Here are the main stages with verified facts.
Antiquity
In antiquity the summit was a revered place – there stood a sanctuary of Apollo Kendrisos. Later a three-aisled early-Christian basilica was built on it.
Name
The name “Youth Hill” dates from the socialist period, when youth brigades afforested the then-bare hill (1948). Older names are Dzhendem tepe, Dzhin tepe and Chigdem tepe.
Protected status
In 1970, 30 hectares of the south slope were declared a protected area, and in 1995 the whole hill became a natural landmark – the first of Plovdiv’s hills with such status.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Where does the name “Youth Hill” come from?
From the brigade afforestation in 1948, when youth brigades planted the hill.
Since when is it protected?
The south slope from 1970, the whole hill from 1995 as a natural landmark.
Verified on: 2026-10-23