The “Kopcheta” Square, in front of the Municipality, near the Bingo Hall, by the Molle Hotel, or in front of Aristocrat or Atlas... This is one of the liveliest places in Plovdiv and has many names, but it is perhaps least known by its official one – “Stefan Stambolov” Square.
In modern-day Plovdiv, this is a central location, always bustling with life and an iconic meeting point for generations of Plovdiv residents. However, there was a time in the city's history when this area was nearly empty.
Back then, the space was used to pitch the tents of visiting circus performers, and right next to it stood an impressive mosque. During the Ottoman period, it occupied the area where the current fountain and surrounding seating are located. The mosque was called Aladzha Mosque (translated as "The Colorful Mosque") and was likely built in the 15th century, undergoing renovations later. It wasn’t large, but its interior was fascinating – it was entirely covered in multicolored tiles typical of Ottoman architecture, which is how it got its name. Unfortunately, the mosque was demolished in the 1920s.
Later, over the years, the cleared space hosted various shops, and the “Capitol” Cinema was also located there. It opened in 1927 under its original name, “Astoria”, but was renamed “Capitol” in 1934.
Older Plovdiv residents recall that in the 1950s, part of the area was cleared to make way for the most famous kebab restaurant, “SEPTEMBER”.
A little later, in the 1960s, the area was finally cleared and transformed into the square we see today, featuring the fountain with pelicans, a garden, and a pedestrian area. This redevelopment significantly shortened one of Plovdiv’s most beautiful streets - “Gurko” Street, which now begins at number 10.
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