Uyun Al-Jiwa — literally "the valley’s ponds" — is often referred to as the oasis celebrated by Arab poets for its significance in several poetry collections known as the Suspended Odes (Mu’allaqat). The area is known for the ancient Banu Abs communities that lived here since prehistoric times. Depicting the lifestyle of ancient people, several Thamudic rock paintings can be found in the Al-Jiwa region — particularly in Al Hanadir, 15 km outside the city. Be sure to visit the mud-and-adobe Al Margab Watchtower. Take a walk through the Old Uyun — a collection of houses built of clay and mud. Get souvenirs from the vibrant Old Souq and take a photo of the Antarah Rock. Also known as the Lovers' Rock, this precariously perched boulder is rumoured to be the place where the celebrated poet Antarah bin Shaddad met with his sweetheart Ablah.

The Medieval Quarter in Genoa, which happens to be one of the largest in Europe, is characterized by its network of narrow caruggi (alleys) that meander through the heart of the city, going up, down, and across. The structures lining these alleys can soar up to six stories high, and in some areas, the alleys are so narrow that they barely span a few meters. Despite their diminutive size, these alleys conceal a wealth of superb restaurants, bars, and shops. Getting lost in this labyrinthine quarter is practically unavoidable, and it always proves to be a fascinating experience.

We Are All Colors 11 – 13 January 2019 Tobacco City, Kapana – Creative District, The Main Pedestrian Street, Tsar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd., The Ancient Theater Opening of Plovdiv European Capital of Culture 2019 WE ARE MOST THRILLED TO INVITE YOU TO JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE ECOC 2019 WITH THE MOST ATTRACTIVE AND MOMENTOUS HIGHLIGHT IN ITS PROGRAMME – THE ‘WE ARE ALL COLORS’ SHOW. Over the course of an extended weekend a series of events will take place at various in- and outdoor spaces across the city. Its peak will be on Saturday, 12 January. The very heart of Plovdiv will welcome the ceremony. The show, combining music, light and dance, will give the key to the whole year ahead and to the basic concept of the European Capital of Culture project, in which the citizens themselves are not only audiences and actors, but also creators of events. More than 1500 participants from Bulgaria and abroad will recreate on the open stage a large and colorful metaphor of all the main themes of the programme ‘Plovdiv 2019’ and their relationships under the motto ‘Together’. The ECOC opening event is produced by the Plovdiv 2019 Foundation in partnership with international organizations, the major cultural institutions in Plovdiv, Plovdiv Municipality, artists and performers from Bulgaria and abroad. The concept of the event is created by the German artistic network phase7 performing.arts Berlin, artistic director Sven Sören Beyer. The opening weekend programme is made jointly with partner organizations from Plovdiv and Bulgaria.