Sofia and The Western Districts
The Capital and Heartbeat of Bulgaria
The capital and heartbeat of Bulgaria is Sofia. Bulgaria's Sofia dates back to the fourth century BC and now modern capital of Bulgaria has a wealth of different architectural styles inclusive of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Turkish and of course from Bulgaria. Sofia celebrates many theatres and museums many of archaeology and ethnography distinction, opera houses and art galleries including the National Art Gallery housed in the former Royal Palace. Added to this are the universities of Bulgaria, open-air markets, over 300 parks and sports stadiums. Not to be missed is Bulgaria's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral which dominates Bulgaria's capital. With a gold-leaf dome this was built to celebrate Bulgaria's liberation from the Turks in the Russo-Turkish war at the end of the 19th-Century. The crypt hosts an exhibition of beautiful Bulgarian icons with the Bulgarian choir a joy to hear.
The numerous mainly Bulgarian churches in Sofia include: Saint Sophia, which is Byzantine and dates from the 6th-Century, Rotunda of Saint George, going back to the 5th-Century with its 14th-Century frescoes, Samardziiska which is 14th-Century, Saint Nedelya, Saint Petka.
There is also an archaeological museum housed in the nine cupolas of the Bouyouk Mosque. The Banya Bashi Mosque is also worth seeing.
A good example of Bulgarian modern architecture is shown by the Alexander Batenberg Square. It contains the Bulgarian Government Buildings and some Roman remains which are now displayed in an underpass after being discovered, along with a reconstruction of the city as it was in Roman times. Turkish baths and the markets at Hali in the covered market are also attractions along with Georgi Kirkov and Kristal Square (the flea market and antique shops respectively).
Rila Monastery[/b}
Rila Monastery is 121km drive from Bulgaria's capital Sofia, nested high up on the side of a mountain in the dense pine forests.
Rila has an exciting collection of murals, woodcarvings, old weapons and coins added to which there are manuals and Bibles written on parchment. The distinct Bulgarian monastery is notable for its subtle and curious architectural features.
First founded in Bulgaria in the 10th-Century by Ivan Rilski himself a confirmed hermit and holy man, the monastery acted as a storehouse and safe haven for Bulgarian culture during the 500-year Turkish occupation.
Fire has ruined most of the early architecture of Bulgaria and the present buildings date from the 19th century with the exception of the 14th-Century Khrelio's Tower.
There is excellent traditional Bulgaria accommodation in the monastery and a convenient hotel nearby. Rila is a superb starting place for climbs and hikes in the adjoining beautiful Bulgaria countryside.
[b]Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha a mountain on the outskirts of Sofia is a National Park. It has chairlifts and cable cars to help with the mountain as it is 1800m (6000ft) high.
There is the medieval Church of Boyana which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lovely part of Bulgaria can be can be seen, with its spectacular ancient Bulgarian frescoes which were painted around the year 1200 and are assumed to be some of the oldest in Bulgaria.
Going south from Sofia is Blagoevgrad the home of Pirin State Ensemble, a world-famous Bulgarian folkloric group.
Then there is Sandanski, an ancient Bulgarian spa town and the birthplace of the Roman gladiator, Spartacus.
Traveling south still further, you can experience two of Bulgaria's museum towns The first is Melnik, Bulgaria known for its wine cellars and18th -19th-Century architecture and next to this is, Rozhen Monastery with its ornamentally carved altar, stained-glass windows, murals and numerous icons. this region of Bulgaria is still relatively undiscovered.
Plovdiv and Central Bulgaria
Bulgarian regions are diverse in character. Plovdiv and Central Bulgaria shows another beautiful face of the country. Plovdiv was first founded in 432 BC and is the second-largest city in Bulgaria. This museum town is split by the Maritsa River and has an old quarter section and the new commercial section. The old part consists of many buildings dating from 18th and 19th-Century Bulgaria and some going back even earlier, many in typical "
Bulgarian Renaissance"
style.
If you walk along the narrow cobbled streets you will see Roman ruins, including an impressive amphitheatre. The picturesque medieval houses and 17th-Century buildings with their upper sections hanging over the street almost touch those opposite them.
The archaeological Museum has an array of gold Thracian artefacts and the Ethnographic Museum is also worth a visit. Also worth a view are the churches of St Marina and St Constantine &
Helen.
About 9 km from Plovdiv is the Batchkovo Monastery from the 11th-Century. It has some rare frescoes, icons, manuscripts and coins used at the time. Batchkovo is situated within the area known as Thrace which encompasses part of the Rhodope Mountains. Many items of archaeological interest have been discovered here including the now famous Thracian gold treasures.
Kazanlak
Kazanlak. a town with a Museum of Rose Production and is the mainstay of Bulgaria's export of roses. The valley of itself has many archaeological and historic treasures including Greek, Roman, Thracian and Ottoman.
Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, is the treasured ancient capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire is another museum town. It is placed on three hills surrounded by the River Yantra. It also contains astonishing collections of historic works of art, including church relics. The town has fine examples of houses built in the "
Renaissance"
style many of which were designed by a master builder called Kolyo Phicheto. The buildings appear to sprout out of the steep slopes either side of the river. The Preobrazhenski Monastery is close,as is the open-air folk museum at Etar, close to the town of Gabrovo.
Arbanassi
The picturesque village of Arbanassi holds a museum located 4km from Veliko Turnovo. This is wealthy merchants' settlement established between the 16th and 18th-Centuries and is noted for its stone-built houses. It also has two monasteries called St Nikola and Holy Virgin. Not to be missed are the beautiful murals of the St Elija Chapel.
8 km north west of Plovdiv is the museum town of Koprivshtitsa being one of Bulgaria's best-preserved towns. This town may well be best known for its Great Koprivshtitsa Folklore Festival which is held every four years. Other museum towns to the east of Plovdiv include Tryavna, again with many examples of houses in the "
Renaissance"
style.
Kotel
Kotel is a beatiful market town situated in the Sliven region of Bulgaria in the eastern part of the Stara Planina Mountains and offers tremendous mountain views from every aspect. The old part of town has stone and wooden revival period houses dotted around the hillside with small, cobbled streets running between them.
The modern part of the town is vibrant with twice a week open air markets and there is no shortage of bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, etc.
Kotel is renowned for rug-making for centuries and the equipment used can still be seen today in the 'rug museum', in the 18th century, local rug-makers even had contracts to supply the Ottoman army, allowing them to build fabulous houses, many of which have survived to this day and are now listed Monuments of Culture in Bulgaria.
There is a large park on the outskirts of the town which is kept in wonderful condition and constantly kept clean. The park also houses the Museum of Science and Nature. The park is also home to several fresh water mineral springs which the locals use for their drinking water.
If you haven't yet visited Kotel, it's certainly one to add to your list!
The modern part of the town is vibrant with twice a week open air markets and there is no shortage of bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, etc.
Kotel is renowned for rug-making for centuries and the equipment used can still be seen today in the 'rug museum', in the 18th century, local rug-makers even had contracts to supply the Ottoman army, allowing them to build fabulous houses, many of which have survived to this day and are now listed Monuments of Culture in Bulgaria.
There is a large park on the outskirts of the town which is kept in wonderful condition and constantly kept clean. The park also houses the Museum of Science and Nature. The park is also home to several fresh water mineral springs which the locals use for their drinking water.
If you haven't yet visited Kotel, it's certainly one to add to your list!
The Black Sea Coast
The region of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast resorts are perfect for a traditional Bulgaria seaside family holiday. Some of the sand in the Bulgaria Black Sea Coastal Resorts are pulled by currents as far away as the Mediterranean which makes its way through the Bosphorus and Dardenelles. Swimming is safe in the main and at 150m away from the shore, the water only at shoulder height. Currents are a problem in some areas but are clearly marked.
Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast Region hosts a Superb Selection of Resorts
The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast is popular for its 354 km of sandy beaches, clear blue water and hot summer temperatures.
Bulgaria Black Sea Coast boasts several first class holiday resorts, many of which are centred on or around cultural sites, nature reserves and long golden beaches, the prestigious South Coast harmoniously blends sea and mountain landscapes.
Visitors to the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria can enjoy the cleanliness of the numerous beaches as the majority of them have bee awarded the prestigious European Blue Flag for their environmental excellence.Pools for children have been installed on many of the beaches and now include swings, slides, some play domes and of course who could have a beach designed for children without donkey rides.
Most resorts on the Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria offer a wide range of water sports for those with a more active theme to Black Sea coast holidays. There are countless attractive resorts on the Black Sea "
Riviera"
.
St Constantine and Elena
St Constantine and Elena resort is Bulgaria's oldest Black Sea spa centred on the Grand Hotel Varna. This is the biggest and the most luxurious hotel on the 'Riviera' of Bulgaria. Albena which is named after a famous local beauty is placed on the edge of a scenic forest and is Bulgaria's newest resort with contemporary Bulgarian design, excellent food and a busy night life.
Golden Sands
Golden Sands is the largest resort on the Northern Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. There are very good facilities and without doubt the best nightlife on the Bulgarian Black Sea Riviera.
Pomorie
Pomorie is an unspoiled Bulgarian sea town and a fantastic summer location only 10 minute away for the International airport of Bourgas. It is a health resort with a balnoeological centre (indoor mineral water swimming pools, mineral baths) and was the founding town in This part of Bulgaria for mud-cure treatment and curing properties.
With the healthy climate, location, superb beaches in this region of Bulgaria and affordable living, Pomerie is a 'hot spot' destination for many tourists, holiday makers and property investors.
The town has all the facilities you would expect from a relatively new but established resort with restaurants, bars, traditional shops etc. but retains Bulgaria's unique traditional style. The are facilities for water sports and many other leisure opportunities. Food is all locally produced organically with local wines made from the golden grapes in neighbouring Bulgarian vineyards. The Bulgarian best wine is kept in Bulgaria not exported! Hot summers in Bulgaria with a clear and warm Black Sea aided by a fresh coastal breeze Pomerie presents itself as a fantastic place to visit with so many things to see and do in a Bulgaria that is loved by all who visit. Sunny Day, another resort gives a wide range of beauty and health treatments to visitors to Bulgaria in two of its four hotels. A forest sets the scene overlooking the Bulgarian Black Sea sea and it is only 10km from Varna, (pictured). This is the Black Sea capital founded in the 6th-Century BC containing many Roman and Byzantine remains.
Sunny Beach
Sunny Beach is a large designer family resort with beautiful safe beaches. Not far from the resort is the 7th-Century fishing village of Old Nessebar with wooden fishermen's houses and quite a few Byzantine churches.
Yambol and the South-east
Yambol and the south east region of Bulgaria is a relatively unknown area and is fast becoming a very popular area for visitors and tourists.This region of Bulgaria is scattered with numerous cultural and historical sites. The biggest settlement is the town of Yambol nestled on the banks of the River Tundzha.There are many interesting places to visit such as the Eski mosque, the church of 'St. George' , the History museum, and many other places that are in and around the vibrant town. A Very attractive feature is the town's park, a massive area picturesquely situated in the centre of the town. The park is beautiful throughout all seasons of the year and it runs along the bank of the impressive Tundzha river.
The archaeological reserve of Kabile, 5 km from Yambol is a site of great historical interest with it's museum and remnants of a significant Roman settlement.
The municipality of Straldzha has the attraction of rich folklore traditions and culture. Typical town traditions are the Christmas holidays and the custom of "
Kukeri"
. There are many traces left from the Thracian culture with the archaeological museum definitely worth a visit in the village of Zimnitsa
Other wonderful features of the Yambol region are the availability of curative mineral springs in the towns of Straldzha and in the village of Pravdino. Unspoilt village life can still be observed all around the region as life goes on as it has done for many years unaffected by the modern world.
Sliven
This region of South East Bulgaria is just North of the Yambol region and is is known for its rich cultural heritage, curative mineral springs, and beautiful nature. There is a Natural park of Sinite Kamani which preserves the variety of biological diversity in the region offering wonderful opportunities for mountain tourism and hiking. This territory of Bulgaria in its entirety holds numerous tourist eco tracks that lead to the magnificent peaks of Stara Planina.
Unique phenomenal natural attractions such as the rock formations of Halkata known as the "
The Ring"
, Kuklite called "
The Dools"
, Eniova Bulka named "
Eniov's Bride"
, the waterfalls of Sini Vir and Futuala, and beautiful crystal clear Bulgarian mountain brooks.
The Karandila resort which is situated not far from the main town of Sliven. The resort offers opportunities for recreation amongst the marvelous natural Stara Planina mountains. In the charming village of Zheravna which is an architectural reserve, the villages of Neikovo, Medven and Gradets you will dissolve into the ambiance of the long history where time has stood still. As with many areas of Bulgaria they have preserved their heritage, narrow cobblestone streets, one or two-storey wooden houses surrounded by tall stone walls.
Finally, in the resort of Slivenski, mineral baths can give you the opportunity to combine the "
Balneo Treatment"
with rest and relaxation amongst the marvelous mountainous, natural features of the region.
The Strandzha Region
This is an area of Bulgaria which is a realm of tranquility and pure natural beauty. The cultural and historical heritage is rich in content and as well as the amazing nature of the area it offers exciting opportunities for development of mountain, ecological and cultural tourism.
The oldest Bulgarian region which is now protected is the area of Silkosia. It is the only place in Europe where the Periwinkle grows. This plant has become the symbol of the Strandzha mountain region. Many other species of animals and plants that are threatened with extinction are now protected and living in the reserve and the natural park of Strandzha.
There are many other scenic places his beautiful region of Bulgaria such as Chuchurinkata nestling on the bank of the Veleka river. Here you can relax and enjoy recreation at its best.
There are many preserved monuments of the Thracian culture in the region. The highest place on the mountain Kamenska Barchina is placed a Thracian rock sanctuary dedicated to Helios the God of the Sun. This dates back to between 1,000 -1,500 BC.
Particular sights of interest in the region are the monasteries in Zabernovski called 'St. Petka' and in Golimobukovski also called 'St. Petka'.
South-east Bulgaria has been described as 'Bulgaria's Bulgaria' , 'the Bread Basket Region of Bulgaria' and the place where Bulgaria holds its head up high in tradition and Bulgarian rituals.
The Northwest
Bulgaria's forgotten region is an apt description for a host of treasures waiting to be discovered here. Even in Bulgaria this could possibly be considered the most neglected area of Bulgaria tucked away in the corner bordering Romania and Serbia. It is a region of Bulgaria that has its own treasures and natural phenomena with great potential to make it a popular place for both for ex-pat settlers and tourists alike here. The Districts of the Northwest include Vidin, Montana and Vratsa.
Although generally probably the poorest region in Bulgaria in terms of economic strength, it had until recently contributed 43% of the countries energy from the nuclear power plants. And of course, who could resist the attraction of the romantic Danube River which flows across the Northern boundary of the region.
This area of Bulgaria area possesses the Belogradchik Rocks, a beautiful natural landscape along with the caves of Ledenika and Magura. Around the town of Varhets. There is an abundance of natural mineral springs in the area which should give rise to the growth of the region. Alongside many man made lakes and again mention of the famed Danube River, these are and will continue contribute substantially to the development of tourism.
The Belogradchik Rocks
The town of Vidin is a touch under 200 km from Bulgaria's Sofia and linked with a ferry service with the town of Kalafat in Romanian territory on the other side of the Danube. There are many attractions attributed to this town steeped in history with many foundations still remain preserved from times past. Excursions along the Danube start from this point.
Kailaka and the rock climbing areas
Close to the Touchenitsa River lies Pleven another town in Bulgaria rich in history. It has alongside the beautiful area of Kailaka and many monuments in this important town.
Quite simply this part of Bulgaria has not been fully explored by tourists and it is only time factors that will change this now the doors of Europe are open to the country. Someone seeking something different, entirely Bulgarian and totally unspoilt will find this area a perfect answer to their dreams.
Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:20 pm
