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Reasons to Visit Bulgaria

undiscoveredadmin — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 14:46:29 +0000

Visit Bulgaria on Your Next Trip

Bulgaria is a country worth exploring through and through. With its majestic mountains and golden sand beaches it has plenty to offer to both keen travellers and adventure seekers. Indeed the country is still a ‘hidden gem’ destination that combines stunning natural sceneries with cities bustling with artistic vigour and urban life. Here are six reason why you should put Bulgaria on your travel map.

Visit Bulgaria for its mystical mountains

Bulgaria lives up to its reputation of a Balkan state as the country is rife with soul-strirring mountains. It boasts seven mountains including the Rila mountain with its glacial lakes amidst snow-capped tops, the Pirin mountain with its majestic pine forests and ski tracks, the Rhodope mountains with their mystical vibe and Thracian-time mounds, Stara Planina with its stunning landscapes and numerous hiking trails and huts as well as some smaller mountainous reliefs such as the Vitosha mountain located in the outskirts of the capital Sofia.

Visit Bulgaria for its ancient history

Bulgaria is an ancient country where the Thracians have lived and the Romans have resided. The country is steeped with history ranging from Thracian-time sanctuaries, Roman-time excavations and medieval churches. Plovdiv, dubbed the European capital of culture for 2019, boasts an old town with multi-coloured Revival-period houses whereas the Tsarevets fortress where the Bulgarian medieval kings once resided, still stands tall in the outskirts of the present-day town of Veliko Tarnovo.

Visit Bulgaria for its churches and monasteries

Bulgaria has preserved its Orthodox faith throughout centuries of turbulent historical events. There are plenty of beautiful churches and monasteries to visit including the 10th C. Rila Monastery which is located in the very heart of the Rila mountain and the Ivanovo rock churches that date back to the 13th c. and impress with their well-preserved murals. Even the capital Sofia abounds in beautiful churches. The Alexander Nevski Cathedral dominates the city centre’s skyline while the Boyana church (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is situated in the capital’s outskirts and at the foot of the Vitosha mountain.

Visit Bulgaria for its sun-kissed beaches

Bulgaria is small in size but it abounds in natural givens. It takes only 4 hours by car to get from the capital to the Black sea coast where you can enjoy sandy beaches or picturesque cliffs, savour a delicious sea meal or simply relax by the sea. Even the coast’s two biggest cities Varna and Burgas, have vast beaches where you can take a refreshing dip in the salty water and later plunge into their urban hearts. Nessebar and Sozopol with their wood-clad Revival-period houses and cobbled streets are perfect for the romantics whereas Sunny beach is a favourite with party lovers.

Visit Bulgaria for its delicious food and fast internet connection

Bulgaria is known for its culinary traditions and organic food. Make sure you take a bit of its traditional pastry banitsa, order a shopska salad with a small glass of rakia (Bulgarian brandy) or opt for a tripe soup if you feel a bit hung-over. The country’s fast and free internet connection is one other considerable asset. You won’t have a problem accessing your Facebook or your e-mail acount wherever you choose to go (except, of course, for those far-fetched places where nature commands and civilisation abides).

Visit Bulgaria for its bustling city life

Bulgaria’s big cities have plenty of art and entertainment to offer. Sofia will charm you with its art galleries, cosy cafes, gourmet restaurants and bustling nightlife. Street performances, dance festivals and open-air concerts have become Plovdiv’s trademark while Burgas, Varna and Veliko Tarnovo attract with their youth culture venues.

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Rila Monastery – UNESCO World Heritage Site

undiscoveredadmin — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 17:27:39 +0000

Rila Monastery – Bulgaria’s Biggest Cloister

Surrounded by staggering snow-capped mountain tops and huddled amidst magnificent pine woods, the Rila Moanstery has been the stronghold of Bulgarian Christianity for over 1000 years. It is an architectural miracle established in the late 10th C and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Legend has it that the mountain river went miraculously dry so that the horse-driven carts loaded with construction materials could pass through.

St. John of Rila – the hermit who left a lasting mark

The monastery’s patron-saint and founder is St. John of Rila. Early on in his life John of Rila decided to live as a hermit and retreated in the high and deserted Rila Mountains. But word of his piety spread quickly and even King Petar decided to visit the holy man in his cave in the mountains. John of Rila, however, would not leave his seclusion and greeted the king only from a distance. He also accepted only the food that was offered to him and refused the gold. But despite his reclusive life, John of Rila attracted many followers and was proclaimed a saint while he was still alive. After his his death in 946 AD, his followers built a monastery in the saint’s initial place of habitation.

Present-day Rila Monastery

The construction of the present-day monastery which is the biggest in Bulgaria started around 13th-14th century. The striped black, white and red arches, the murals of saints and sinners and the stunning natural landscape, make the cloister a true spectacle. Its main church, the Holy Mother of Christ is a piece of art in its own right. Its walls and dome were painted by some of the best icon painters of the rime including Zahary Zograf.

The Rila Monastery treasures some of the most impressive icon paintings created in the 14th-19th centuries. The portrait of the monastery’s patron, St John of Rila, is the oldest icon in the monastery (14th C). Some other extremely valuable icons include that of St Arsenius (14th-15th C), the Assumption (15th-16th C), St George Enthroned (15th-16th C), John the Precursor, Archangel Michael and Christ Enthroned (17th C).
The iconostasis at the main altar is one of the masterpieces of the Samokov School of Master Wood Carvers. It is the biggest in Bulgaria and the only one that boasts exquisite gilted woodwork.
The tomb of the Bulgarian monarch King Boris III is also located inside the church.

The Hrelyu Tower

A devastating fire in 1778 destroyed much of the monastery. The only building that survived the flames was the Hrelyu Tower. This defensive structure, built in 1335 by a local feudal lord, still stands tall in the monastery’s courtyard. Legend has it that monks warded off attacks perched on top of the tower by pouring boiling-hot oil over any intruder. The tower has a chapel of its own. The murals and the old icon paintings inside it are superb and well-preserved examples of Medieval art. The earliest mural dates back to the 14th century and represents three scenes of the life of St. John of Rila.

The Monastery’s Museum

The artefacts exhibited inside the monastery’s museum reveal the miraculous story of the place. One of its most exquisite art pieces is the Rafali’s cross. The is the life work of the monk Rafali. For 12 consecutive years Rafaili toiled over his woodwork carving 36 different scenes from the Bible and a number of other figures. His exceptional cross is made from a single piece of wood and by the time Rafali completed it he had gone completely blind.

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We are traditionalists who are passionate about our folklore, culture, food, history, and nature. In order to provide our guests with an unparalleled experience, we explored every nook and cranny of our country. We met the winegrowers, farmers, and the elderly people who shared their stories with us. We simply fell in love with everything what Bulgaria has to offer and can hardly wait to show it to you.

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Veliko Tarnovo Revisited

undiscoveredadmin — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 13:41:00 +0000

Bulgaria’s ancient capital is living proof of the country’s glorious past

This town is a spectacle. With its mountainous landscape and houses perched on top of the hills it makes for a stunning view. It is a place steeped with history, yet bustling with life. Veliko Tarnovo beckons you to explore the true Bulgarian traditions.

If you take a climb up the Samovodska Charshiya Street with its craft workshops and ins from olden times you will get a feel of what Bulgaria was like centuries ago. Amidst the beautifully renovated Revival period houses you will come across various goods. There is pottery, copper items, wood carving, weaving, icon painting, traditional sweets and a bakery.

The Hadji Nikoli Inn is a must drop-by spot. The inn was commissioned in 1858 by Hadji Nikoli – a famous Turnovo tradesman who took an active part in the struggle for an independent Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Kolyo Fitcheto, a native of Veliko Tarnovo and a masterful architect and mason, designed the building. Connoisseurs reckon that it even resembles a Venetian palace. The inn is still functioning and features a restaurant, a cafe, a wine-bar with a wine shop and a museum.

Tsarevets fortress

At the end of the crafty street you will reach the town’s high spot (literally speaking). Dominating the city’s skyline is the Tsarevets fortress where the medieval kings of Bulgaria reigned. Its strategic location is no accident. Apparently the Thracians, the Romans and the Byzantines have used the hill as a defensive position too. For over 200 years this fortress served as the stronghold of Bulgarian kings. It housed the royal and patriarchal palaces as well as some 18 churches

There is an evening audiovisual show twice or thrice a week that takes you through centennial history with laser lights and dramatic music. You can observe the show for free at the entrance of Tsarevets, on Tsar Ivan Asen II Square – the best viewing spot in town.

Arbanassi

Nearby the medieval capital of Bulgaria, at a distance of 3 kilometers by car, is the architectural reserve of Arbanassi. The settlement was the summer residence of the boayrs or the local lords during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th-14th C). Arbanassi impresses with its monumental houses and churches including the Church of the Holy Nativity which is the oldest in the reserve. All of churches feature remarkable woodcarvings and wall paintings created between 16th-18th centuries. Strolling down the cobbled narrow streets you are bound to lose track of time. Besides, the place is a gourmet haven. There are plenty of traditional restaurants where you can order Bulgarian specialties at your heart’s (and stomach’s) content!

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European Capital of Culture – Plovdiv 2019

undiscoveredadmin — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 22:00:02 +0000

Visit Plovdiv, Bulgaria – European Capital of Culture 2019

Plovdiv digest
There are places that draw you in time and time again. Places that you keep going back to only to experience their intangible allure. Places that soothe the mind and create memories you want to share. And Plovdiv is one such place. It is a town steeped in history yet bustling with modernity. Dubbed the oldest European inhabited city, this year it is crowned with a yet another well-deserved title – that of European capital of culture, a shared honour with the beautiful Italian city of Matera.

The old town of Plovdiv

Indeed culture is what Plovdiv has in abundance. And it is usually unobtrusively mixed with millennial history. The old town of Plovdiv is an architectural reserve, yet still inhabited by present-day residents who take great pride in their heritage. A walk up the cobbled streets (Plovdiv is known as the city of the seven hills so a climb is inevitable) will take you through a labyrinth of Revival-period houses with gossiping corners at their front gates.

Each house boasts a colourful facade on the outside and beautifully wood-carved ceilings on the inside. Once home to the city’s noblesse and the new bourgeoisie of merchants and policy-makers the houses of Kuyumdzhioglu, Nikola Nedkovich, Stepan Hindliyan, Veren Stambolyan and Georgi Mavridi have now been turned into museums and are open to visitors. Our guided tour will let you in on some of the secrets of their inhabitants and the bizarre facts of their everyday lives.

[See image gallery at undiscoveredbulgaria.com]

Plovdiv’s ancient Roman amphitheater

is a yet another exquisite piece of architecture situated right in the city’s center. Built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, it was accidentally uncovered during a landslide in 1972. It once held about 7000 spectators and is now largely restored to serve as a magical venue for large-scale special events and concerts.

The city is indeed dotted with Roman ruins so you shouldn’t be surprised if you come across an ancient mosaic or a Roman column casually propped up against a wall next to a modern-day retail store. The ancient Roman stadium (2^nd C AD) where gladiator fights and sporting events were held is located at the Dzhumaya square and runs right across the city’s main street. Nearby is one of the oldest cult Ottoman buildings on the Balkans, the Dzhymaya Mosque – an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Plovdiv is also the living proof that past and present can be reconciled. The 11-meter tall concrete monument of the Soviet soldier Alyosha still overlooks the city from its highest hill, Burnarjik Tepe. It’s worth visiting at night as the place reveals a staggering view of the richly illuminated city.

Kapana

If you are a hedonist at heart, one of Plovdiv’s oldest quarters, Kapana, is a must-experience spot. The once derelict and sad-looking buildings have recently been renovated and turned into a hub for artists, gourmet seekers and vagabonds. The little quarter is full of cozy classy restaurants, art galleries and artisan shops and is the perfect hang-out for all willing to escape the tourist rush. It also makes for a good excuse to just sit over a glass of ripe red wine and ponder your next stop – for there is plenty to choose from in this eternal city.

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CHRISTMAS EVE

undiscoveredadmin — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 12:13:46 +0000

CHRISTMAS EVE – BULGARIAN TRADITIONS & CULTURE

I guess you’ve heard about the Christmas markets in Europe, the red wine, the hand-made decorations, the music, lights, and the traditional food. But, do you know why on Christmas Eve in Bulgaria you will find either 7, 9 or 12 different dishes? Why do we put garlic, honey, walnuts, and wheat on the table? And as soon as everyone is seated, why no one is allowed to leave the table?

If you really want to understand our traditions we will need to start with the very very beginning. They might sound a bit weird but in the end, they will all make perfect sense to you.

1.Garlic, honey and wheat… Wait, what?

The Bulgarians are very superstitious that’s why they will never seat without having garlic on their table. It is believed to protect the house from evil, bad thoughts and against cold, of course. You can see a small pot with honey as a symbol of the “sweet life” and walnuts to predict the health of the family members. If the walnut is full, then the person will be healthy, but if it’s empty or rotten – you probably can guess the answer.

2. Vegan food. You won’t believe, but it is delicious!

On this day the food is only vegan, so no dairy products and meat. Women choose mainly food that swells like beans, rice, wheat etc. They believe the seeds are symbol of the fertility, health and that they will help the maidens to get pregnant. Bean soup, sauerkraut leafs filled with rice and stuffed dry peppers with potatoes are only 3 of the main dishes.

3. Ritual Bread and lucky charms.

The oldest woman in the house will hide in the bread small items wrapped in tinfoil before she bakes it. Every item has its own meaning. For example, the coin is for wealth, the knob is for work, the willow branch is for health, the little piece of paper is for study and the bean is for productivity. Nowadays the young generation wraps small messages instead just to make it more fun.

[See image gallery at undiscoveredbulgaria.com]

4. Sour pastries and sugar, sugar, sugar!

Of course, there is our famous Banitsa (the filled pastry usually with eggs and cheese), but on this day you will find it with two different fillings. One will be with sauerkraut (called “zelnik”) and the other one will be with grated pumpkin and brown sugar (called “tikvenik”). In some regions, the elderly women will prepare “baklava” – a rich sweet dessert made of layers of tin unleavened dough filled with chopped nuts and held together with syrup made of sugar or honey.

5. Honey Water

The water this evening must be sweet too. We boil a variety of dried fruits, put sugar or honey in it and we call it “oshav” (ошав). To be honest, the combination of this sweetness with the sauerkraut and the salty bean soup is absolutely my favourite, although many people find it strange.

6. Now let’s go back to the numerology.

Why the number of the dishes are so important and what meaning stands behind each one? Clearly, 7 are the days of the week, the pregnancy lasts for 9 months and 12 are the months of the year. Believe me, there is no a single Christmas’s dinner when we seat on the table before we count the meals.

[See image gallery at undiscoveredbulgaria.com]

7. And now let’s count to 12…

Before we seat down we need to make sure that everything is set because no one is allowed to leave the table before we finish with our food. And so it begins – 1. Bread 2. Oshav (sweet water) 3.Bean soup 4. Sarmi (sauerkraut roles filled with rice) 5. Peppers (dry red peppers filled with potatoes or beans) 6. Fresh fruits 7. Walnuts 8. Honey 9. Zelnik (pastry with sauerkraut) 10. Tikvenik (pastry with grated pumpkin) 11. Wheat 12. Baklava (the sweet dessert).

The biggest honour of splitting the round loaf is always given to the oldest man in the house. The first piece of the bread he puts aside for the Mother of God so she won’t feel hungry ever again and another for the house. He is the one to say the blessing and the only one who can go and get the salt and pepper, (which we usually forget in the kitchen). Bending down he shows respect to the Earth, prays for a fertile and full harvest.

And as I’ve mentioned already, Bulgarians are superstitious … On this night the family will leave all the food on the table for the deceased people. We believe that the lost members of the family will come during the night and when they see all the food left for them, they will know they’ve not been forgotten.

Merry Christmas & Весела Коледа

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O, BULGARIAN CUISINE!

undiscoveredadmin — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 13:34:56 +0000

O, food… O spicy spiciness, salty saltiness and sweet sweetness… – O, Bulgarian Cuisine!

Now get into your 5 senses…which pops into your mind first? Perhaps it will be your sense of taste.

This is NOT just a list of Traditional Bulgarian dishes that you must try! This is a Guide for a day in the Life of one true Bulgarian.

MORNING

Wake up with the local hens, dogs bark… or just the traffic. What Bulgarians eat in the morning?! Pancakes, eggs, sausages, fruits, vegetables – absolutely. But what do they really start with?

Popara „попара“– this is a combination of bread, sugar, hard white cheese and either tea or hot milk. Sometimes we put honey, sometimes butter, but in general if the bread is from the last week we will either fry it with eggs or crumble it in hot milk/tea.

Panagyurski’s Eggs – imagine now Eggs Benedict but instead of Hollandaise sauce we put yogurt with garlic and on the top – fried paprika with melted butter… Yummy

Banitsa – pastry filled with white hard cheese, eggs, butter and yogurt. We also eat the Banitsa while drinking Ayran (yogurt with salt and water). Sometimes can be sweet.

Mekici and Buhtichki – O Mama Mia … kneaded dough made with yogurt that is deep fried often powdered with sugar or garnished with jam, honey and white hard cheese. Double Yummy

LUNCH

Let’s start with the tomatoes… You can call it Shopska’s Salad, Harvester’s Salad too… or the Buffalo Heart Tomatoes with the White Hard Cheese… People are always amazed by the size and the taste of the Bulgarian Pink tomato, often called the Buffalo’s heart between the locals. Yes, they do not have the perfect shape, but OMG they certainly have the perfect taste.

Tarator

Dairy lovers may be aware that the bacteria strain needed to produce yoghurt’s mild texture is called Lactobacillus Bulgaricus. But did you know that these natural bacteria are found only in mammals and plants living in Bulgaria? It’s true! Yogurt… Yep. It is definitely a MUST TRY. We put yogurt on anything, we drink yogurt on breakfast, on lunch and on dinner with the local brandy (Rakija)… we have summer soup made of yogurt called “Tarator”(salt, garlic, cucumbers and dill)… and we are using it even against sunburn … the hangover too… I will have to write till tomorrow..

Shkembe Chorba

Here comes the weird meat guts and inwards, fried and topped with lots of spices. We have this strange Tripe Soup called – Shkembe Chorba that Bulgarians sometimes have it even in the morning. Why? Because it’s spicy, buttery and with guess what – garlic, vinegar and chili, and that my friend really helps with hangovers. Bulgarians order beer with it, strangely enough.

But let’s say that you are not up to this soup really. What would be the first choice of one Bulgarian for lunch? Salad or Tarator as a starter and we continue with Meatballs – Kiufteta „Кюфтета“ , Meat fingers – Kebapcheta „Кебапчета“ , Ribs „Ребра“ … Pulneni Chushki „Пълнени Чушки“ (filled peppers with meat and rice or potatoes) ask the waiter for the Lunch Menu (it is cheaper and everything is cooked just recently, so it will come right away).

And just about to forget the most important thing – the bread. If you come across Purlenka (flat baked bread look like pizza but it’s topped with butter, garlic and savory) or Gypsy Banitsa (fried bread with butter and different spices, again with garlic) – IT IS A MUST.

DINNER

Starter:

Salad, of course! We eat the salad as an appetizer, but not only! Actually the salad is our starter, main course and dessert. Like you would probably order French fries (which are not French) with your beer, Bulgarians will order Shopska’s Salad with their Rakija (strong alcoholic drink and NO – it is not digestive shot, although it helps a lot with the digestive process…) People around the world would mostly prefer strong alcohol in a combination with soft drink, meanwhile Bulgarians would drink the Rakija with Tarator in a glass (or Ayran).

While waiting for the main course you would probably think of some bread and butter… But wait a second. You are in Bulgaria! Order cold plate with some dry meat cuts (Lukanka – dried strong flavoured meat, Fillet Elena – dry cured ham, Sudjuk – dry spicy sausage etc), white cheese and breaded chicken fingers.

Main course:

Most of our traditional meals are cooked in a huge clay pots. If a Bulgarian does not have one in their kitchen he is probably not a Bulgarian. You should look for Guvech „Гювеч“ or Kavurma (meat mixed with vegetables). The small portion would be Gyuveche, but be careful, because often you might find Sirene po Shopski „Сирене по Шопски“ (Shopsko’s cheese – white hard cheese cooked with tomatoes) which is cooked in a small clay pot but has completely different taste. For the meat lovers, don’t miss the Kapama „Капама” (seasonal dish, you will find it mostly during the winter – combination of sauerkraut and meat) or Sach „Сач“(grilled or fried pieces of meat and vegetables again served in a clay pot).

We continue with the drinks and the salad. So don’t be surprised if the waiter leaves all the plates on the table and especially the salad. If you want a clean table than probably you are about to leave the Restaurant and next thing you will receive will be the bill.

Dessert

This is a women thing. The guys would probably order another drink while the women will finish with Biskvitena Torta (home-made creamy biscuit cake with milk and white vanilla cream). Cream Caramel or Pancakes with chocolate, but sometimes you can find Sweet Banica (the pastry from the morning but this time filled with pumpkin/apple and sugar) and Sutliaj – „Сутляж“(milk with rice and sugar)

In OVERALL Bulgarians eat a lot of things that involve yogurt and white hard cheese, garlic, spices and mostly chili. And don’t forget the tomatoes…

If you decide to do a day like this one I can only wish you LUCK and tell you to be careful with the Rakija. Keep the camera away from your friends too 😉

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GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN EUROPE – BULGARIA !

undiscoveredadmin — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 10:03:47 +0000

23 facts and places of Bulgaria that can inspire you to visit this hidden heaven on Earth.

NASA

1. In 1977 Nasa included one of Bulgaria’s best-known folk songs on the Voyager Golden Record! The song was recorded in a classroom by American collector (Martin Coning) of folklore only with the sound of one bagpipe and the voice of the Valya Balkanska – Izlei e Delyo Haidutin. The bagpipe on the Balkans is called Gayda. The images and sounds selected for the two phonograph records are meant to portray an image of life on earth to any extra-terrestrial beings the craft may encounter.

Plovdiv

2. Plovdiv was chosen for the European Capital of Culture for 2019. It was found during the Neolithic period in the 2nd millennium BC and it is the oldest inhabited city in the world! Plovdiv was the largest Roman city on the Balkan Peninsula and the Episcopal Basilica with its mosaics was included just recently in the UNESCO’s Indicative List of Significant Cultural and Natural Objects. The Ancient Theatre it is a home very often to some of the world’s known performances.

The oldest processed gold in the world was found near the Black Sea in Varna, Bulgaria!

3. A worker who was excavating in the area in 1972 discovered an ancient Necropolis (grave site). To date, 294 graves have been found at the site, which dates to between 4600 and 4200 BC. One particularly rich grave contained 3,000 gold artifacts, an amount greater that the combined total of all other known sites in the world form that era. The cache was shown for first time in United States in 1988, in New York City in 2009 – 2010 and it was exhibited for 7 months in Japan as “The Oldest Gold in the World – The First European Civilization“.

Glagolitic alphabet was devised by St. Cyril and Methodius

4. Glagolitic alphabet was devised by St. Cyril and Methodius in the 850s and introduced to the world by the First Bulgarian Empire in 886 AD. At the beginning of the 10th century the Glagolitic alphabet was gradually substitute by the Cyrillic script developed around the Preslav Literary School, Bulgaria. The Cyrillic script became the third official script of the European Union in 2007, following the Latin and Greek ones.

Bulgaria is the world’s largest producer of lavender

5. Bulgaria is the world’s largest producer of lavender and the second world’s largest producer of rose oil. Did you know that for one kg of rose oil you need 3.5 tons of rose petals?

The Bulgarian tradition of carpet-making in Chiprovtsi became part of the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014

6. The handwoven carpets (kilimi) have been made by the women of Chiprovtsi using a unique technique of weaving on a vertical handloom that is unchanged since the 17th century. The women say prayers and make wishes for luck and success before starting a new carpet, and sing and tell stories while working at the loom.

Mineral springs

7. More than 2 000 mineral springs in the country and in additional you can pour the healing water into your bottle almost on every corner. Well, not only corner… Almost on every curve of the route, in the middle of the main square or just from your tap at home. Yes, only in Sofia we have 31 separate reservoirs and 75 water sources of mineral waters, which makes the Capital one of the richest municipalities in the world by mineral water wealth.

Lactobacillus Bulgaricus

8. Now get into your 5 senses…which pops into your mind first? Perhaps it will be your sense of taste. Dairy lovers may be aware that the bacteria strain needed to produce yoghurt‘s mild texture is called “Lactobacillus Bulgaricus”. But did you know that these natural bacteria are found only in mammals and plants living in Bulgaria? It’s true!

European Capital of Survas & Mummers

9. In ancient Bulgaria, wearing masks was believed to provide protection from evil, ensure a successful harvest, and guarantee health and fertility for humans and farm animals. Many legends date back to the 7th centuries the First Bulgarian Empire, however other tales relate to the Thracian times. In 1995 the International Federation of Carnival Cities accepted the town of Pernik as a full member. In June, 2009, Pernik was proclaimed as the European Capital of Survas & Mummers and included in the UNESCO list of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Zagreus was a Thracian god later known as Dionysus – the God of wine

10. Our grape growing is dating back to the 4th millennium BC, when our lands were inhabited by the Thracians. Zagreus was a Thracian god later known as Dionysus – the God of wine. Did you know that the Thracians wine was even mentioned in the Iliad – an ancient Greek poem? The Wine Museum of Pleven is a perfect combination of a natural cave, degustation room and cold white wine. But not only! The museum holds selection of over 7000 bottles of wine, ranging from 30 to 90 years and items related to the vine growing in the Bulgarian lands from the ancient Thracian times until today.

The Misionis Fortress

11. The Misionis Fortress (5-6th century) is located in the Preslav Mountains just 20 min away from the main route to Varna, Bulgaria. The place was mentioned three times in the book of Muhammad al-Idrisi – “The book of pleasant journeys into faraway lands” as a flourishing town. He was the drawer of one of the most advanced ancient world maps in 1154 – The Tabula Rogeriana – Arab Muslim cartographer, geographer and Egyptologist.

The Deaf Stones

12. “The Deaf Stones” Thracian Sanctuary are Rock blocks with deep gorges cut. A large cult monument in Bulgaria and you can see several of these unique formations in Rhodopi Mountains. The bed, the niche cut in the eastern part and a carved tomb chamber seems to be unfinished, but who would know how they’ve looked like before the Earthquake in the 4th century AD?!

Sultans Trail

13. Arda River is a tributary of Maritsa River connecting Bulgaria and Greece. The villages around this river are included in one of the most famous routes called the “Sultans Trail” – long-distance footpath from Vienna to Istanbul(2 200 km/ 1 400 ml)

Villa Armira

14. Near Ivaylovgrad, Haskovo province of Bulgaria – Villa Armira is dating back to the 1st century and it is believed that belonged to a noble Roman Thrace. Some of the most unique mosaics can be seen in the 22 separate rooms. The marble decoration, geometric figures, animals and plants display features typical of Ancient Roman art. She was named after the River Armira, minor tributary of River Arda.

Orpheus

15. We all have heard about Orpheus – legendary musician, prophet and poet who had the ability to charm all living things (even the stones) with his music. It is believed that Orpheus and king Rhesus (another Thracian ruler) were the only two leaders buried overground – on a top of a hill. Tatul is a Thracian sanctuary where this ritual is closely linked to the cult of Orpheus and many clay altars dating back to 18-19 century BC are proving that it was used without interruption during the Iron Age.

Magura Cave

16. Magura Cave is one of the few cave complexes in the world where you can stand within inches of prehistoric paintings that were painted between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. And the visit of the cave can be combined with a tasting of some of the best wines in the country, specially selected to mature in natural conditions.

St. Alexander Nevsky”Cathedral

17. One of the largest Orthodox Churches in Europe “St. Alexander Nevsky”Cathedral can hold up to 10 000 people at once. The temple has 12 bells and the heaviest is weighing 12 tons. The Cathedral was designed by Alexander Pomerantsev and it was built in honour to the Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish war and liberated Bulgaria from the Ottoman Rule.

Eco trails

18. Over 140 eco trails on a 111 000 square kilometres – this is our Bulgaria. More than 20 are near Sofia and having a picnic in the forest is the first thing that comes up to my mind when I think of quiet weekend

The Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo

19. Unique frescoes from the rock-hewn monasteries in the limestone cliffs of Rusenski Lom. The Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo became part of the UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979. Remarkable artistry for the 13-14th century and mastery in the art of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

The salvation of the Bulgarian Jews from the Holocaust

20. Memorial of “The salvation of the Bulgarian Jews from the Holocaust”. Did you know that Bulgaria is one of the countries that saved all their Jews three times from deportation to the concentration camps? Dimitur Peshev, Exarch Stefan of Bulgaria and Kiril, Metropolitan of Plovdiv are names that we should remember and be proud of. The rescue has been praised by public figures worldwide.

The National Theatre of Ivan Vazov

21. The National Theatre of Ivan Vazov in Sofia. A name that will live forever as the Symbol of the National Awakening in Bulgaria. Did you know that “Under the yoke” by Ivan Vazov was translated into over 30 languages in 1888? The famous “Epic of the Forgotten” was written right after the liberation of Bulgaria and left a huge mark in our hearts.

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital

22. Sofia is built in three layers. This hidden Rotunda or the Church of St. George can be found in the middle of the city centre of Sofia, Bulgaria. She was built in the 4th century as a second layer … Read more about our history before that period and soon you will find out why Bulgaria is claiming to be the First European Civilization.

Black Sea

23. The Black Sea turned last summer into a turquoise heaven thanks to a phytoplankton bloom. It was so bright that even NASA took a satellite image of the bloom. Blue sky, fresh air and sun-kissed beaches…The Summer is on its way!

Looking for more ideas:

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PRIVATE TOUR AND WANT TO DISCOVER MORE THAN THE TOURIST SIGHTS, THAN YOUR GUIDES ARE WAITING FOR YOU…

Did we get your attention? Let’s start our journey through Bulgaria together and discover it all!

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INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE MASQUERADE GAMES

undiscoveredadmin — Wed, 30 May 2018 07:03:55 +0000

SURVA – KUKERI FESTIVAL

In ancient Bulgaria, wearing masks was believed to provide protection from evil, ensure a successful harvest, and guarantee health and fertility for humans and farm animals. Many of these pagan rituals, which were later incorporated into Christianity, are still performed in eastern Bulgaria between the holidays of Christmas and Easter. Rituals held around the New Year are known as Surva, while those performed around Easter are known as Kukeri. Today the International Festival of the Masquerade Games, held in the town of Pernik, still celebrates these customs. During the festival, which is the biggest event on the Balkan Peninsula, single men and women called Kukeri and Survakari, don traditional Bulgarian costumes and elaborate masks and parade down the streets of Pernik.

[See image gallery at undiscoveredbulgaria.com]

The festival’s mystery

On average, around 6,000 people (about 100 groups) from every folklore region of Bulgaria, as well as companies from Europe, Asia, and Africa take part in the contest. The contestants come here to win, to experience the atmosphere, to have fun and be part of the magic. For three whole days they sing and perform a series of intricate dance steps, ringing bells as they wind through the streets. Participants interact freely with the audience along the parade routes and on stages set up throughout the town. People often want to touch the masks for good luck and good health. An incandescent fiery spectacle, bonfires and light shows, envelop participants in the festival’s mystery.

UNESCO

Many legends date back to the 7^th centuries the First Bulgarian Empire, however other tales relate to the Thracian times. In 1995 the International Federation of Carnival Cities accepted the town of Pernik as a full member. In June, 2009, Pernik was proclaimed as the European capital of Survas & Mummers and included in the UNESCO list of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

BOOK NOW - SURVA 2020

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Surova folk feast in Pernik region

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TRADITIONS & FESTIVALS – BULGARIA

undiscoveredadmin — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 09:41:14 +0000

Traditions in Bulgaria

Do you want to feel like a real local in a new country?

Probably you haven’t heard the word “sabor”…. And do not even Google it, because what you will find as a translation will not be even close to what it means for the locals in Bulgaria. So here is a small hint! This is a kind of an old word that we used instead of “festival”. “Sabor” in Cyrillic comes from “sabiram” which means together. Bulgarians love to celebrate each day, they love to gather together and they will always find a reason to have some fun.

I am not sure if you ever heard something about a Name Day, but in Bulgaria this day is even more important than the Birthday. For example, on this day your doors should be wide open for everybody. You do not invite friends, but they come anyway, so you have to be ready with the table before your guests.

But let’s go back to the word “sabor”. You might not believe, but each weekend of the year, somewhere in some village in Bulgaria people would be dancing on the main square and celebrate something unusual. We give honour to the Patron of the city, honour to the flowers, honour to the fruits, vegetables, water… and if you think that this cannot be true…. we invite you not as a tourist, but as a friend. Learn more about our traditions, festivals and explore the country as a local. Here are some ideas if you want to plan this year or next one…or two…

Check with us the dates for the upcoming festivals, before you start your trip.

January – International festival of the Masquerade games.

February – Wines and vines

this month is given an honour to the vines, vineyards, wine-makers and the like. We do celebrate 14^th of February (1^st of February – new style), but here people won’t send just valentines cards, instead they will visit a local winery, women will prepare a traditional bread and people will be dressed with typical Bulgarian clothes, sing and dance to invite the spring to their lands.

March – Welcome Spring

and goodbye Winter! On 1^st of March, Bulgarians will put a white and red strings around their wrists, will hang them in their homes, on their cars, will pin them to their clothes and hope for a good year. And all of this, because they believe that the ritual will bring them health and fertility to the Mother Earth. This tradition is part of the UNESCO’s list of protected cultural practices.

April – Easter

Yes! But not only… This month will be remembered in our history with the National Revival Movement during the Ottoman rule. On 20^th of April, thousands of people will drive to Koprivshtitsa (1h and 30 min away from Sofia) and give honour to the few people, who were brave enough to raise their heads and ask for freedom.

May – Festival of the Chiprovtsi carpets,

Folklore festival in Veliko Tarnovo, the day of St. Cyril and Methodius, who gave to the world the Cyrillic alphabet. More than 3 million people write in our alphabet and all of this would not be possible without our Bulgarian Tsar Boris I. Did you know that? If not, we will be more than happy to tell you all about.

June

Already in the end of May we will start with the Rose Festival in Kazanlak and continue till almost the middle of June. Followed by Music Festivals in Plovdiv, Cherry Festivals, Brandy Festivals and the like.

July

The Music Festivals will continue, but now on the Sea coast with its blue waters and sun-kissed beaches.

Folklore Festivals with fire dancers,

Festival of the National Costumes in Zheravna, Rhodopi Festival with hundreds of bagpipes playing at once, The Week of the Balkan Mountains… If you do not like crowds, prepare yourself, because August is rammed and if you just want a quiet place to sit down, you have to take your earplugs with you.

September

We celebrate our Independence Day on 22^nd of September, but can we go a whole month without music and dancing? No! Here we will have a Dance week and Plum Festival. We will buy hundreds of bottles and fill them up with plum brandy, because “winter is coming”.

November – 1^st of November is the day of our National Heroes

And the unofficial Birthday of our Project – Undiscovered Bulgaria. We will definitely prepare something special for you.

December

Here is no need to mention even the Christmas, New Year’s Eve … Reserve your table in a Traditional Bulgarian restaurant at least 3 months ahead of time, because as we said, Bulgarians love to celebrate and they do celebrate the whole December. Company events, parties, St Nikolaus Day, The Students day or just the “Day of the Day“!

[See image gallery at undiscoveredbulgaria.com]

Looking for more ideas:

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BULGARIAN EMBROIDERY

undiscoveredadmin — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 04:18:13 +0000

Despite being a part of the Turkish Empire for more than 500 years, Bulgaria managed to keep much of its cultural heritage intact. Embroidery in particular, with its unique decorative compositions, allowed Bulgarians living in the areas within the then Turkish province to retain their national identity.

Originally, Bulgarian embroidery proclaimed the social status and ethnic origin of a person. “Tree of life,” “Young sun,” and “Circle of life” are just some of the motifs associated with the craft. Undoubtedly, sun motifs were the most important symbols. Ancient Thracians, who are generally accepted to be the ancestors of present-day Bulgarians, worshiped the cult of the sun. Contemporary Bulgarian life is still rife with motifs that represent the sun. One such symbol is a double cross known as an “Elbetitsa.”

In Mediaeval times it represented the four cardinal directions of the material world and the four intermediate directions of the immaterial world, coming together at the center. In short, it was the personification of Bulgarian power. The double cross symbol is also prevalent in Buddhism, where it represents the wheel of life and the path to Enlightenment. Today “Elbetitsa” represents the Bulgarian awakening, a passionate devotion to keep the ancient traditions alive, whether they are used in embroidery, woodcarving, or other crafts.

This symbol was the inspiration for our logo:

Looking for more ideas:

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PRIVATE TOUR AND WANT TO DISCOVER MORE THAN THE TOURIST SIGHTS, THAN YOUR GUIDES ARE WAITING FOR YOU…

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