What makes Bulgarian villages unique?

When you visit Bulgarian villages, you will be struck by the charm of the traditional architecture that dots the countryside. The houses are typically made of stone or wood, with intricate designs and colorful facades that are a sight to behold. Walking through these villages feels like stepping back in time.

Local customs and festivals add to the allure of Bulgarian villages. Villagers take pride in their heritage and often celebrate with music, dance, and traditional cuisine. These festivals provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the customs of the region.

The natural surroundings of Bulgarian villages are another draw for visitors. Nestled amidst lush forests, rolling hills, and babbling streams, these villages offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling cities. Nature lovers will appreciate the serenity and beauty of the rural landscape.

How to explore Bulgarian villages?

There are several ways to explore Bulgarian villages, depending on your preferences and travel style. Bulgaria sightseeing tours are a popular option for visitors who want a comprehensive experience. Knowledgeable guides can provide insights into the history and culture of the villages, enhancing your visit.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. You can stop whenever you like to take in the scenery or explore a charming village you stumble upon along the way.

For those who prefer public transportation, Bulgaria offers a reliable network of buses and trains that can take you to many villages across the country. This option is budget-friendly and allows you to interact with locals during your journey.

Which villages are known for cultural heritage?

Koprivshtitsa is one of Bulgaria’s most famous villages, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and rich history. Walking through its cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time to Bulgaria’s revolutionary era.

Bozhentsi is another village with a strong cultural heritage, featuring beautiful Renaissance houses and a peaceful atmosphere that draws visitors seeking a tranquil escape. The village is a popular destination for artists and writers looking for inspiration.

Zheravna is renowned for its authentic Bulgarian houses with wooden balconies and colorful facades. The village hosts an annual folklore festival that showcases traditional music, dance, and crafts, giving visitors a taste of Bulgarian heritage.

Are there eco-friendly villages to visit?

Leshten is a picturesque village known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. Visitors can stay in traditional guesthouses and participate in eco-friendly activities such as hiking and birdwatching in the surrounding nature reserves.

Kovachevitsa is another eco-friendly village with a focus on preserving its natural surroundings. The village is a great base for exploring the nearby mountains and enjoying the peace and tranquility of rural Bulgaria.

Gela is a hidden gem for eco-conscious travelers, offering organic food options and eco-friendly accommodations in a stunning mountain setting. You can explore the surrounding forests and meadows or simply relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

What are the activities available in Bulgarian villages?

For outdoor enthusiasts, Bulgarian villages offer excellent hiking and trekking opportunities amidst breathtaking scenery. You can explore lush forests, rocky cliffs, and meandering rivers on well-marked trails that cater to all levels of hikers.

For those who prefer a guided experience without the need for a physical guide, audio tours offer a convenient and informative alternative. These tours allow you to explore at your own pace while listening to detailed information about the history, culture, and notable landmarks of the villages. Whether you’re hiking, participating in a workshop, or indulging in local cuisine, audio tours enhance your journey by providing context and enriching your overall experience.

Cultural workshops are a fantastic way to learn traditional Bulgarian crafts such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. Local artisans are known around the world and eager to share their skills and knowledge with visitors, providing a hands-on experience that is both educational and fun.

Culinary experiences in Bulgarian villages are a treat for food lovers, with authentic dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can participate in cooking classes, visit local markets, and sample regional specialties that highlight the flavors of Bulgarian cuisine.

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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.

[See image gallery at undiscoveredbulgaria.com] For more information

• Bulgaria
• Sofia
• Plovdiv
• Varna
• Burgas

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• Rila Monastery
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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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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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For more information:

• Veliko Tarnovo – Wikipedia
• Veliko Tarnovo

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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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.

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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• European Capital of Culture – Plovdiv 2019

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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.

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.

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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The Madonna of Belogradchik:

“Once there was a nunnery hidden among the Belogradchik Rocks. The youngest nun in the monastery was so beautiful that she was secretly envied by all and often reminded that it was vowed to God. Everyone who saw her could not help but love her.

On the St. Peter’s day all people from the surroundings were allowed to enter the monastery for prayers. A young patrician could not take his eyes off the beautiful young nun and they fell in love at first side. She could not resist her heart and met him secretly. Few months later she gave a birth to a little child and the nun’s illicit love was no longer a secret. The cries of their child echoed the entire land and the elderly nuns decided to punish the young woman by all monastic canons.

On the day when they had to expel her from the monastery dark clouds covered the sky. The day became night and something mysterious happened. A frightening thunder destroyed the monastery and in a few moments turned everyone into a stone. Since than a rock formation, named after the Madonna and her child, are standing alone reminding us that no human being should turn against another.”

Belogradchik

Belogradchik is a small town located in the Northwest Bulgaria where your imagination will start working on another mode. Extraordinary beautiful landscape where the nature forces created number of unique rock sculptures. The formation of the Red rocks started about 230 million years ago and during the Triassic period were a bottom of a shallow sea. Later during the hot and dry period the natural process of erosion and the surface rivers formed vertical blocks seen today as a rock figures.

When the Romans occupied the Balkan Peninsula

they saw the potential of that region and decided to construct a fortress where the rock formations were used as a natural protection. During the Second Bulgarian Empire the Belogradchik Fortress was extended by the Bulgarian tsar Ivan Stratsimir and exceeded the total area of 10 210 square meters. Becoming one of the most important strongholds in the surroundings it amazes even today with its architecture.
In the quiet evenings, when the sun starts going down and the red colour takes over the rocks, you will start seeing clearly shapes of different animals, pyramids, variety of faces and even whole human bodies. The bizarre rock sculptures are astonishing, not only with their age, but also with the legends behind.

Amazing people create amazing memories, but inspirational thoughts come with inspirational scenery.

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• BELOGRADCHIK ROCKS – Wikipedia
• BELOGRADCHIK ROCKS – Get off the beaten path
• UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE SITES
• HOW SAFE IS BULGARIA

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as well as lots of practices that demonstrate the diversity of her cultural heritage and raise awareness about its importance. You’ve probably heard about the Rila Monastery, but have you heard about the tradition of carpet making in Chiprovtsi, or the SURVA Festival… Have a look at our list, you might find some incredible tips for an unforgettable local experience…

Rila Monastery

UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Rila Mountains, which is an original national museum with more than 11 centuries old history. The monastery dates back to the 10th century but has been plundered and burned down several times. The present building has been built in the mid-19th century. Located in the gorgeous mountain scenery of the Rila mountains, it is considered the highest achievement of Bulgarian monumental architecture of the National Revival period.  Of particular interest is the museum, and the 1335 Hrelyo’s Tower, which is actually the oldest preserved building in the courtyard. Alongside is the big five-dome church Assumption of the Holy Virgin with splendid frescoes by some of Bulgaria’s finest artists of the time.

Visit the monastery with us and take a day trip from Sofia

• Rila Monastery – Wikipedia
• Rila Monastery – official website 

Boyana Church

The 10th century Boyana Church is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. The murals of this famous church reflect both Byzantine and local traditions of the preceding two centuries. One of the portraits in the church is unanimously considered a genuine masterpiece of 13th century painting, created 200 years before the European renaissance. They form a second layer over the paintings from earlier centuries and represent one of the most complete and well-preserved monuments of mediaeval art in the Balkans.

Take a ride to the outskirts of Sofia and visit Boyana Church

• Boyana Church – official website
• Boyana Church – Unesco

Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak

A UNESCO world heritage site, part of the Royal Thracian necropolis where more than 1 500 tombs of kings and members were excavated. Dating back to the 4^th-3^rd century BC the frescoes are representing a couple at a ritual funeral feast. The paintings of the round burial chamber are Bulgaria’s best-preserved artistic masterpieces from the Hellenistic period therefore the original tomb is closed for visitors. People nowadays can enter the replica and see part of the Royal treasures at the beginning of the entrance.

• Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak  – Wikipedia
• Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak  – Unesco

Tjracian Tomb of  Sveshtari

Although Bulgaria has more than 1500 tombs, Sveshtari offers a unique experience. People can get into the original sanctuary and stay within inches of the frescoes and statues dating back to the 3rd century BC. The tomb is the burial site of a royal couple from the Thracian tribe – Getae. The archaeological remains confirm that they had practised ruler cult and minted their own coins. Good to know is that only a limited amount of people are allowed each day through the climate-controlled space.

• Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari  – Wikipedia
• Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari  – Unesco

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo

Medieval frescoes in rock-hewn monasteries on limestone cliffs – the churches became part of UNESCO in 1979. The caves in the region had been inhabited by the monks from the 12^th century till the late 17^th. The frescoes are dating back to the 13—14^th century and people can visit them between March and November. Close to the Danube, near Ruse, Bulgaria has one more site listed in UNESCO and this the Natural reserve of Srebarna.

Check wit us what else you can visit near the “Blue Danube” river 

• Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo – Wikipedia
• Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo – Unesco

Madara Horesman

The 7^th century old rock relief is dated back to the First Bulgarian Empire and became part of UNESCO in 1979. There are still discussions going on about who resembles this unique rock cut. Is it one of our rulers at that time Khan Tervel, Khan Omurtag, Khan Krum or is it just a Thracian warrior? Some think that is a part of the Sassanian rock relief tradition – the last kingdom of the Persian Empire. The complex underneath the monument is considered to be a pagan shrine where a sacral rituals were held by the rulers. The Rider of Madara can be seen on your way between Veliko Turnovo and our Sea capital – Varna.

• The Madara Rider or Madara Horseman – Wikipedia
• The Madara Rider or Madara Horseman – Unesco

Nessebar

Also knows as “The pearl of the Black Sea” is an ancient city and a major seaside resort. In 1956 it was declared “a museum-town, an archaeological and architectural reserve”. Due to the city’s abundance of historic buildings the entire city was listed as a UNESCO world cultural heritage monument. In its thousand years of existence, the town bears medieval walls, Byzantine and Bulgarian churches dating back to the 5^th century and history that will take you back in time.

• Nessebar – Wikipedia
• Ancient City of Nessebar – Unesco

The tradition of carpet-making in Chiprovtsi

This unique Bulgarian tradition of carpet-making became part of the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. The handwoven carpets (kilimi) have been made by the women of Chiprovtsi using a unique technique of weaving on a vertical hand-loom that is unchanged since the 17^th century. Today, there are 27 different motifs that are listed as typical of the Chiprovtsi carpets, each of which represents a particular religious belief of Bulgarians. Read more – Click here.

• The tradition of carpet-making in Chiprovtsi -Unesco

Surva 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. 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. Read more – Click here.

• Surva folk feast in Pernik region -Unesco
• Surva Festival

Nestinarstvo – Fire Dance

The origin of Nestinarstvo, a ritual that involves dancing on hot coals, remains something of a mystery. Most believe that this unique tradition originated with the ancient Thracians, for whom the ritual combined sun worship with the cult of earth and fire. People from the village of Bulgari believe the fire purifies the soul, chases away disease and evil, and forgives the sins of the present. In 2009, the fire-dancing was included in the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Read more – Click here.

• Nestinarstvo – Wikipedia
• Nestinarstvo – Unesco

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Of course, before we decide to travel to some far away destination, we want to know how safe is to travel there alone. First thing we read is about the pickpockets, right?

Let me tell you something. They are everywhere and especially in the big cities. You will see them in London, Paris, Rome and I can continue for another 10 pages or so. But, that’s not my point. Being careful even in your home-town is part of our lives and this should not affect our travel choices at all.

Comparing Bulgaria to other countries or the neighbouring Turkey – Bulgaria is very safe. People here are living in a peaceful harmony especially when it comes to the ethnic and religious differences. Yes, you might see stray animals and you always need to have piece of meat in your pocket… JOKING!!! Most of them are checked and not violent at all. So…

What to expect in Bulgaria?

Tap water is drinkable almost everywhere in the country. Bulgaria has more than 2000 mineral springs therefore it is not likely to see a sign that you should not drink the water. Plus, you can fill out your bottle with drinkable water on nearly every curve of the roads in the mountains and on the main squares in the cities.

Bulgarian currency is LEV and it is tied to the EUR, so you should always look for the exchange rate (1.00 EUR= 1.95 BGN). On some places you might find that they take commission, therefore before exchanging any money make your calculations first. Always read the receipt carefully as you do in any other country that has their own currency and you don’t understand it.

Cheap Public Transportation. You have to buy a ticket in advance. Sometimes you can buy them from the driver, but only if you have the exact change. In most of the buses/trams you will find a machine where you can put coins and receive a ticket, but again – you need to have change. One ticket is 1.60 BGN, you can also buy а set of 10 tickets for 12 BGN (but you are the only one can use them and you always have to keep the last number of the ticket with you) or buy a day ticket for 4 BGN. You can buy a 3 Day Card for all the lines which is even cheaper –10 BGN.

According to the last reports in Europe- crime in general in Bulgaria is very low. However, in case of emergency, you can call 112 and English is available. I always recommend to use a proper app for taxi companies because you will get the number of the car, the name of the driver and even more important – you will get an approx. amount of the price that you should pay in the end.

O, Bulgarian Cuisine … Food! Delicious food, strong taste, vegan, vegetarian and everything you read about the food in Bulgaria will be how cheap it is. Yes. Well, for Sofia I would say is affordable. Like in every other country the standards of living in the capital are much higher than any other city. Therefore, don’t be surprised when you pay for coffee 3.00 BGN on the main square and next day 0.50 BGN in another small town. Checking your bill for an extra Salad, that you didn’t order, should be a habit you should already have, if you travel often.

Free gifts? Well, NO! You should know that there is nothing free, except “love” of course. Some strangers will stop you and give you something for luck and so it begins … “Let me tell you something about your future”, “…take this amulet to protect you from evil” etc. and this will continue till you get really annoyed and decide to give them something just to leave you alone. Beggars – you will see them mainly on the main streets and in front of the churches. I am not going to tell you what to do with them, because I will assume you know.

Roads… It is better to hire a driver, especially if you are going to travel outside of the city. Bulgaria has 3 highways that cross the country and the impression you will get at first will be quiet high… till you get off the main road. Travelling in the evening can be even difficult. Bumpy, unmarked roads and I am not even going to write about the lights, because “poor” is a very soft word when it comes to that topic.  BUT the bus tickets from city to city are not expensive at all and can range between 5 – 50 BGN.

Bulgaria is like every other country in Europe and being overcharged in a bar or dance club can happen anywhere in the world. I can say that this actually depends on your own behaviour.

Other than that, Bulgaria is ranked 27^th out of 162 ranking of the World’s safest countries. So, stop reading and plan your visit to Bulgaria.

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In the far south of Bulgaria, a megalithic stone complex rises on a hill in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria. This 8,000 year old prehistoric shrine, which is today known as the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon, was originally built by an advanced unnamed prehistoric civilization that worshiped the Sun God. During the ensuing centuries, it was adopted as a holy place by the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and finally by modern Bulgarians.

Important discoveries at the site include a 5th century Christian bishop’s residence, which may have been the largest temple on the Balkan Peninsula. More recently, four tombs from the Early Christian and Early Byzantine period (5-6^th centuries) as well as a large necropolis with over 200 graves have been excavated.

Throughout history, people referred to this place as “the Holy Mount” for reasons that are easily understood. The little Perpershka River, whose gold-bearing sands attracted mankind for years, made the place one the most fertile spots in Eastern Rhodope. Ancient shamans purposely built the sanctuary on the very steep slopes of the mountains, making it accessible from only one direction. With such restricted access, they could perform rituals and pray for fertility and health without interruption. A vessel found in one of the large oval halls, showing a scene with six human figures surrounding a key image of the Sun, supports this theory of a sun-worshiping civilization.

Later, the city of Perperikon became the sanctuary of Zagreus, the God of wine, who was known in Greek mythology as Dionysus. The relationship has led some experts to theorize that the site was the Ancient Temple of Dionysus. If so, notable figures such as Alexander the Great, the Egyptian ruler Ptolemy II, and the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar Augustus may have worshiped at Perperikon, just as they consulted the oracle at the temple of Apollo in Delphi. Some even believe this to be the site where Alexander the Great received his prophecy about crossing the Dardanelles and entering Asia for the battle with the Persians. His visits were strongly connected to the epoch of the most powerful empires of all time – the Roman Empire, which absorbed Thrace in 45 AD..

Modern day archaeological works have discovered that Perperikon is not the only gigantic rock facility cut in the Rhodope Mountains. There were two more particularly significant sacred places – the temple of the Great Mother Goddess and the earliest sanctuary of the great Prophet-singer Orpheus, 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 above ground, on a top of a hill. The Thracian sanctuary, later known by the name Tatul, was also closely linked to the cult of Orpheus. The Thracians, and particularly the tribe of the Satrians, were described by the renowned Greek historian Herodotus as a freedom-loving and independent people. But the most important cultural aspect of the tribe may have been their devotion to sites like Perperikon, which they believed protected the entire region from diseases and natural disasters.

At the end of the 3^rd century times of prosperity have passed and the period was called “the golden age” of the Temple of Dionysus. The rock temple was protected by strong fortress with 2.8 m thick walls and although a significant part of the quarters has not yet been unearthed, visitors can step into well-preserved buildings. Latest research revealed evidence of very high level of building culture and life standard. Sharp cuts stairs and doors cut out in the rocks are leading towards the ceremonial hall of the Palace – Shrine. Several preserved windows are showing the gorgeous view of the river valley and you can recognize with your own eye a throne with armrests and footrest. Today we can only make conjectures about many of the details in the palace.

While travelling between the sanctuaries you can come across another unique formation also known as “The Deaf stones”. They represent rock blocks with deep cut out niches and the interesting fact is that, when you stand between them, there is no echo. They have a perfect shape of a trapezoid and no one can really say what their purpose was till today.

When the Bulgarians invaded the Balkan Peninsula in the 7^th century they were amazed by the construction of the city of Perperikon. At that time they were not Christians and yet they used to honour the heavenly god of Tangra (another name for the Sun God) and Umai (the Mother Goddess of Fertility). Bulgarians often scratched drawings of their Gods therefore figure of the proto-Bulgarian Goddess of fertility can be seen on some of the rocks. Another gold-plated silver amulet with prayer was discovered in the chest of a 10 year old boy in one of the necropolis in Perperikon. Unfortunately, during the Ottoman rule this place was completely abandoned and forgotten for 5 centuries.

Even though it was destroyed, the fortress walls were monumental enough to be noticed and in 1989 the Bulgarian state financed the project of Perperikon. The ancient Holy city became scientific and media sensation since then.

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