Ukraina

Bulgaria

Bulgaria



Overview

Bulgaria is situated in south-eastern Europe. It occupies the central part of Balkan peninsula on both sides of the Balkan Range (the Balkans), from which the peninsula has taken its name. The grater part of the northern border with Romania passes along the Danube, and the eastern border is the Black Sea. The land borders with Yugoslavia and Macedonia to the west, with Turkey to the south-east, and with Greece to the south.
Bulgaria possesses beautiful landscapes and beaches, and is becoming a real resort paradise. The Black Sea Coast on its East border is famous for its fine sanded beaches, and perfect temperatures of water and air. There are plenty of sea resorts (Albena, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, Elenite and many others) and sea towns and villages (Varna, Bourgas, Balchik, Nessebur, Sozopol and more) that give opportunity for great sea holidays.Further, Bulgaria has around 600 natural mineral springs, with water temperatures ranging from 20 to 60 degrees Celsius, whose baths and health spas are famous tourist attractions. The most known spa resorts are Hissarya, Velingrad, Devin, Varshets, Pavel Banya and more.
Travel recommandations
Most visits to Bulgaria are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civillian targets, including placed frequented by foreigners.This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:
General info
Capital: Sofia
Offcial language: Bulgarian
Government : Parliamentary republic
Area :110,910 km2 - 42,823 sq mi
Population : 7,640,238
Currency : LEV (BGN)
Time zone : UTC+2
Drives : on the right
Internet tld : .bg
Calling code : 359
Main cities
Sofia
Plovdiv
Varna
Bourgas
Rousse
Stara Zagora
Pleven
Dobritch
Public Holidays
Date English Name Local Name Remarks
January 1 New Year's Day Nova godina
March 1 Grandmother March Day Baba Marta Not a statutory holiday.
March 3 Liberation Day Den na osvobozhdenieto Liberation from Ottoman rule
Moveable Easter Sunday Velikden Orthodox Easter.
May 1 Labour Day Den na truda
May 6 St. George's Day Gergiovden Day of the Bulgarian Army.
May 24 Bulgarian Education Day
Sep 6 Unification Day Den na saedinenieto unification of Bulgaria
Sep 22 Independence Day Den na nezavisimostta
1 Nov Day of the Bulgarian Revival Leaders.
December 24 Christmas Eve Badni vecher
December 25 Christmas Day Koleda
December 26 Second Day of Christmas Koleda
Dec 31 New Year's Eve.
Visa/Passport
Passport Required?
British
Yes
Australian
Yes
Canadian
Yes
USA
Yes
Other EU
1
Visa Required?
British
No
Australian
No/2
Canadian
No/2
USA
No/2
Other EU
No
Return Ticket Required?
British
No
Australian
Yes
Canadian
Yes
USA
Yes
Other EU
No
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Health&Safety
Vaccinations

Special Precautions
Diphtheria
Sometimes
Hepatitis A
Yes
Malaria
No
Rabies
Sometimes
Tetanus
Yes
Typhoid
Sometimes
Yellow Fever
No
Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited.
Food and Drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, can cause mild abdominal upsets if in remote areas. Some travellers may prefer to drink bottled water for the first few weeks of their stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. All food is prepared with a good level of hygiene.
Health Care
If European visitors or any of their dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to Bulgaria, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All nationals are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance.
Accommodation
Hotels
There has been a vast increase in the number of hotels in most cities and tourist resorts, and notably more guest houses in Sofia. Advance booking is advisable especially when travelling in high season to major resorts, and to Sofia.
Grading: Hotels are classified according to the European star-grading system, with 1 to 5 stars displayed outside, and although standards are comparatively low, they are improving. Special care has been taken in most hotels to conform to international standards.
Guest Houses
Accommodation is available in small villas with private rooms, particularly near the coast, but also in small towns and villages inland in older houses.
Camping/Caravanning
Campsites are classified from I to III, and the top two categories have hot and cold water, showers, electricity, grocery stores, restaurants, telephones and sports grounds. The camping areas are located in main tourist areas.
Youth Hostels
There are youth hostels in over 30 main towns.
Food&Drink
Bulgarian food does not particularly differ from the traditional European cuisine. The basic food products of the traditional Bulgarian cuisine are beans, sour and fresh milk, cheese, tomatoes, paprika, potatoes, onions, apples, water-melons, and grapes. Bulgarians consume all kinds of meat from industrially bred animals and fowls, fresh-water and sea fish, more seldom (wild) game. Bread is invariantly present on Bulgarian dinner table. The tradition of meeting visitors with bread and salt is very much alive. The Bulgarians’ cuisine is moderate, with meals seldom too salted, hot or sour. Food products can be purchased in all food stores and supermarkets, as well as on the direct producer-consumer market. Cooked food is served in catering establishments, pizza stands and restaurants, the prices depending on the category of the catering establishment.
Some Typical Dishes:
Breakfast:
Banitsa- flaky dough and cheese pastry, sometimes with spinach, leek or onion, one of the most commonly available, best in the morning when it's fresh, not microwaved in a bar. Kozu'nak- bread-like, with sugar spread on top - goes very well with yoghurt. Bo'za- tastes like puffed wheat cereal, in brown liquid form. Sometimes looks like chocolate milk to foreigners, so it's better to ask before buying it. According to veteran expatriates it's much better with a shot of vodka or whisky in it.
Lunch:
Salads - sa'lati Shopska salad- cucumbers, tomatoes, and white cheese. Russian salad- potato salad with mayonnaise. Kartofi salad- potato salad with vinegar. Toasted sandwiches- bread and meat or cheese cooked in a press with a selection of fresh salads.
Dinner:
Shishche- shish kebab, pork or beef. Kyufte- ground pork and spices in patty form. Kebapche- same as kyufte in sausage form.
Drinks
Alcohol is very much a part of Bulgarian culture. It is drunk by many at any time and for every occasion. Beer-Bulgarian beer is palatable but probably the least interesting Bulgarian beverage, best when the weather is hot. Zagorka and Pleven are preferred brands. Make sure it is "studena" (cold). Wine-high quality, low price; wines from Preslav, Novi Pazar, Suhin Dol, Melnik and Khan Krum (Shoumen Region) are regarded as the best, Sungularski Misket (dry white) is one preferred brand. There are hundreds of Bulgarian folk songs about red wine, and only one about white: "why can't the white wine be red?" Red is drunk in the winter, white in the summer, both with almost everything.
Rakia-Bulgarian brandy, the national drink; often quite strong; said to cure stomach ailments, cancer and hangovers; grape is most common, there are plum and peach varieties.
Place to visit
Sea&Beaches
Ahtopol
Location : The town of Ahtopol has population of about 1,500 people and is situated over a sharply jutted cape 87km southeast of Bourgas. It has two long and beautiful beaches, the second one (further to the north of the town) being used mostly by nudists.
Aheloy
Location: The village of Aheloy has about 5000 people and is located 7km southwest of Nessebar. It lies on the motorway to Bourgas near the mouth of the Aheloy River.
Albena
Location: The resort of Albena is situated 32 km north of Varna and just 12km south-west of Balchik on a long sand stretch in the open northern part of Varna Bay. The resort’s errection was started in 1968, which makes it one of the most modern holiday cities along the Bulgarian coast. The complex lies beneath a relatively high hill and is given particular charm by the near-by forest of Baltata, a part of which is declared a protected area.
Balchik
Location: Similarly to Kavarna, the town of Balchik is also a relatively large settlement along the Northern seaside with its population numbering 13,766 people and a harbour used for medium-sized passanger and commercial vessels. It is situated 31km north of Varna in a beautiful inlet.
Bourgas
Location: The city of Bourgas has a population of almost 200,000 people according to recent data, and is the second largest city at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is also the fourth largest city in the country, following Sofia, Plovdiv and connecting Varna. It is situated in the farthest western part of the Bourgas Bay and 390km east of Sofia. Due to the low level of the coast in the area, three lagoon-lakes (the Atanassovo, Bourgas, and Mandren lakes) lie in the area surrounding the city.
Byala
Location: The town of Byala is slightly bigger than the near-by Obzor. It is situated 54km away from Varna. History: Once there was an ancient Greek fortress, named Aspro, in the neighbourhood. Before the reunification of the Bulgarian state in 1885, the border between the Bulgarian Principality and Eastern Rumeliya passed through the town of the Byala.
Chernomoretz
Location: The small town of Chernomoretz lies just a couple of kilometres to the south of Bourgas. The town is built in an inlet between the Akra and Talasakra capes. Though the town's beach is nothing impressive, the rocky coastline provides secluded spots for swimming, sun bathing and fishing. One admirable local trait is the abundance of shrubbery and flowers attached to most houses, restaurants and cafes.
Duni
Location: The Duni Resort is situated some 12 km north of Primorsko, and 6km south of Sozopol in a cozy, shallow-water bay. The high-class resort is particularly targeted to foreign tourists. History: The construction of the holiday city was completed in 1987 as a Bulgarian-Austrian project.
Elenite
Location: The modern resort of Elenite (meaning literally 'The Stags') is situated east of Slunchev Bryag (Sunny Beach), and 50km north of Bourgas. The nearest village is Vlas. History: The place was uninhabited by the time of the construction of the resort's facilities, which started in 1985.
Golden Sands
Location: The resort of Zlatni Pyasatsi (Golden Sands) is the largest one on the northern Black Sea coast as it is built on more than 1,800 hectares of land. It is situated 18km north of Varna and is bordered on the north by Kranevo and on the south by the St. St. Konstantin and Elena Resort. The beach of the resort stretches over some 4km with width of up to 100 metres. Almost the entire coast along the resort falls within the boundaries of the Zlatni Pyasatsi natural park, which stretches over 1,320 ha. The Frengenskoto Plato (Frengen Plateau) of limestone structure, liable to landslide and erosion, is perking just above the resort. The area is famous for the purest sand on the Black Sea coast and also abounds of trees and bushes. Mineral water springs, as well as the marvelous wood bordering the Frangen Plateau turn Golden Sands into one of the pearls of the Bulgarian coast. A constant temperature of about 27°C throughout the summer season makes it a wonderful place for a summer holiday.
Kamchia
Location: The holiday complex of Kamchia lies at the Black Sea mouth of the Kamchiya river, in the heart of the Kamchia natural reserve. It is about 20km to the south of Varna following the seaside road to Bourgas. History: The complex is relatively new and is a typical holiday city with no permanent population. Most of it was built during communist times with each of the villa and bungalow complexes having been managed by a state-owned company. Now the situation is different and most of the villas are run by private concessionaires while the standard of the sub-complexes ranges from relatively low to high.
Kavarna
Location: Kavarna is one of the relatively bigger towns along the Black Sea coast: its population is 12,225, while the town’s port handles passenger and cargo vessels of medium size. The town is situated 48km north of Varna and just 12km away from the picturesque Kaliakra cape. The coast to the north of the town is high and steep, shining with its limestone rocks against the sea while the south of the town boasts with an excellent beach.
Kiten
Location: The town of Kiten is smaller than the nearby Primorsko with its population less than 1,000 people according to latest data. The town is situated on a small peninsula at the south end of the Primorsko Bay, 56km south of Bourgas.
Kraimorie
Location: The holiday village of Kraimorie is located about 10 km to the south of Bourgas and 20 km to the north of Sozopol. With the expansion of Bourgas, Kraimorie was formally included within its boundaries as one of many quarters. Yet it still preserves the image of a typical seaside village, contrasting greatly to the urban views of the city. There are beautiful beaches with clean sand and calm sea around the village.
Kranevo
Location: A nice little village situated in a sheltered bay, Kranevo is 25km north of the city of Varna. It lies just beyond the northern end of Golden Sands and at the southern part of a long beach, which extends towards the luxurious resort of Albena to the north. The vast beach, clean sea, gently sloping sea bottom and curative mineral water have propelled the swift growth of the village into a competitive tourist destination.
Krapets
Location: The village of Krapets lies about 10km to the north of Shabla and only a few kilometers away from the Bulgarian-Romanian border. Krapets is a typical rural settlement, with small one-storey houses and yards filled with livestock. Yet tourism has started to develop in recent years and a large 3-star hotel with all the needed facilities has just emerged at the seaside edge of the village. The village has a great potential to grow as a holiday place for those tired of crowded resorts thanks to its calamity, bird life, and surrounding natural reserves. Moreover, the fine and unpopulated beach of the village appeals to naturelovers with its authentic wilderness.
Lozenetz
Location: The village of Lozenetz is about 60km south of Bourgas with the village of Kiten neighbouring to the north and the town of Tzarevo - to the south. The village has a long and beautiful beach, while two nearby campsites and small inlets around Lozenets offer their own beaches as well. Lozenetz has just about 250 local families as similarly to other towns and villages along the coast, more and more houses and land plots are being bought out by well-off Bulgarians (mostly from the capital city of Sofia) and foreigners for holiday villas.
Nessebar
Location: The town of Nessebar has about 10,000 inhabitants and extends over a small peninsula. It lies 37km northeast of Bourgas. Its beach is considered to be one of the finest along the Black Sea coast due to a large sandy strip of land between the town and the village of Ravda, covered with clean golden sand.
Obzor
Location: The town of Obzor is relatively small, with population of slightly over 2,000 people. It is situated 65 km south of Varna or alternatively, 73km north of Bourgas. It lies in the skirts of the eastern part of the Stara Planina Mountain with the mountain ridge raising to the west of the city and the Dvoynitsa river bounding it to the north. The long beach by the town extends from the St. Atanas cape to the north to the southern Mona Petra cape to the south. The town's beach is followed by a small nestling cove and a beach named Irakli after an ancient village of the same name. The St. Nikola cape is several kilometres further to the south where the Balkan Mountains slope into the Black Sea.
Pomorie
Location: The town of Pomorie (population: 15,000) is situated on a narrow and rocky peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and by the Pomorie lake - on the other. It is situated some 18km north of connecting Bourgas and roughly the same distance south of connecting Nessebar.
Primorsko
Location: The town of Primorsko is relatively small as it has population of about 2,500 people. 52km south of Bourgas, the town lies on a cape jutting out between the Stamopolo Bay and the Dyavolski (Devil's) Bay. The town has two beaches, the Northern and the Southern ones. The former is more open and offers rough sea, which makes it treasured by surfers, while the latter is smaller and calmer, and hence preferred by families. Traditionally, the Southern Beach gets overcrowded during the top season, which makes holidaymakers sunbathe at nearby beaches, such as the one of the International Youth Centre. The youth centre is situated only 1-2 km to the south of the town and represents a typical holiday city for young people with plenty of villas, bungalows, hotels, bars, discos, and various sports grounds. The area is forested with deciduous trees and vegetation and is arranged as a cultivated park in an old oak wood. The centre was built in socialist times in a bid to promote interaction among youngsters from Soviet Bloc countries.
Ravda
Location: The small village of Ravda is situated between the town of Nessebar and the village of Aheloy. Ravda is known as a preferred place of young people and students for the budget accommodation it offers.
Rezovo
Location: This furthest southern settlement along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast lies at the mouth of the Rezovska River, some 100km away from the city of Bourgas and just 12km south of Sinemoretz. The Rezovska river marks Bulgaria's natural boundary with Turkey. Even if the small village of Rezovo (about 100 inhabitants) has a small, but nice beach, it is rarely used as a holiday place. The reason for this is the fact that it lies on the very border, which forces holidaymakers to show their ID cards and in most cases, the contents of their car trunks, upon entry through a high fence of barber wire.
Riviera Holiday Club
Location: The top-class Riviera Holiday Club is situated just 17km to the north of the sea capital of Bulgaria, Varna, and borders with the rival holiday complex of Golden Sands. Riviera's hotels offer a lot of luxury and comfort, while the beach is private and full of sports and recreation facilities. The charm of the Riviera Holiday Club is further enhanced by the fact that the complex is located amid a natural park of centuries-old trees and springs of mineral water, which make it a modern balneological centre as well.
Roussalka
Location: In a rocky area near the sea, the resort of Roussalka (i.e. named after the Bulgarian word for ‘mermaid’) is situated 14 km east of Kavarna and 59km away from the city of Varna. The coast here is dented by small bays, covered by sand, pebbles, bigger stones and even rocks.
Shabla
Location: The town of Shabla, the population of which is 4,451 people, is situated in the northern part of the Black Sea coast and boosts with a clean and beautiful beech. It is only 24km away from the Bulgarian-Romanian border and 66km away from the country’s third largest city, Varna.
Sinemoretz
Location: The village of Sinemoretz lies 6 km south of Ahtopol. It features two beautiful beaches - one to the north, representing a pretty wide strip of sand bordering the mouth of the Veleka river from one shore to the other and another one to the south stretching between jutty rocks. The former is less populated due to its hard access via a dirt road, and is preferred by young liberal people, nudists and those in search of solitude. The south one in turn is rather crowded during the peak season for it is easy accessible by car and tourist-friendliness for two large pubs where from one can buy fast food and refreshments.
Sozopol
Location: The town of Sozopol has population of about 7,000 people and is situated 31km south of Bourgas. The town lies on a small rocky peninsula in the farthest southern part of the Bourgas Bay. A one hundred-metre long strip of land connects it to the mainland. From 1925 on, the town has expanded in the direction of the Harmanite Area (the so-called 'new town').
St. St. Konstantin and Elena
Location: The oldest resort along the Bulgarian seaside is only 9 km away from and Varna.
St. Vlas
Location: St. Vlas is located directly on the Black Sea coast and is among the fastest developing summer destinations in Bulgaria. The town is only 4 km north of Sunny Beach, the biggest Bulgarian resort, and is overlooking the entire sea bay and the ancient town of Nessebar. St.Vlas, Sunny Beach and Nessebar together form the largest summer tourist megapolis in Bulgaria, where all kind of entertainment and services are available, and every taste is catered for.
Sunny Beach
Location: Sunny Beach (Slanchev Bryag) Resort is situated 42 km north of Bourgas. Practically, the resort occupies the entire territory stretching from the village of Vlas to the north and the town of Nessebar to the south. The resort offers more than 120 hotels and two camping sites, and is rich in entertainment facilities.
Sunny Day
Location: Just 10km to the north of Varna and in walking distance from the St. St. Konstantin and Elena resort, holidaymakers can take advantage of the luxurious tourist base of the Sunny Day holiday complex (Slanchev Den in Bulgarian). The resort combines well-preserved nature - a natural park, a kilometer-long beech in a small quiet bay and two mineral springs – with modern recreation, entertainment and sports facilities.
Tzarevo
Location: The town of Tzarevo has above 6,000 inhabitants, and lies 72km south of Bourgas. Similarly to other nearby towns and villages, Tzarevo is situated at the very border between the Strandzha Mountain and the sea. It lies over two small peninsulas, bordering a beautiful inlet. The peak of Papiya, which is 502m high and shows traces of an old fortress, stands out to the south of the town and is an additional attraction of Tzarevo. The town is an administrative centre and has a lot of specialised stores (e.g. for vehicle spare parts) and a hospital.
Varna
Location: The city of Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria with its population of 314,539 people. It is widely called the seaside capital of Bulgaria as it is the biggest city at the Bulgarian coast. The city lies in the Bay of Varna, nestled in a deep valley between the Frengen Plateau and the Avren Plateau. Varna is over 11 km long, while its width, including newly erected residential quarters, is nearly 9km. The city’s structure resembles an amphitheatre as it follows the curves of the Bay of Varna. It is surrounded by gardens, vineyards and groves.
Varvara
Location: The traditional fishermen village of Varvara is 3km to the north of Ahtopol. Though it does not have a sandy beach as other nearby villages, its budget accommodation in typical Bulgarian houses with cool shadows of grape vines in the front yard makes it a preferred holiday place for artists and other people in search of quietness and solitude. It is also favourite place for divers for it is full of stone cavities. Moreover, its walking distance to the beaches of Ahtopol makes up for the lack of a sandy beach for those not charmed by sunbathing over rocks.
Mountains
Balkan Mountains
Bulgarian Stara Planina (“Old Mountains”), Latin Haemus chief range of the Balkan Peninsula and Bulgaria. The range extends from the Timok River valley near the Serbian border, spreading out eastward for about 530 km (330 miles), rising to 2,376 m (7,795 feet) at Botev peak, and breaking off abruptly at Cape Emine on the Black Sea. The Balkan Mountains divide Bulgaria in northern and southern.
Pirin Mountain
Pirin Mountain is the second highest mountain range in Bulgaria and third in the Balkan Peninsula. Pirin is situated in the south-western part of the country between the Mesta and Struma rivers and the Predela and Parilska cols. There are more than 140 lakes in the region. The highest peak is Vihren (2914 m).
Rhodope Mountains
This is a unique mountain, considered by the Indian meditation schools as one of the 7 sacred mountains on the Earth, the oldest land on the Balkan Peninsula. Here the travelers will find out a great variety of plants, animals, birds and minerals. The Rhodope Mountains is the largest mountain in Bulgaria. It is located in the southern part of the country. Its area covers about 15 000 square kilometers. Most of it is within the borderline of the Republic of Bulgaria and the other part is within the territory of the Republic of Greece. The Rodhope Mountains is situated along the Maritsa and Mesta rivers valleys. The highest peak is Goliam Perelik – 2191 m. which is situated in the Mursalitsa hill. Other high peaks in Rodophe are Goliama Skotka , Malka Skotka, Persenk, Goliam Persenk and Batashki Snezhnik . Rodhope is divided into two big ridges – western, which is the higher part of the mountain and eastern, the lower part. The mountain is rich in bio species, which are protected by designating the reserves Beglik, Chervenata stena (The Red Wall), Kupena and others. Rhodope is easily accessible, which makes it favorable for tourism. One of the popular resorts, situated here is Pamporovo, which is near the town of Smolyan. Nature sights of interest are Chudnite mostove (The Wonder Bridges) and Rozhen, where an observatory is situated. In Rozhen there is also an annual fair of folklore arts. On the territory of the mountain there are many caves like Yagodinska peshtera, Dyavolsko garlo (Devil’s throat), Snezhanka. The mountain offers very good conditions for fishing thanks to the short distance from big dams like Batak, Dospat, Golyam and Malak Beglik , Kardzhali, Studen kladenets (Cold well), Ivaylovgrad, as well as many smaller ones.
Rila Mountains
Rila is situated in South Bulgaria. It is the highest mountain not only in Bulgaria, but on the Balkan Peninsula. It covers about 2630 square meters. The name “Rila” is literally translated as “the Water Mountain”. The highest peak is Musala (2925meters). Other popular high peaks are Maliovitca, Kalin, Kovach, Mechi vruh (Bear’s peak) and others. Many rivers take their sources from Rila, as well as the longest river in Bulgaria – Iskar. There are over 150 glacial lakes, which are formed during the Glacial period. Like “Sedemte Rilski ezera" (The Seventh Rila lakes) , Marichinite ezera (Marichinite lakes) and Musalenskite ezera (Musalenski lakes). Rila is an area of rich variety of species. Some of them can be seen only here. That’s the purpose for designating Rila National Park, which makes it the biggest national park in Bulgaria. Within its limits is also the nature park “Rilski manastir” (Rilski monastery) and four reserves – “Ibar”, “Centralen Rilski rezervat “ (Central Rilski Reserve) , Skakavitsa and Parangalitsa. In Rila Mountain is located the biggest monastery in Bulgaria – Rilski manastir (The Rila Monastery). Because of the favorable conditions the mountain offers, there are many famous resorts like Borovets, Panichinishte, Semkovo. Points of departure to the mountain are the tows of Samokov, Kostenets, Dupnitsa and Belitsa. Getting there takes about 30 min – 1 hour, departing from Sofia.
Strandja Mountain
Strandja is the largest of Bulgaria’s national parks. It is located in the southeast of Bulgaria, bordering the Black sea. The highest peak on Bulgarian territory is Gradishte (710 m). The climate in the Bulgarian part of Strandja is primarily transitional-Mediterranean influenced by the Black Sea. In this region are the preserves Ropotamo, Silkosia, Ouzunbodzhak
Vitosha Mountain
The conditions in Vitosha Mountain are excellent for skiing and winter sports. Around 1200m above sea level the climate is mild and, in the high parts it is moderately cold. There two peaks above 2000m above sea level, the highest being Cherni Vrah Peak (2290m), and 18 peaks above 1500m high. There are six ski tracks of varied difficulty.
Winter resort
Bansko
Bansko is a small town at the foot of Pirin - the mountain most frequently compared with the Alps. Pirin offers unbelievable beautiful views as well as skiing tracks mainly for excellent skiers. Regional cuisine dominates local restaurant menus, and most of the folksy entertainment on offer is based on authentic Bansko lore rather than something bussed in for the benefit of tourists. To top of all, Bansko’s historic old town remains a magical place to be, regardless of the dynamic change around it.
During the recent years a multi-million euros investment in a brand new skiing area has been made by Yulen, the company which has the licence to run the skiing area of the resort. Bansko has the best snow record and the longest ski season (15 Dec - 15 May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts. During the last couple of years this resort is under a massive investment process with new hotels and resort facilities being under construction. A brand new resort area with super luxury hotels and holiday apartments is being developed just opposite the Gondola lift, which also makes Bansko the resort with the best hotels.
The town of Bansko is situated nearby the river Glazane (left feeder of Mesta River) in the north- eastern foot of Pirin, right bellow the highest and most beautiful part of the mountain. Its name comes from the old Bulgarian word “ban”, which means “master”. It is just 160 kilometers away from Sofia and 6 kilometers from Razlog. Bansko has developed into a favourite ski & snowboard destination, thanks to the excellent ski facilities combined with the unique architecture and history. The town of Bansko is located on 925 m. above sea level, and its skiing area is on 2000-2600 m. The Pirin mountain has a predominantly Alpine character and highest peak in the area is Vihren 2914 m.
The town of Bansko is situated nearby the river Glazane (left feeder of Mesta River) in the north- eastern foot of Pirin, right bellow the highest and most beautiful part of the mountain. Its name comes from the old Bulgarian word “ban”, which means “master”. It is just 160 kilometers away from Sofia and 6 kilometers from Razlog. Bansko has developed into a favourite ski & snowboard destination, thanks to the excellent ski facilities combined with the unique architecture and history. The town of Bansko is located on 925 m. above sea level, and its skiing area is on 2000-2600 m. The Pirin mountain has a predominantly Alpine character and highest peak in the area is Vihren 2914 m.
he snowboard lovers can enjoy the first on the Balkans fun park where people from all over the world are lead by the passion of the extreme. They can build jumps suiting their taste and abilities.Every day skiers and snowboarders can take part in the competitions on the new piste on Shiligarnika.The lift and pistes operator in Bansko takes care for the maximum comfort of the skier and snowboarders with the exclusive 8-seats Gondola cabin lift by Dopplemayer, five high speed quads of the latest Doppelmayer models, one 3-seat lift by Poma, 7 drags and 10 baby drags. The total length of the lift equipment in the resort is 26 kilometers. All ski equipment can be used by one chip-card from SkiData.Huge monitors showing pictures from the different pistes is based on the starting station of the Gondola. Thus people are informed for the wind and temperature conditions before climbing up on the slope.
BOROVETS
The oldest Bulgarian winter resort is Borovets with a history from 1896! Today Borovets is the biggest and most modern resort in Bulgaria. It is situated on the conterminous Borovets col and on the northern slopes of the Mousala ridge in the eastern part of Rila. Huddled in venerable pine woods 1390 meters above the sea level (with highest pistes at 2600 m)makes it a perfect place for relax and recreation.
The climate is also considered to be healthy. The winter in the resort is mild and of course with loads of snow! The average temperature during the coldest month January is 4.8ºC. Usually the slopes of Borovets have snow cover from mid December till April. The air in Borovets is clear, free of any pollutants. Borovets is also easy accessible- 12 kilometers long first class road connects it with Samokov; Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) is just 72 kilometers away. There is a regular bus transport as for Samokov every 30 minutes.
The real charm of Borovets can be felt during the winter. It is then when the harmony with the nature is complete. The excellent equipment for ski sports attracts thousands of mountain lovers from Bulgaria and from foreign countries. They can use the 45 kilometers various in difficulty and length ski pistes grouped in three regions: Sitnqkovo – Martinovi Baraki – pistes; Markudjik- 4 pistes and Qstrebec- 3 pistes. The pistes on Qstrebets are the best- and all of the competitions in the resort are taking place there! The resort is a regular host of various winter sports competitions. It has twice hosted World Cup competitions in Alpine skiing. Its biathlon track is one of the best in Europe. Borovets was developed into a modern ski resort of high class with luxury hotels, restaurants, discos, shops and a good choice of pistes and lifts. Borovets is a resort of Alpine type and provides very good conditions for snow sports during the winter: skiing, night- skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski jumps and biathlon, ski-doo, in the resort, etc.There are available ski runs for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers, designed with international markings and multilingual signs. Pistes are bashed and maintained to the high standard. The ski runs of Borovets are located in three different regions. Cross-country and biathlon tracks are located 2 km away from the resort together with the cross-country tuition tracks.Borovets ski centre is serviced by well organized lift system , inclusive Gondola lift. There are more than 200 ski instructors fluent in foreign languages and some of them are former professional skiers. We have received hundreds of positive comments from tourists who used their services.
Chepelare
Chepelare is located at a distance of 230 km south-east from Sofia and 10 km from the world famous winter resort Pamporovo in the Rhodope Mountain. It is Bulgaria’s highest situated town - 1140m above the sea level. Chepelare is well known ski centre offering excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding with a chair-lift leading to the ski runs including the longest ski run /30km/ in the country. There are many hotels and private accommodation. The town is also ethnographic centre famous with the typical Rhodope carpets and rugs made of sheep’s wool and goat hair. Recommended places to visit: 1. The Museum of Speleology and Bulgarian Karst – the only one in Bulgaria presenting the beauties of the caves and various cave exhibits. 2. Erkyupriya /the Wonderful Bridges/ - one of the most remarkable phenomena in the Rhodope Mountain 3. Skakaloto and Douplevoto – picturesque waterfalls 4. The Rozen National Astronomy Observatory
Pamporovo
Pamporovo is a modern ski resort in the heart of the Rhodopi mountain, the mountain of the mythical singer Orpheus. It is amongst the southern skiing resort in Europe. It is the sunniest Bulgarian mountain resort with wonderful snow throughout the whole season. Pamporovo is situated on 1650 m above the sea level at the foot of peak Snejanka (1926 m). It is 240 km far from Sofia and 85 km from Plovdiv.
Pamporovo has an exclusive climate featuring a soft winter with about 120 sunny days during the skiing period. The significant influence of The Aegean Sea appears here and the skiing season starts from mid - December to mid - April. The average air temperature is - 3 ° C. The gentle profile of the mountain with its rounded slopes and summits makes Pamporovo particularly suitable for beginners. But there are also difficult ski runs like the Giant Slalom run which is an excellent exercise for every skiing expert.
The ski runs in Pamporovo come in all hardship levels. They are located between 1926 and 1450 m above the sea level on the northern, eastern and western slopes of The Snejanka peak. The most difficult ski piste is "The Wall", see it on the right picture here.All major ski runs start from the peak of the mountain, where the TV tower is located.Great off-piste skiing and snowboarding is available in this resort, however we recommend using a local guide when going off-piste
Semkovo
The ski resort Semkovo is around 170 km south from Sofia at the foot of Rila mountain, located among pine-tree forests with an exclusive panoramic view towards the high Rila peaks. It offers excellent opportunities for winter sports and summer mountain tourism. The site is situated on 1750 meters above the sea level can be reached through a picturesque mountain road. The climate is Mediterranean with a mountain influence which makes the resort all year round suitable for relaxation and recreation.Semkovo has six ski runs with different ranges of difficulty. Three of them are on the northern slopes with a total length of 4 km, operated by eight drags. In the summer the resort is a starting point for many tourist routes in the mountain. There you can find accommodation at reasonable prices with all necessary facilities and ski equipment.Very interesting place to visit nearby is the “dancing” bear sanctuary achieved and co-financed by the Austrian association “Vier Pfoten” and the Fondation Brigitte Bardot.
Semkovo offers seven ski runs with a total length of 4 km, including three ski runs on the Norhten slopes, with all ranges of difficulty. The ski runs are services by eight drag lifts. The slopes are perfectly maintained! • The ski piste in the Semkovo site is 400 meters long and is serviced by a drag with a capacity of 150 people per hour.• The ski piste in the Orlite site (Kartal) is 800 meters long and is serviced by two ski drags. The first one is 800 meters and the second one is 1100 meters with a respective capacity of 450 and 700 people per hour.
Tsigov Chark
Tsigov Chark is located in the Western part of the Rhodopi mountainis, some 8 km from the town of Batak and 24 km east from Velingrad. The resort is situated nearby the artificial lake of Batak. The average altitude is 900-1100 meters above sea level. The resort is both suitable for snowsports in the winter and summer holidays (near the lake can be put a caravan or a tent).The new piste Tsigov Chark offers good conditions for skiing and snowboarding. The average drop is around 100 meters, which make is suitable for both beginners and intermediate skiers. The total length of the piste is 1500 meters.It has 2 parts: In the bottom area it is easier, suitable for beginners, there iare 2 drag lifts there. In its upper it is steeper and is served by a tow-bar drag lift. There is a project to make this piste longer in the next years.
Uzana
Uzana is 240 km north-east from Sofia, just 22 km from the town of Gabrovo, in the heart of Balkan mountain, 1240 m above the sea level. The place is also known as the geographical center of Bulgaria and is surrounded by the natural park ”Bulgarka”, famous with its rare animal and plant species. This small paradise site is a real discovery for nature lovers and provides excellent conditions for rest and tourism all year round.Uzana offers ski runs at total length of 3 km. The longest one is 1300 m and is equipped with a drag. Its construction was supported by the Swiss town Tune. The beginners can use the other smaller ski runs. Ski equipment and motor sledges can be rent. There are several hotels that provide comfortable staying at relatively low prices.During the summer the visitors here can practice mountain hiking and biking. The surroundings offer many opportunities for the speleology fans and rock climbers. The horse base there makes it the ideal place for those who love horse riding in the mountains. You can combine your vacation with the possibility to learn more about the Bulgarian traditions visiting the open-air ethnographic museum “Etara”, the architectural reserve Bozhentsi, the Sokolovski monastery – all of them situated very close to the resort Uzana.
Beklemeto
Beklemeto is a small resort in the Balkan mountain 1320 m above the sea level at around 180 km from Sofia near the town of Troyan. There are several hotels and villas where ski equipment and snowmobiles are rent. The site offers excellent facilities for winter tourism. The snow cover here lasts more than 160 days. There are three lifts and three runs for alpine skiing of total length of 2500 m. The best cross-country and biathlon runs in Bulgaria are in the resort Beklemeto. They are of different length in conformity with the European standards. Those who love ski orienteering can find here topographical map covering 120 km of terrain.The biological diversity in the region and especially in the nature reserves Steneto and Koziata Stena /The Goat Wall/ makes this mountain resort in the summer a favorite place for the hikers and lovers of nature observation. It is a starting point for numerous tourist routes in the magnificent Balkan mountain
Kulinoto
Kulinoto is a site in the northern part of Pirin Mountain around 160 km away from Sofia, between the town of Razlog and the famous winter resort Bansko. It is situated at the Kulina river, 1400 meters above the sea level. The resort is not so well known but its beautiful location, satisfactory facilities for winter sport and affordable prices make it a preferable place for recreation of the local people. There is a ski run with total length of 1300 m and two drag lifts. The snow usually lasts until mid March. Close to the run you can find a nice tea-room offering nosy tea and “greyana rakia” /warm brandy/ as well as well equipped ski-wardrobe which will satisfy all your requirements.There are plans for development of Kulinoto into a real and popular ski resort by extending initially the existing ski run and installing a chair lift and further by making new ski runs, improving the infra-structure and building of appropriate accommodation facilities.
Dobrinishte
Dobrinishte is 165 km away from Sofia and only 6 km south of the famous ski resort Bansko. It is situated in the foot of Pirin mountain at 850 m above the sea level and is both ski and spa resort. The village has been known since Roman times because of its mineral water. There are 17 hot mineral springs popular for their curative effect and several hotels with facilities for spa therapy.Very close to Dobrinishte, up in the Pirin mountain are the Gotce Delchev chalet (1412m altitude) and Bezbog chalet (2236m ) which are connected with 3.7 km chair lift. There is the longest alpine ski run – more than 4 km but it is not so steep and suitable also for beginners.In the summer the village offers excellent condition for mountain tourism – hiking and rock climbing. The nature lovers can enjoy the fabulous beauty of Pirin mountain as well as its rich diversity of flora and fauna. An attraction not to miss is the edelweiss garden. In Dobrinishte you can see and feel the typical atmosphere of a Bulgarian village with its preserved customs, unique folklore and traditional cuisine.
The name of the village comes from “The good things”, which God gave to the people- the warm mineral springs, the forests and waters of Pirin. The village is known to exist ever since the Stone Age. A lot of Thracian and Roman pottery was found in the area, as well as coins from Neron emperor (I century before Christ). The swimming pool with mineral water known as “roman bath” is situated on the Dobrinishka river, where all the other mineral springs are situated.
After the building of the lift that connects the village with Bezbog chalet it becomes the second important ski center in Pirin. Dobrinishte offers good conditions for advanced as well as for beginner skiers. The total length of the ski pistes in the region is 7 kilometers.
Spa resorts
Albena
The resort of Albena is located 45 km north of Varna Airport, along the coastal strip of a picturesque Black Sea bay, set off by the luscious verdure of the Baltata nature reserve. The resort is known for its original architecture and ideal natural factors which provide possibilities for holidays and treatment all year round: * specific microclimate with a curative, invigorating and hardening effect; * clean air with a high iodine, bromine and fluorine content; * favourable combination of high atmospheric pressure, humidity and temperature; * plenty of sunshine from May through October; * ultraviolet radiation with beneficial biological impact; * 4 km long beach strip covered with fine golden sand. An ecologically clean region with a safe shore and aquatoria, Albena has been awarded the Blue Flag ecological prize and is a member of the Green Globe Program.
Bankya

Bankya is situated 17 km away from the capital city of Sofia, BANKYA is one of the country's best know and most frequented spa resorts. It is situated in the green foothills of the Lyulin Mountain, at an altitude of 630-640 m. Mineral waters-slightly mineralized, hypothermal, hydrocarbonic-sulphate-sodiumt clear, colourless, with a temperature of 36.5-37°C and very tasting. The resort climate is temperate continental a bio-climatic respect is qualified as soothing to invigorating. The average annual temperature is 9.4°C (average January temperature is minimum 2°C, average July temperature 19.6°C. The summer is fresh, the autumn warm and sunny and the winter moderately cold. This climatic conditions are favourable both for year-round spa treatment, as well as for general prophylactics and the hardening of organism.
Golden Sands
The resort Golden Sands lies 17 km north of the city of Varna. The 35 km long and up to 100 m wide beach strip, covered with fine golden sand, is perfect for sun and air baths and sand cures. The large nearby forests afford pleasant coolness and improve the air's oxygen content.The climate is a typical sea climate with elements of continental influence. Summers are pleasantly warm, average July temperatures not exceeding 22°C. Winter is mild with an average January temperature of 1.4°C, The resort's mineral waters are naturally thermal and slightly mineralized: hydrocarbonic-sodium-calcium-magnesium and hydrocarbonic-sodium in composition. Sunbathing and sand cures, the sea water abounding salts and microelements, the mineral waters and curative mud with a high content of sulphates, carbonates and biologically active substances are conductive to the treatment of a number of elements of our modern times.The resort's natural factors are fully utilized in the AMBASSADOR CLIMATO-BALNEOLOGICAL CENTER. Successfully treated here are:* Disturbances of the locomotory system;* Disorders of the peripheral nervous system;* Functional disorders of the nervous system;* Gynaecological inflammatory diseases;* Non-specific chronic conditions of the respiratory system.
Hissarya
The well-known spa of Augusta (Hissarya's ancient name) is situated in the southern slopes of the Sredna Gora Mountains, close to the famous Valley of Roses. Hissarya today is a modern spa resort whose greatest asset consists in 22 natural and prospected hydromineral sources, with a total exploitation flow of about 2800 l/min.Hissarya's mineral waters are characterized as slightly mineralized, hidrocarbonic-sulphate-sodium, with a high alkaline reaction (pH 8.3 to 9.02). Their temperature ranges between 27°C and 51°C and they vary radioactivity, fluorine and metasilicic acid content. The water is mainly indicated for treatment of diseases of the kidneys and secretory system, liver and gall bladder, the digestive system and pancreas. Particularly good treatment results are achieved with comprehensive hydrotherapy and climatic cures, physiotherapy and kinesitherady in cases of diseases of the kidneys and secretory system, such as a kidney stone, pyelonephritis, chronic nephritis and chronic renal insufficiency.Excellent therapeutic results have also been achieved with the use of mineral waters for the treatment of diseases of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and bile ducts. A very good effect is exerted on cholelithiasis by means of subaqueous intestine baths. Special comprehensive balneotherapy is also applied in a number of diseases of the digestive system - gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, colitis; some accompanying conditions of locomoyory system, the endocrine systm and the metabolism.Two spa Hotels: AUGUSTA *** and HISSAR ***
Kyustendil
Situated at the foot of the Ossogovska Mountain, Kyustendil (ancient Pautalia) is one of Bulgaria's best known clmatic and spa resorts. The climate is temperate continental with a Mediterranean influence.The resort's main curative factors are its numerous_mineral springs with a temperature of 71°C to 73°C, characterized as sulphide, silicic, fluorine, hyperthermal and slightly mineralized, and the curative pest which is rich in humic acids and organic substances.Indications for treatment: chronic inflammatory conditions of the joints, disturbances of the peripheral nervous system, a number of diseases of the reproductive system and sterllity. Comprehensive treatment includes procedures with mineral water and peat, electric and light paraffin applications, curative massage, reflexotherapy,laser acupuncture and kinesitherapy. Facilities for visitors include three hotels: VELBUZHD***, PAUTALIA** and HISSARLUKA**
Pomorie
Pomorie, one of Bulgaria's best known mud treatment and seaside resorts, was founded during the 5th century B.C., when it was known as Anhialo. It is situated on a peninsula which juts out 2 km into the sea, 20 km north of the city of Bourgas. The famous Pomorie curative mud lake and salt pans, numerous vineyards and gardens are located nearby. The prime curative factors are the Pomorie curative mud, the lake lye, the favourable sea climate, the sea and beach.THE CURATIVE MUD consists of sedimentary firth mud which is finely structured, pliable and only, with an odor of hydrogen sulphide. In its liquid phase it contains sulphates, magnesium, bromine, iodine, humic acids, hormone-like substances, vitamins, amino acids and metasilicic acid. Curative mud preparation are also used in the form of mud pastes, mud extracts for ointments and electrophoresis. THE SEA LYE, which contains a host of curative ions such as magnesium, bromine, iodine and sulphate ones, and is used for dressings and electrophoresis, is of great therapeutic value.The favourable sea climate with plenty of sunshine, the wide beach strip, the relatively high average annual temperature (13°C), the sea and, above all, the unique Pomorie curative mud and lye, have made Pomorie a much frequent and popular resort for treatment, prophilactys and recreation throughout the year.
Main indications for year-round treatment:
Disturbances of he locomotory system - arthritic and rheumatic complaints, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic states, gout diseases of the muscles and tendons, etc.
Gynaecological diseases - chronic adnexitis, parametritis, sterility in women, etc.
Disturbances of the male reproductive system - chronic prostatitis, operative infiltration, sterility.
Neurological disorders: neuritis, plexitis, slipped disc, radiculitis, ect.
Skin diseases - psoriasis vulgaris, eczemas, neurodermatitis, Buerger's and Raynaud's disease.Available to visitors is the POMORIE HOTEL (3 stars)
Riviera
The Riviera Holiday Club perfectly combines specific sea climate with modern Balneotherapy Center for treament of:
disturbances of the locomotory system;
disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system;
neuroses, headache, mental and physical fatigue;
obesity;
Sandanski
The town of Sandanski is located at an altitude of 224 m in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, along Sandanska Bistritsa river. The resort climate is indeed UNIQUE. Throughout the year, local temperatures are higher then inland temperatures - the annual average being 14.7 °C. Winters are mild and short, autumns long and warm. Relative humidity is low (66%), there are over 2436 hours of sunshine a year and fogs are rare. The mineral waters are clear, colourless, odorless and pleasant tasting, silicic, mildly fluorine, hyperthermal (42-81°C), slightly mineralized, hydrocarbonic-sulphatesodium.Resort conditions are particularly conducive to the treatment of bronchial asthma in its three forms atopic, infectious allergic and combined. Already during the first week a marked clinical improvement is observed, with fewer attacks both with regard to frequency, strength and duration, and in more than 55% of the cases they disappear completely.The comprehensive balneo-climatic treatment in the resort also exerts a beneficial effect on a number of other conditions:
a non-specific pulmonary diseases: chronic bronchitis, post-pneumonia or post-bronchopneumonia states, chronchiectasis, early pulmonary emphysema;
conditions of the upper respiratory tract: chronic rhinitis, sinusitis;
disturbances of the locomotory system of a degenerative or inflammatory origin: osteoarthrosis rheumatoid arthritis, tenosynovitis;
neurological complaints: plexitis, radiculitis, slipped disc;
allergic skin diseases: urticaria, psoriasis;
some kidney and urological diseases and conditions of the digestive system: gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers in remission, colitis, glomerulonephritis, cystopyelitis.
The SANDANSKI SPA HOTEL**** boast a modern CLIMATO - BALNEOTHERAPY CENTER.
St.Constantine Spa Resort
The resort of St. Constantine is located 10 km. northeast of the city of Varna. A natural park, vast beach strip, covered with fine sand, a clean sea, calm sunny days, mineral waters with temperature of 42°C, slightly mineralized, curative mud - all these natural factors are fully utilized in the Spa Center of Grand - Hotel Varna and the Spa Centers of Sunny Day Tourist Complex for treatment of: Chronic inflammatory and degenerative disturbances of the locomotory system and the peripheral nervous system, hypertonia, bronchial asthma, neuro - vegetative complaints, non - specific chronic inflammatory conditions of the respiratory tract, disturbances of the endocrine system and metabolism, mental and physical fatigue, stress and other functional disturbances of the nervous system.
Velingrad
Velingrad is a well-known spa and climatic resort in South Bulgaria. It is located in one of the most picturesque part of The Rhodope Mountains - the Chepin valley. The resort's mineral water well up from 70 springs with a total flow of over 150 l/sec or 9.000 l/min. They are hiperthermal with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 88°C, slightly mineralized, silicic, flourine, sulphate-carbonate-sodium. The resort is located at an altitude of 750-850 m. The climate is temperate continental, mild and pleasant fresh. The average annual temperature is 10°C, average July is 19°C. Comprehensive climatic and spa treatment is supplemented by diets and fruit cures, terrain cures, aerosol therapy, criotherapy, kinesitherapy, physiotherapy and herbal treatment. Successfully treated here are: * Non-specific conditions of the respiratory tract: chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis; * disturbances of the locomotory system: degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the joints, gout, periarthritis, tendinitis, bursitis; * neurological disorders: neuroses, stress, neuritis, radiculitis and polyneuritis; * gynaecological complaints; * cardiovascular diseases: hypertonia and hypotonia, early forms of atherosclerosis and Burgers disease. Two spa Hotels: VELINA*** and KAMENA***.
Varshets
Varshets is situated 92 km north of Sofia and 30 south of Montana. The location of the town defines it as a resort famous for its curative mineral springs, beautiful scenery, a large well-kept park and mild mountainous climate. Varshets disposes of excellent tourist infrastructure. There are 2 spa centres, polyclinic, numerous rest houses, hotels and also many private lodgings. The mineral water of Varshets contains number of elements and it is suitable for external use as well as for inhalations, irrigation and drinking. It applies for treatment of many different diseases.
Pavel Banya
Pavel Banya is 185km from Sofia. The town is located east of the Valley of the Roses and its mineral waters were in active use since the days of the Roman Empire. They spring from 7 natural and artificial wells. Most of the waters are fluoride, slightly mineralized that has good healing effect on many diseases. Such water is excellent for chronic rheumatism, diseases of the central nervous system and gynecological problems.
Ognyanovo
The resort of Ognyanovo (Ognianovo, Ognjanovo) is situated in a mountainous area at some 550m. above sea level and in close proximity to the bed of the Mesta river. The biggest town in its neighbourhood is Gotse Delchev, located just 13km away from Ognyanovo. The area is rich in mineral water springs, which had already been used during Roman times. This is testified by remains of Roman spa facilities, later transformed into the village’s public bath.Interestingly, excavations just outside the village of Ognyanovo have unveiled lime layers, suggesting that the area had once been the bottom of a freshwater basin. Ognyanovo offers perfect conditions for recreation and spa treatment all around the year for its mild Mediterranean climate.The mineral water temperature here is 43oC and has low mineralization and no smell. It is used for the treatment of a broad spectre of neurological, bone, muscular, intestinal, endocrinal and other illnesses.Ognyanovo and the surroundings offer accommodation in a number of hotels, holiday houses, and private villas. The remains of the ancient Roman town of Nikopolis ad Nestum can be found seven kilometers to the east of the town of Gotse Delchev, close to the village of Ognyanovo. The old town was built on the left bank of the Mesta river in honour of Roman Emperor Trayan’s victory over the tribe of the Dacas in 105-106 AC. Necropolis ad Nestum was one of the two such fortified towns built in present day Bulgaria by Emperor Trayan (98-117 AC) to mark his victory. The original town occupied a territory of about 25-30 decаres and had the shape of irregular quadruple. It was ruined in the 6-7th c. by the Slavs but re-emerged as a medieval settlement in the late 10th century.
Monasteries
Aladja
This is one of the few preserved and accessible rock monasteries in Bulgaria, dating from the early Middle Ages and conforming to the hesychastic idea of silence, asceticism and moral perfection.
Monastic cells and a small church have been dug into a sheer rock, 14 km north of the city of Varna and close to the Black Sea resort of Golden Sands. Painted in various colors, XIII-XIV century frescoes are still discernible on its walls.
Aladzha
Location: The Aladzha rock monastery is situated only a few kilometers south of the Riviera Holiday Club and Zlatni Pyasatsi (Golden Sands) resorts and is also a part of the Zlatni Pyasatsi natural park. The distance to Varna is 16 km.
The name of Aladzha monastery comes from the Turkish word for colourful ("aladzha") due most probably to the bright colours of its wall paintings, dating back to the early Middle Ages. The monk’s cells, common rooms and sanctuaries, dug directly into the limestone rock and situated on two levels high above the ground, were connected via an external staircase. The lower floor hosted the monks’ private cells, common rooms (i.e. kitchen, dining room) and a small church, while the upper level was dedicated entirely to a chapel. According to some historians, primitive monks’ cells were built and inhabited already in the 4th century AC. The entire monastery is considered to date back to the 12th century AC. Unfortunately, nowadays only few of the frescoes are preserved (most of these to be found in the chapel) but the experience of visiting a monastery dug high above the ground into a steep rock is unforgettable. The monastery is declared a cultural sight and houses a small museum. Less than a kilometer away from the Aladzha Monastery, one can find a similar monastery complex, called Katakombite (The Catacombs). Katakombite has an origin and history similar to those of the Aladzha Monastery, though its remains are far less preserved.
Arbanassi
In the village of Arbanassi, located 3 km from Veliko Turnovo – an old capital of the country, two monasteries are of interest: the St. Nikola and Holy Virgin monasteries.
From the XVI century to its tragic devastation two centuries later, the village, one of the wealthiest in pre-liberation Bulgaria, boasted with the work of skilled masters from different parts of the country.
The St. Nikola Monastery was part of the widespread religious construction under the Assen dynasty, the founders of the Second Bulgarian State. Its artistic and historical value lies primarily in the surviving murals in the St. Elija Chapel, dating from 1716 and comprising of a monumental figure of Christ the Great Archangel, 12 scenes from the Holy Akathistos, and 6 scenes from the life of Christ.
The effective coloring and rich palette, the confidences in the portrayal of the human figures, the unusually varied architectural decoration reveal the hand of a master. The filigree wooden iconostasis in the chapel, with its delicate and exquisite decorations, is valuable a treasure.
Situated in the same village, the Holy Virgin Monastery suffered a different, though no less tragic a fate. Historians cannot tell how it survived the attacks in 1393. In this monastery too, valuable icons abound.
Bachkovo
The second largest Bulgarian monastery, the Bachkovo cloister, lies in the valley of the Chepelare river (also known by the locals as Chaya), about 10 km to the south of the town of Assenovgrad. On all sides, the monastery is surrounded by the hills of the Rhodopi mountain, which together with its size and ancient spirit make is one of the most visited monasteries in Bulgaria. The complex and its neighbourhood have grown into a developed tourist sight where dozens of small shops, stalls, and restaurants stand on both sides of the walkway to the gates and appeal with their variety to visitors. One can find here everything that grows or is being manufactured in the Rhodopi mountain – rare herbs, home-made jams of wild fruit, yogurt and white cheese made of sheep or buffalo’s milk, woolen carpets, etc.
The monastery was founded in 1083 by the Byzantine military commander of Georgian origin, Grigorii Bakuriani and his brother Abazii. Yet only the two-storey bone-vault, which lies about 300m to the east of the present-day complex, is still kept from that time. The bone-vault is a must-see building there, for its unique wall-paintings, which rank among the most valuable works of Orthodox art of the XI-XII century.
During the times of the Second Bulgarian State, the monastery was patronised by Tsar Ivan Alexander, a portrait of whom can be still seen in the arcs of the bone-vault’s narthex due to his renovation of this building. At the end of the XI century, the monastery opens a religious school. A curious fact is that after the subjection of Bulgarian lands to the Ottoman empire at the end of the 14th century, the Bulgarian Patriarch, Evtimii, was sent on exile here in the monastery. Nevertheless, the exile did not dishearten the Patriarch and he, together with his scholars, developed active religious and cultural activity behind the walls of the monastery.
Even if the Bachkovo monastery survived the first coup of the Ottoman invasion, it was not spared later one and similarly to other cloister, was raided and ruined down. It was restored towards the end of the XV century with the dining hallbeen reconstructed in 1601, and the present-day church, Virgin Mary – in 1604. The wall-paintings of the dining hall, finished in 1603 by an unknown master, are particularly impressive for their artistic value. The church, on the other hand, also boasts with beautiful frescoes, but what draws mostly on visitors is its icon of Virgin Mary, believed to be wonder-working. A long queue of pilgrims wishing to say their prayers to the miraculous image of the God’s Mother, often starts far outside the entrance of the church. Besides the main church, the complex also has two smaller shrines: one called St. Archangels (XII-XIV c.) and standing in the northern part of the inner yard (next to the main church) and another one, named after St. Nikola (1834-1837). The St. Nikola church rises in the southern part of the yard and is worth visiting for the well-kept paintings of the famous artist Zahari Zograf (including a portrait of the very artist himself), finished in 1841. The monastery also has its own museum which holds rare religious items of different times.
Bachkovski
Bachkovski Monastery is located 29 km south of Plovdiv, 11 km south of Asenovgrad in Chaya river valley, in the foothills of the scenic Rhodope mountains. The area around Asenovgrad is noted for the very large number of churches, chapels and monasteries in its immediate vicinity.
People sometimes refer to this monastery in error as "Bachkovo Monastery", but any serious student of the rules of Bulgarian grammar appreciates that -ski is a suffix showing belonging, and is used to form names from village/town names, professions, etc.
Bachkovski Monastery was founded in 1083 A.D. by brothers Grigorii and Abbassi Bakouriani, Georgians by nationality. It was destroyed by the Turks in the 15th century. The monastery was restored at the beginning of the 17th century.
Altogether, this is one of the most special parts of Bulgaria's more recent history. You should read the page on Asenova Krepost and The Church at Batak for more detail of this incredible portion of Bulgaria's colorful history.
The Church of the Archangels was built in the 12th century. The church of the Assumption of Our Lady was built in 1604 at the same time as the former refectory. The Cemetery Chapel (see photo below) is the only remaining building from the 11th century.
The paintings in the Church of St. Nicholai are by Zahari Zograph (1840). Other paintings by Zahari Zograph are those under the Church of the Archangels. The Bachkovski Monastery library preserves many valuable manuscripts and church artifacts.
Bachkovski Monastery is Bulgaria's second most popular after Rila, drawing thousands of visitors, natives and tourists alike on almost any day. The busiest days are on weekends, especially Sunday.
You should park at the bottom near the large restaurants and stroll up the cobblestone street. You will have the opportunity to give close inspection to the huge variety of handcrafts on sale here by the local vendors. Items range from needlework to locally-grown fruits and vegetables, honey, preserved foods in jars, herbs and spices, handmade earthenware bowls, plates and baking dishes (gyuvetch), woven baskets, icons and paintings. Imported items are also seen; some cheap common trinkets and gadgets that often catch the children's eyes.
We strongly suggest that you do not miss the opportunity to enjoy some of the great coffee, kebapche, boiled corn in season and skara at the stands you will find here. The wonderful aroma of barbeque fills the fresh Rhodope mountain air and seems to whet the appetite. There are two large restaurants here; both offer an excellent menu of freshly-prepared food (including excellent fresh fish) and are staffed with the capability of hosting large dinners and receptions. A lunch or dinner at 'the waterfall' restaurant is a memorable experience.
The entrance to the monastery grounds is through this gate. Just inside on the left is the large metal-image history of the monastery which is shown near the top of this page. Fresh spring-water flows at the fountains at the entrance. Similar fountains will also be found inside the monastery walls. Be sure you bring an extra empty container to fill with water here and enjoy later.
Limited parking space is available at the monastery gate, but you miss the experience of the pazar on the street below.
The 160 Orthodox monasteries situated throughout Bulgaria in attractive, natural environments are of interest for the development of religious tourism. Twenty of these monasteries offer possibilities for tourist stays.
Hourly buses from Plovdiv to Bachkovo monastery leave from platform one at the Rodopi bus station, just behind the train station. A night in the monastery costs Lv10 (£3.30). Bathrooms are shared and there is no hot water. There is no need to book.
The Rila monastery, 119 km south of Sofia, is the most famous, being both a World Cultural Heritage object and a National tourist object.
Bachkovski Monastery ranks second only after the Rila Monastery both with regard to size, and to architectural, artistic and literary significance. During the Turkish occupancy, the monasteries were the strongholds in which the Bulgarian spirit was kept alive. In the words of Ivan Vasov, Bulgarian poet (1850-1921), "They are the lively and moving history of an epoch, so glorious and so dismal."
At Bachkovski, you will find a 16,000 volume library including 134 manuscripts from 15th to 19th century, exclusive mural paintings, wood carvings and icons, gold weave materials and embroidery, and a multitude of gold and silver church plates, collections of coins, weapons and jewelry.
This Cemetery Chapel is the only original building remaining at Bachkovski Monastery. It was built in the 11th century, 1083 year.
The chapel sits on a hill above the monastery, about 300 meters east from the Church of St. Nickolai.
Location: The second largest Bulgarian monastery, the Bachkovo cloister, lies in the valley of the Chepelare river (also known by the locals as Chaya), about 10km to the south of the town of Assenovgrad. On all sides, the monastery is surrounded by the hills of the Rhodopi mountain, which together with its size and ancient spirit make is one of the most visited monasteries in Bulgaria. The complex and its neighbourhood have grown into a developed tourist sight where dozens of small shops, stalls, and restaurants stand on both sides of the walkway to the gates and appeal with their variety to visitors. One can find here everything that grows or is being manufactured in the Rhodopi mountain – rare herbs, home-made jams of wild fruit, yogurt and white cheese made of sheep or buffalo’s milk, woolen carpets, etc.
History and general info: The monastery was founded in 1083 by the Byzantine military commander of Georgian origin, Grigorii Bakuriani and his brother Abazii. Yet only the two-storey bone-vault, which lies about 300m to the east of the present-day complex, is still kept from that time. The bone-vault is a must-see building there, for its unique wall-paintings, which rank among the most valuable works of Orthodox art of the 11th –12th c.
During the times of the Second Bulgarian State, the monastery was patronised by Tsar Ivan Alexander, a portrait of whom can be still seen in the arcs of the bone-vault’s narthex due to his renovation of this building. At the end of the 11th century, the monastery opens a religious school. A curious fact is that after the subjection of Bulgarian lands to the Ottoman empire at the end of the 14th century, the Bulgarian Patriarch, Evtimii, was sent on exile here in the monastery. Nevertheless, the exile did not dishearten the Patriarch and he, together with his scholars, developed active religious and cultural activity behind the walls of the monastery.
Even if the Bachkovo monastery survived the first coup of the Ottoman invasion, it was not spared later one and similarly to other cloister, was raided and ruined down. It was restored towards the end of the 15th century with the dining hallbeen reconstructed in 1601, and the present-day church, Virgin Mary, in 1604. The wall-paintings of the dining hall, finished in 1603 by an unknown master, are particularly impressive for their artistic value. The church, on the other hand, also boasts with beautiful frescoes, but what draws mostly on visitors is its icon of Virgin Mary, believed to be wonder-working. A long queue of pilgrims wishing to say their prayers to the miraculous image of the God’s Mother, often starts far outside the entrance of the church. Besides the main church, the complex also has two smaller shrines: one called St Archangels (13th - 14th c.) and standing in the northern part of the inner yard (next to the main church) and another one, named after St Nikola (1834-1837). The St Nikola church rises in the southern part of the yard and is worth visiting for the well-kept paintings of the famous artist Zahari Zograf (including a portrait of the very artist himself), finished in 1841. The monastery also has its own museum which holds rare religious items of different times.
Batoshevo
Batoshevo Monastery (20 km to the north-east of Apriltsi and 4 km to the south of the village of Batoshevo). It was founded during the 13th century under the reign of the Bulgarian Tsar Mihail Assen (1248-1258). It was destroyed during the Ottoman invasion in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1838. It was wall-painted in 1869. Father Matei Preobrazhenski Mitkaloto (the Wanderer) and Bacho Kiro studied in the monastery school. The church built up in the style of the Bulgarian Revival, the icons painted in the style of Tryavna icon-painting school and the great wood-carved iconostasis are remarkable. All the buses going in the direction of Sevlievo stop here.
Cherepish
History links the name of Sophronius of Vratsa, a renowned Bulgarian saint, with the Cherepish Monastery. Like all other Bulgarian monasteries, this one also rises above a river - the Iskar. Over the centuries, men of letters, translators and calligraphers made their home in the monastery.
Those have left us with such valuable works as the Cherepish Gospel of the XVI century, bound in 1512 with gold cover and depicting scriptural scenes; the Gospel of the Monk Danail, Jacob's Book of Apostles (both dating from the XVII century), and the Margarit collection of sermons and precepts compiled by Priest Todor of Vratsa in 1762.
The approximate date of the monastery's establishment is certified in wilting: a deed recorded between 1390 and 1396 is kept today at Sofia's Church Historical and Archaeological Museum. Some of the murals in the old church were probably painted around the mid - XIX century by Tryavna artists, but these are now badly damaged. The loss is somewhat compensated for by the skilfully carved iconostasis and bishop's throne.
Dryanovo
In existence as early as the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, it was - destroyed and re-built on two occasions. It was restored in its present location - the Dryanovo River gorge, 4 km away from the town of Dryanovo - in 1845. During the 1876 April Uprising, an armed detachment of 200 men, pursued by the enemy, found shelter behind the walls of Dryanovo Monastery. For nine days, they lead a fierce battle before they were finally crushed. The insurgents and monks were killed and the monastery - burned down.
Relics of the April epopee are preserved in the monastery museum today, along with some valuable icons.
Ivanovo Rock
A natural museum of Bulgarian painting, with 20 mediaeval churches, chapels and monastic cells hewn into the craggy gorge of the Roussenski Lom river by the village of Ivanovo, near Rousse.
In the Covered-up church one can see many inscriptions, portraits of saints, and other surviving items, among which the church-donor's portrait - most likely the czar Ivan Asen II.
Ivanovo Rock Monastery located in almost a cosmic landscape - rock massifs, enveloping the picturesque river valley near the city of Rousse.
As if striving to be closer to God, hermit monks settled here during the 11-th - 14-th century, digging cells, churches and chapels into the rocks.
Talented artists painted them with realistic frescos, exquisite in color and composition, and turned them into a treasure trove of Bulgarian mediaeval painting.
Kapinovo
The church of the Kapinovo Monastery, near the town of Elena, features an inscription of the year of its foundation on the cornice above the altar: 1272, under Constantine the Quiet's rule.
Following repeated destructions and restorations of the monastery, the church was built in 1835 by two self-taught masters from Dryanovo.
Kilifarevo
The Kilifarevo Monastery has gone down in the annals of Bulgarian history as the "Second University of Mediaeval Bulgaria", following that of Clement of Ochrid's large School in Ochrid. It was founded between 1348 and 1350 upon the order of Tzar Ivan Alexander, 12 km south of Turnovo, for the purpose of providing shelter for the Hesychast and hermit Theodossius of Turnovo, a man of letters and an enlightener roaming the Bulgarian lands at the time. The monastery soon gathered writers, philologists, translators and calligraphers alongside with clergymen who spread Hesychasm, theologians and philosophers. Liturgical books and Byzantine chronicles were translated, volumes were compiled of the lives of Bulgarian, Serbian and Greek saints, and sermons were written against the different and numerous heresies.
The most remarkable work of art here is again in the chapel: the old carved iconostasis, probably the work of Tryavna masters, fashioned with great imagination, seen above all in the figures of mythical monsters and beasts, with great sculptural talent, manifesting at the same time a perfect measure for decorativeness.
Kilifarevo Monastery repeatedly restored and reconstructed, has a complete, harmonious appearance, blending with the enviroment, which ranks it among the finest architectural ensembles of the Bulgarian National Revival
Kremikovci
Kremikovci Monastery was founded during the 14th century, again probably due to Tzar Ivan Alexander, when 14 monasteries known as the Sofia Mount Athos, were erected around Sofia.
Destroyed in 1332, Kremikovci Monastery was among the first monasteries to be restored later - in 1493 the buildings were restored, and St. George's Church erected, the sole survivor today. On the outside, the church is small and insignificant, like all the semi-legal buildings of those dark times. As compensation, the murals (partially preserved today) turned the interior into a glittering gallery. The spirit is here alive of the aristocratic Turnovo School. The coloring is respectfully solemn, the drawing elegant, to the point of exquisiteness, the figures are lofty and exalted.
The artists of the Kremikovtsi Church were no blind imitators of traditional methods. In the overall composition of the murals, they introduced a new element, which renewed the art of the time, and became traditional. This is the richly ornamented frieze of the waist-length figures of saints and martyrs, introduced for the first time, which separated the classic upright saints from subject scenes diversifying and enriching the general picture.
Kremikovtsi Monastery also contains some valuable examples of calligraphic art, which was particularly perfected here during the 15th century, when the Sofia School of Literature was created and developed at Dragalevtsi, Kremikovtsi, Kokalyane, German and other monasteries. The so-called Kremikovtsi Gospel is an example of it.
Rila
The Rila monastery lies in the very Rila mountain, at 1 147 meters above sea level. It is situated 117 km away from Sofia to the south, and is no doubt the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history. The monastery is flanked by the small mountain rivers of Rilska and Drushlyavitsa and is only 4 hours walking distance from the Malyovitsa peak, rising at 2 729 meters above sea level. The highest peak of the Rila mountain, Mousala (2 925 meters), which is also the Balkan peninsula’s highest point, is further away at about 8 hours’ walk. The monastery offers a great view to the surrounding peaks of the mountain.
The Rila monastery is believed to have been founded by a hermit, John of Rila, in the X century, during the reign of the Bulgarian Tzar Peter (927-968). St John of Rila, whose mummified relics are exhibited for pilgrims in the main church, in fact lived in a cave about half-an-hour walk away from the present-day monastery complex. The monastery itself is considered to have been built by his scholars, who came to the place to be taught by him.
The Rila monastery has enjoyed great respect and privileges ever since it was established. For instance, all the Bulgarian tzars from Ivan Assen II (1218-1241) to the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman rule at the time of Ivan Shishman (1371-1393) made generous donations to the monastery. The Donation Deed of Tzar Ivan Shishman (1378) testifies to that and also to the preferences the monastery benefited from. The official support helped the monastery grow into a cultural and religious centre of that time. Indeed it saw its prime in the XII-XIV centuries and its upsurge was broken only by the arrival of the Ottomans in the end of the XIV century, which was followed by raids and destruction of the complex in the mid-XV century.
The turn of the XV century saw the revival of the establishment. This was done with the assistance of the Russian orthodox church, which gave donations to visiting monks in the form of books, money, and church accessories in the second half of the XV century. The national Renaissance period of the XVII and XIX centuries gave a further impetus to the recovery of the monastery. At that time, the complex was reconstructed and rennovated with donations of wealthy Bulgarians from all over the country (Koprivshtitsa, Teteven, Chirpan, Stara Zagora, Samokov, Sofia).
Museums
Archaeological museum Maritsa-Iztok
The Archaeological Museum “Maritsa-Iztok” was founded in 1992 on the basis of the archaeological stock of the former Museum of the Power Industry of the “Maritsa-Iztok”. Its chief goal is the organization and conduction of all rescue archaeological research in the region of the “Maritsa-Iztok” power- producing complex. Before the museum's foundation, all archaeological research in the region was carried out by the historical museums of Stara Zagora and Nova Zagora. The beginning was laid in 1960 by Hristo Bouyukliev. The first field expedition on the territories of the settlements directly connected with the development of mining and the open pit mines was conducted in1986 under the guidance of Boris Borissov and Krassimir Leshtakov. Thus over 200 archaeological monuments were registered, including 3 fortresses, one rampant, 6 settlement mounds, 96 burial mounds, 14 settlements, 3 pit complexes, 3 flat necropolises.
The Archaeological Museum performs intensive field and research work. Two scientific conferences and over 10 thematic exhibitions have been carried out and five volumes of the series Maritsa-Iztok. Archaeological Research have been published.
There are 16 monuments and memorial signs of the killed in the wars.
The 11 Christian churches are also part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Radnevo municipality.
Bulgarian Transport Museum
The Transport Museum in Rousse, Bulgaria, is situated on the river bank of the Danube, and is unique for the country. It is hosted in the building of the first railway station in Bulgaria, built in 1866.
The exhibition is laid out in two parts - within the railway station, and on the outside. Outside of the building there are a couple of steam engines, various types of carriages, including the personal carriage of king Ferdinand of Bulgaria, the carriage of the Turkish sultan, and some other interesting exponents.
The museum was labelled as the National museum of railway transport and communications on 26 Jun 1996, commemorating the 100th anniversary of railways in the country. The museum's building was announced to be a historical record. Exponents of the museum were used in the films: "Capitan Petko Voivoda", "Records of Bulgarian uprisings", and the Russian-Bulgarian production "Turkish gambit".
Earth and Man National Museum
The Earth and Man National Museum (romanized Natsionalen muzey „Zemyata i horata“) is a mineralogical museum in the centre of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.
It was founded on 30 December 1985 and opened for visitors on 19 June 1987. The museum is situated in a reconstructed and adapted historic building with an area of 4 000 m² constructed in the end of the 19th century (1896-1898). It has a number of exhibition halls, stock premises, laboratories, a video room and a conference room. In addition to natural minerals, it also displays man-made ceramics prepared by Bulgarian scientists.
Apart from its permanent expositions related to mineral diversity, the museum also often hosts expositions connected with various other topics as well as concerts.
Etar Ethnographic Village Museum
The Etura architectural and ethnographic complex - the unique in South-eastern Europe open-air museum, is situated 8 km away from Gabrovo.
Master-craftsmen fashion beautiful gold, silver, copper, leather and wooden articles right before your eyes from early morning until late in the night. The waft of freshly baked bread drifts across from an old bakery and a tiny coffee shop serves steaming sweet Turkish coffee cooked in a copper pot. Pastry cooks offer delicious home-made cookies and cakes. And around this - lovely old houses, flowers on the window sills, small shops with wooden shutters and gas lanterns on the street corners.
One of the more appealing attractions in central Bulgaria is this delightful museum. First opened in 1964, the open-air exhibition contains nearly 50 shops and workshops. The village is designed in a style typical of the Bulgarian national revival period (18th and 19th centuries) and is spread over seven hectares (17 acres) of grass and trees.
Ethnographic Museum
In the Ethnographic Museum in Razgrad is presenting the exposition about the culture of the most charactristical naive group Kapantsi.
You can see the calender of holidays and festivals and the elements, which they use in their traditional national custom.
Working hours8.00-12.00, 13.00-17.00 (Monday - Friday)
Historical museum Pernik
It was created in 1953 as a city museum. The first exhibition was opened in 1957. In 1959 the museum grew into Regional People's Museum and in 1969 some administrative and structural changes were made and the museum's name was changed to Regional Museum of History. The museum is of a common history nature and has the following departments: “Archaeology” – managed by two curators; “Ethnography” department with one curator; “Bulgarian History of XVII – XVIII centuries – the Renaissance” – one curator; “Modern and most modern history” department with one curator; “Mining Science” – one curator department; “Public Relations” department with one curator; “Funds” department with two curators and one fund-keeper.
The museum has a photo-shop and a restoration workshop with a staff of two people. There is a power technician, a construction technician, a cashier, an accountant and a cleaner. The whole staff (including the director) numbers 18.5. The museum's budget varies from 50 million to 70 million leva (Old Bulgarian currency).
The exhibition of the Historical Museum was opened in 1973 and was renovated in 1979. There are about 11 000 visitors per year. Some temporary exhibitions were organized in the last few years. There are 17 085 items in the museum's main fund and 37 833 items in its auxiliary fund – a total of 54 918 items. The following collections have been constructed:
Prehistoric pottery
Medieval City life – the materials come from the Krakra fortress
Votive tablets to the Thracian Horseman (Trakijskija Konnik) from the sanctuary in the village of Tsarkva
A collection of icons
A numismatic collection
Ethnographic fabrics collection
Busin Pottery collection
English and Russian weapons used in the struggle against fascism
Museum Dimitar Nenov
"People give rise to talents-emotion of spiritual powers, thousands nameless give a little something in order to create a talent. I owe it to all and I have to return what I have received."D. Nenov (01.01.1902 - 03.08.1953)
The great bulgarian pianist Dimitar Nenov who is famous as composer, teacher and archtecture was born in this house. Now it's working as house-museum. There are the exposition and the chamber of concert hall in it.In it you can see the precious piano which he had first lesson with, and his artistic costumes, pictures, objects and his documents etc.
Working hours8.00-12.00, 13.00-17.00 (Monday - Friday)
National Museum of Military History
With a decree N39 / 01.August 1914 of Tsar Ferdinand I was established Military - Historical Commision at the Headquarters of Bulgarian Army. It included: Museum, Archives and Library.
On order N391 / 04.07. 1916 of the Commmander - in Chef of the Army started the real accomplishment of the museum items connected "...in order to preserve for the eternity all the items connected with the events which marked the most important pages of our military history...."
After dividing in 1906 of the first Bulgarian Peoples Museum into two museums - Archeological and Ethnographical, the Military Museum became the 3 rd national museum structure. It united the established after 1879 military historical houses - museums. The first exhibition of the Main Military Museum was opened on 12. May 1937 in a building which was bestowed by the officers' corps of Sofia, located on 15 Moskovska Str. In 1949 the Museum was renamed as a Central Museum of Peoples Army, and since 1952 it has been located at its contemporary address - 23 Gen. Skobelev Blvd.
Since 1956 in the museum has been working the first restoration workshop. After an agreement between the governments of Bulgaria and Hungary in 1967 a collective of museum workers established the only in a foreign country Museum of the First Bulgarian Army.
In 1968 the Museum was given a status of a national institution and it changed its name - became a National Museum of Military History. The Naval Museum and Park - Museum "Wladislaw Warnencek" became its branches.
Since 1971 has started issuing of a scientific magazine "Bulletin of the NMMH". In 1975 the Museum was awarded with the Order of Cyril and Methodius - 1-st grade for its activity in the field of science, enlightment and culture.
In August 2000 the Museum was deprived of its status of a national institution and was renamed as a Museum of Military History. Since 1st April 2001 the status of a national institution and the name National Museum of Military History have been restored.
The Museum has been in reconstruction since 1989.
For its almost centennial presence in the cultural life in the museum store are preserved and investigated more than 1 000 000 artefacts - witnesses of Bulgarian and European military history.
National Museum Steamer Radetski
The tourist activity in Kozlodui municipality is for the most part connected with providing those who live on its territory with possibilities of rest and recreation. There are two main tourist excursions, the route of which passes through the municipality - a national tourist excursion 'In the Steps of Botev's volunteers - Kozlodui - Okolchitsa' and international sailing along the Danue river.
Sights of organized tourism include the National Museum Steamer Radetski - Kozlodui, the Priest's Small Inn in the vil. Butan and the excavations of the Roman castle Augusta near the vil. Harlets.
The National Museum Steamer Radetski carries on a popularizing and fund activity, connected with the life and deed of Hristo Botev, combat way of Botev's volunteers, national liberation movement, study of historical and cultural inheritance, etc. It is subordinate to the Ministry of Culture, and it is financed by it.
The National Museum Steamer Radetski was founded according to Instruction ? 5 of the Council of Ministers of Republic of Bulgaria, 16 May 1962. Its restoration started in May 1966 and it passed through several stages. It is fixed on a constant wharf in the firth along the riverbank of Kozlodui. Since 1993 it has been doing organized sailing in the water area and between the harbours along the whole Bulgarian length of the Danube river.
The ship offers a base of berths for 40 persons, a first-rate saloon with an exposition that is suitable for carrying on activities of culture, business meetings, concerts, etc.
One of the best museum networks
There are over 130 architectural and historical monuments of culture in Bansko, 7 of which are of a national value. Over 100 archaeological sites are registered. The city has one of the best and perfectly functioning museum networks in this country.
The first museum in the Pirin region – the House-Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov – was opened in 1952, and is still the most visited object of the Museum Complex (20 000 visitors in 2001). It has been visited by over 3,5 million tourists, inhabitants and visitors of Bansko.
Velyanovata Kashta (the Velyanovs’ House) was opened in 1977. It has been proclaimed a cultural monument of national importance and is a typical representative of the architecture of Bansko of the National Revival period. It attracts numerous visitors with its original murals and fretwork. It has over 5 000 visitors per year.
Beninata Kashta (another old house) houses the museum of Neophyte Rilski – the founder of Bulgarian secular education and the author of the first Bulgarian encyclopaedia in 1981. The house has been proclaimed a national cultural monument. It has over 10 000 visitors per year.
The old Hilendar (Rila) Cloister has housed since 1986 a permanent exhibition of icons of the Bansko Artistic School, one of the brightest manifestations of Bulgarian culture in c. 18-19. It has over 5 000 visitors per year.
Radonovata Kashta (the Radonovs’ House) at first functioned as the Heroic Bansko museum collection. The first stage of the Town Historic Museum was opened in 1988. A new plan for renovation and addition to the exposition is being prepared, which is to accent on the struggles for national liberation from the Ottoman rule in the region, on the economic and spiritual upsurge of Bansko in the National Revival period, on archaelogy, ethnography and the crafts.
Paleontological Museum
The Paleontological Museum is a unique museum for Bulgaria and probably for the Balkans as a whole. The museum was created on the base of the fossil collections, accumulated for several decades by the longtime school teacher of biology in the High School of Asenovgrad - Dimitar Kovachev.
The first floor of the museum exposition shows the evolution of Proboscidea (Mastodonts and Deinotherium). Especially attractive is the 4, 5 m high skeleton of Deinotherium, with 6,8 m length and 10 t. weight. He is a representative of the biggest terrestrial mammals for all times. His remains were found by Dimitar Kovachev and his scholarly team around the village of Ezerovo (near Asenovgrad). It is said that this is the only fully preserved Deinotherium in the world.
The second floor of the exposition displays in its 30 showcases the so-called Hipparion fauna. The imposing paleontological collection consists of corals, echinus, ammonites and other fossil remains. This is the biggest and the most important Bulgarian collection of Neogen Vertebrates. There are more than 25 000 units only in the scientific collection of the Late Miocene Mammals.
The newly created exposition on the second floor shows how the science of Paleontology unveils the history of the life on the Earth. The museum was opened in 1992. It has been impressing and will continue to impress all of its visitors.
Specialized Ethnographic Museum
The varied ethnographic heritage of the Elhovo municipality and the whole Strandzha-Sakar region is studied, stored and popularized by the Specialized Ethnographic Museum - Elhovo. Founded in 1958, the museum has one of the most interesting ethnographic exhibitions in Bulgaria (open in 1971). The museum stores over 20100 exhibits, 13700 of which make up the main museum stock, distributed into the following departments: Farming; Transport, Hunting and Fishing; Clothes and Ornaments; Cloths and Embroidery; The House and Its Interior; Traditional Crafts; and Spiritual Culture, Customs and Folklore. The stock also includes A documental archive and a photographical archive, which store over 8000 authentic documents and photographs connected with the development of the region from the National Liberation in 1878 to the present.
The museum is housed in tow one-storey buildings in the town centre, built in 1933, united into one building, functionally and architecturally adapted to its needs, in the sixties.
The museum exhibition is exhibited on an area of 244 sq. m in four halls, and its actually ethnographic part is preceded by a short introduction about the historical past of Elhovo.
The first hall shows the main livelihoods of the population at the end of c. 19 and the beginning of c. 20: agriculture, vine-growing, tobacco-growing, stockbreeding, hunting and fishing, and also some traditional crafts: coppersmith's trade and tailoring. It also shows the transport and the vehicles.
The second hall acquaints the visitors with a house - and its interior - from the end of c.19 and the beginning of c. 20, included into the exhibition in its original size and building technique.
The third hall exhibits the traditional clothes of the population of Southeast Bulgaria of the same period - children's, women's and men's; everyday and holiday clothes. The women's folk costumes are especially impressive - the so-called Elhovo sleeveless-dress costumes, which were very popular in their older and newer version up to the nineteen-sixties.
The third hall also exhibits the traditional clothes of the Bulgaria refugees from Odrin and Aegean Thrace and Aegean Macedonia with their unique make and style.
The fourth hall is allotted to some traditional holidays and customs, such as weddings; mummers' shows; Christmas and St. Lazarus' Day customs are shown by means of their specific requisite and clothing, and also a rich photographical collection.
Samples of c. 19 fretwork and iconography - the distinctive work of local masters - are exhibited at the end of the exhibition area.
About 16000 visitors, including about 300 foreigners, pass through the exhibition halls every year.
The museum also has a separate exhibition hall with an area of over 100 sq. m, where various exhibition popularizing the museum stock are periodically organized. The current exhibition is The Archaeological Heritage of the Elhovo Region, showing part of the interesting archaeological collection of the museum.
Several thematic collections are exhibited: the settlement life along the Lower Toundzha River in prehistory, Antiquity and the Middle Ages; weapons; fortifications; numismatics; epigraphic monuments; monuments connected with religion of various eras; ornaments; pottery; moments of archaeological research in the Elhovo municipality.
The Ethnographic Museum - Elhovo officially became one of the 100 National Tourist Object under number 100 in 2003.
Svetlin Rusev collection
In 1984 the famous artist prof. Svetlin Rusev (1933) - one of the greatest Bulgarian collectors of creations of art, made a present of 322 creations of the art of painting and sculptures to his birth town Pleven. The endowment includes creations of the Revival (icons and fretwork) and of the contemporary Bulgarian art, west European sculpture, Indian and African fretwork plastics, Latin-American, Romanian, Serbian art of paintings.
Bulgarian authors, which creations are presented in the collection are one of the most notable sculptures and painters, living and working from the beginning of the XX century till the present days, whose creations denote the plastic and spiritual tendencies of the time.
For the purpose of exposing the endowment, Pleven municipality place at disposal the reconstructed building of the old public baths, which is a monument of architecture and culture. Arch. Nikola Lazarov (1870 - 1942), one of the establishers of the contemporary Bulgarian architecture is its constructor. It had been constructed in 1607.
The synthesis between the unique architecture and the fine art is perfect, the suggested idea is of church spirit and clarity.
In 1999 prof. Svetlin Rusev gave another gift of 82 graphics and pictures - Bulgarian prints from the Revival, contemporary Bulgarian graphics and pictures and West European graphics from XVIII, XIX and XX century with creations from Delakrua, Goya, Mile, Picasso, Dally.
The halls where the collection is situated are an unique stage for the performances of highly professional. instrumental and vocal orchestra. Here, the words of notable poets and writers sound for the first time before the audience.
The memorial bell tower
It rises majestically in the centre of the town. One of the first monuments in honour of the National Liberation in Bulgaria, built in 1878. The advance detachment of General Gourko entered Byala Cherkva on 6 July (24 June old style) 1877. The Russian liberating troops were welcomed by the population and addressed with a moving speech by Irina Bacho-Kirova. She started with donations by the Russian officers a fund for the construction of the monument.
The tower is 25 metres high. A clock bought with money donated by the teacher Yoakim Vassilev was fitted to it in 1929. The clock still works.
Varna Museum
The Varna Museum is full of treasures from all periods of the city's history, and will interest both the informed archaeologist and the casual visitor. In 1972 excavations in the Varna Necropolis revealed almost two thousand gold artefacts from about 4000 B.C. One stunning display case has the bones of a tribal leader arranged with skilfully-made jewellery and personal possessions around him. Some of the finds are displayed behind magnifying glass to reveal the complex and minute details of the craftsmanship. Some items are thought to be the oldest worked gold so far discovered. Other exhibition halls contain Greek and Roman antiquities, including some fine ceramics; icons, weapons and materials from the 19th century struggle against the Ottoman Empire.
Other museums include the Ethnographic Museum, with interesting displays of costumes and jewellery, and examples of folk customs such as the embroidered masks used in the Kukeri and Survakari rituals, and different-shaped loaves baked for festival days. The Natural History Museum focuses on coastal flora and fauna.
Weather and climate
Bulgaria Weather - A Mediterranean ClimateHolidays to Bulgaria beach resorts continue to rise in popularity due to an enviable hot and sunny climate during summer months. Humidity is low with average temperatures reaching upwards of 26c and 11 hours of sunshine per day. The climate here is typically Mediterranean, hot and dry, with offshore breezes but can be interrupted by the occasional thunderstorm or light rain. The climate inland is more variable with lower temperatures at altitude and although annual rainfall is low, it is evenly distributed throughout the year.
Weather in Bulgaria - A Beautiful Winter landscapeWinter sees a much cooler climate with snow showers frequent inland and established ski resorts such as Borovets receive snow cover well into spring. Here however the temperature remains constant at a pleasant 5c with a clear freshness to the air. During cold spells, rivers and lakes have been known to freeze over with a crisp, white blanket of snow covering the landscape. Coastal resorts continue to enjoy a mild climate during winter with 3 to 4 hours sunshine and temperatures as high as 10c which often feels cooler due to the arrival of easterly winds from Russia.
Bulgaria Weather - Springtime In BloomAt springtime the countryside is at its most beautiful, full of colour and offering perfect conditions for exploring on horseback or hiking. With clear, fresh air and a mild to warm climate it is the ideal time to appreciate the diversity of flora, fauna and wildlife. With up to 5 hours of daily sunshine and traditionally low rainfall, safe and rewarding outdoor activities can be enjoyed. During this time average temperatures gradually rise to a high of around 12c with the southern beach resorts seeing even warmer weather.
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