Excursions

“Madara Rider”

Madara Rider  is one of the famous symbols of the country.

Firstly, it is listed as a World Heritage Site  by UNESCO . Secondly, he is depicted on the reverse of the series of Bulgarian coins. And, thirdly, this enigmatic bas-relief carved at an altitude of 20 meters on a cliff, is haunted by the historians: it is not known until the end, whose image is how it was done, and by whom.

Madara Rider  – a part of the National Historical and Archaeological Reserve ” Madara “, including a pagan temple, the temple of (pagan temple), the palace and housing building, different buildings. The reserve is discovered prehistoric cult figurines and amulets on the three nymphs, Zeus, Hercules, Dionysus, Cybele, Thracian horseman – the hero Heros, and many others.

On the plateau located wall  Madara fortress  with barracks and a church (Mundraga). Fortress was founded in the end of IV century. Destroyed by the Ottoman army in a thousand years. To get there you need to climb the mountain in the equipped path with stone steps (about 400 steps). Top offers wonderful views of the immediate surroundings.

Distance from  “Madara Rider”  to the big cities and resorts of 
Varna – “Madara Horseman” – 75 km. 
Burgas – “Madara Horseman” – 160 km. 
Golden Sands – “Madara Horseman” – 95 km. 
Sunny Beach – “Madara Horseman” – 175 km.

Botanical Garden in Balchik

Botanical Garden in Balchik!

The town of Balchik  is located on the Black Sea in  Bulgaria . He often visited by tourists. Near the town is a beautiful botanical garden with many exotic plants. On the territory of the garden is a complex of palaces and villas of the Romanian royal family. You can visit the very  palace .

Not far from the  palace , you can find  the winery , where there is the possibility of tasting the unique wine and brandy. The Botanical Garden features a lot of plants, a large pavilion with succulents (cacti) striking beauty and diversity. A wonderful place to walk, a lot of amazing places and panoramas for photos.

Distance from  Botanical Garden  to the big cities and resorts of 
Varna – Botanical Garden – 45 km. 
Bourgas – Botanical Garden – 150 km. 
Golden Sands – Botanical Garden – 25 km. 
Sunny Beach – Botanical Garden – 140 km.

Cape “Kaliakra”

Cape Kaliakra  is protrude for 2 km into the sea and has long served the people as an impregnable fortress.

Ancient excavations of houses, wells, churches talk about Greek culture. Castles and strengthening protective used for military operations. The views from this cliff indescribable, the height of the steep rocky coast is 40 meters or more. From the cape you can see the dolphins in their natural habitat.

This place is associated with several legends and real historical events. Russian fleet led by Admiral  Ushakov , defeated off the coast of  Kaliakra  Turkish fleet.

The first fortifications and settlements on the territory  of Cape Kaliakra  were founded in the IV century BC. The first modern lighthouse on the cape was built in 1866, is currently on the Cape is a 10-meter cylindrical lighthouse, built in 1901. Along the way of  Kavarna  to cape set several tens of turbines.

Distance from  Cape Kaliakra  to major cities and resorts of 
Varna – Cape Kaliakra – 75 km. 
Bourgas – Kaliakra Cape – 200 km. 
Golden Sands – Kaliakra Cape – 55 km. 
Sunny Beach – Cape Kaliakra – 170 km.

Melnik – City Museum

We recommend to visit a museum town of Melnik, with its old houses with centuries of history and beauty of the broken chalk cliffs surrounding the city from all sides. The town of Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria, the number of people in it about 300 people. Nobody knows exactly when and how the city was founded, the first written mention of the town date back to the XI century AD Excavations show that this area first and Thracians lived a few centuries later, the Romans, the evidence of this is the Roman bridge that fulfills its function today. After a city populated by Slavs. Melnik even had time to visit the capital of an independent feudal principality, managed despot Alexius Slav. Within and around the city there are 90 cultural monuments. The most famous and popular is the Rozhen Monastery is just 6 km away. from the city. Also to the south of the city on the hill Nikolova are the ruins of churches and basilicas. The glory of this city gave fragrant thick wines that are made to this day. After visiting Miller once and feel the atmosphere of this little town but the light you want to go back here again and again.

Nessebar “Old Town”

Nessebar “Old Town” – one of the oldest cities in Europe.

It is proved that its history is counted at least three thousand years: every year, archaeologists discover new traces of ancient cultures and civilizations that lived on the peninsula. Nessebar is included in the World Heritage List: in 1956 it was declared a city museum, and since 1983 Nessebar is under the auspices of UNESCO.
Old Town is located on a small peninsula, with a length of only 850 meters and 350 meters wide, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Nessebar peninsula – in the early Middle Ages called Melsambria, and at the end of the Bronze Age settlement bears the name of Nesebar Bulgaria. The ancient Thracians called it Melsambria, which means “city Melsas” – the name of the legendary founder of the village and the city (on the Thracian word “Bria”). Nessebar (Melsambria) has two convenient harbors – in the north and the south, where still find remnants of ancient vessels equipment. At the end of the VI century BC to the settlement of the first Greek colonists arrived – they were Dorians by origin. The town has grown rapidly and become a typical Greek settlement on the structure, functions and management. He gradually surrounded by a solid wall, forming residential areas, temples are built, a gymnasium and a theater. The town developed crafts – mainly metal processing. There began to mint their own money in the first half of V century BC – silver drachmas and obols and later bronze coins.

Numerous finds of the period presented in the Archaeological Museum of Nessebar, evidence of the rich economic, cultural and spiritual life of the city. In 72 BC Nessebar was taken without resistance, the army of the Roman Empire. After that, the city enlisted as part of the Roman Empire.

Now, in the old town of Nessebar held many different festivals in August, an exhibition of the sale of the Bulgarian honey, in November – Fish Festival “Autumn passages” and the festival “I love the black sea”, etc. In the holiday season in the old town of Nessebar on the streets selling a lot of different. souvenirs, art galleries are open. 
In Nessebar continue their excavations, archaeologists, because the fall of 2013 found the wine store with well-preserved amphoras middle of the 5th century BC. Also found carved in stone Thracian horseman on a horse, in excellent condition. It put on display in the local museum.

Orlov eye

  One of the most interesting places to visit in the area of ​​Jagodina village, panoramic area is called the “Eagles Eye”. It is located on one of the highest peaks in the St. Elias region.

  The place was chosen not by chance, because the kind that opens from it is amazing. In clear weather, the whole neighborhood is visible within a radius of tens of kilometers. The idea of ​​building this facility, owned by a local tour company, which is trying to promote the region. The rise of this platform a real adventure.

  The ascent to the top is carried out on specially prepared jeeps and passes through the gravel and stony roads, which can not pass other cars. Hoisting takes approximately 30 minutes. During this time, it overcomes a difference in altitude of over 670 meters, in order to be at an altitude of 1530 m above sea level. On the way there are the lonely shepherds with their flocks and beautiful natural formations. Forms that will occur in front of you and fascinate the spirit leaves great memories.

Plovdiv

Plovdiv is rich in archaeological sites. Among them – the excavation of settlements of Neolithic and Bronze Ages, the theater, the Roman Forum, the stadium, the baths, the Acropolis temples. The most popular attraction in Plovdiv is the Antique Theater for 3000 seats, which was built by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius in II. BC and is the best preserved monument of those times in the Bulgarian lands.

In the theater, the restoration works were carried out, which allowed him to carry out in various shows and festivals.

Old Plovdiv, built in the XIX century. Today is an architectural open-air museum with about 150 exhibits. Magnificent house restored and turned into museums, galleries, restaurants. Also in the Old Plovdiv are studio artists and woodcarvers.

The most striking examples of houses in the style of the Baroque of Plovdiv are Kuyumdzhiugluvy house (now the Museum of Ethnography) House Nedkovich (municipality), the house Lamartena (Writers’ House). Taking a walk through the Old Plovdiv, you can feel the spirit of the XIX century, after a walk on the cobbled streets with decorated facades, lots of greenery and flowers, easily takes you back to those days. In the central part of the old city walls are Philippopolis.

Rila Monastery

  At 115 km. south of Sofia, framed by forested mountains and the bright sun, at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters above sea level, is a treasure of the Orthodox Balkan art – the Rila Monastery. The monastery was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.

  Now Rila Monastery – a functioning monastery and is subordinated to the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The vaults of the monastery marked unforgettably beautiful frescoes, is the Samokov icon painting style. The monastery was founded in the X century, after the death of the hermit Ivan Rilski, who lived here and during his lifetime gained the status of a saint. In the XIV century the monastery was rebuilt at the behest of the magistrates Hrelyu Dragovoly. At the beginning of the XV century, it was devastated by the Ottoman Empire, but at the end of the same century the monastery received the support of Russia, the monastery was rebuilt. Later, after a fire at the beginning of the XIX century it was rebuilt internally (architect Petar Ivanovic) and since then it has remained to this day.

Rozhen monastery

Rozhen monastery – the largest Orthodox monastery in the Pirin region. The monastery is relatively well preserved until today and is annually visited by numerous tourists from different countries.

It is not known when the Rozhen Monastery was built. A large fire that broke out at the end of the XVII century, destroyed the monastery archive. According Athos sources, it was built in the year 890. Circumstantial evidence points to the existence of the monastery in the XIII century. Rozhen Monastery is mentioned in the Greek manuscripts, and during excavations of XIII century Byzantine coins were found.

After the fire of the XVII century the monastery was badly damaged. And it was rebuilt in the XVIII century thanks to financial assistance from all over Bulgaria.

The heyday of Rozhen Monastery falls to the XIX century. At this time, it was the spiritual center of the Pirin region. Then the monastery owned vast areas in the vicinity. Collegiate Church -. St. Nativity of Our Lady gave the name of a nearby village – Rozhen.

Today Rozhen monastery is active and is among the hundred national tourist sites in Bulgaria.

According to the structure of the monastery building resembles a medieval fortress. The entrance to the courtyard is an arch with a massive wooden door. In the yard of vines, located in the middle of the monastery church, located on the perimeter of a three-tiered body with galleries, cells and the refectory. Sami tiers and wooden floors, though old, but well preserved. Church of the Nativity of the Virgin is quite old, built probably in the XVI century. The small church has its own chapel carved iconostasis, which is the artistic value of the monastery.

Shipka

  City ​​Shipka is located on the southern slopes of the Balkan mountain range, at an altitude of 600 m above sea level, near the beautiful city of roses – Kazanlak, and not far from the Valley of the Thracian Kings. The most visited places in the surroundings – it Shipka Memorial Church, dedicated to those killed during the Russian-Turkish War (1877 – 1878) the Russian soldiers and Bulgarian volunteers. Memorial Church is built in the style of Russian church architecture from the XVII century. The temple is surrounded by a park where you can stroll and enjoy the nature and beauty of this architectural creation. Also in the vicinity you can visit a couple of Shipka Thracian tombs, such as: Ostrusha and Golyama Kosmatka.
  On top Stoletov of Shipka Pass rises Freedom Monument, a height of 31.5 meters, reminiscent of the heroism of the Bulgarian volunteers. To him are 894 stone steps. Climbing up to the monument to the very top, in front of you a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain hills and forests. 
  Not far from the monument is the Eagle’s Nest, the historical apex, where there have been the most dramatic battles. Every year on March 3 are held national celebrations in honor of the liberation of Bulgaria.

Sozopol

City National Revival Sozopol!

Sozopol  – the Bulgarian resort town. It founded in the 6th century. BC. e. Greek colonialists on a small rocky peninsula surrounded by the Black Sea. Bulgarian Revival added the finishing touches to the look of this town.

In ancient times  Sozopol  was called Apollo. This name gave the city of Miletus Greeks in honor of the patron saint of sailors god Apollo – and here erected a 13-foot bronze statue in his honor. The statue survived to this day and is now kept in the Roman Capitol. There it moved Legionnaire Marcus Lucullus, destroyed the Apollo at the end of I century BC After five centuries of Apollonius “resurrected” and became known as Sozopolis – save the town.

Now it is a favorite place of the Bulgarian bohemians: actors, artists and musicians attracted special atmosphere in  the town of Sozopol . Create its beautiful churches, old white house with red roof tiles, stone alleys and narrow cobbled streets, immersed in the greenery of the vines and figs.

Distance from  Sozopol  to major cities and resorts of 
Varna – Sozopol – 160 km. 
Burgas – Sozopol – 30 km. 
Golden Sands – Sozopol – 180 km. 
Sunny Beach – Sozopol – 60 km.

The complex “Etara”

Architectural-Ethnographic Complex “Etar”

Architectural-Ethnographic Complex “Etar” is the first museum of its kind in Bulgaria. He opened 09/07/1964 The museum is located 8 km south of the town of Gabrovo.

The Architectural and ethnographic complex “Etar” is the only one in Bulgaria collection of folk art, driven by water. It contains 10 objects is one of rich and well-organized collection of technical outdoor environments European museums. For this reason, the water wheel has turned into an emblem of Etara. The main feature of the collection is that all the objects of action as in previous times. The shopping street of artisans is 16 samples Balkan architecture, revealing the original style of the builders of the Bulgarian Revival period.
On every street artisans can watch craftsmen at work. It is shown how to make bot for livestock, pottery, confectionery, production of hides and furs, and so on. Besides the opportunity to get acquainted with the subtleties of crafts, visitors can buy these hast made in their products eyes. When provisional application in the complex are trained in traditional crafts.

The Etar not only kept folk traditions, but each visitor may be implicated in it, to feel people’s life breath. 
The Etar everyone can see the presentation of the traditional customs during such holidays as the Day of St. Lazyarya (8 days before Easter), the Day of St. George (6 May), Day of Ivan Kupala Day (24 June), Day of the Prophet Elijah (July 20) and et al. AEK “Etar” all year without a day off.

Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo – one of the oldest settlements in the country!

Veliko Tarnovo is a town in northern Bulgaria, the administrative center of Veliko Tarnovo region. The city is located on the stretch of the Yantra River and is separated by 241 km from Sofia, 228 from Varna and 107 km from Ruse.

The population of this city’s population reaches 600 thousand. Man with an area population of 30.4 km2. This is an important hub where intersect transportation and trade routes, which gave impetus to its economic and cultural development from ancient times to the present day. 
Veliko Tarnovo – one of the oldest settlements in the country, because life here is in full swing more than 5 thousand years ago, as evidenced by archaeological excavations..

The heyday of Veliko Tarnovo

It is associated with the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1393 gg.). In 1185 this city was proclaimed the capital of the Byzantine yoke toppled in an uprising led by the brothers boyars Asen and Peter. Prior to Bulgaria for 167 years, to the borders of the Byzantine Empire. 
After his election as the capital city began to develop rapidly, and during the XII-XIV centuries, it was almost the most impregnable fortress, as well as the center of cultural and spiritual activities.

The largest cultural heritage of those times is the medieval fortress Tsarevets, located on the same hill, surrounded on three sides by the river Yantra. Excavations show that Tsarevets, though walled, fortress was not closed and had the structure of the medieval city, the center of which stood the palace, the church of St.. Petka, had many residential and commercial buildings, water reservoirs and turrets. On the highest part of Tsarevets was the residence of the Patriarch, and in close proximity to her patriarsheskaya Ascension Church.

Opposite is another historic Tsarevets hill – Trapezitsa. Its historical richness of a significant and still not completely solved. Archaeological excavations are continuing, and there are always new and interesting discoveries.

In addition to historical hills of Veliko Tarnovo is famous for a lot of Orthodox churches. One of the most emblematic medieval churches is St. 40 Martyrs church, built in honor of the victory of Tsar Ivan Asen II, who ruled from 1218 by 1241. Over Epirus Despot Theodore Comnenus (1180- 1273 years of life). In the church are buried the Bulgarian tsars Kaloyan (lived 1168-1207), Ivan Asen II, as well as many other members of the royal family and the Bulgarian aristocracy. In the Orthodox Church kept some of the most significant ancient Bulgarian epigraphic monuments – the columns of Khan Omurga, Tsar Ivan Asen II, Boundary column from the Rodosto Fortress times of Khan Krum (755-814 years of life).

In the vicinity of the city are some of the most famous Bulgarian monasteries – Patriarshesky, Transfiguration, Arbanashky, Plakovski, Kapinovsky, Kilifarevo and others.

Village of Rupite, Baba Vanga

Village of Rupite, together with the temple-monument “St. Petka of Bulgaria” (in Bulgarian -. “Sveta Petka Blgarska”) is one of the hundred national tourist sites of the Bulgarian Tourist Union. We suggest that you visit this place, with its mekroklimatom and nature. Rupite Village is located at the foot of an ancient volcano, “Kojuh”, which has long since died down and almost disappeared due to erosion and natural phenomena. On the territory of the temple-monument there is geothermal, where the water temperature reaches 75 degrees Celsius.

From 1970 until his death Vanga was in Rupite reception of visitors. For this postroiny were two modest houses. Today, they are a museum where you can see how much conventional and unpretentious are the conditions in which Vanga has lived and tried people.

In 1994, the temple “St. Petka Bulgarian” was built near her home. the construction funds have been allocated from the personal funds of Vanga. Religious icons in the temple were written too realistic, and therefore not approved by the Holy. Synod. On the territory of the temple-monument to feel a special energy, and everyone can enjoy and recharge it. A huge number of people today visit these places and believe that Vanga continues to help people, and after his death.

Yagodina cave

 Yagodina cave is very well-known natural landmark in Bulgaria. It is located in Buinovo Rhodopean mountain range near Iagodina sat. The cave is located in a three by caves galleries distance (about 10 km), Bulgarian and occupies 1st array Rhodopi mountains. The length of the tourist route just over a kilometer. The average temperature in the cave throughout the year varies between 6 and 8 C, humidity of about 90% (which is typical of most such caverns).

   Yagodina cave formed in marble rocks and consists of a complex system consisting of several floors. All three tiers, but only one, the lowest, tier equipped for tourists. The tourist route begins with a specially created for the entry of visitors. The output also created artificially for the convenience of tourists. “Natural” is the entrance to the place is located downstream Buinovska River. This includes the following period, the Chalcolithic dwellings have been found various tools, oven, ceramic vessels and so on. The researchers suggest that lived here before the master of pottery, clay are mined in the interior of the cave. Following the archaeological excavations and restoration of the natural entrance made a museum exhibit.