Bulgaria is a country which has seen many civilizations and the remains of them still lie today. The remnants of the ancient civilization and the people feature the “turbulent history of Bulgaria”.

The history of the ancient civilization of Bulgaria dates back to the period of the Old Stone Age which is about a million years ago. The prehistoric men lived in caves and would gather wild fruits, and roots, fish and hunt for mammoths and cave bears. Isn’t it exciting to know about an ancient culture which is still best preserved in the world? Well, this is it….Bulgaria for you.

The remnants of the prehistoric inhabitants and the implements which have been found in the Bacho Kiro Cave near the Dryanovo Monastry are some of the major attractions here. An example of grandeur still stands here. The Varna Chalcolithic necropolis which is about 5,000 B.C is one of the most remarkable sites to visit. It is believed that gold objects are found in the necropolis and have also been defined in history as the oldest finds of gold in the world. These remains are an evidence of one of the most developed civilizations of an “established social structure in the history of Antiquity in Southeast Europe”.

There are some very interesting places where you can visit in Bulgaria. These are some of the most amazing places to visit in the land.

Bansko is considered to be one of the most interesting sites for cultural tourism. This is believed to be one of the most frequented towns in Bulgaria. This is about 160 km south of Sofia, 60 km southeast of Blagoevgrad and almost 6 km south of Razlog. There are some great sites to visit here. The History Museum, the Bansko Museum Compound, and the Church of the Holy Trinity are some of the great places to visit.

The Borovo Silver Treasure is an amazing treasure which had been unearthed in the town of Borovo in the year 1974. This town lies 7 km northeast of Byala. This piece of magnificence was crafted somewhere around as early as 4th century B.C. It consists of three rhytons, a jug and a bowl like vessel. It is said that the object has been made of 900 grade silver.

Veliko Turnovo is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities of Bulgaria. It was believed to be the capital city of the Bulgarian Kingdom during the 12th and the 14th century. Turnovo is said to be the living symbol of Bulgaria for many ages. There are some remarkable museums in this city and monastries, churches, fortifications, bridges and big buildings form some of the important places of tourist interest.

Valley of the Thracian Kings is another historic landmark in Bulgaria. The tombs of the famous Kazanluk form the main tourist attraction here. These are some of the famous and the most popular archaeological monuments which are found in this place. This architecture was built somewhere around the 4th and the 5th century B.C.

Zheravna is considered to be the most romantic place in Bulgaria. Keeping the unique Bulgarian romantic atmosphere of the place stands some of the most amazing tourist destinations here. The Bulgarian National Revival Period is simply a great place to be in. Also, there are some churches, museums and other old buildings which forms the major tourist attractions of the place.

Bulgaria is simply an amazing country to be in. There are many tourist locations and surely you will reign in the glory of exploring some of the wondrous ancient civilizations here.

Tourist attractions

Ahtopol:

It is a chilling location which offers a blend of Sun and natural surroundings. It is a quaint spot with solitary flowing air. Along with this, it proffers a long beach that stretches about 800 meters from the town centre and lush green hills. There are few buildings which mark their presence in the verdure landscape. However, it is planned to renovate the place rendering a whole new structure in the forthcoming years. An €80 million marina resort is being planned which would have room capacity for 500 yachts.

The post office and administration buildings lie at a distance of 500 m to the east from the town ‘centre’ which is sitting alongside the park near the bus stop. To chill yourself in the warmth beaches, move southwest from the bus stop besides the Ul Sveti Nikola to the main coastal road for almost 300 meters. From here, move towards the northwest by any pathway.

Koprivshtitsa:

This small hamlet is paradise for tourist that affords comprehensive deals for its tourists. Snuggling in the wooded hills between Karlovo and Sofia, it is a perfect idyllic spot which is filled with Bulgarian National Revival period architecture, cobblestone streets and beautiful bridges which link the banks of the pretty brook. This location preserves numerous antique architectural structures that are truly commendable endeavors. Thanks for this to the government’s verdict which has helped in the perseverance of around 400 ancient buildings which possess architectural and historical significance. Also, there have been some refurbishments of churches and house-museums which enshrine captivating delights like decorations and implements belonging to the historic period.
Koprivshtitsa is an impeccable and natural spot with proliferating greenery and overgrown paths. It’s these characteristics make it a fun and frolic place which can be enjoyed by every ages. Children can play around the natural surroundings. Therefore, Koprivshtitsa is a perfect hideout; also there lies traditional vibes inside the restaurants and guesthouses. Tourists love this destination which is apparent by the tremendous visit of large number of tourists. All these signify that Koprivshtitsa is a valuable location worth a visit.

Balchik:

Balchik is a tiny town which surely deserves the tag of ‘fresh breath of sea air.’ It is a lovely small town and port which is sandwiched below white chalk crags. It is a placid spot which is preserved far away from the world whose lights can be observed winking across the bay at night. This enchanting location offers striking attractions like the Palace which is placed perfectly between the green botanical gardens. From here, move a few kilometers below the coast which shelters few tiny museums which will get you mused.

To the East of centre is a large enclosed sand-patch which is just in front of Helios Hotel. Other than this, there is one small artificial beach which is huddled by canopies. The rest of the narrow beach is filled with debris and rocks. However, there are numerous material jetties utilized by the tourists for sunbathe. Also, here it offers for a good swim. You can get an easy access through Varna, however catch the route from Balchik as it offers for exploring beautiful spots in the hamlet such as Kaliakra Cape and Dobrich, also gives an opportunity to observe the beach resorts located to the south.

Central Balkans:

This is a broad swipe filled with pretty exciting high mountains that are known as Stara Planina. This terrain is shimmering with towns resembling the 19th century revival style amidst which noteworthy are Veliko Tarnovo, Tryavna, Koprivshtitsa and Kotel. One can explore adventure efficiently through the broad Central Balkans National Park pathways by cycling or skiing. Also, the international E3 hiking trail crosses by here. It also shelters some off the track locations like Kazanlak, Sliven and Shumen.

Devin:

This is an off-the-beat location which has a calm and tranquil ambiance. However, it is one of the best spa towns and also offers quaintness, services and one or two café bars. Although, Devin is quite popular for manufacturing Bulgaria’s acknowledged mineral water brand and balneological resort. Therefore, plenty of Sofians pay visit for retreating in the five-star luxury resorts. However, this has rendered it a resort like impression where you will seek most of the fun in the outdoors waters. Apart from this, one can grab the fun of hiking over the local eco-paths. However, this is a budget destination and offers good access for touring the nearby caves.

Exploring Off The Track Bulgaria – Part I

Exploring Off The Track Bulgaria – Part II

Kazanluk Tomb:

Perched in idyllic valley of roses, in the neighborhood town of Kazanluk, this is a legendary Thracian Tomb that dates back to the historic era of 4th century-early 3rd century B.C. The exquisite architecture value of the murals in the burial chamber and in the corridor area is unique manifests belonging to the Hellenic period. The artist’s expressions of rites of a burial feast and inner state of figures are just perfectly carved that leaves one gaped.

Ivanovo Rock Churches:

Located within the rock monastery compound of the sacred saint Archangel Michael, it is preserved partially. The Church of the Holy Virgin has beautifully conserved some magnificent murals which are considered as important achievements hailing back to the 14th century Bulgarian medieval art. These churches lie about 20 kms from the neighborhood city of Rouse, to the East of Ivanovo village, in the gravels of Rousenski Lom Nature Park.

Boyana Church:

Lying at a distant of 8 kms from the City of Sofia in the Boyana residential district, it snuggles in the foothills of Mount Vitosha. This church enshrines antique murals since 1259 which are believed to be great accomplishments of medieval European painting.

Madara Horseman:

This tall structure stands on the Northern slope of the Provadiisko plateau at an altitude of 23 meters. It is a rock respite which is very well carved in the Madara rocks. This is considered as an antique masterpiece from the middle ages and it remains to be a unique accomplishment in the rich European history. While touring, one can have access to it as it is located nearby the village of Madara, around 16 kms from the city of Shoumen.

Rila Monastery:

This phenomenal architectural form was discovered in the 10th century and was revamped in the 13th-14th century. It was a legendary centre during the 15th century and attained a remarkable form in the 19th century. It is a spiritual structure for the inhabitants of Bulgaria which is situated in the Northwestern part of the Mountain Rila. It is looked upon as the most iconic and artistic structure sheltered by Bulgaria. It is located at a distance of 20 kms from the Rila Town and 120 kms away from the town of Sofia.

Nessebur, the old part of the town:

This is the most antique and incredible spot enriched with architectural, historical and archaeological treasures which possesses precious archaeological remnants dating back to varied centuries. It is located at the Black Sea Coast with ancient churches between 5th to 17th centuries and a real National Revival Period Houses.

Sveshtari Tomb:

Hailing to the first half of the 3rd century, it is an ancient Thracian tomb. Its central burial chamber preserves some extraordinary and profuse artistic decorations and beautiful caryatides. Situated nearby the village of Sveshtari and it is just 7 kms from the Northwest of the town of Isperih.

Sreburna Reserve:

Instituted for a noble cause i.e. is for preserving the rare species of animals and plants, it is an authentic biosphere reserve that lies cozily in the Danube valley. It is encircled by a calm Sreburna Lake and natural surroundings.

Pirin National Park:

Lying at the great heights of the Northern Mount Pirin, it is distinguished by an explicit relief and unparalleled plant and animal world. Located at the picturesque mountain, it integrates in itself the Bayuvi Doupki-Dzhindzhiritsa Biosphere Reserve and the Yulen Reserve.

Exploring Off The Track Bulgaria – Part I

Most of the merry-making tourists find fun in Bulgaria’s attractive extensive-sandy Black sea coast, which flaunts splendid beaches and scenic bays, despite all the widespread construction work. However, this is not everything to this enchanting country, there are other traits which are still under-wraps and not yet unveiled. The adventurous activities like mountaineering hiking tracks, and horse rides gives access to explore the Bulgaria’s massive mountain ranges and its picturesque backdrop. One can gaze the diminishing wildlife of Europe that comprises of bears, lynx, unusual birds and diverse wilderness which are sheltered around the Rila and Pirin lush green natural surroundings and mountain ranges.

One can evade the regular hectic life in this off the track destination that offers for serenity and mental peace. It is an accessible destination with cheap and feasible transportation amenities that navigates you in between the cities and takes you for meandering in the rustic and isolated countryside where one can soothe the pestered senses in the slow pacer life that continues to rest from centuries ago. This is a comprehensive location where one will come across the multi-colored monasteries, which are iconic and grandeur with their impressive architectural structures. They are enshrined under the supervision of bushy bearded priests.

The backdrop of beautiful and simplistic timber-built villages and smoke reclining over the stone-rooftops leisurely, donkeys grumbling at a distance, the head-scarf ladies and their gaped children forms a naive and innocent vision for the eye-sight. Quite often the cities are given a miss because of vibrant and multi-ethnic ‘Sofia’ which bestows pleasant parks, friendly outdoor bars and notable museums ranging from the National Revival Architectural Treasures to the Roman remains of Plovdiv and from here to the lively maritime ostentatious Varna.

Bulgaria is an active member of NATO and EU since 2007, which possesses the caliber lying at significant breakthrough. The whopping foreign investment done in this country has brought out some thriving prosperity not just in the mountain ranges or around the beaches, but in the cities too. This country is coming into the spotlight as massive numbers of tourists are showing interest in this country. Not only this, this destination has experienced a boom in the number of tourists who are investing in property here, this rising trend hints that Bulgaria is the next flourishing destination for property. Simultaneously, there is a noteworthy decline of the native populace than anywhere else in Europe.

May be the reason behind this is that they are paid low wages compared to the entire continent that gives way for rising number of strikes. All these problematic issues provide a clear view of the bureaucratic ineffectiveness. Also, organized crime settles in the background. The country’s development programs seem to be ignoring the environmental perspective as the ecological destruction is triggered because of overdevelopment. All these have led to public outcry and caught the attention of renowned national and international organizations which are campaigning strong-mindedly to bring these sensitive issues into notice. Despite all these problems, Bulgarians are patriotic set of people that will mark an innocent impression in your mind and compel you to revisit the country for gathering similar pleasant experiences. However, prices have seen a rise after Bulgaria became the member of EU, but compared to Western European countries, it is still amusing and feasible location. If you want to discover more of this location, then bring your own vehicle so that you yourself explore the location’s enchanting and scenic beauty.