THE CHARM OF BULGARIA
One of the oldest countries in Europe
A country full of history, nature and love
Common knowledge Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria. It is also the 15th largest city in the European Union. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east.
Bulgaria has a population of 6.95 million in 2020.
The Bulgarians founded the First Bulgarian State in AD 681, which dominated most of the Balkans and significantly influenced Slavic cultures by developing the Cyrillic script.
TREASURES
Long before the Bulgarians came to the Balkans, the peninsula was inhabited by the Thracians – as early as 3500 BC. On the territories of today`s Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia and Greece lived more than 50 different Thracian tribes. They left remarkable cultural heritage – gold and silver treasures and richly decorated tombs.
Panagyurishte Treasure Rogozen Treasure
Golden Mask of a Thracian king
Valchitran Treasure
The Thracian heritage includes hundreds of tombs, temples and treasures spread all over the territory of today’s Bulgaria.
Beautiful places in Bulgaria
Seven Rila Lakes
The lakes are located in Rila - the highest mountain range of Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. The glacial lakes can be frozen even in June, with deep snow drifts and patches of brilliant wildflowers. Legends say the lakes were formed by the tears of a female giant, crying for her beloved.
As one of the historical cities in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is mostly visited by history lovers and anthropologists.
Plovdiv
This is one of the ancient Bulgaria places. Featuring fortresses, amphitheaters, churches, cobbled stone roads, and vintage houses.
Veliko Tarnovo This is a 7000-yearold town, surrounded by three hills. It was once the capital of the second Bulgarian Kingdom. With more than 30 monasteries, cobblestone streets, mythical homes, and churches; Veliko Tarnovo looks surreal and a visit to this place is worth in every sense.
Belogradchik
The place is famous for its unique sandstone and limestone rock formations, which vary in colour from primarily red to yellow. The Belogradchik rocks have been declared a Natural Landmark by the Bulgarian government and are a major tourist attraction in the region.
Some of the rocks reach up to 200 meters in height. Many rocks have fantastic shapes and are associated with interesting legends. They are often named after people or objects they are thought to resemble
Pamporovo The popular ski resort Pamporovo is set on the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains. One can indulge in skiing and snowboarding during winter months, while summer is ideal for hiking and camping.
One of the most popular seaside places to visit in Bulgaria. This small town is located in the northern part of the Black Sea Coast. It has so many sights to visit like the summer residence of the Romanian Queen Marie of Edinburgh and the famous botanical gardens.
Balchik
THE RILA MONASTERY
It is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments .
SOFIA
Sofia, the capital city, is one of the most gorgeous top places to visit in Bulgaria. Presenting a flawless mixture of old city and modern township.
Bulgarian traditions
Jordan’s Day
Chasing the cross into the freezing waters
On 6th January each year, Christian Bulgarians mark the Baptism of Jesus. A priest throws a cross into a river or lake and all willing men jump after the cross in a competition to reach and retrieve it. The first one to take hold of it is believed to be healthy throughout the whole year.
Kukeri Bulgaria’s Kukeri stand out with their scary costumes. An ancient ritual to drive away the evil spirits, the procession of the Kukeri is celebrated either around New Year’s Eve or on Cheesefare Sunday, just before Lent.
Baba Marta
Welcoming spring with red and white
On 1st March every year, Bulgarians give a Martenitsa to each of their relatives and friends to congratulate them on the beginning of spring, wishing them health and good luck. The white colour symbolizes purity and peace. The red colour is a symbol of blood, life and passion.
Nestinari Sacred barefoot dance on fire
On the night of Saints Constantine and Helen’s Day, villagers gather on the square to dance – barefoot – on burning embers, holding the icon of Virgin Mary. Reportedly, the dancers descend into a state of trance induced by a sacred drum, explaining the complete lack of pain felt by the participants.
BULGARIAN BAGPIPE – BULGARIAN FOLK INSTRUMENTS
One of the best-known Bulgarian folk instruments is the Gaida or the Bulgarian bagpipe. In fact, it’s rare to see a traditional wedding ceremony that doesn’t include this instrument. Alongside with Scotland and Ireland, Bulgaria is the third country in the world where the bagpipe is a national musical instrument.
Bulgarian food
Banitsa The banitsa is prepared by placing a mixture of beaten eggs and cheese, in the center of several layers of pastry, before baking it.
The Bulgarian word banitsa derives from the old Bulgarian language and means “to lie down”. In Bulgaria, banitsa is a symbol of Bulgarian cuisine and traditions.
SHOPSKA SALAD It is the most famous Bulgarian salad, which is typically made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, raw or roasted peppers. The ingredients used were chosen in part because they resemble the three colors of the Bulgarian flag, and thus would evoke a national sentiment., white cheese and parsley.
LYUTENITSA
In Bulgaria, lyutenitsa comes in a jar and is often used as a spread on bread. It is also frequently eaten with meat. The ingredients include peppers, carrots, garlic, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and tomatoes. It comes in many varieties: smooth; with bits; with small chilly peppers or eggplant; spicy or mild.
TARATOR This cold soup consists of yoghurt, water, chopped cucumber and garlic. It is seasoned with dill, walnuts, salt and oil. The dish is a wonderful treat during hot summer days.
Enjoy your stay in our country !!!