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In 681 in Europe, there were three states: The Western Roman Empire, BULGARIA, and The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium)

The historical development of the Bulgarian lands and the people that inhabited them in the antiquity has been determined by one major factor - their crossroads situation between Europe and Asia.

Bulgaria remembers many ancient civilizations and great people which wrote the pages of its turbulent history: bronze and iron spears and arrows, ruins of palaces and cities, wise words carved on rocks and stone columns, written on parchment and leather.

The Thracians bequeathed us the famous tombs near Kazanluk and Sveshtari, the unique gold treasures from Panagyurishte and Rogozen. The Hellenes built the beautiful coastal towns of Apollonia, Anhialo and Messambria, and Romans - ancient Aescus, Nikopolis ad Istrum and Nove. Huns, Gothes and Averas later passes through our lands. Around the mid-7th century the Slavs came from the north across the Danube and reached as far as the Black Sea and the Adriatic. They were followed by the Bulgarians of Khan Asparouh.

Archaeological Findings

Pliska

Pliska is the Slavic name that was first given to the capital of the Proto-Bulgarian’ new state.

Following closely to Bulgarian tradition, they erected a monumental and austere looking city.

Remains of the most impressive buildings have survived until the present: the Large Basilica, the palaces and Throne Room from the second half of the 9-th century.

Pliska is now a National Archaeological Reserve.


Veliki Preslav

Designed to correspond to the prosperity and upsurge of the Bulgarian state, Veliki Preslav was built over nearly three decades by Tsar Simeon to mark the conversion to Christianity and the creation of the Slav script and culture.

In a similar design to Pliska, two fortress walls surrounded the city helping to demonstrate the austere power and confidence of the Bulgarian rulers.
With its splendour and ornate decorations the inner city, housing the palace complex and the famous Golden Church, is not a sight to be missed!

 

Veliko Turnovo
 
Veliko Turnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire ( 1185 - 1393).

With small stone houses that perch on the steep bank of the Yatra river, this truly is a site of Bulgaria’s history.

On a typical tour you will first be taken to see Tsarevets - the place of the patriarchal church and royal palaces, the hill where Baudouin's Tower still rises, linked with the legend of the Latin Emperor Baudouin of Flanders who was captured by Tsar Kaloyan.

Then you will be shown another hill Trapezitsa - where the foundations of 17 mediaeval churches were discovered.

You will wonder and enthuse over the Bulgarian National Revival period architectural ensembles on Gurko Street, the old Nikoli Inn and the St. St. Constantine and Helena Church.

The original SAMOVODENE MARKET has been brought , back to life and, as in olden times, skillful craftsmen fashion and sell exquisite objects in the small restored workshops.

As if this were not enough, at night, superior Tsarevets lends the natural decor to a fantastic SOUND AND LIGHT spectacle.

Visit Monasteries:

In the last few years, Bulgarian monasteries have witnessed increasing tourist interest.

 From the very start monasteries gained great importance as centres of the Bulgarian literature and culture and preserved the nation's values during difficult times.

Located deep within the heart of Bulgaria, these monasteries, often in unique locations offer an insight into a history of true values and protection. With their priceless icons and exquisite wall paintings, they contain a magic which can never be lost.

Museum Towns

It could be considered ironic how towns in Bulgaria are sometimes regarded as museum towns, suggesting a hushed and sombre atmosphere.

This could not be further from the truth in these, lively, bustling centres so full of harmony and beauty, such as Bansko pictured.

UNESCO Heritage

THE BULGARIAN CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD HERITAGE

For nearly 20 years, under UNESCO guidance, attempts have been made to conserve the planet's most important cultural and natural heritage.

The UNESCO List of World Heritage now features over 300 landmarks.

Nine Bulgarian wonders - seven cultural and two natural sites - are listed among them: Rila Monastery

• Nessebur
• the Kazanluk Tomb
• the Sveshtari Tomb
• the Madara Horseman
• BoyanaChurch
• the Ivanovo Rock Monasteries
• Pirin National Park
• Sreburna Lake.

Throughout History, Bulgaria has been gifted with a difficult and theatrical face. Much has been lost in the past but a lot has also remained. Bulgaria is a rich and spiritual country full of colours.
Against a stunning backdrop of breath taking scenery lies a living folklore, with songs and beautiful arts and crafts. Not only this but Bulgaria is filled with festivals and customs such as this wonderful traditional Bulgarian cake, otherwise known as Banica

 Experiences

Bulgaria is a country simply boiling over with enthusiasm and activities and is extremely detached from your average poolside holiday, offering a wide range of hobbies and activities.
Combining your holiday with your favourite hobby could turn into the unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Bulgaria offers all the necessary conditions for an untraditional rural vacation:

  - old Bulgarian capitals
  - monasteries and museums towns
  - Thracian treasures and icon-painting
  - dozens of picturesque large and small settlements
  - fine old homes with an unspoilt rural environment and traditional lifestyle
  - adjoining yards with domestic animals and gardens
  - ecologically clean regions and pastoral landscape
  - well-organized welcome and services for guests with typical Bulgarian hospitality
  - traditional cuisine
  - and above all - a unique blend of natural scenery with history, folklore, national arts and crafts, colourful festivals and customs.
For example take the  Rozhen folklore festival 2006
The national folklore festival Rozhen is held every four years in the Rozhen region of the Rhodope Mountain. The fair is a significant folklore event in Bulgaria since 1961. More than 170 folklore bands and 150 back-pipe performers participated in the 2006 edition. Some of the most famous Bulgarian folklore singers - Valya Balkanska, Nadka Karadzhova and Yanka Rupkina took part in the festival.

Traditions

It is sometimes the most natural of materials that makes the most beautiful object, and this is true for much of the art created in Bulgaria. The Bulgarians keen sense of tradition and simple skill means that there is a lot of beautiful art in a wide variety of natural materials such as wood, clay, wool copper, silk and silver.
It has been proved that domestic life cannot dull Bulgaria’s natural art and this is exemplified in the case of intricate embroidery with beautiful figures, wonderfully painted ceramics and fantastic Bulgarian jewellery.
In Bulgaria you will be spoilt for choice, whether it is some beautiful fretwork or simply an intoxicating phial of Whole Valley Of The Roses.

Customs

Some may hardly believe that Bulgaria became the cradle of Slav culture, but to believe this one simply has to see some of the great Thracian treasures and some of the magnificent Greek and Roman cities.
Ever since it was created, Bulgaria has been full of wonderful literature, art and music, being home to some of man’s greatest artistic achievements.
However, it is not just singers and poets that Bulgaria has had the pleasure of nurturing, it has also conquered some of the world’s operas, such as the famous, "Mystery of Bulgarian Voices" that has astounded reviewers world wide.