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Regardless of its small territory (111,000 sq. km), the relief of Bulgaira is highly varied. Almost 30% of its territory is occupied by mountain areas of different origin. About 40% of it are hilly areas of altitude 300 – 600 m. The biggest lowlands area is satiated to the north. that is the Danubian plane. To the south of it is the Balkan Range area, consisting of the Fore-Balkans, known as having lots of caves and interesting rock forms, and the Balkan Range (Botev peak – 2,376 m), which is the natural boundary between Northern and Southern Bulgaria. The picturesque sub-Balkan valleys lie between the chains of the Balkan Range and the lower mountains comprising the Srednogorie; the most widely known of them is the Rose valley famous for the production of olea gninous rose and rose oil. Still further to the south is the fruitful Upper Thracian lowland. The imposing Rila and Rhodopes massif rises in the south-most part of Bulgaria; it is comprised of the following mountains; Rila (with Moussala, the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula – 2,925m), Pirin (Vihren peak – 2,914 m), and the Rhodopes (Golyam Perelik peak – 2,191 m). Rila and Piren are characterized by their Alpine relief and the numerous high-mountain lakes. The climatic conditions are also highly varied. The average annual temperatures vary within the range from 3oC to 14oC. Northern Bulgaria falls into the moderate continental climate region, while the Mediterranean climatic influence becomes stronger to the south of the Balkan range and it is most strongly manifested along the valleys of the rivers Strouma and Mesta, in the eastern Rhodopes and along the Black Sea coast. The complex relief structure and the small territory of Bulgaria do not create conditions for big rivers. Most rivers in Bulgaria spring from its high mountains and flow into the Black Sea (predominantly through the Danube River) and the Aegean Sea. Bulgaria is rich in mineral waters, with more than 600 natural springs and more than 370 drilled mineral sources. The natural lakes in Bulgaria are comparatively few. The biggest are along the Black Sea – the lagoon lakes of Alepou, Arkoutino, Pomorie, and the firth lakes of Beloslav, Bourgas, Varna, Shabla. More than 360 are the high-mountain alpine glacial lakes in Rila and Pirin |
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 Rila Monastery  Madara Horseman  Thracian Tomb   Boyana Church  Rock Churches - Ivanovo  Ancient Town of Nessebar  Aladzha Monastery  Bachkovski Monastery  Zemenski Monastery  Troyanski Monastery |
The territory of
Bulgaria was inhabited still in the remotest antiquity. Pre-historic
finds in some caves evidence the existence of intensive life on this
land still in the Neolithic. The contemporary territory of Bulgaria
used to be the core of the Thracian civilization which dominated over
the Balkan peninsula before the new era. In the 4th century B.C. the
nowadays Bulgarian territories belonged to the state of Philip of Macedonia,
and later on they were a part of the Empire of Alexander the Great.
In the 1st century A.D. the Roman Empire started conquering the Balkan
peninsula; Byzanthine, the successor of the Roman Empire, used to rule
over all the Bulgarian territory up to the 7th century A.D.
At the end of the 7th century (the year 681) the Bulgarian state was established and it united the local Slavonic tribes and the proto Bulgarians, who came form the proto-Bulgarian state which at that time existed in the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian sea. Still in the 9th century it established itself as one of the three biggest states in Europe, together with the Byzanthine Empire and the Empire of Karl the Great. In the year 855 the brothers Cyril and Methodius invented the Slavonic alphabet; after Christianity was adopted as official religion, this alphabet was accepted in Bulgaria and from here it was late on spread in other countries (such as Russia, Serbia). After almost two centuries of Byzantine domination, the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, established in 1185, quickly regenerated its strength. In 1204 Tsar Kaloyan defeated the troops of the Fourth Crusader March, and later on, under the reign of Tsar Ivan Assen 2nd Bulgariq expanded its territory to the greatest extent and obtained access to three seas, manely the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. In the 13th and 14th century culture prospered and pieces and works of literature, architecture and painting art were produced, many of which are considered to be of world-wide importance (the murals at the Boyana church and the Zemenski monastery, the Tetraevangelia of Ivan Alexander which is kept at the British Museum, etc.). In spite of the long resistance, at the end of the 14th century Bulgaria was conquered by the Turks, who were invading Europe; so the existence of the Bulgarian state was ceased for almost five centuries. Many rebellions still at the beginning of the 15th century and later on indicated that the Bulgarian people did not agree with the Turkish domination. The Osman invasion stopped the development of Bulgaria for a long period of time, a great part of the elite of the nation was exterminated, the independent Bulgarian church institution was abolished, a part of the Bulgarian population was forcefully converted to the Islam. In 1762 the Slavonic-Bulgarian History was written by Paisij of Hilendar and this was the formal beginning of the Bulgarian Renaissance. The Bulgarian state lived a time of economic upsurge and revival, craftsmanship centers started developing quickly mainly in mountain regions (Gabrovo, Koprivshtitsa, Plovdiv, Melnik, etc.), intensive commercial contacts with European countries, Russia, Egypt, etc. were established. At the beginning of the 19th century secular education started and the struggle for independence of the Bulagrian church became stronger, and it was led to a successful end in 1870. All this, in combination with the Russian-Turkish wars of the late 18th and 19th century fostered the national liberation movement. Its culmination was the April Uprising in 1876 which in fact lead to the liberation of Bulgaria as a result of the Russian-Turkish War in 1877-1878. The revision of the initial Peace Treaty resulted in the establishment of the Bulgaria Principality in northern Bulgaria which formally was subordinated to Turkey, and Eastern Romelia in the central and eastern part of southern Bulgaria which was an autonomous region in Turkey; the remaining liberated land (Macedonia) was given back to Turkey. In 1885 the Bulgarian Principality and Eastern Romelia united. In 1908 the independence of Bulgaria was officially proclaimed. Bulgaria took part in World War 2, although it did not take part in any actual military actions, and this was the grounds for the Russian military forces to enter Bulgaria in September 1944 and for establishing the power of the Communist Party. In 1946 the monarchy was replaced by a republican form of rule; a little later almost complete nationalization of industry, commerce and banks was carried out, and also the land was almost completely included in organized big collective farms. At the end of 1989, like in the most of the East European countries, the process of change of political, economic and social relations started in Bulgaria. MONUMENTS OF CULTURE AND HISTORY The Rila Monastery It was founded in the 10 century by monk Ivan Rilski an_ used to be the primary spiritual and cultural center of Bulgaria and the whole orthodox enclave. In the 15th century, when Bulgaria fell under the Ottoman invasion, the monastery was abandoned for a short time. In the second half of the same century it was restored to a new life. The church of the Holy Virgin w_s raized (1834-1837) by master Pavel Ivanovich. The church was painted by the most famous representatives of the Bulgarian Renaissance artistic school. Madarski Konnik The monument dates back to the early Middle Ages. The relief was cut out on an almost vertical rock massif as high as 23 m; it shows a horseman in almost real size, a running dog, a lion, and there are some inscriptions. Thracian Tomb Close to Kazanlak It is northeast from Kazanlak, on the Tulbeto hill. It dates back to the end of the 4th century – the beginning of 3rd century B.C. The building material is brick, used two centuries later by the Romans. Its appearance that has remained unchanged for more than 2 millenniums has been preserved. Unique murals describing the life of the Thracian tribe leader who was buried in it have been preserved. The Boyana Church The Boyana church is one of the most important and valuable antiquities of exceptional historical and artistic significance. It is situated 8 km to the southwest of Sofia, in the Boyana quarter of Sofia. It is notable mainly with its 13-century murals, which were made by an anonymous Bulgarian artist in the style of the Tarnovo painting art school. Rock Churches close to Ivanovo village They are located close to Ivanovo village, 21 km far from Rousse in the Pismata (The writings) area; the latter has been given this name because of the colored murals in the seven rock churches. These caves are the preserved components of a big monastery complex, which was established in the 13 – 14 century in the natural caves of karst rocks cut through by the Rousrsenski Lom River. Other Famous Monasteries in Bulgaria Aladzha monastery Bachkovski monastery Chiprovski monastery Cherepishki monastery Dryanovski monastery Dragalevski monastery Zemenski monastery Troyanski monastery Rozhenski monastery Preobrazhenski monastery Kilifarevski monastery Sokolski monastery RELIGIONS The official religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity professed by the majority of the population. Another large religious community is the Muslim. Jews, Armenians, Adventists, evangelicals and others are represented with their churches in the country as well. |
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Bulgaria is gaining reputation as a producer of high quality affordable wines. As still unpopular as it is, Bulgaria is the second largest exporter of bottled wine in the world, second only to France and it has four times the area, planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, of California. It appears to be the fastest growing new-comer on the market. The climate in the northern part of the country is continental with cool winters and hot summers. It is milder to the south due to the influence of the Black sea and the Mediterranean. Local hilly terrenes create ideal micro-climates and combined with good quality soils they produce extremely suitable conditions for growing best quality grapes. The best wines are produced from the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, high quality, rich, and Bordeaux-like. Local grapes include: - Gamza - the most widespread sort produces earthy, light bodied red wine good for simple fare. - Mavrud - is a full bodied, spicy red that can age to more than 8 years - Melnik - grown in the southernmost part of the country makes hefty red wines that age very well - Pamid - rustic and hardly unforgettable but still good enough "commercial" for daily drinking. Whites are produced from renowned varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling as well as from the local: Misket, Ottonel, and Dimiat. |
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Sofia – the Capital of Bulgaria Sofia is the largest Bulgarian city. It is the country’s capital since 3 April 1878. The town is one of the ancient European cities (Roman’s name Serdika, Slovenian’s name Sredets, Greek’s name Triaditsa). Sofia has its name since 14th century. The capital city is located in the southern part of the Sofia valley and at the foot of the mountains Vitosha and Lyulin. The town occurred in the 8th – 7th century B.C. Since ancient times the city was famous for the abundance of cold and thermal mineral water springs. The water is still available today and is praised for its curative qualities.  
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The Rhodope Mountains The Rhodopes are a huge mountain massif in the Balkan Peninsula. The mountain, buried in age-old forests and greenery, is cut up by a complex, labyrinth-like system of valleys. The length of this huge mountain range is 240 km from west to east and 100 km from north to south. The highest peak is Golyam Perelik, 2,191 m and the average altitude above sea level is 785 m. Climate is formed under the climatic influence of The Mediterranean Sea. The average annual temperature in Western Rhodopes is 5-9oC and in Eastern Rhodopes it is considerably higher. Winter is open and snowy. The thick snow cover lies over the western parts of the mountain for about five months. The Rhodopes have been inhabited since the dawn of European civilization and are famous for their legends and myths, cultural and folk traditions. Homer called this vast land "The snowy mountains of the Thracians". The Rhodopes are associated with the ancient legend about the mythical Thracian singer Orpheus who, grief-stricken after the death of his wife, Eurydice, withdrew into the forests of Thrace (the age-old woods of the Rhodopes). Pirin Mountain Pirin mountain rises between the deep valleys of the Strouma and Mesta rivers, and its peaks, as it strung one next to the other, rise each sharper and more fearful than the other. The mountain is about 80 km long an dup to 40 km wide. The most beautiful and of definitely Alpine character is the relief of the northern part of Pirin. Forty peaks rise at a height of more than 2,600 m. The highest peak, Vihren, is 2,916 m. Rila Mountain With its highest elevation above sea level at Mousala peak, namely 2,925 m, Rila is the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula. The nowadays relief of the mountain is the result of glacier exaration activity. There is well developed tourist and balneological infrastructure in Rila – hot mineral springs, mountain resorts, sports contest centers, mountain huts, marked tourist routes, Dario-link and mountain rescue brigades, as well as historical an religious sightseeing sites. Borovets Borovets is situated at 1,350 m above sea level on the northern slopes of Rila Mountain at the foot of Mousala Peak (2,925 m), 73 km away from Sofia. It is the oldest and most renowned mountain resort in Bulgaria and offers ideal conditions for sports, recreation and tourism all year long. Tourists are offered a fast efficient lift system of substantial service capacity. The lift running from Borovets to Yastrebets is the biggest in the Balkans – 4,827 m long and has a capacity of 1,200 people per hour. The Balkan Range The Balkan Range features the backbone of Bulgaria in terms of morphology and structure. From the Timok river valley up to Emine horn on the Black Sea coast the length of the mountain range is 555 km. Its width in the eastern part is up to 50km and it occupies about 10% of the territory of Bulgaria. The highest elevation is Botev peak, 2,376 m above sea level. The relief of the mountain from west to east is structured by chains and folds, which have been further shaped by the external earth forces. There are predominantly beech and oak tree forests. The tourism infrastructure in the Balkan Range is very well developed. There are more than 100 tourist huts, homes and shelters in this mountain system. |
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Northern Black Sea Coast Clean and calm sea with shallow sloping sandy bottom, wide beaches with fine-grain golden sand, venerable forests and numerous mineral springs. All these features make the Northern Black Sea coast an attractive place for Bulgarian and foreign holiday-makers. Even the most refined requirements will be satisfied by the modern resorts of Zlantni Piassatsi Albena, Riviera, Roussalka, Slanchev Den, St. St. Konstantin and Elena. The greatest fans of natural beauty and historical places can find peace in the Balchik botanical garden or the museum at Kaliakra horn. Exotic nature, rich history, modern construction – this is what our northern Black Sea offers. Southern Black Sea Coast Picturesque bays and whimsical rocks, spacious beaches with sand dunes and warm sea create the attractive force of the Bulgarian Southern Black Sea Coast. Wonderful nature in combinations with modern construction – this is the magic of the holiday villages of Elenite, Slanchev Bryag, Nessebar, Sozopol… To the north long indented coast line is bordered by the farthest spurs of the Balkan range and to the south – by the heights of the Strandzha Mountain. Even nowadays the unique culture in Strandzha is a part of the attitudes and habits of Ahtopol, Tsarevo, Kiten, Primorsko. In restaurants and bars foreign tourists are inchanted by the unique artistic atmosphere of the Strandzha fire-dances. History, culture, nature and luxury combined together – this is our southern Black Sea coast. |
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