With the roses in full bloom, Bulgaria, which is overflowing with the fragrance of flowers, welcomes the grand Rose Festival (Rose Festival) again! According to tradition, the Rose Festival is usually held on the first Sunday in June. Whenever the roses are harvested, the local people will wear national costumes and dance folk dances, enjoying the most important festival and the most lively atmosphere among the petals scattered all over the sky.
But the excitement of Bulgaria is far more than that. Apart from the carnival, there are also splendid and long coasts and historic buildings. The festive atmosphere is so good, how can we not go around and have a look? Walk through the streets and alleys, and meet the grandest sea of flowers in the most beautiful rose festival~
Bulgaria
Breathtaking mountains, golden beaches, cities surrounded by music and art… Bulgaria has a lot to love: no wonder the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Turks would all clamor to say it was theirs.
As the oldest country on the European continent, Bulgaria is rich in ancient treasures. The mysterious Thracian left behind countless shining treasures of gold and silver, as well as tombs for future generations to dig. The scale of the city built by the Romans is breathtaking, and the remains of baths, walls and amphitheatres sit peacefully in the modern city.
Thousands of years later, Bulgaria is still fascinating, with its stunning coastline and fertile gorges filled with vines and seasonal flowers.
Kazanlak
For centuries Kazanlak has been a production center for the fragrant European rose oil. This unremarkable town is also the gateway to the Valley of the Thracian Kings, meaning you can see both fragrant flowers and awe-inspiring tombs in one trip.
Roses [Rosa damascena, strictly speaking, is fragrant] bloom from mid May to mid June. Their soft rose essential oil is used to make moisturizing lipstick, liqueur, jam and candy. The Rose Festival in Kazanlek is a highlight of this season. You can also explore the history of rose essential oil production at the Rose Museum, which is open all year round, or visit Enio Bonchev Rose Distillery, 27 kilometers west of Kazanlek. You can confirm your visit time by phone or email in advance.
Long before the first rose seedling sprouted, Thrace people (a brave Indo European tribe) ruled the land. Archaeologists believe that there are at least 1500 Thrace burial mounds and tombs in the nearby area. Most tourists will visit the replica tomb of Replica Thracian Tomb of Kazanl â k in Thrace; During the study of ancient tombs, the original tombs were not open to tourists.
Many tombs can be reached by tourist buses or self driving: between the villages of Kazanlek and Shipka, you can visit the Shushmanets Tomb built in the 4th century AD and the mysterious Ostrusha Tomb, where the tomb owner’s sarcophagus is carved from a single stone slab.
Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria’s relaxed and leisurely capital, is not a metropolis, but a modern city full of youth. It is dotted with onion top churches, mosques in the Ottoman Türkiye era, and standing Red Army Monuments, giving people a sense of eclectic and exotic atmosphere.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This awe inspiring and magnificent church is not only the symbol of Sofia, but also one of the symbolic buildings of Bulgaria. It was built in 1882-1912 to commemorate the 200000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgarian independence in the Russian Türkiye War (1877-1878). Its name is in memory of a 13th century Russian prince warrior.
Hagia Sophia
Saint Sophia is one of the oldest churches in the capital, hence the city’s name. There is an ancient cemetery in an underground museum, containing 56 tombs and the remains of four other churches. Outside the church is the tomb of an unknown martyr and an indestructible flame, as well as the tomb of Ivan Vazov, Bulgaria’s most revered writer.
St. George’s Dome Church
This red brick chapel was built in the 4th century AD and is the oldest surviving building in Sofia, with murals painted from the 10th to 14th centuries. It is a busy church that is still in use today, but visitors are also welcome to visit.
Lila Monastery
Many Bulgarians believe that it is a worthwhile trip to Bulgarians to visit Lila Monastery. It has been included in the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO. The monastery is located 120 kilometers south of Sofia and was built in 927 AD. It was inspired by the powerful spiritual influence of the hermit monk Ivan Rilski and was extensively restored after being looted in 1469.
The monastery is located in a valley with lush vegetation and is perfect for hiking. The Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno here is adorned with murals and is famous, dating back to the 1830s.
The opening hours of the monastery complex are from 6am to 10pm. Visitors should dress appropriately. If time permits, one can hike to the Tomb of St Ivan, where the founder of the monastery is buried. The entire journey takes 15 minutes, starting from a road 3.7 kilometers east behind the monastery. You can also stay in the simple rooms of the Rilamonastery.pmg blg.com monastery (rooms 30-60 Lev).
Provdiv
The simple and elegant Provdiv perfectly blends millennium old monuments with passionate nightlife. Like Rome, Provdiv crossed seven hills; But as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, ‘ancient’ is far from summarizing its charm.
It is deeply loved for its romantic ancient city, as well as colorful and ancient 19th century mansions, where many museums, galleries, and inns are located. As the second largest city in Bulgaria, Provdiv is a popular city after Sofia, and the title of “2019 European Capital of Culture” will also bring new development advantages to it.
Roman Amphitheater
This magnificent circular arena, completed in the 2nd century, was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan and was exposed to the ground due to an unexpected landslide in 1972. This place used to accommodate 6000 spectators. After extensive repairs, it has become Bulgaria’s most magical performance venue and can now host large-scale events and concerts. Tourists can enjoy free viewing of the circular arena from several observation platforms along the ul Hemus route, or buy tickets to stroll in.
Ethnographic Museum
Even if you don’t have time to visit the museum, it’s very regrettable not to take a look at the courtyard of this amazing Renaissance building before leaving Provdiv. The neatly trimmed garden surrounds a mansion adorned with sea blue gold threads, with a unique pointed roof. The interior is even more breathtaking, especially with its sunny yellow walls and carved wooden ceilings, and the exhibition hall showcases many regional costumes. The exhibition of agricultural tools on the first floor is more simple.
Black Sea Coast
Bulgaria’s long Black Sea coastline is the country’s summer playground. This specially built large resort is comparable to Spain and Greece. And freelance travelers can still find many places to explore far away from sunshades and water bikes.
Varna’s “Capital of the Sea” and its coastal competitor Burgas are the two most dynamic cities in Bulgaria. Both cities are famous for their summer festivals and nightlife.
Varna
Varna is now the most interesting town along the Black Sea coast. This place combines port cities, naval bases, and seaside resorts, making it a place to spend a few days. There is a rich historical accumulation here, but it also reflects the thoroughly modern characteristics. There are large parks for people to stroll slowly, and a long white sand beach can be used for strolling. In the city center, you will find Bulgaria’s largest Roman baths and excellent archaeological museums, as well as vibrant cultural and dining landscapes.
Burgas
For most tourists, the port city of Burgas (sometimes called “Bourgas”) is just a transit station. But if you decide to stop here, you will find it a vibrant and orderly city with neat city center pedestrian streets, long beaches that are not crowded, and several small but interesting museums. Nature enthusiasts also come here to visit the four lakes outside the city, which are habitats for birds.
The only inhabited island along the coast of the Black Sea. In its long history, this small volcanic island has served as a religious practice center, prison, and bait to lure pirates (according to legend, its sand contains gold treasures). Today, the most striking scenery here is a lighthouse and a monastery, where tourists can try various medicinal herbs with significant therapeutic effects.
Grand Ternovo
The fortress walls and cobblestone paths of Grand Ternovo reflect medieval history. As one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria, the most eye-catching feature of Grand Ternovo is the breathtaking restored Tsarevets Fortress, also known as the Bulgarian Second Empire Castle.
It was once the palace of a medieval czar, and now has over 400 houses, 18 churches, as well as relics such as the palace and execution stones. However, pay attention to your feet, as there are many potholes, broken steps, and high platforms without fences. At night, this fortress will become fantastical and spectacular under the sound and light show.
Melnick
In Melnik, located 20 kilometers north of the Bulgarian Greek border, the steep sandstone pyramid forms the magnificent background of this small village.
The wine culture with a long history of 600 years has made Melnick famous worldwide. Looking through the mist rising from a Sauvignon red wine estate, the well restored national rejuvenation buildings in the village will appear more charming.
The famous wine here is the iconic deep red wine Shiroka Melnishka Loza, which is Winston Churchill’s favorite. Shops and stalls dot the cobblestone alleys of Melnick, selling red and white wines for prices starting at 3 Lev.
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