Etar
Location: Near Gabrovo, central Bulgaria.
Distance: 220 km from Sofia; 8 km from Gabrovo.
Interesting Facts: An open-air ethnographic museum showcasing Bulgarian crafts and traditions. It replicates a 19th-century Balkan village.
Places to Visit: Traditional workshops (pottery, weaving, blacksmithing), water-powered mechanisms, and authentic houses.
Best Season: Spring and summer for festivals.
How to Get There: By bus or car from Gabrovo.
Little-Known Fact: It is the only open-air museum in Bulgaria focused on pre-industrial life and trades.
Zheravna
Location: Eastern Balkan Mountains, near Kotel.
Distance: 330 km from Sofia; 48 km from Sliven.
Interesting Facts: Known for its well-preserved wooden houses from the Bulgarian Revival period.
Places to Visit: House-Museum of Yordan Yovkov, St. Nicholas Church, and narrow cobblestone streets.
Best Season: Summer, during the Festival of Folklore Costumes.
How to Get There: By car or bus to Kotel, then Zheravna.
Little-Known Fact: No modern clothing is allowed during the festival, and participants wear traditional attire.
Belogradchik Rocks
Location: Northwestern Bulgaria.
Distance: 170 km from Sofia; 50 km from Vidin.
Interesting Facts: Natural sandstone formations resembling humans and animals, integrated with a medieval fortress.
Places to Visit: Belogradchik Fortress, Magura Cave (famous for prehistoric drawings).
Best Season: Late spring or early autumn.
How to Get There: By car or bus from Sofia or Vidin.
Little-Known Fact: The rocks are steeped in legends, such as the story of a nun turned into stone for falling in love.
Sozopol
Location: Southeastern Bulgaria, on the Black Sea coast.
Distance: 420 km from Sofia; 35 km from Burgas.
Interesting Facts: One of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, founded by Greek colonists in 610 BCE. It’s also known for its romantic atmosphere.
Places to Visit: Old Town (wooden houses and cobblestone streets), Archaeological Museum, St. Ivan Island, and sandy beaches.
Best Season: Summer for the Apollonia Arts Festival.
How to Get There: By bus or car from Burgas.
Little-Known Fact: The Archaeological Museum holds relics believed to be the bones of St. John the Baptist.
Nessebar
Location: Northern Burgas Province, on the Black Sea coast.
Distance: 430 km from Sofia; 35 km from Burgas.
Interesting Facts: UNESCO World Heritage site and called the "Pearl of the Black Sea." Its history dates back 3,000 years.
Places to Visit: Old Town, Byzantine churches (e.g., Church of Christ Pantocrator), Ethnographic Museum, and nearby Sunny Beach.
Best Season: Summer for sunny beaches and cultural events.
How to Get There: By bus from Burgas.
Little-Known Fact: The Old Town is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus.
Koprivstitsa
Location: Sredna Gora Mountains, central Bulgaria
Distance: 110 km from Sofia; 50 km from Plovdiv
Interesting Facts: Known for its well-preserved Bulgarian Revival architecture, Koprivshtitsa is a town that vividly recalls the 19th-century struggle for independence. Its cobbled streets and colorful houses offer a step back in time to the Ottoman era.
Places to Visit: The historical museum of the April Uprising, the house of poet Dimcho Debelyanov, traditional crafts workshops.
Best Season: Summer for vibrant festivals and exploring the town’s historical sites.
How to Get There: By car or bus from Sofia or Plovdiv.
Little-Known Fact: Koprivshtitsa is also home to a unique folk music tradition, with the town hosting an annual National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore.
The Thracian Heritage
Explore the Heart of Bulgarian Thrace
Whether you’re walking the ancient streets of Thracian cities, marveling at the stunning landscapes, or listening to the whispers of old legends, Bulgarian Thrace invites you to discover its deep-rooted heritage. Immerse yourself in the rich history, the mythic tales, and the unforgettable beauty of this enchanting region.
Discover Bulgarian Thrace: A Journey Through Time and Legend
Nestled in the heart of Southeastern Europe, Bulgarian Thrace is a region rich in history, culture, and folklore. With its ancient towns, mysterious ruins, and vibrant traditions, it offers a captivating blend of history, mythology, and breathtaking landscapes. Known for its fertile plains and the natural beauty of its mountains, this region has been the cradle of several ancient civilizations, including the Thracians, the Romans, and the Byzantines.
In Thrace, the past comes alive. From the towering tombs of ancient kings to the haunting legends that echo through its forests, every corner of Bulgarian Thrace has a story to tell. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of myths, or simply someone seeking a peaceful escape amidst spectacular landscapes, Bulgarian Thrace offers a unique adventure.
Top 9 Sights in Bulgarian Thrace
1. The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
History: One of Bulgaria’s most significant archaeological sites, the Tomb of Kazanlak is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient burial mound dates back to the 4th century BCE and is famous for its well-preserved frescoes, which offer a glimpse into the life and beliefs of the ancient Thracians.
Legend: The tomb is said to be the final resting place of a Thracian ruler, whose life was surrounded by mysterious prophecies and gods.
2. Perperikon
History: Often referred to as the "Bulgarian Stonehenge," Perperikon is an ancient Thracian city and sanctuary. This complex hilltop site dates back to the 5th century BCE and was believed to be a religious center dedicated to the god Dionysus.
Legend: It is said that the site was the home of an oracle who predicted the future, drawing pilgrims from all over the ancient world.
3. The Valley of the Roses
History: Famous for its rose cultivation, this valley has been the center of Bulgaria’s rose oil industry for centuries. The annual Rose Festival in Kazanlak celebrates the region’s long-standing tradition.
Legend: Folklore suggests that the valley is blessed by the goddess of beauty, and it is said that the scent of the roses carries magical properties.
4. The Valley of the Kings (Valley of the Thracian Kings)
History: Situated near the town of Kazanlak, the Valley of the Kings is an ancient necropolis, home to some of the most impressive Thracian royal tombs. Dating back to the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, this site is renowned for its intricate burial mounds, which house the remains of Thracian rulers and elite nobility. These tombs are an invaluable testament to the art, culture, and rituals of the ancient Thracians.
Legend: It is believed that the tombs in the Valley of the Kings are the final resting places of powerful Thracian kings, chosen by the gods to rule over the region. Local legends speak of these rulers possessing divine powers, and their graves are said to be protected by the spirits of the land, ensuring their eternal watch over the valley.
5. Chudnite Mostove (The Wonderful Bridges)
History: Located in the Rhodope Mountains, this natural phenomenon consists of stunning stone bridges carved by nature over thousands of years. The area is a popular spot for hiking and photography.
Legend: Local folklore says that the bridges were formed by the footsteps of giants, who once roamed the mountains.
6. Sveshtari Tomb
History: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this Thracian tomb, discovered in 1982, dates back to the 3rd century BCE. Its detailed carvings and unique architecture provide insights into the Thracians' burial practices.
Legend: It is believed that the tomb belonged to a Thracian princess, and some legends tell of her tragic love story, forever immortalized in the tomb's intricate murals.
7. Starosel Thracian Complex
History: This archaeological site, located near the town of Karlovo, consists of ancient Thracian settlements and tombs, including the unique Starosel Thracian Temple, dating back to the 5th century BCE.
Legend: The temple was thought to be dedicated to the Thracian gods, and local myths tell of the sacred rites that were performed here to ensure prosperity and protection.