Hospitable Bulgaria welcomes tourists all year round. The sights of Bulgaria and the excellent hotel service are a good reason to visit the sunny country. Golden Sands, Borovets and many medical resorts form the basis of numerous tourist routes, where well-trained guides work.. And any direction of travel chosen by tourists guarantees them an interesting story about all the sights, monuments and monuments along the way.
What to see in Bulgaria first of all
The main stage of travel planning is choosing where and in what order to go, and we have compiled a list of world-famous attractions. If you have guides in Bulgaria with you, then organizational issues will be solved much easier and faster, leaving yourself time to get acquainted with local traditions.
1. Aladzha Monastery (Varna)
Aladzha Rock Monastery
The monastery of Aladja was lost near the Golden Sands resort. It is difficult to determine the style of its architecture, because it is carved into the rock, and the rock is almost sheer. It is difficult to get into, and it is almost invisible from the outside. Among all the sights of Bulgaria, the monastery is one of the oldest sites. The time of its foundation is considered to be the 4th century. Until the attack of the Ottoman conquerors, the monastery was active. It ceased to function in the fourteenth century.
The medieval monastery will be of interest to those who decide what to visit in Bulgaria. The unique complex is open from May to October. More information about its history can be found in the museum, which is located at the very entrance to the monastery.
The Christian hermits who once settled here lived on the ground level of the building. There is a kitchen, a temple and monastic cells. There is a chapel on the second floor of the monastery. The rock is quite large, there are many narrow gorges in which it is easy to get lost. According to legend, it was in them that the unfortunate monks hid from the cruel Ottomans.
Official website: http://www.bulgariamonasteries.com
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2. Rila Monastery (Sofia)
The main church of the Rila Monastery in Sofia
Next to Sofia, you can see the main shrine of Bulgaria — the Rila Monastery. It is masculine and is located in the mountains. Orthodox monks have found solace in prayers here since the 10th century. John Rylsky became the founder of the monastery. Having settled in one of the crevices, he attracted many of his students here, who gradually began to settle in these rocks.
At various times, earthquakes and fires destroyed the monastery almost to the ground. He suffered greatly from the raids of the Turks. But the inhabitants of Bulgaria are reverent about Orthodox shrines, so the monastery was restored to its pristine beauty every time.
If you have not yet decided what to visit in Bulgaria, be sure to pay attention to this object. The relics of John of Rila are kept here. In addition, the miraculous icon of the Theotokos Guidebook (Hodegetria) is also kept in the archives of the monastery.
Travelers will also be interested in the unique cross of Raphael. There are 650 figures engraved on it, united by religious themes. The monastery’s wall frescoes are amazing! All of them are handmade and made with the greatest love and with the same great skill.
For a detailed acquaintance with the monastery, you can visit the museum located nearby. Several decades ago, the Rila Monastery was included in the list of UNESCO sites.
Official website: https://rilskimanastir.org/ru/
3. The Old town of Nessebar (Nessebar)
The Old Town of Nessebar is a Bulgarian pearl
The architectural pearl of the country is called the city of Nessebar. It is located on a peninsula with a length of only 850 m. The nearest neighbor of the city is Burgas.
The history of Nessebar dates back more than one millennium. In the archaeological surveys that were carried out here at different times, there are reports of finds of various civilizations and cultures. The city is a UNESCO Heritage site, and since 1956 Nessebar has officially received the status of a museum city.
Its unique feature is the fact that tourists can see a part of the city that went under water several centuries ago. Modern Nessebar is located on a small piece of land, but almost 50 Orthodox churches are concentrated on it. And the underwater part of the city is clearly visible in clear weather.
4. Tsarevets Fortress (Veliko Tarnovo)
Tsarevets medieval fortress on a rocky hill
What do you think to visit in Bulgaria? Make no mistake, Tsarevets Fortress is open to visitors all year round. Tsarevets fortress is designated differently in different reference books. Somewhere you can see mentions that this is an architectural and historical monument. Somewhere it is indicated as a high-class hotel with excellent service.
But it is worth seeing this boutique hotel, which is located in Veliko Tarnovo, at least in order to enjoy the magnificent audiovisual show “Light and Sound”.
The service at the hotel begins with accommodation in comfortable compact rooms. All the benefits of civilization are provided to those who come to see the sights of Bulgaria. Next to the hotel, tourists will be greeted by private parking, which they will not have to pay for.
The hotel has only 3 floors. A yellow sandstone staircase leads to them. The hotel has been renovated in an elegant style, and it is pleasant to stay in it at any time of the year.
Official website: http://www.bulgariatravel
5. Queen Mary’s Palace (Balchik)
The summer residence of Queen Mary with a minaret and a Botanical garden
Those who appreciate aesthetics and harmony in architecture tend to visit the beautiful palace of Queen Mary. It is one of the most famous historical monuments of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. Now it has been restored and is being protected by the state.
The palace is the summer residence of Queen Mary. This is an amazingly beautiful place, surrounded by fabulous flowers and evergreen vines. The greenhouses surrounding the palace are laid out with scientific precision. There are many elegant compositions of living plants, as well as architectural ensembles.
Tourists are always surprised at how the modest decoration of the palace does not correspond to its name. It is a two-storey building with several rooms. Mary’s throne is made of stone. According to legend, the queen loved to admire the sunrise and sunset from it. Interestingly, tourists are always given the opportunity to sit on this throne.
Official website: http://www.dvoreca.com/en
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Bulgaria!
6. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Sofia)
St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church in Sofia
What to see in Bulgaria? Of course, in your journey you can not ignore the main St. Sophia Cathedral named after Alexander Nevsky. To our contemporaries, the complex architecture of the building seems amazing. The impressive and majestic cathedral is capable of receiving 5,000 believers at the same time.
The foundation of the cathedral is associated with the 19th century. In 1882, the first stone was solemnly laid on the site of the future building. The event was timed to coincide with the liberation of Bulgaria in the Russian-Turkish war. But construction work began only at the beginning of the 20th century. The consecration of the cathedral took place in 1912.
The events of the Second World War almost destroyed the cathedral, but nowadays it has been restored to its original historical form. The reconstruction work was led by architect Pomerantsev, who is a professor at the Academy of Arts.
The main altar of the temple is named after Alexander Nevsky. The museum fund of the cathedral is very rich. In particular, over 270 frescoes and almost 100 icons can be seen in it. The scale of the structure is indicated by the fact that the dome of the temple reaches 45 m in height. And the crosses on the domes reach a height of 5 meters. The total weight of the domes is 23 tons, so their sound seems especially impressive.
7. Bachkovsky Monastery (Bachkovo)
General view of the Bachkovsky monastery
The Bachkovsky monastery has a second name — Petritzonsky. This landmark of Bulgaria is included in the list of national monuments protected by the state. This monastery united several cultures. It was founded in the 11th century by Gregory Bakuriani, a Byzantine military commander. His brother was in charge of the project with him.
Since both brothers were Georgians, the temple was originally visited by monks from that country. The monks of Bulgaria began to appear here only from the 14th century. The monastery, like many sights of Bulgaria, was destroyed by the Ottomans in the fifteenth century. It took 100 years for the Bachkovsky Monastery to be completely restored.
Representatives of different cultures have been fighting for the right to own the monastery for a long time. The Greek-Bulgarian debate continued for almost the entire 19th century. And as a result, the temple became the property of Bulgaria. The Church of the Holy Trinity has been erected in its very center. There is a cemetery next to the monastery, where the founder’s family rests.
Official website: http://www.bachkovskimanastir
8. Roman Amphitheater (Plovdiv)
Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv
The Roman amphitheater is on the list of those attractions that you must see in Bulgaria. Plovdiv is a city of contrasts. Modern high-rise buildings peacefully coexist here with ancient buildings that have long been classified as historical monuments. There are about 200 such iconic objects in Plovdiv. The Roman amphitheater is one of them.
The structure of the city is interesting. It is divided into New and Old. At the same time, the Old One is like a city within a city. It was restored with donations from Bulgarians with the participation of the state. It is currently an open-air museum.
Among the sights of Bulgaria, which are available here, there is a basilica, a theater, as well as a Roman amphitheater. According to legend, the amphitheater was built by Emperor Trajan, and the period of its construction dates back to the middle of the 2nd century AD. The amphitheater is still in operation.
9. Wine Museum (Pleven)
The Wine Museum in the city of Pleven in the Kailaka Park
To visit Bulgaria and not get acquainted with the wine museum means not to see all the sights in Bulgaria. It is located next to an artificial reservoir in Pleven. The entrance to the museum is made in a colorful manner. It’s like he was cut down in a cave.
Stylish heavy grilles protect the windows in the manner of a medieval castle. The arch leading inside seems to be made of rough rough stones. But in fact, the structure meets all modern engineering and technical requirements.
In 1902, the National Wine Institute began operating in Pleven. Professional viticultural art is fully represented in the museum’s exposition. It would be strange, presenting the sights of Bulgaria to tourists, to ignore the wines, which are rightfully considered national masterpieces. The generous southern sun of Bulgaria allows the vine to ripen completely, so Bulgarian wines are famous for their particularly rich taste.
The museum has two tasting rooms and an exhibition pavilion. Those who are interested in the history of Bulgarian winemaking can visit the historical hall. The richness of the assortment is evidenced by the fact that the museum’s collection contains 12,000 brands of wine.
10. St. Peter’s Cathedral Sofia (Sofia)
St. Sophia Cathedral is a symbol of the Bulgarian capital
St. Peter’s Cathedral Sofia is a landmark not only in Bulgaria, but also a notable phenomenon of world art. It is an active Orthodox church. This cathedral is appreciated and revered in Bulgaria. He is depicted on the coat of arms of Sofia.
St. Peter’s Cathedral Sofia was built in the 4th century. Initially, it was a modest and nondescript church, but, at the behest of the Roman Emperor Constantine 1, a luxurious cathedral was later built on the site of the small church.
The monumentality of the structure is always admired by tourists. If you are wondering what to see in Bulgaria, St. Peter’s Cathedral. Sofia should be the first point of your trip. The barbarians almost completely destroyed the cathedral, but it was rebuilt during the reign of Justinian 1.
The composition of the temple is a cross. The unusual structure lies in the fact that the domes are made sloping-flat. Reconstruction events were held periodically in the cathedral. At the end of the 20th century, regular restoration work was done on the territory of the cathedral and ancient Roman catacombs were found.
Today there is a beautiful monument to the doctor on the territory of the cathedral. Russian Russian doctors, who died during the Russo-Turkish war, are dedicated to it.
Sights of Bulgaria: what else to visit while in Bulgaria
Studying the historical and natural monuments of the country will be a great pleasure for both children and adults, especially since you can create a route that will be suitable in duration and fit into your budget. Excursions in Bulgaria to the places presented in the list below will be no less memorable.
11. Bulgarian Nature Reserve city (Veliko Tarnovo)
A picturesque corner of the Veliko Tarnovo Nature Reserve
Veliko Tarnovo is a small town, but it plays a big role in the cultural life of Bulgaria. It is a recognized center of literature and architecture. At different time stages, the city was ruled by Ivan Shishman, Ivan Alexander, Ivan Asen 2. By the 14th century, the city was actively built up, it had many beautiful monuments of architecture and architecture. But in 1393, the Ottomans almost completely burned Veliko Tarnovo.
During the long Ottoman rule, Bulgarian authenticity was practically exterminated. In 1878, the Turkish yoke fell, and the city began to gradually revive. Currently, there are many iconic sites here, because it is not for nothing that Veliko Tarnovo is considered a nature reserve city. The Patriarchal Cathedral of the Ascension and the Church of Saints Paul and Peter are particularly proud of the townspeople.
12. Gabrovo
A sunny summer day in Gabrovo
On the Northern slope of Stara Mountain there is an amazing town of Gabrovo, one of the most striking sights of Bulgaria. Since the 14th century, Gabrovo has been steadily gaining economic weight, crafts are developing here and trade is actively conducted. But Gabrovo received the status of a city only in 1860. The city has entered a period of intensive economic development since 1878, when Bulgaria was liberated from the Ottoman yoke.
Currently, mechanical engineering is quite well developed in Gabrovo. The mischievous spirit of the Gabrovians and their sparkling jokes are known all over the world. The city is traditionally considered not only the economic capital of Bulgaria, but also the capital of humor. Here, for example, there is a House of Satire and Humor.
One of its exhibits was a copy of the Honorary Certificate of Assignment to asteroid (minor planet) No. 2206 named after Gabrovo. The casuistry of this event is that asteroid number 2206 was discovered on World Laughter Day.
The city has the same reputation as Odessa in Ukraine. It hosts humorous festivals every year. Russian cartoonists Mikhail Zlatkovsky and Vitaly Peskov have become laureates of the Gabrovo festivals at various times.
13. Jumaya Mosque (Plovdiv)
Jumaya Mosque on Jumayat Square in Plovdiv
Bulgaria is full of not only Christian monuments and cathedrals. There is a Jumaya Mosque in the city of Plovdiv. It will be interesting for those who are wondering what to see in Bulgaria. The mosque was built in 1364, almost immediately after the conquest of Plovdiv by the Ottomans. It is significant that earlier the Cathedral of St. Petka Tarnovskaya was located on the site of the mosque. That is, the mosque had a significant religious significance.
The mosque existed in its original form for 60 years. Sultan Murad 2 ordered the destruction of the building and the construction of a new, more monumental and majestic one. Currently, the Jumaya Mosque exists in this form. This is one of the old religious symbols. The building is built in 2 rows of bricks. In addition, there is a row of wild stone in the brickwork. The domes are covered with lead, and the minaret towers over the northeastern part of the mosque.
The interior of the mosque is richly decorated with floral sculpting. In addition, according to Muslim tradition, the mosque is decorated with quotations from the Koran carved in stone. Currently, entrance to the prayer hall is subject to a strict dress code, which implies the absence of shoes and the presence of clothing covering the entire body. A headscarf is required for women. This is because the mosque remains operational.
14. Varna
Varna is the sea capital of Bulgaria
Varna is a port city and at the same time one of the largest Bulgarian resorts. Since the 6th century BC, Varna was considered the Greek colony of Odessos. In the twelfth century, the name of Varna was first defined in its modern form. The city is named in tune with the flowing Varna River.
The hotel service in Varna has been brought to the highest European level. Tourists are offered both five-star and more budget hotels here. Among the sights of Bulgaria, you should definitely visit the Assumption Cathedral, the archaeological museum, the Aladzha Monastery.
For those traveling with children, it will be interesting to see the dolphinarium and the Marine Garden Park. Dolphin performances are systematically held in the dolphinarium, here you can see these beautiful animals in all their splendor. The Marine Garden, which stretches for several kilometers along the Black Sea coast, was founded more than a century ago. It contains the rarest exhibits of the local flora.
Having close ties with Russia, Varna takes care of the monuments to Russian soldiers. In addition, the city has streets named after Alexander Pushkin, Gabriel Derzhavin, Vladimir Vysotsky, as well as Tsar Liberator Square.
15. Kamchia Nature Reserve (Kamchia)
View of the unique Kamchia Nature Reserve
The reserve is located 25 kilometers from Varna and crowns the natural attractions of Bulgaria. This territory received the status of a nature reserve in 1951. The reserve became a UNESCO site in 1977 under the program “Man and the Biosphere”. This is a unique biosphere reserve, the purpose of which is to preserve the ecological purity and originality of the flora and fauna of this area.
The forests along the Kamchia River are preserved intact. Cutting down trees is strictly prohibited here, and all plants are protected by the state. Since 1984, the area of the reserve has been 842 hectares.
In total, 245 species of various plants have been registered here. Amazingly beautiful panoramic landscapes attract tourists from all over the world. Excursions are always accompanied by professional guides. The Kamchia Nature Reserve is located on the territory of the Avren and Dolni Chiflik communities.
As for the wildlife, it is also under state protection. In particular, there is a great ornithological diversity in the reserve. More than 250 species of birds live here. Rare birds have been registered on the territory of the reserve, which have all the conditions to maintain the population.
These include, for example, the black stork, the lesser spotted eagle, and the cheglok. The reserve is interesting to many tourists, and it is included in popular tourist routes. It is especially often visited by vacationers in the nearby resorts of Kamchia and Shkorpilovtsi.
Visits to the reserve are strictly regulated, since it belongs to those sights of Bulgaria that are carefully protected by the state. Of course, hunting is prohibited here at any time.
The climatic conditions here are very favorable for recreation. For example, there is high humidity in this region, and the average temperature in summer does not exceed 23 degrees Celsius. Despite the fact that coastal forests are sometimes flooded during the meltwater season, local authorities try to maintain an optimal ecological balance.
16. Rotunda of St. George (Sofia)
View of the altar part of the rotunda of St. George against the backdrop of the Sheraton hotel in Sofia
The oldest cathedral of Sofia is the rotunda of St. George, built in the 4th century on the site of the ancient Serdika. For many years the church was a baptistery, and in the 16th century, when Bulgaria came into the possession of the Turks, the Muslims converted it into a mosque. After these lands were recaptured, the Christian temple was restored, and during a large-scale restoration, unique early Christian frescoes were discovered on the walls, later painted over by Muslims. Today, the rotunda has become a museum, but even today, worship services are regularly held here. The building is built of brick, has narrow high windows, 6 semicircular outbuildings, and inside you can see ancient frescoes, on top of which intricate Muslim patterns flaunted just over a century ago. Today, the rather ascetic rotunda stands out spectacularly against the background of modern Sofia buildings, inspiring awe with its venerable age.
17. Boyana Church (Boyana village)
Medieval Boyana Church in the village of Boyana at the foot of the Vitosha Mountains in Bulgaria
There are 9 UNESCO Heritage sites in Bulgaria, and the Boyana Church in the suburbs of Sofia is one of them. It is located in the Boyana area at the very foot of the famous Bulgarian Vitoshi mountain. Due to the fact that the church was built in 3 stages, it consists of three corresponding parts. The first is a one-apse temple, built in the 10th century. The second is a two–storey church, built in the 13th century by Tsar Kaloyan, there was a family tomb and a chapel for the royal family. The third is a fairly new extension, which appeared here already in the 19th century with donations from parishioners. The main value of the temple today is the preserved wall paintings made in the medieval period in the best Byzantine traditions. These frescoes are distinguished by contrast and flattening of the image – with such techniques, the masters achieved a special expressiveness of the faces, giving them vivid human emotions.
Official website: http://www.boyanachurch
18. Fortress and rocks of Belogradchik (Belogradchik)
Gates and walls of the Belogradchik fortress on the northern slope of the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria
The Belogradchik Rocks are a group of sandstones up to 200 meters high near the town of Belogradchik
There are historical sights of Bulgaria, the presentation of which presents them not only from the point of view of history, but also from the point of view of natural aesthetics. So, Belogradchik combined two interesting objects – picturesque cliffs and an ancient, well-preserved fortress. The settlement here was formed at the very beginning of our era – there were several convenient mountain trails at this place, so the Romans decided to build the first fortifications here. During the construction of the fortress walls, they were partly built of brick and stone, partly they used the red sandstone rocks located here, so the main part of the fortress is mainly of natural origin. The Romans, Turks, Byzantines, and Bulgarians worked on its construction at various times. There are two interesting caves in the rocks, and in the fortress there is an observatory with one of the best telescopes in Bulgaria.
19. Rozhensky Monastery (5 km from Melnik)
The medieval Orthodox Rozhensky Monastery in the Pirin Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria
Three-storey residential buildings with galleries in the courtyard of the Rozhdestvensky Monastery
On the top of the Bulgarian Pirin mountain, about 5 kilometers from the city of Melnik, there is the medieval Rozhensky monastery of the 9th century, one of the most revered monasteries in the country. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the buildings were painted in the best traditions of the Athos school, and in the 19th century the monastery acquired the status of the largest cultural and spiritual center of the country. A school of calligraphy was opened here and several valuable manuscripts were written, including the famous “Interpretation of Job”. Nowadays, the monastery is maintained in excellent well-maintained condition and is open to the public. Externally, the Rozhensky monastery looks like a real fortress capable of withstanding a serious siege – the monastic cells and refectories themselves serve as fortifications. In the courtyard you can also see your interesting places – a large farm with a farm and vineyards is located here. The main value of the monastery is the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary with the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.
20. Thracian tomb in Kazanlak (Kazanlak)
The dome over the Thracian tomb and the arch (left) of the Ottoman period in the Tulbeto Izvora Park
Chariot Racing – preserved frescoes in a Thracian tomb near the city of Kazanlak Psy guy
Kazanlak is famous for its mysterious monument, the history of which begins in the period of antiquity. The Thracian tomb, once buried underground, has miraculously survived to the present day. Thrace was once a prosperous state, but to this day the Thracian people have been little studied, primarily due to their lack of writing. In the 5th–4th century BC, the Thracian city of Sevtopolis existed on this land – it was during this period that the burial mounds of the Thracian kings were made. Today, the ruins of Sevtopolis rest at the bottom of the Koprinka reservoir near Kazanlak. The tomb itself, discovered only in the middle of the last century, consists of 3 connected rooms. The vestibule, built of large stone, has been preserved only partially. A corridor leads from it to a burial chamber with well-preserved frescoes depicting the farewell dinner of the tsar and his wife.
Official website: http://www.muzei-kazanlak
21. Valley of Roses (Bulgaria)
Damask rose plantations in the Valley of Roses at the foot of the Staraya Planina mountains in Bulgaria
For those who travel to the Balkans not only to see samples of cultural and historical heritage, but also to relax in nature, there are suitable sights of Bulgaria: Sunny Beach and the thousand-year-old cities of Nessebar and Sozopol, Golden Sands and Alben with the widest sandy strip of the snow—white coast – and this is just a beach holiday. But there are extremely beautiful places in the mountains of Bulgaria — a vivid example of this is the Valley of Roses, located between the ridge of the Balkan Mountains and the Sredna Gora mountain range. This place is rightfully considered a national symbol, because Bulgaria is often called the “land of roses”. To obtain rose oil useful in cosmetics, roses are grown here on an industrial scale, but the plantings do not look like farmland, but like a magical garden that blooms magnificently in May and June. A trip to the valley allows you not only to enjoy the delightful sight of blooming fields, but also to see the procedure for collecting petals, and purchase cosmetics and incense based on rose extracts.
22. The village of Shiroka-Lyka (Smolyan region)
The original village of Shiroka-Lyka of the 17th century in the Rhodope mountains in Bulgaria
When choosing what to see in Bulgaria in winter, it is worth remembering that due to the mountainous landscape in the country there are ski resorts with an excellent level of service, including Pamporovo resort with dozens of hotels and a total length of about 55 kilometers of trails. Having rolled enough from the snowy slopes, you can go to the architectural reserve located 16 km from here — the ancient Bulgarian Village of Shiroka-Lyka in the Rhodope Mountains. In winter, this ethnographic settlement looks especially picturesque, with its narrow streets sunk in snow, on both sides of which there are stone houses with wooden gates and neat verandas. The architecture of the village has retained its original appearance, flavor and originality since the 17th century. Shiroka-Lyka is also known as the venue for the annual March festival of cookers (mummers), and it is also famous for its Ethnographic Museum, which is the house of a wealthy 19th century villager.
23. Baba Vida Fortress (Vidin)
The medieval fortress of Baba Vida in the city of Vidin on the banks of the Danube Klearchos Kapoutsis
The territory of the Baba Vida fortress is open to tourists and vacationers all year round Elena Chochkova
Baba Vida is the only surviving Medieval fortress in Bulgaria, located in the town of Vidin on the banks of the Danube. The area of the structure with a defensive moat is more than 9 hectares, and the fortification consists of an external high wall about 2 meters thick with 9 towers, as well as an internal wall surrounding an area built up with buildings. From the middle of the last century to the present day, the fortress has been open to the public: two towers are available for visiting, and a museum operates in the former prison, where instruments of torture are presented as exhibits, figures of the victim and the executioner are recreated. On the terrace you can see a real medieval gallows, and a little further there are ancient cannons. Once a medieval festival was held within the walls of the fortress, and today there is a summer theater for 350 spectators, where concerts and other cultural events are regularly held.
24. Ruins of ancient Pliska (Pliska)
The ruins of the Great Basilica of Pliska in the National Historical and Archaeological Reserve “Pliska”
In Bulgaria, you can find a huge number of antiquities, especially in this regard, the city of Pliska has distinguished itself. The ruins of the medieval city occupy a huge area of 2,300 hectares – once it was a large prosperous city and the capital of the Bulgarian state. Before the conquest of Pliska in the 9th century by Byzantium, there were mainly wooden structures here, and later new fortress walls and stone buildings appeared in their place, there was even its own water supply network of clay and tin pipes connected to public baths. An important role in the development of Pliska was played by the adoption of Christianity, when the active construction of churches began here, one of which, the Great Basilica, has partially survived to the present day. Excavations of the ancient city started in 1899 and are still underway. All the discovered fragments of buildings have been preserved and are now protected as a large open-air museum-reserve.
25. Shipka Pass and Freedom Monument
View of the Freedom Monument on Shipka Pass Infobgv
While the sights of Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast are numerous resorts that are considered the best place to relax with children, with affordable prices, an abundance of entertainment and a decent level of service, away from the coast the most beautiful places are concentrated in the mountains. So, in the Balkan Mountains there is one unique place – the Shipka pass, through which the highway connecting the cities of Kazanlak and Gabrovo passes. But it is not only the beauty of the mountain landscapes that attracts tourists here – at the peak of the Centuries, the Freedom Memorial stands, erected in memory of the soldiers who fell in the struggle for the liberation of Bulgaria in the Russian-Turkish war at the end of the 19th century. Thus, the Shipka Pass has the status not so much of a natural as a historical landmark in Bulgaria. Burgas and other coastal resorts are located at an impressive distance from here — you can get to the coast by car or tour bus in about 4 hours through mountainous landscapes. Serbia, a country of friendly and warm-hearted people, is located next to Bulgaria. While in Bulgaria, think about visiting this country as well. Explore the sights of Serbia and get inspired for your further journey through Eastern Europe!
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