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Hospitable Bulgaria welcomes tourists all year round. The sights of Bulgaria and 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, on which well-trained guides work. And any direction of travel chosen by tourists guarantees them an interesting story about all the sights, monuments and monuments encountered on the way.
What to see first in Bulgaria
The main stage of travel planning is the choice of where and in what sequence to go, and we have compiled a list of world-famous attractions. If you have guides in Bulgaria with you, then organizational issues can be solved much easier and faster, leaving yourself time to get acquainted with local traditions.
1. Aladzha Monastery (Varna)
Aladzha rock monastery
Aladzha Monastery is lost near the resort of Golden Sands. 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 hit it, and it is almost invisible from the outside. Among all the sights of Bulgaria, the monastery is one of the oldest objects. 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. You can learn more about its history in the museum, which is located at the very entrance to the monastery.
The Christian hermits who once settled here lived on the first 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 it, 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
2. Rila Monastery (Sofia)
The main church of the Rila Monastery in Sofia
Near Sofia you can see the main shrine of Bulgaria – the Rila Monastery. It is male and is located in the mountains. Orthodox monks from the 10th century found comfort in prayers here. The founder of the monastery was John of Rylsky. 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. It also suffered greatly from the raids of the Turks. But the inhabitants of Bulgaria are sensitive to Orthodox shrines, so the monastery was restored to its original 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 Rylsky are kept here. In addition, the miraculous icon of the Virgin Guide (Hodegetria) is also kept in the archives of the monastery.
Travelers will also be interested in the unique cross of Raphael. It is engraved with 650 figures united by religious themes. The wall frescoes of the monastery 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/en/
3. Old Town of Nessebar (Nessebar)
The old town of Nessebar is a Bulgarian gem
The city of Nessebar is called the architectural pearl of the country. It is located on a peninsula, the length of which is only 850 m. The nearest neighbor of the city is Bourgas.
The history of Nessebar has more than one millennium. Archaeological surveys that were carried out here at different times contain 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 < p>Thinking what to visit in Bulgaria? Do not hesitate, the Tsarevets fortress is open to visitors all year round. In different reference books, the Tsarevets fortress is designated differently. Somewhere you can see references to the fact 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, if only to enjoy the magnificent audiovisual show Light and Sound '.
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. Near the hotel, tourists will be met by private parking, for which you will not have to pay.
The hotel has only 3 floors. A yellow sandstone staircase leads to them. The hotel has been renovated in an elegant style and is a pleasure to be in at any time of the year.
Official website: http://www.bulgariatravel
5. Palace Queen Mary (Balchik)
The summer residence of Queen Mary with a minaret and a botanical garden
Those who appreciate aesthetics and harmony in architecture seek to visit the beautiful palace of Queen Mary. This is one of the most famous historical monuments of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. Now it has been restored and is protected by the state.
The palace is the summer residence of Queen Mary. This is an amazingly beautiful place, immersed in 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. This is a two-story building with several rooms. The throne of Mary is made of stone. According to legend, it was from him that the queen loved to admire the sunrise and sunset. 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)
Temple-monument of St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia
What to see in Bulgaria? Of course, on your journey you cannot ignore the main St. Sophia Cathedral named after Alexander Nevsky. Our contemporaries find the complex architecture of the building surprising. The impressive and in its own way 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 structure. 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 today it has been restored in its original historical form. The reconstruction work was led by the 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 it, in particular, you can see over 270 frescoes and almost 100 icons. The scale of the structure is evidenced by the fact that the dome of the temple reaches a height of 45 m. 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. Bachkovo Monastery (Bachkovo)
General view of the Bachkovo Monastery
The Bachkovo Monastery has a second name – Petritsonsky. This landmark of Bulgaria is included in the list of national monuments protected by the state. This monastery brought together several cultures. It was founded in the 11th century by Gregory Bakuriani, a Byzantine military leader. Together with him, the project was led by his brother.
Since both brothers were Georgians, the temple was originally visited by monks from this 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 Bachkovo Monastery to be completely restored.
Representatives of different cultures fought for the right to own the monastery for a long time. The Greek-Bulgarian discussion continued for almost the entire 19th century. And in the end, the temple became the property of Bulgaria. In its very center, the Church of the Holy Trinity was erected. Near the monastery there is a cemetery 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 must-see sights in Bulgaria. Plovdiv is a city of contrasts. Modern high-rise buildings peacefully coexist here with ancient buildings, which 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 is, as it were, a city within a city. It was restored with donations from the Bulgarians with the participation of the state. Currently, it is an open-air museum.
Among the sights of Bulgaria that are available here are the basilica, the theater, as well as the 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 active.
9. Wine Museum (Pleven)
The wine museum in the city of Pleven in the park “Kailaka”
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 looks like it was carved in a cave.
Stylish heavy bars serve as window protection in the manner of a medieval castle. The arch leading inside is made as if from unhewn rough stones. But in fact, the building meets all modern engineering and technical requirements.
In 1902, the National Institute of Wine began to function in Pleven. Professional viticultural art is fully represented in the museum 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 grapevine to fully ripen, which is why 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. Hagia Sophia (Sofia)
Hagia Sophia – a symbol of the Bulgarian capital
Hagia Sophia is a landmark not only in Bulgaria, but also a notable phenomenon of world art. This is an active Orthodox church. In Bulgaria, this cathedral is valued and revered. It is depicted on the coat of arms of Sofia.
Hagia Sophia 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 magnificent cathedral was later built on the site of a small church.
The monumentality of the structure always arouses admiration among tourists. If you are wondering what to see in Bulgaria, Hagia Sophia should be the first stop on your trip. The barbarians almost completely destroyed the cathedral, but it was restored 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 slopingly flat. Reconstruction events were periodically carried out 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. It is dedicated to Russian doctors who died during the Russian-Turkish war.
Sights of Bulgaria: what else to visit while in Bulgaria
Exploring the historical and natural monuments of the country will bring great pleasure to both children and adults, especially since you can create a route that will suit the duration and fit into your budget. Excursions in Bulgaria to the places presented in the list below will become no less memorable.
11. Bulgarian city-reserve (Veliko Tarnovo)
A picturesque corner of the city-reserve of Veliko Tarnovo
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 periods the city was ruled by Ivan Shishman, Ivan Alexander, Ivan Asen 2. By the 14th century the city was actively built up, there were 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 destroyed. In 1878, the Turkish yoke fell, and the city began to gradually revive. Currently, there are many iconic objects here, because it is not without reason that Veliko Tarnovo is considered a city-reserve. The Patriarchal Cathedral of the Ascension and the Church of Saints Paul and Peter are a special pride of the townspeople.
12. Gabrovo
Sunny summer day in Gabrovo
On the northern slope of Mount Stara is the amazing town of Gabrovo, one of the most striking sights in 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.
At present, mechanical engineering is quite well developed in Gabrovo. The mischievous spirit of the Gabrovites 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 the House of Satire and Humor.
One of its exhibits was a copy of the Honorary Certificate of conferring the name Gabrovo on asteroid (minor planet) No. 2206. 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. Every year it hosts humorous festivals. Russian cartoonists Mikhail Zlatkovsky and Vitaly Peskov have become laureates of Gabrovo festivals at various times.
13. Dzhumaya Mosque (Plovdiv)
Dzhumaya Mosque on Dzhumayata Square in Plovdiv
Bulgaria is not only full of Christian monuments and cathedrals. In the city of Plovdiv there is a mosque Dzhumaya. It will be of interest to those who are thinking about 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 on the site of the mosque there was the Cathedral of St. Petka Tarnovskaya. That is, the mosque had a significant religious significance.
In its original form, the mosque existed for 60 years. Sultan Murad 2 ordered to destroy the building and build a new one, more monumental and majestic. Currently, the Dzhumaya mosque exists in this form. This is one of the old religious symbols. The building was 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 rises above the northeastern part of the mosque.
The inside of the mosque is richly decorated with floristry-themed stucco work. In addition, according to the tradition of Muslims, the mosque is decorated with quotes from the Koran carved in stone. Currently, entrance to the prayer hall is subject to a strict dress code, which includes no shoes and clothing that covers the entire body. A headscarf is required for women. This is explained by the fact that the mosque remains active.
14. Varna
Varna – the sea capital of Bulgaria
Varna is a port city and at the same time one of the largest Bulgarian resorts. From the 6th century BC, Varna was considered the Greek colony of Odessos. In the twelfth century, the name of Varna in its modern form was first defined. The city is named after the flowing river Varna.
Hotel service in Varna has been brought to the highest European level. Tourists are offered hotels both five-star and more budget. Among the sights of Bulgaria, you should definitely visit the Assumption Cathedral, the archaeological museum, the Aladzha Monastery.
Those traveling with children will be interested in seeing the Dolphinarium and the Sea Garden Park. In the dolphinarium, dolphin performances are regularly held; here you can see these beautiful animals in all their splendor. The Sea 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 treats monuments to Russian soldiers with care. In addition, the city has streets named after Alexander Pushkin, Gavriil Derzhavin, Vladimir Vysotsky, as well as the Tsar Liberator Square.
15. Kamchia (Kamchia) Nature Reserve
View of the unique nature reserve Kamchia
The reserve is located 25 kilometers from Varna and crowns the natural sights of Bulgaria. This territory received the status of a reserve in 1951. The reserve became a UNESCO object 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 river Kamchia are preserved in pristine integrity. It is strictly forbidden to cut down trees, 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. Tours are always accompanied by professional guides. The Kamchia reserve is located on the territory of the Avren and Dolni Chiflik communities.
As for the animal world, 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 are 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 hobby bird. The reserve is of interest to many tourists, and it is included in popular tourist routes. Especially often it is 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, this region has high air humidity, and the average summer temperature does not exceed 23 degrees Celsius. Despite the fact that coastal forests are sometimes flooded during the meltwater season, local authorities are trying 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 in Sofia is the rotunda of St. George, erected in the 4th century on the site of 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 found on the walls, later painted over by Muslims. Today, the rotunda has become a museum, but even today services are regularly held here. The building was built of brick, has narrow high windows, 6 semicircular outbuildings, and inside you can see old frescoes, on top of which intricate Muslim patterns flaunted just over a century ago. Today, the rather ascetic rotunda effectively stands out 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 mountain Vitosha. Due to the fact that the church was built in 3 stages, it consists of three corresponding parts. The first is a single-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 notable for their contrast and flattening of the image – with similar techniques, the masters achieved special expressiveness of faces, giving them lively 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
Belogradchik rocks – a group of sandstones up to 200 meters high near the town of Belogradchik
There are historical sites in Bulgaria, the presentation of which presents them not only from the standpoint of history, but also from the point of view of natural aesthetics. So, Belogradchik combined two interesting objects – picturesque rocks and an ancient, well-preserved fortress. The settlement here was formed at the very beginning of our era – several convenient mountain paths passed through 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 using the red sandstone rocks located here, so the main part of the fortress is predominantly of natural origin. Romans, Turks, Byzantines, Bulgarians worked on its construction at different 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. Rozhen Monastery (5 km from Melnik)
Medieval Orthodox Rozhen Monastery in the Pirin Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria
Three-tier residential buildings with galleries in the courtyard of the Nativity Monastery
On the top of the Bulgarian mountain Pirin, about 5 kilometers from the town of Melnik, is the medieval Rozhen Monastery of the 9th century, one of the most revered monasteries in the country. In the 16th-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 “Explanation of Job”. Today, the monastery is maintained in excellent well-groomed condition and is open to the public. Outwardly, the Rozhen Monastery looks like a real fortress that can withstand a serious siege – the monastic cells and refectories themselves serve as fortifications. In the courtyard you can also see your interesting places<b> -</b> there is a large farm with a farm and vineyards. 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 the Thracian tomb near the city of Kazanlak Psy guy
Kazanlak is famous for its mysterious monument, the history of which dates back to the period of antiquity. The Thracian tomb, once buried underground, miraculously survived to this day. Thrace was once a prosperous state, but to this day the Thracians have been little studied, primarily due to their lack of writing. In the 5th-4th c. BC. on this land there was the city of Thrace Sevtopolis – it was during this period that the burial mounds of the Thracian kings were made. Today, the ruins of Sevtopolis lie 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 survived only partially. A corridor leads from it to the burial chamber with well-preserved frescoes depicting the farewell dinner of the king and his wife.
Official website: http://www.muzei-kazanlak
21. Rose Valley (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 in Bulgaria: Sunny Beach and the thousand-year-old cities of Nessebar and Sozopol, Golden Sands and Alben with the widest sandy strip of snow-white coast – and this just a beach holiday. But there are extraordinarily beautiful places in the mountains of Bulgaria – a vivid example of this is the Rose Valley, 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-June. A trip to the valley allows you not only to enjoy the delightful sight of flowering fields, but also to see the procedure for collecting petals, and to purchase cosmetics and incense based on rose extracts.
22. Shiroka-Lyka village (Smolyan region)
The original village of Shiroka-Laka 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 the Pamporovo resort with dozens of hotels and a total length of tracks of about 55 kilometers. 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-Laka in the Rhodope Mountains. In winter, this ethnographic settlement looks especially picturesque, with its narrow and snow-covered streets, on both sides of which there are stone houses with wooden gates and neat verandas. The architecture of the village since the 17th century has retained its original appearance, color and originality. Shiroka Laka is also known as the site of the annual March festival of kukers (mummers), and it is also famous for its Ethnographic Museum, which is the home of a wealthy villager from the 19th century.
23. Baba Vida (Vidin) Fortress
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 for tourists and vacationers all year round Elena Chochkova
Baba Vida is the only surviving fortress of the Middle Ages 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 outer high wall about 2 meters thick with 9 towers, as well as an inner wall surrounding the 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, the figures of the victim and the executioner are recreated. On the terrace you can see a real medieval gallows, and a little further on there are ancient cannons. Once upon a time, 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 Pliska National Historical and Archaeological Reserve
In Bulgaria, you can find a huge number of antiquities, especially the city of Pliska distinguished itself in this regard. The ruins of the medieval city occupy a vast area of 2300 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 a 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 this day. Excavations of the ancient city started in 1899 and are still ongoing. All discovered fragments of buildings were conserved and today they are protected as a large open-air museum-reserve.
25. Shipka Pass and Freedom Monument
View of the Freedom Monument on the Shipka Pass Infobgv
While the attractions of Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast are numerous resorts that are considered the best place for families with children, with affordable prices, an abundance of entertainment and a decent level of service, far 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 passes, connecting the cities of Kazanlak and Gabrovo. But not only the beauty of the mountain scenery attracts tourists here – on the peak of Stoletov stands the Freedom Memorial, erected in memory of the soldiers who died 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 of not so much a natural as a historical landmark of Bulgaria. Burgas and other coastal resorts are located at an impressive distance from here – you can get to the coast by car or sightseeing bus in about 4 hours driving through mountainous landscapes. Next to Bulgaria is a country of friendly and cordial people – Serbia. While in Bulgaria, think about visiting this country as well. Explore the sights of Serbia and get inspired for your next trip to Eastern Europe!
