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| Bulgaria Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Etropole Etropole Svetoslav Kontilski Bulgaria (population: 8 000 000) has changed a lot during the last 20 years. From being a communist ruled state on the other side of the Iron Curtain it has changed into a country with some progress towards free market reforms and own tourist industry. The Bulgarian nation has come a long way since it threw off the 500-year old yoke of the Ottoman Empire in the 1870's, and is now still struggling to cope with the aftermath of Communist misrule. Renaming themselves the Bulgarian Socialist Party, the Communist long remained the dominant force in national politics after 1989. The election of a right-of-centre government in April 1997 gave ground for new hope, although low wages and high unemployment seem to remain ever-present features of Bulgarian life. Bulgaria has a large number of travel destinations, but independent travel is not really common, although there are relatively few restrictions and costs are very low. The country offers a beautiful mountainous scenery as well as sandy beaches on the Black Sea coast. You will find ski resorts, deep forests, ancient monasteries, greek and roman remains and the fascinating capital Sofia is a must for Bulgaria travelers. Veliko turnovo, the ancient capital, is a young and vibrant city that deserves a visit as well, Vratza city too. Vratza is one of the most picturesque cities in Bulgaria, and important tourist and cultural center. The main cities in Bulgaria are: Sofia (1 200 000 inhabitants) Plovdiv (340 000 inhabitants) Varna (314 000 inhabitants) Burgas (200 000 inhabitants) Stara Zagora (185 000 inhabitans) Rousse (150 000 inhabitants) Pleven (120 000 inhabitants) Vratza (80 000 inhabitans) Yambol (90 000 inhabitans) Intresting places to visit include Melnik (charming little town with excellent wine) and Rojen monastery (enjoying a great view of the mountains) , Sandanski (excellent familydestination) and Rupite (Baba Vanga´s grave), Belogradchik, Sozopol, Veliko Turnovo. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Past version of this page ______Sights Edit This The Madara rider relief, sitting low on the Madara cliffs The Madara rider relief, sitting low on the Madara cliffs Brad Zarikoff The Madara cliffs near Shumen are a majestic sight on a bright day. The reasons to visit the cliffs are three-fold. On the top of the 100m cliffs sit the ancient ruins of some Thracian settlement. On the face of the cliff sits the thousand year old rock carving of the Madara Rider, classifying the site as UNESCO heritage. And for the hiker, trails snake up the face of the cliff, with some questionable safety rails in place to give the visitor some piece of mind. The views are worth the shortness of breath. ____________History Edit This The history of the land now known as Bulgaria has been determined by its location between Asia and Europe by its proximity to powerful states competing for land and influence at the junction of trade routes and strategic military positions and by the strong national territorial drive of various Bulgarian states. Before the Christian era Greece and Rome conquered the region and left substantial imprints on the culture of the people they found there. The Bulgar tribes who arrived in the seventh century from west of the Urals have occupied the region continuously for thirteen centuries. Over time Bulgarian culture merged with that of the more numerous Slavs who had preceded the Bulgars by one century. After converting to Christianity and adopting a Slavic language in the ninth century the Bulgarians consolidated a distinct Slavic culture that subsequently passed through periods of both expansionist independence and subordination to outside political systems. From the ninth until the fourteenth century Bulgaria was a dominant force in the Balkans because of its aggressive military tradition and strong sense of national identity. The chief rival and neighbor the Byzantine Empire left a lasting political imprint on two Bulgarian empires as it competed with them for regional domination. Marking the deterioration of both the Byzantine and the Bulgarian political structures the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 began four centuries of Turkish suppression of Bulgarian cultural and political institutions. By the eighteenth century however weakening Ottoman control allowed a Bulgarian cultural revival. In the next century Western political ideas gradually combined with the reborn Bulgarian national consciousness to form an independence movement. The movement was complicated by internal disagreement on aims and methods the increasing weakness of the Ottoman foothold in Europe and the conflicting attitudes of the major European powers toward Bulgaria. Russia gained distinction as Bulgaria's protector by driving out the Turks in 1877 but France and Britain curbed Russian power in the Balkans by forcing establishment of a limited autonomous Bulgarian state under Turkish rule. The instrument of that limitation the Treaty of Berlin revived longstanding Bulgarian territorial frustrations by placing the critical regions of Macedonia and Thrace beyond Bulgarian control. Both of those disputed regions had substantial Bulgarian populations. During the next sixty years Bulgaria would fight unsuccessfully in four wars in a variety of alliances to redress the grievance. None of the four wars brought substantial new territory to Bulgaria. Beginning in 1878 Bulgaria was nominally ruled by members of West European royal houses under a parliamentary form of government. Prime Minister Stefan Stambolov unified the country during its first decade but extremist political parties exerted substantial influence from the beginning. Between 1878 and the declaration of full independence in 1908 Bulgaria passed through a period of peaceful modernization with expansion in industry science education and the arts. Modernization and industrialization sowed the seeds of class conflict however nurturing strong socialist and agrarian opposition parties in the decades that followed independence. The period between 1912 and 1944 was full of irredentist wars and internal political turmoil. By 1900 Serbia and Greece were the major territorial rivals but a World War I alliance with Germany gained Bulgaria little advantage over them. After the war the agrarian reform government of Aleksandur Stamboliiski had failed to unite the country by 1923. The series of unstable factions and forms of government that followed Stamboliiski was broken only by Bulgaria's participation as an Axis ally in World War II. Again no territory was gained but World War II brought Soviet occupation the end of the monarchy and forty-one years of unbroken communist rule beginning in 1946. During that entire period Bulgaria was the closest East European imitator of Soviet internal and foreign policy. The years 1944 through 1989 were a time of collectivization heavy industrialization drastic restriction of human rights and close adherence to Soviet Cold-War policy. _________Practical Information Edit This Climate: The Balkan range mountain devide B. on two climatic zones N.Bulgaria has continental climat - hot summers 23c in avarage, cold winter(-1.5 c); Heavy rainfalls during the early summer, annual rainfalls - 600 mm/year S. Bulgaria - mediterranean influenced - summer average temperatures - 24 - 25 c; in winter, snow cover possible for a few days - average temperature +2, +4c; the seaside lush meditteranean climate; _________Webcams & 360 degree pics Edit This PHRASES TRANSLATED FROM ENGLISH TO BULGARIAN WITH PRONUNCIATIONS [Add Webcam] S P Edit This I want to see Bulgaria's terrain. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 28765003 address: Mumba email: satendra7@hotmail.com ________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: One of the poorest countries of central Europe Bulgaria has slowly been moving from its old command economy towards a market-oriented economy. The economy faced a major crisis in 1996 marked by a banking system in turmoil a depreciating currency and contracting production and foreign trade. Foreign exchange reserves dwindled to $518 million while dramatically hiked interest rates added to the domestic debt burden and stifled growth. GDP fell by 11% in 1996 after experiencing 2.0% growth in 1995. Privatization of state-owned industries stagnated although the first auction of a mass privatization program was undertaken in late 1996. Lagging progress on structural reforms led to postponement of IMF disbursements under a $580 million standby loan agreed to in July 1996. In November 1996 the IMF proposed a currency board as Bulgaria's best chance to restore confidence in the lev eliminate unnecessary spending and avoid hyperinflation. The board was set up on 1 July 1997. Its establishment was followed by a reduction in inflation and interest rates and by a rise in foreign investment. Simultaneously the government pledged to sell off some of the most attractive state assets. GDP in 1997 dropped 7.4% but is expected to rebound to an estimated 2% in 1998. Other government objectives include: the completion of land reform the privatization and strengthening of the banking system and the modernization of the legal environment of business. GDP: purchasing power parity—$57.13 billion (2004 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 4.3% (2004 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$7,600 (2004 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 11.4% industry: 30% services: 58.6% (1997 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 3% (2004 est.) Labor force: total: 3.33 million (2004 est.) by occupation: industry 31% agriculture 26% other 43% (1998) Unemployment rate: 14.3% (2004 est.) Budget: revenues: $8.121 expenditures: $8.121 including capital expenditures of $NA (2004 est.) Industries: electricity, gas and water; food, beverages and tobacco; machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel Industrial production growth rate: 6.3% 2004 est.) Electricity—capacity: 12.087 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 41.38 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption : 32.52 billion kWh (2001) Agriculture—products: vegetables, fruits, tobacco, livestock, wine, wheat, barley, sunflowers, sugar beets, livestock Exports: total value: $7.337 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment 15.2%; agriculture and food 18.9%; textiles and apparel 14.8%; metals minerals and fuels 26.5%; chemicals and plastics 20%; other 4.6% (1996) partners: Italy 14.1%, Germany 10.9%, Greece 10.5%, Turkey 9.2%, France 5.1%, US 4.5% (2003) Imports: total value: $9.723 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) commodities: fuels minerals and raw materials 40.7%; machinery and equipment 18.4%; textiles and apparel 11.6%; agricultural products 7.5%; metals and ores 5.2%; chemicals and plastics 12.2%; other 4.4% (1996) partners: Germany 14.4%, Russia 12.6%, Italy 10.3%, Greece 6.7%, Turkey 6.2%, France 5.7% (2003) Debt—external: $12.05 billion (2004 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $300 million (2000 est.) Currency: 1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki Exchange rates: leva per US dollar - 1.5123 (2005), 1.7327 (2003), 2.077 (2002), 2.1847 (2001), 2.1233 (2000), 1.8364 (1999) note: on 5 July 1999, the lev was redenominated; the post-5 July 1999 lev is equal to 1,000 of the pre-5 July 1999 lev Fiscal year: calendar year _____________People Edit This Only place in the world where yes is a no and no is a yes: Bulgarians nod their heads left and right (our no) for yes and up and down for no (our yes) Population: 8 240 426 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16% (male 696 131; female 662 335) 15-64 years: 68% (male 2 756 695; female 2 812 192) 65 years and over: 16% (male 564 698; female 748 375) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: -0.6% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 8.08 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 13.24 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: -0.8 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 12.78 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.96 years male: 68.39 years female: 75.74 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.14 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Bulgarian(s) adjective: Bulgarian Ethnic groups: Bulgarian 85.3% Turk 8.5% Gypsy 2.6% Macedonian 2.5% Armenian 0.3% Russian 0.2% other 0.6% Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox 85% Muslim 13% Jewish 0.8% Roman Catholic 0.5% Uniate Catholic 0.2% Protestant Gregorian-Armenian and other 0.5% Languages: Bulgarian secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98% male: 99% female: 97% (1992 est.) ::::::::::::Belogradchik Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kaleto fortress Kaleto fortress ILYA Georgiev The Kale Fortress The Belogradchik fortress is a historical and architectural monument. The Bulgarian architects Diakovich and Dobrouzki made the first hypothesis for the ancient building in the end of the 19-th century. In the period between 100 - 300 AC, there was an ancient fortification built on the highest point of the rock massive. It used to guard the Roman road stretching north from Ratsiaria (on the Danube), passing trough the Balkan Mountains and continuing south to Nish, Skopie and Rome. The road was used mainly for military purposes. Communication was established with smoke signals during the day, using giant fires by night and when there was fog - by pounding giant drums. 150-meter-deep pits surrounded the fortification and the only access to it by that time was a 25-meter ladder cut directly in the rock. The archeological research has found many arrows, spear tips and metal parts, as well as pottery and Roman coins from the third century. Bulgarian historians have found evidence of about 17 other fortresses in the Belogradchik region, whose features include bases of ancient buildings and an aqueduct. In the second half of the 14-th century, the Bulgarian ruler Ivan Sratzimir expanded the existing fortification. He also built two walls (Southeast and Northwest) and put a garrison inside. In his reign, the Belogradchik fortress became the second-best in size and importance after the Vidin fortress, which was his main castle. In 1365, the Hungarian king Ludovik I invaded the Vidin area, captured Ivan Sratzimir and joined the entire region to Hungary. Historical data says that the other castles were built right after the Hungarian reign. Till the end of the occupation - in the year 1369, there was a Hungarian garrison in the Belogradchik fortress. In the end of the 14-th century the Bulgarian land was conquered by the Otoman Empire, and in 1396 the Turks took over the Belogradchik castle. In 1454 the population of the fortress consisted of only eight guards. A hundred years later, the soldiers inside the fortress were 27, including a local captain. This data is taken from a Turkish file, which tells us about the food necessities of the region. Analogical data was found in documents from 1691 and 1719. The riots in the area forced the Turkish authorities to widen and fortify the building. In the beginning of the 19-th century they made insignificant repairs and fortifications without changing its medieval look. The period 1805 - 1837 is known for the huge reconstruction and enlargement of the fortress. It was accomplished in the "contemporary" building standart. By that time the fortress' main improvements were built - 12-meter walls, three castle yards, metal gates, gun slots, granaries and ammo depots. The outer defense of the castle was also built by that time - the outer circle made out of berried wooden stakes and knitted baskets filled with stones and gravel. By that time the fortress received its European look. We know all about this improvement from the two marble sings written in both Turkish and Bulgarian, where the builders announced their change for the future generations. The signs read that the Turkish sultan Mahmoud II and the Vidin pasha Hussein improved the fortress by that time. Over the second gate the marble plate contains quotes from the Holy Koran: "All our victories are bound to Allah". The remains, which can be seen nowadays, are the headquarters of the guards and the passageways below the fortress. The latter were used as dungeon and storage place for goods. At the time of the Turkish occupation Bulgarian fighters for independence were imprisoned in those dungeons. The drawings of Felix Canitz - the Austrian-Hungarian traveler give us the only visual idea how did the fortress look in the 19th century. The Belogradchik fortress amazes us not only with its history but also with its aesthetics. The castle walls are decorated with columns, niches and reliefs with stylized images of plants and animals. The arches of the entrances are decorated with combination of red and white rocks. In the Russian-Turkish war in 1877-1878 the fight for the castle was given to colonel Kantili and his squad. They were part of the army lead by general Haralamb. The last time the fortress witnessed war activity was during the war between Bulgaria and Serbia in 1885. In the battles, the Bulgarian troops lead by colonel Dvorianov pushed the Serbian forces away from the surrounding mountains and marched to regain the Vidin region. From 1958 to 1964 the castle received small improvements: it was made available for tourist visits. Also the place was included in the 100 national tourist places and monuments of the Bulgarian culture. ::::::::::Bojencite Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i_8 Bojentzi is a small village situated on the north flanks in the central parts of the Stara planina mountain range at an altitude of 750 meters, 16km east of Gabrovo and 40km from Veliko Turnovo. The village is architectural and historical reserve with 600 years old history. Its architecture presents the typical characteristic features of the housing construction of the Bulgarian Renaissance. The small houses lie on both banks of the Bojanka river, which takes its source not far away from the village. Here, tourists may find calmness and quietness, getting into the far-off days of the past. According to the legend, the village was founded by a noble-woman, whose name was Bojana, who found shelter with her nine sons in the mountains after Veliko Turnovo was conquered by the Turks in 1393. Stock-breeding, different handicrafts and trade were the basic means of livelihood in the village. During the Bulgarian Renaissance it changed its architectural appearance. ?oday, it is widely- known that Bojentzi is the birthplace of a great number of distinguished Bulgarian writers, artists, architects and scientists. Here the traveler can stay in one of the numerous guesthouses, built in a typical 19th century style and "dive" into times of old. A couple of these houses are "Hadji Velinovia Khan" and "Stranopriemnicata". :::::::Burgas Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The center of Burgas The center of Burgas Todor Burgas is Bulgaria’s main port located on the Black Sea. At the same time, it’s an important industrial centre hence why it is recommended to only look at the waves and save your skinny dipping for elsewhere. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the industrial side of Burgas. The old town is fairly well preserved and the collection at the archaeological museum gives a good overview of the town’s past. The city also boast one of the oldest art galleries in the country, the Burgas Art Gallery, located in a former Jewish synagogue. Some 420 kilometres from Sofia. ___________Sights Edit This [Add Sight] Burgas Art Gallery Edit This type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Simeon St 24 openinghours: +359 564 21 69 ::::::::Ettur Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Sokolski Monastery Sokolski Monastery Nikola Gruev Ettura is an open air ethnographic museum created in the 1950s. It recreates a typical Bulgarian town from the Bulgarian Vuzrozhdenski Period (Bulgarian Renaissance – later 18 early 19 th century). The museum includes numerous workshops representing various crafts typical for the region, all powered by water. There are practicing craftsmen and artisans who sell their hand made art. You should not miss the café, the tavern and the lovely bakery on the premises of the museum. The museum is situated in the central Balkan mountain getting to the picturesque Sokolski Monastery is only a 1.5 hrs hike away. Location: Ettura is located at the outskirts of the town of Gabrovo. Getting to Gabrovo is easiest by bus from Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna and most larger cities in the country. Renting a car is also a great option which allows you to enjoy a scenic drive. Once in town your quickest most convenient option for getting to Ettura is hiring a cab. Cabs are available readily thought the town, there usually are many waiting at the bus station and prominent places downtown. Using public transportation is also easy and convenient. Accommodation: You may stay at the hotel located at the Ettura complex, or you may stay downtown in Gabrovo, at the Balkan Hotel (**) conveniently located in the center of the town. There you can enjoy a relaxed eastern European atmosphere, the café culture (fantastic cakes at Glinazha), farmers market, the Museum of Education and Home of Satyre. :::::::::Kamchia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Kamchia River The Kamchia River 25km south of the sea capital of Bulgaria, Varna, is situated an excellent spot for relaxation , holiday and sports. This piece of paradise is a rare combination of dense forests, the Kamchia River and The Black Sea! ::::::::Kamchia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Kamchia River The Kamchia River 25km south of the sea capital of Bulgaria, Varna, is situated an excellent spot for relaxation , holiday and sports. This piece of paradise is a rare combination of dense forests, the Kamchia River and The Black Sea! :::::Koprivshtitsa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Oslekova house museum Oslekova house museum Varsano Nestled in the heart of the Sredna Gora Mountains, the town of Koprivshtitsa played a key role in the great uprising against Ottoman rule at the end of the 19th century. A number of renowned Bulgarians were born here. Their homes have been preserved as museum houses and six of these can be visited on a wander through its cobbled streets. Many of the lovely old houses are now small, family-run hotels and restaurants. The restaurants are Bulgarian tavern style and serve traditional Bulgarian home cooking. Every five years Koprivshtitsa plays host to one of the biggest folk festivals in the Balkan region. AN ENCHANTING VILLAGE IS WAITING FOR YOU Discover the unique charm and the colorful history of the vivacious village of Koprivshtitsa. Narrow alley and century old farms and town houses it their peaceful and romantic surroundings harbor a variety of impressions just waiting to be experienced. Koprivshtitsa is protected in its entirety as a historical monument. The numerous museums, the old stone bridges and walls, the wooden yard gates, 200-year-old buildings and court-yards in their typical colors, all take you back to time long gone. Although centuries old, this celebrated village has not lost any of its vitality. Everywhere you go, you are encountered by the diversities of rural life. Horse-drown wagons and mule carts are in their way through the streets. Cows are brought in from the pastures every evening, finding their resting places in the sheds spread throughout the village. Sheep, goats and horses at the side of the road. The scenic landscape of the Sredna Gora mountain range, with its vast forest regions and the up to 1,600 meter high peaks, offers a great variety of superb walking, hiking and biking opportunities. :::::::::Kyustendil Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see around kyustendil around kyustendil David Moore Kyustendil region is situated in southwestern Bulgaria on a territory of 3084,30 square km. it borders Sofia-Pernik-and Blagoevgrad.To the west the region borders the Republics of Serbjia and Makedonia. Kyustendil is the administrative center of the region and is located 86 km away from the Capital City Sofia, the territory is crossed by the tranport corridors E-4 and E-8. KYUSTENDIL, also known as Pautalia in the ancient times and Velbuzhd in the Middle Ages, has had a seven-thousand-years history and has been a town for two thousand years now. The town has always been an important administrative, economic and spiritual centre. It is famous for its hot MINERAL WATER SPRINGS and fertile lands and numerous rivers cross the region. A great variety of precious monuments from different historical periods have been preserved and it is they who transmit the messages that our ancestors have left for us. The town was an impressive resort in the Roman Empire and a center for recreation. During 2nd and 3rd centuries a sanctuary called ASCLEPION was built and it was second in size in the Empire. Ancient therms dating back to the same period have been preserved till present day. The Sanctuary included a public health station, a bath with swimming pools halls for recreation and exercising, odeons and stadium. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: giovanni pesci ::::::::::::Melnik Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Typical house Typical house Philippe Van der Perre Melnik is known as the smallest city of Bulgaria, with strict building rules. All houses are a gem built with concrete and wood. There are a few houses you can visit which are like little palaces. Especially th e Kordopoulova house offers an incredible view over Melnik, Winetasting and a fantastic interior 7 km by car or 3 km on foot you reach Rojen monastery with its famous view over the snowcovered mountains nearby and Sandstone hills. ::::::::Plovdiv Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Front side of the building Front side of the building kman Plovdiv is located in the southwestern part of Bulgaria. The city has been built upon seven ancient hills found on the Thracian plain, and now spreads on both sides of the Martisa River. In the 7th century B.C. Thracian people were inhabiting the land around the Hebros (Maritsa) River. . Skilled craftsmen and artisans, they tended vines and made wine. Rare for the ancient world, roses with 60 to 100 petals grew in Thrace. Here on these hills along this river was one of the centers of a most advanced civilization. During the period of the first millenium B.C. settlements appeared near these seven hills and by the 5th century B.C. a town with a solid fortified wall, cobblestone streets and a drainage system was formed, Philippopolis. The ruins of this settlement can be found among the rocks of Nebet Tepe in Old Town Plovdiv. The old city centre of Plovdiv has been declared an architectural museum reserve with over 150 monuments, most of which date from the beginning of the 19-th century, the National Revival period. Many houses have been turned into museums, galleries, workshops, restaurants or pubs. The best examples of the Baroque style of Plovdiv are the house of Koiumjioglu (now an ethnographical museum), the house of Georgiadi (now the Rennaissance museum of the national struggle), the house of Nedkovich (the municipality), the house of Chomaka (the gallery of the renowned Bulgarian painter Zlatyo Boyajiev), the house of Balabanov (now a gallery of modern painting, as well as a concert hall), the house of Lamartine (the house of writers) where the French poet Alfonse de Lamartine stayed during his diplomatic mission in Turkey. The streets of the old town are steep and cobbled with bow-windows and eaves above them. Facades are colored in harmonious combinations, with stylish patterns of white and blue. Windows have either wooden shuttles, or iron nets. ::::::::Rila monastery Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i_12 Rila monastery is the biggest spiritual and cultural temple in Bulgaria. Established in the Xth century by St. Ivan Rilski. An attraction not be missed. SPA vacations in SPA resorts in Bulgaria with MMB Tours www.mmb-tours.ltd.bg :::::::Rousse Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Opera The Opera Daniela Sellmeyer Rousse is situated on the Danube river. The city is the north gate of Bulgaria to Central and Western Europe. Rousse is 45,5 m above the sea-level. After the last census of population (1st March, 2001) the city's population is 162 128 people. Now the city is one of the biggest in the country. Rousse is one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, it's very popular with it's history. Rousse is one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria - established more than 1900 years ago. First the city was a Roman fortress "Sexaginta Prista" (which means "The port of the sixty ships"), after that it was called Rustchuk. Nowadays the name is Rousse. The city is very popular with its architecture. Many tourists visit it every week during the whole year because the city is calm, beautiful and you can easy relax in it. In Rousse there is an picturesque embankment (quay) - very good place for a romantic walk or a picnic. Rousse is also an important city in Bulgarian country. __________History Edit This During the 3rd century b.C., in the north-east part of the present city, was established a primeval settlement called Rousse village hill (Rusenska selishtna mogila). In 1st century a.C. there was built a Roman Fortress "Pristis" (Sexaginta Prista - lat. The city of the six ships). The excavations showed that the castle was built upon a Thracian village. Pristis was destroyed in 7th century by the Barbarians. Then, during the First Bulgarian Kingdom, on Pristis' place was established a settlement with the name Rusi. The earliest mentioning of Rusi was in 1380. Main connection between the two shores of the river was Rusi - Iorgo (Iorgo= Giurgu, Romania). In 15th century Rusi was included in District of Nikopol (Nikopolski Sandjak). In 16th century Rusi was big trade center. In 17th and 18th century the city was called with many names but after the Liberation (Osvobojdenieto) the city's name stayed Rustchuk, Russe and now - Rousse (Ruse). In 18th century the city was established as an important fortress and in 19th century becomes seat of the newly created Danube district (Tuna vilaet) with a governor Mithad Pasha. He came in Rustchuk with a team of doctors, engineers, architects, and other speciallists with different nationalities. Mithad pasha had the ambition to make Ruschuk a great, beautiful and developed European city. Rousse is one of the centers in which were created a national-liberation movement. After the Liberation the trade, banking, industry, education, book publishing, culture developed very fast. Rousse is the FIRST bulgarian city with an european architectural appearance. Contributors February 10, 2006 change by nameless`me ::::::::::Sozopol Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see streets of Sozopol streets of Sozopol M.Krystew Sozopol is one of the nicest resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Lying on the Gulf of Bourgas, Sozopol was one of Ancient Greece's oldest settlements - formerly known as "Apolonia Pontica" named after Apollo, the patron of seafarers. Today teh city resembles a cluster of welcoming turn-of-the century housess dotted along the rocky headland, interested with small garden shrines. Somewhat quieter than Nessebur , the resort also provides the tourist with two fine, sandy beaches, set off nicely against the tranquil charm of fishing life. One lies within a sheltered bay with the second, larger beach extending southwards beyond the headland. Sozopol is traversed by beautiful narrow lanes, old houses and its romantic charm has attracted artists and writers throughout the centuries. Accommodation in Sozopol consists of a small guesthouse-inn, a former naval club, or either private rooms in old houses on the peninsula or else larger chalet-style dwellings in the new town. Nearby, the port of Burgas is well worth a visit. In addition to an international airport, this important commercial coastal town has an attractive centre with lively terraces and plentiful cafés, offering tourists a warm welcome. The presence of visiting ships and passing tourists lends Bourgas a certain cosmopolitian air, especially during its folk festival, :::::::::::Stara zagora Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_5 Stara Zagora is situated in the central part of Bulgaria. It is the 5-th biggest city in the country, with a population of 185 000 inhabitants. It is situated at the foot of Sredna Gora mountain, 197 m above sea level. The climate of the town is temperate continental with average annual temperature +13 o C. Stara Zagora region is rich in fertile land. It is a strategic crossroad between the East and the West, the North and the South. The first inhabitants of the town date back from the end of the VII and the beginning of the VI millenium B. C. In the outskirts of the contemporary town, there are five prehistorical settlements from this time. During the IV century B.C. there was a big ancient Thracian settlement famous with the name Beroe. About the year 107 AD, not far from Beroe, Emperor Mark U. Traian set up the town Ulpia Augusta Traiana. The forum, streets, colour floor mosaics and others were found from the ancient town. After the foundation of the Bulgarian State, the town became an important military, strategic and cultural centre. During the time of the Turkish Yoke, the town was named Eski Zagra. At the end of 50s of XIX century the Bulgarian name Jeleznik was given. During 1871 the contemporary name of Stara Zagora was officially recognized. During the time of the liberation war was on fire and ruined. On the 5th October 1879 the first symbolic stone of the foundations of the restoration of Stara Zagora was placed , according to the plan of Lubor Bayer. Thus, the town turned to be the first Bulgarian postliberation town with contemporary architecture. A rapid economic and cultural progress followed. The first provincial opera and radio was opened in Stara Zagora The town is full of organized musical and theatrical life. Today Stara Zagora is one of the most modern contemporary towns of Bulgaria. It is an important industrial, cultural and education centre. There are a number of secondary schools, technical schools and specialized secondary schools, a lot of Research and Cultural Institutes. There is the Thracian University in Stara Zagora. Stara Zagora is famous as the town of lime-trees, painters and poets It is the birthplace of the writers Georgi Bakalov, Kiril Hristov, Dimitar Podvarzachov, Nikolai Liliev, Veselin Hanchev, the famous opera singer Hristina Morfova, the painters Anton and Georgi Mitovi, Vasil Kostakiev, Mario Zekov, Atanas Mihov, Dimitar Gudjenov. The famous poet Geo Milev lived and worked in Stara Zagora as well. Near the (in the vicinity) town there are the Stara Zagora Mineral Baths - a spa resort, covered with oak, hazelbush and planted pine forests. The warm water spring gives the opportunity for conducting healing and rehabilitation curative activity. The beautiful nature, interesting objects, the comfortable position and the quick and diverse communications make the town of Stara Zagora an attractive place for many tourists The rich cultural traditions and the spirit of the contemporary creators maintain an artistic atmosphere, which has always gone together with this town as old as its name. In the near future the “Maritsa” and “Thracia” motor highways, which cross Stara Zagora territory, will be completed. The traffic along the two railway lines, which connect the western part of Bulgaria with the Black Sea ports, and the southeast part of Bulgaria with Turkey and Greece, is extremely intensive. The future passages of Euro corridors ? 4, 8 and 9., which pass through Bulgaria, also intersect on the Stara Zagora territory. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Past version of this page :::::::::::Valley of the roses Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Valley of the Roses is located in central south Bulgaria. It's best reached from the city of Zagora. The whole valley is magically transformed with breathtaking blooms in May and early June each year when "The Festival of Roses" is celebrated. The capital of the rose growing region is Kazanlak where rose picking rituals and folklore displays are presented. The Museum of the Rose Industry is also located in Kazanlak :::::::::Varna Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Varna - Memorial Varna - Memorial Pietro Varna is third-largest (about 400 000 inhabitants) city in country and summer capital of Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The town has very good sandy beaches and hotels and during the SSR times it was vacation spots for the Russian high officals. The town is full of rich history and interesting places to go - a magnificent Archaelogical Museum, featuring the oldest hand-crafted gold in the world of nearly 8000 years, remains of Roman Baths and a beautiful Orthodox Cathedral... There are also Aquarium, Dolphinarium and Planetarium. __________Getting Around Edit This Taxis are cheap. Trains depart to Sofia, Ruse, Shumen, Plovdiv, Kardam, Pleven, Karnobat and Dobrich. The bus system in Varna is very well built up, and on most lines buses are used from former western European countries, including RATP of France. :::::::Varshetz Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Centre The Centre TTT The national resort Varshets is situated on the north slopes of West Stara Planina - 359m above sea-level along the picturesque Botunya River. The Varshets valley is a wonderful place for rest, sport, climate and balneotherapy. The closeness of century-old woods, strange rock formations, beautiful and various landscape of the mountain Koznitsa makes it a great attraction for the tourists. The biggest wealth of the Varshets Valley are the numerous mineral springs with strong healing action of its waters. The temperature of the warmest spring is 36,2°C and the one of the so called "cool" spring is 32°C. Except for the mineral water in Varshets and Spanchevtsi the municipality is also characterized by natural places, appropriate for rest and tourism – the "Zeleni del", "Vodopada", "Ivanchova Polyana", "Cherveni Kamuk" areas, the "Byalata Voda" hut etc. The Klisura Monastery is located 12 km away from Varshets under the top "Todorini Kukli" 1785m/, it is founded in the first part of XIII century. The iconostasis in the church is a cultural monument. The monastery affords opportunities for cultural and ecotourism. :::::Vidin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see the most famous bulgarian salad-Shopska the most famous bulgarian salad-Shopska tsvetana ikova The content below is probably protected by Copyrights. We are working to verify if we can publish it under a Creative Commons Licence. Historians claim that Vidin has existed as a town for m o re than 2000 years. Attracted by the fertile land along the Danube , the Thracian tribes of Mizi and Tribalti established the first settlement on this land. At the beginning of the new era the lower course of the Roman Empire and Roman legions settled near the old Thracian settlements. At that time the name of the town was Bononia. It developed as an important urban and military cent re . When the slurs came in the 7 th the century the town was named Bdin. At the end of the 10 th c. the rulers of the town, assessing it’s strategic situation , began constructing new fortifications. The foundations of the Baba Vida fortress were laid. People have created a lot of legends about it. One of the most popular says: The ruler of Bdin was already very old, so he decided to divide his kingdom between his three daughters. The fertile land from Bdin to the Carpathian Mountains he gave to his oldest daughter Vida. His daughter Gamza got the land near the river Morava and the third one – Koula, was given the land near the river Nishava and the town, since then has been named Koula. Gamza and Koula got married but their marriages were a failure, so Vida decided to remain single and defend her kingdom alone. An inaccessible fortress was built by her order, which would protect the town from invaders. Vida lived in it until she grew old and the people called the fortress Baba Vida in her memory. In 1003 the Byzantine troops, led by the emperor Vasilius II, the killer of the Bulgarians used the most modern means of siege, but the fortress was defended bravely and had to surrender only because of treachery. The Monument to the Fallen Soldier. In 13 th c. and 14 th c. Vidin was the capital of an independent fief. Many times it had to resist the attacks of tartars, magyars and other enemy tribes. Among the rulers at that time was one, whose name has remained forever in the history of the town and the country – Tzar Ivan Sratsimir. Most probably he started ruling Vidin kingdom in 1360. During his reign there was a period of relative peacefulness despite the dynastic conflicts and the constant threat by the Turks. A lot of documents of that time show that Vidin was one of the busiest ports on the Danube. In order to preserve his kingdom Ivan Sratsimir had to declare himself a vassal to the Turks. Ivan Sratsimir supported the campaign for the liberation of the Christian world, organized by the Central European countries and led by the Hungarian king Sigizmund. Sultan Bajazid, furious of his opposition, sent his troops to Bdin and conquered the town by fraud. So, in 1396 the Ottomans defeated the last Bulgarian stronghold. However, the freedom – loving Bulgarians didn’t put up with this situation. The first revolt against the Ottoman yoke broke out here in 1403. Konstantin and Fruzhin led it. The climax of the struggle against the yoke was the revolt in the Northwest part of Bulgaria in 1850, but it was suppressed, too. During the years of the slavery Vidin succeeded in keeping its significance as a commercial and military center. Understanding its strategic situation the Turks turned into a Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.eurotravelling.net/bulgaria/vidin/vidin_history.htm :::::::::::: Zlatni Piasaci / Golden Sands Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see x Big ben`s Fish and Chips T Ninov Holiday Resort situated on the Black Sea, 18 kilometres north of Varna (taxi to Varna costs from 12-20 Leva). Lots of nightlife, Bonkers Disco , Papaya Disco, and Roxy Disco, Lions Pub (UK) are the biggest clubs, the visitors in the clubs are varying from day to day. Prices are double of Varna prices. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.disco.bg |
| Balkan Magic THE BULGARIAN LEGEND (la leggenda di Orfeo ed Euridice) Ivailo Ivanov Coreografo principale per le danze maschili Verginia Ilieva danze ginnaste Solisti: Orfeo: Kamen Ivanov Euridice: Sirma Dencheva Musica originale: Georgi Andreev Storia Nel marzo del 2002 nacque l'idea di creare un complesso di danza, consistente di ginnaste e danzatori folcloristici. Nace così l’ensemble Bulgarian Dream Dancers, ora Ensemble BALKAN MAGIC. Durante la preparazione della formazione del corpo di danza fu fatta proposta a Georgi Andreev, direttore musicale del National Folklore Ensemble “Philip Kutev”, di scrivere la musica per lo spettacolo, la quale ricreasse antiche melodie, che esistevano nel rione delle montagne Rodopee della Bulgaria, noto come il luogo nativo di Orfeo (mitologia greca), ed anche motivi di paesi confinanti, scritta per grande orchestra sinfonica e strumenti tradizionali folcloristici bulgari, cioè: kaval (flauto del pastore), cornamusa, gadulka (ribeca), ecc. Così nacque “Orfeo ed Euridice”. La prima fu presentata a Varna, e dopo sei mesi a Sofia. Nel 2003 fu chiamato Ivaylo Ivanov, capocoreografo del National Folklore Ensemble “Philip Kutev”, a creare una nuova coreografia per le danze maschili. La linea del soggetto fu elaborata e nella sua versione finale venne chiamata “La leggenda”, o “La leggenda bulgara”. Il compositore Georgi Andreev fu scelto anche come direttore d’orchestra. Lo show venne presentato per la prima volta con grande orchestra sinfonica l’otto dicembre 2003 nel Palazzo nazionale della cultura di Sofia, davanti ad un pubblico di 4.000 persone e davanti a milioni di telespettatori. In sala era presente l'intero corpo diplomatico, il Primo ministro, il Presidente del Parlamento, e i membri del Consiglio dei ministri. Per la prima volta sul palcoscenico culturale bulgaro l'Orchestra sinfonica dell'opera nazionale, insieme agli strumentisti e il coro femminile del National Folklore Ensemble “Philip Kutev”, il coro maschile dal coro misto della Radio Nazionale Bulgara, e l'intero corpo di danza dei Balkan Magic, hanno elevato il suono etnico alle grandi arti classiche. Il 1 novembre 2004 il “Bulgarian Dream Dancers” (ora Balkan Magic) è stato invitato al Royal Albert Hall, a Londra. Tramа dello spettacolo La trama si basa sull'antico mito dell'amore tra Orfeo ed Euridice. Questa è la ben nota leggenda balcanica, secondo la quale quando la ninfa Euridice si innamorò del semplice mortale Orfeo, essa perse la sua forza mistica e si trasformò in un'ordinaria ragazza. Orfeo sapeva di poter sottomettere Euridice alla sua volontà, prendendo qualcosa che incarnava la sua forza, ad esempio una cinghia, collana o nastro. Quando Euridice si innamorò, diventò l'oggetto di odio delle sue compagne che trasformate in serpenti, la uccisero. Così Euridice capitò nel regno delle ombre. Il dolore di Orfeo fu inconsolabile. I suoi amici cercarono invano di rasserenarlo. La sua anima fu ossessionata dal desiderio di vendetta, ma nella battaglia decisiva le ninfe riescirono a togliergli la vita. Quando si erse alle stelle, Orfeo finalmente scoprì la sua amata e la loro danza celeste riempì l'eternità Idea dello spettacolo Lo spettacolo è unico, e presenta una combinazione di autentiche danze folcloristiche bulgare e ginnastica ritmica in forma più leggera e delicata, eseguite da 12 danzatori ben allenati e 12 ginnaste d'élite. Sul palcoscenico si possono vedere tutti gli attrezzi tipici della ginnastica ritmica (fune, cerchio, palla, clavette, nastro), i quali nelle mani delle ginnaste-danzatrici si trasformano in strumenti che acquistano un'espressività narrativa. Oltre alla plasticità eccezionale delle danzatrici, per la prima volta sul palcoscenico si usano degli attrezzi che oltre ad essere un elemento strumentale, portano anche una specificità simbolica. In questo modo i nastri diventano “serpenti”, la palla che Orfeo dà alla sua amata diventa “luna” e le clavette diventano “le lance delle ninfe”. La visione d’insieme è ottenuta anche grazie agli impareggiabili passi dei danzatori folcloristici bulgari. “Bulgarian Dream Dancers” al Royal Albert Hall, un’insieme di ginnaste olimpioniche con le più belle e straordinarie melodie dei Balcani. Uno spettacolo eccezionale. Assolutamente da vedere!" Riz Lateef, BBC London I Bulgarian Dream Dancers arrivano al Coliseum con maestre di ginnastica ritmica che sono detentrici di medaglie dai Giochi olimpici d'Atene Uno sport olimpico trasformato in arte. Le capacità del gruppo femminile di ginnastica ritmica dei Bulgarian Dream Dancers, specie con i nastri e le palle, sono state decorate ai giochi olimpici ad Atene. Ma le loro abilità sportive offrono loro anche un altro palcoscenico, il quale compete con successo con il primo, e cioè la danza. Il gruppo che ha presentato per quasi 2 anni “La Leggenda” in tutto il mondo, si è fatto modello, quando si parla di esecuzione. Naturalmente le dodici ragazze dipendono dalla maestria di una delle leggende nella ginnastica ritmica, la sei volte campionessa del mondo Lili Ignatova, la quale è non solo la fondatrice di questo balletto, ma è anche responsabile per la coreografia, insieme ad Ivaylo Angelov. Gli ammiratori della ginnastica ritmica devono vedere la Squadra Nazionale Bulgara sul palcoscenico, per capire perché i Bulgarian Dream Dancers non parlano durante le loro rappresentazioni, perchè la loro esecuzione comincia e finisce solo con la danza. Le dodici ballerine sono accompagnate dallo stesso numero di ragazzi, selezionati dal Complesso folcloristico nazionale “Philip Koutev”, il cui Direttore musicale Georgi Andreev si è anch'egli unito a questo progetto come compositore della musica. La melodia, insieme alla coreografia, permette al pubblico di avvicinarsi di nuovo al mito di Orfeo ed Euridice. Cultura, La Coruna |
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