& the Balkans
Travel Guide ~ Landmarks ~ Cultural Tours ~ Travel Tips
Rousse Rousse is the largest Bulgarian port on the Danube river, with the glory of the most European of Bulgarian cities. Founded as Sexsaginta Prista (fleet station of sixty ships) by the Romans in 69, it has a major role in the formation of the Bulgarian identity during the centuries. Rousse played an important role …
Shoumen Shoumen’s past is connected with the establishment (681) and development of the Bulgarian state. Among its leading centres of cultural and religious activity Shumen has had a busy life. The Shoumen fortress, built from early Antiquity to late Middle Ages, has lasted for more than 3,200 years. Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Bulgarians raised their …
Valley of the Thracian Kings In the geographic center of Bulgaria, the region around Kazanlak has been inhabited for thousands of years. Traces of civilization go as far back as 2,000 BC. Known as Valley of the Thracian Kings with Kazanlak – the capital city, it has countless cultural treasures. In the geographic center of …
Rila Monastery Rila Monastery is the biggest and most famous of Bulgaria’s monasteries. UNESCO site, it is one of the most important and memorable cultural monuments and travel hot spots on the Balkans. Rila Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the 10th century, and eventually became a monastic center that …
Bachkovo Monastery Bachkovo Monastery is Bulgaria’s second most important monastery with regard to size, architectural, artistic and literary significance. It was founded in 1083 by brothers Grigorii and Abbassi Bakouriani, Georgians by nationality. Destroyed by the Turks in the 15th century, the monastery was restored at the beginning of the 17th century. The Cemetery Chapel …