Top Ten Fascinating and History-Steeped Destinations to Explore in Bulgaria
Ready to discover some off-the-beaten-path gems in Europe? Say goodbye to the usual Paris, Barcelona, and Italian hotspots, and hello to Bulgaria!
If you're a history buff, chances are you've come across tidbits about Bulgaria - home to some of the oldest temples and cities in the world, and the oldest country in Europe, with a name unchanged throughout history. From Thracians to Greeks and Romans, Bulgaria's ancient people have left their mark in the form of breathtaking historical sites.
With that in mind, let's dive into some of Bulgaria's top historical attractions you absolutely must see:
- Rila Monastery
- Named the "Bulgarian Jerusalem," this picturesque Eastern Orthodox monastery located in the Rila Mountains is less than two hours south of Sofia and boasts exquisite architecture and harmonious aesthetics.
- Madara Rider
- Experience an incredible relief and work of art, the Madara Rider, depicting a horseman killing a lion, established in the early years of the Bulgarian state in the 8th century.
- Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
- Visit one of the earliest civilizations in Bulgaria and marvel at the Thracian tomb near Kazanlak, a masterpiece of Thracian creativity and a journey into the past.
- Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
- Discover the unique decoration of this tomb dating from the 3rd century BC, featuring ten caryatids surrounding the funeral hall and proving the remarkable progress of Thracian culture.
- The Old City of Nesebar
- Steeped in history, the ancient town of Nessebar is over 3000 years old and boasts numerous historical landmarks and buildings. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site that'll leave you in awe.
- Plovdiv
- Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria, is one of the most ancient cities in Europe. A single day here won't be enough to explore its many historical landmarks, ancient monuments, and architectural wonders.
- Boyana Church Museum
- Visit the Boyana Church, dedicated to St. Nicholas and St. Panteleimon, and marvel at the extraordinarily well-preserved frescoes dating back to the 13th century, one of the most valuable collections of medieval paintings in the world.
- Perperikon
- Journey to the distant past and explorePerperikon, the most ancient and largest megalithic complex in Europe, dating back to around 8000 years ago. Keep in mind that a day is needed to explore this vast site!
- Belogradchik Rocks (and Fortress)
- Witness the incredible natural rock formations of Belogradchik and the well-preserved Belogradchik Fortress, one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe.
- Tsarevets Fortress
- Visit Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's old capital, but make sure you don't miss the Tsarevets Fortress, synonymous with greatness, glory, and wealth, where the grandeur of Bulgaria's history comes alive.
- For those with an interest in history, a culturally immersive travel experience could include visiting Bulgaria's historical landmarks, such as the Rila Monastery, Boyana Church Museum, and Tsarevets Fortress, each offering a peek into the country's rich past.
- One may find a fusion of history, lifestyle, and travel in Bulgaria, where one can delve into the cultural travel experience by exploring sites like the Madara Rider, Thracian Tombs, and the Old City of Nesebar, showcasing the country's unique history and ancient civilization.
