The Rila Monastery is a historic center of Bulgaria culture and Bulgarian National Revival architecture. The monastery played an important role during the Ottoman domination as a center of Bulgarian language and national consciousness. The Monastery Museum contains valuable objects which have been collected during the ling eventful life of the monastery. Among the exhibits are: the 14th c. door of the monastery, fragments of the 14th c. church frescoes; a charter by Tsar Ivan Shishman and other charters and firmans by Ottoman sultans; a number of medieval manuscripts, coins and weapons, and a wooden crucifix with 140 bibical scenes and 1500 human figures, no larger than a grain of rice; the work of the monk Raphael, who after taking 12 years to compete the work, finally lost his eyesight.

The Rozhen Monastery situated 6 km from Melnik, hasbeautifully carved altar, stained glass windows, murals and icons. The present-day appearance of this old monastery (built by the Melnik ruler, despot Slav, during the 12th or 13th century) dates back to the 16th century. Rozhen Monastery owes its fame above all to its carved iconostasis and lecterns.

The Troyan Monastery is known above all for the creative work of Zahari Zograph who painted both the exterior and the interior of the main church built in 1835, 7 km from the town of Troyan. It is a fine example of the impact of the popular conception of the world and the influence of housing architecture on religious construction. The iconostasis of the main church made in 1839 is a masterpiece of woodcarving.

The Bachkovo Monastery is second largest monastery (11th c.) in Bulgaria, situated in the green foothills of the Rhodopes. Like the Rila Monastery is resembles a fortress with high walls of stone and a tower. The two-stores church of St.Archangel is preserved from the late 11th c. the monastery refectory was built in 1601.

The Dryanovo Monastery - a masterpiece of the Revival period architecture, built during the Second Bulgarian State and later re-built on two occasions. Its present appearance is from the restoration in 1845. Relics of the April Uprising are preserved in the monastery museum today, along with some valuable icons.

Veliko Turnovo (population 57000) is probably the most picturesque town in Bulgaria. It is situated on hills formed by the meandering river Yantra which has cut deeply into the mountains. Veliko Turnovo is also an historical site. It was the capital of Bulgaria in the 13th and 14th centuries. Because of its medieval remains and exceptional beauty Veliko Turnovo is much visited both by Bulgarians and foreign tourists.
The name of Turnovo is of Slav origin. It has been derived from "trun", the Bulgarian for "thorn". There are a great number of places bearing similar names, both in Bulgaria and other Slav countries. In 1966 the town was officially given the name of Veliko Turnovo, meaning "Great Turnovo".
Since 1944 Turnovo has gradually been reconstructed. The medieval part of the town has been declared an historical reserve.
Sights of the modern town: The Archaeological Museum, Turkish Konak, Nadezhda Literary Club, Church of St.Constantine and St.Helena, Baldwin's Tower, Asenova Mahala, Church of the Forty Martyrs, Tsarevets Hill, Lobnata Skala, etc.

The Ettur - Open Air Museum is situated on both banks of a clear mountain stream - a tributary of the Yantra River, at the foot of the Balkan Range, 5 mls south of Gabrovo. It is the first open-air museum in Bulgaria, a replica of a genuine Bulgarian 19th c. mountain town. The main purpose of the exhibition in the museum is to show the architectural style and economic activities as well as the industrial achievements and life of the population of the Gabrovo region during the time of the Bulgarian National Revival.

Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria. It is situated on the southern slopes of the Pirin Mountains, amidst the bizzaar natural forms of weathered sandstone. When approaching the town you cannot fail to see the wall of mountains encircling it with hardedged crags and hiding it from your view until the last moment. Then the extraordinary shapes of the surrounding sandstone formations call forth your attention and you realize you have arrived at a very special place. The towns straggling square is lined with flowers and vines overhanging cobbled alleys and narrow courtyards - in a word - visually Melnik is stunning, a verbal description can't give the place the credit it deserves.

Bansko is a fascinating winter resort nestles in the fairy tale kingdom of Pirin Mountain, admits the enchantment of the authentic renaissance traditions and magic mineral springs, the town's streets run into the Pirin National Park, which is under the UNESCO Convention. The famous Shiligarnik resort offers excellent opportunities for skiing. Unlike many Bulgarian towns, Bansko's largely modernized center exists easily with the older quarters, a maze of cobbled lanes where the timber-framed stone houses hide behind walls with thick double doors, as if built for siege.

Bozhentsi is an old village. A village of 600 years.Since 1964 Bozhentsi with its at about 100 houses and a few public buildings pronounced an Architectural and Historical Center.
People with sense for antiquity and memory of the past visit this romantic place throughout the whole year. Many conferences, scientific symposia and official meetings are held there. Bozhentsi is one of the most preferred tourist attractions not only in the Bulgarian but also in the International Tourism System.

Arbanassi Nowadays the village of Arbanassi is a national architectural Reserve, which captures the attention and stirs the imagination with its monasteries and churches, containing unique murals and icons, as well as with the monumental houses which fairly resemble minor fortresses. Of the 80 preserved houses in this picturesque outdoor museum, 36 have been declared monuments of culture, including the Kostantsaliev, Hadjiiliev, Hadjikostov, Chamourov, Kandilarov and Lechev houses.
Arbanassi's five churches are also national monuments of culture: The Birth of Jesus Christ, St.George, St.Athanasius, St.Demetrius and Sts.Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
In fact, it is a genuine art gallery with over 3500 amazingly realistic figures and Biblical scenes, painted by unknown artists throughout the ages.

Sofia - "It grows, but never ages" is the optimistic motto of Sofia. The very name of the city means "wisdom"in Greek. Sofia is Bulgaria's fifth capital in succession. The previous four were Pliska, Preslav, Veliko Turnovo and Ohrid. This country seems to have had more capitals than any other. This illustrates Bulgaria's dramatic history for the coutry emerged as a sovereign state three times, and about half of the 1300 years of history, since the founding of the First Bulgarian Kingdom, were of foreign domination.
Sofia seems to be a God chosen place, with natural and equidistant from the Black and the Adriatic Sea from Athens, Istanbul and Belgrade. The valley is fertile, encircled by mountains among which Vitosha is the gem.
Sofia is indeed your travel gateway into the Bulgarian heartland, a journey of unforgettable touristic memories.

The Rotunda of St.George The red brick rotunda church of St.George is considered the oldest building in Sofia. It is situated behind the Sheraton Hotel, amid remains of the ancient town of Serdica. Three layers of frescoes have been discovered, the earliest dates back to the 10th century. Magnificent frescoes of 22 prophets over 2 m tall crown the dome.

Boyana Church This is one of Bulgaria's most significant historical treasures dating back to the 13th century and is on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Most remarkable are the murals, painted by an unknown artist, which exhibit a new humanistic tendency in mediaeval art. 240 realistic figures, bearing the features of Bulgarian life at that time, are depicted in biblical scenes on the walls of the church. Some of the murals have recently undergone restoration and the church is not always open to visitors. A museum nearby shows photographs of the murals, items from the church and a video in several languages.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral The place for which all tourists make a beeline is the St.Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral, whose golden domes catch the eye even from the top of Vitosha mountain. The cathedral was built in honor of the Russian Tsar Alexander 2nd, the "Tsar Liberator", whose army liberated Bulgaria from Turkish rule and was named after St.Alexander Nevsky, the patron saint of the Tsar and his family. The foundation stone was laid in 1882 but the building was not completed until 1912. The Russian architect Pomerantsev built the cathedral in the typically neo-Byzantine style which was so fashionable in 19th century Russia. The square surrounding the cathedral hosts souvenir stalls and is a popular place for political demonstrations.

Boyansko Hanche - restaurant. The foot of the Vitosha Mountains, just outside Sofia, treasures a pretty Bulgarian inn. The hospitable keepers will welcome you with delicious Bulgarian dishes and select drinks. In the open-air garden you can enjoy the coolness and tranquillity of nature. And exclusively here, each night, you will have the chance to see the unique and age-long Bulgarian tradition of fire dancing on live coals. An authentic Bulgarian folk programs with live music and dancing.

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria not only because of its 370 000 inhabitants but also because of its economic and cultural importance. The growth of Plovdiv has been helped by its key position on important roads. It lies on the international Vienna-Belgrade-Sofia-Istanbul motor-way and is also on the Paris-Istanbul railway line.
Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in the Balkan Peninsula. The hills were inhabited in prehistoric times. Plovdiv's old quarter is a painter's dream and a cartographer's nightmare. The town is picturesquely situated on either bank of the river Maritsa, among a number of rocky hills which rise unexpectedly from the middle of a vast flat plain.
Plovdiv is probably best known abroad for its International Trade Fair. In fact Plovdiv started to develop as a large industrial and commercial town mainly after the establishment of the Trade Fair.

Varna (population 252000) is the third largest city in Bulgaria, the chief town of an industrial and agricultural district and an important commercial center which contains the largest Bulgarian port. Varna is also known as a seaside resort with fine beaches and a lovely maritime park.
Varna is a cultural center. It has an Archaeological Museum, a Museum of the National Revival Period, an Ethnographic Museum, a Maritime Museum and several other museums, an Art gallery, an Opera House, a State Theater, ans a Puppet Theater. The Varna Summer Festival is held every year with folk and pop music, opera performances and symphony concerts. An International Ballet Competition for young performers is held every other year in July.

Bourgas is the fifth largest town and the largest port in Bulgaria. It is the chief town of a district, which is famous for its seaside resorts, vast vineyards, production of white wines and several large industrial enterprises. Bourgas occupies the innermost part of a large bay, which, well protected from the winds, is a natural harbour. Today Bourgas is the center of a resort area spreading north and south of the city. Its own beach draws over 50 000 visitors during the summer season by the curative properties of its large-grained magnetite sands.

Nessebar (population about 7 000)- the most picturesque town of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. It is situated on a small peninsula connected with the mainland by a narrow causeway. During the last 25 years Nessebar has extended onto the mainland. Big hotels and holiday houses were built along its beautiful beach. Newcomers from the neighboring villages increased its population. Their main occupation is farming, fruit-growing and fishing. The many tourist establishments also employ a great number.

Kazanlak -the main center in the Valley of Roses, inhabited since ancient times. The Bulgarian oil-yielding rose has been grown for more then 200 years in the Valley, every May there is a holiday "The Red Bulgarian Rose".

Thracian tomb - Kazanlak. The numerous burial mounds in the Kazanlak area (more than 500), together with the remains of Thracian settlements - including Seuthopolis, the only Thracian city that has been completely excavated, preserved and researched, show that area was inhabited by a large Thracian population, wich reached the height of its cultural development during the 5th-3rd Centuries B.C.
Architecture The Kazanlak Tomb is of the beehive type. The round domed tombs were built predominantly in the southern part of Thrace, in the area inhabited by the Odrysae tribes, which had reached a higher level of civilization. The plan of the Kazanlak tomb indicates that it was built for an eminent Thracian. It consists of the three chambers required by the Thracian cult of the dead: an antechamber for the chariot, horses or slaves which accompanied the dead man in after-life; a corridor (or dromos) which was a small room for the things needed in after life; and a burial chamber for the body itself.

The Museum of Roses More than 10 000 varieties of roses are known nowadays, but only about 200 have oil-yielding properties. The Bulgarian oil-yielding rose has been grown for more than 200 years in this valley. The roses are harvested in May. They are picked early in the morning before sunrise, since otherwise evaporation would processed quickly. They are boiled in large boilers and the steam, together with the rose oil, is isolated in pipes where, after cooling and condensation, attar of roses is obtained.

Koprivshtitza looks almost too lovely to be real, its half-timbered houses nestled in a valley amid wooded hills. It would be an oasis of pastoral calm were it not for the annual descent of summer visitors, tourists drawn both by the superb architecture and the desire to pay homage to a landmark in the nation's history. From the Place of the Scimitar Charge to the Street of the Counter Attack, there's hardly a part of Koprivshtitsa that isn't named after an episode or participant in the April Rising of 1876, when Bulgaria's yearnings for freedom from the Ottoman yoke finally boiled over.

Gabrovo has become the Capital of humor. In the second half of May every odd year the town is the venue of an International Biennial of Humor and Satire in the Arts attracting creative talent from all over the world.

Triavna is placed in the folds of Triavna Mountains among picturesque valley at 450 m altitude. The town is built on a hilly ground with open view. Tucked away in the mountain slopes is the beautiful Triavna, the town with unique architecture, woodcarving and icon paintings.

Bulgarian Cuisine
Bulgarian cuisine consists of plenty of fresh vegetables, eaten raw, roasted or stewed with meat in terra-cotta pots. Lots of garlic, onions, oil and spices. Influences of its neighbors, Turkey and Greece are also present in dishes such as 'sarmi' /stuffed vine leaves/, 'moussaka' and 'baklava'.
A salad and rakia /Bulgarian schnapps/ are the obligatory start to the meal.
Listed below are traditional Bulgarian Dishes, well worth a try:
Salads
'SHOPSKA SALATA' chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and peppers sprinkled with 'sirene' /Bulgarian white cheese/
'SNEZHANKA' thick creamy yogurt with chopped cucumber or gherkins, walnuts and garlic
'KYOPULO' roasted aubergines, peppers, loads of garlic, parsley
Soups
'BOB CHORBA' traditional bean soup with plenty of herbs
'SHKEMBE CHORBA' tripe soup with garlic, vinegar and chilli, quite tasty if you can bring yourself to try it
'TARATOR' cold yogurt and cucumber soup
Meat dishes
'KAVARMA' meat and vegetable stew, usually served in individual pots
'GYUVECH' stewed chunks of vegetables and lamb
'KYUFTETA' spicy meat balls
'KEBAPCHETA' spicy mince meat, sausage shaped, grilled
Vegetarian dishes
'KASHKAVAL /OR SIRENE/ PANE' fried yellow /or white/ cheese
'CHUSHKI BYUREK' fried peppers stuffed with egg and cheese
'SIRENE PO SHOPSKI' white cheese, egg, tomatoes and peppers baked in a pot
Desserts
Most restaurants offer only pancakes or creme caramel. Cafes usually have a good selection of pastries and cakes. The 'GARASH TORTA' is the Bulgarian equivalent of the Sacher Torte, made from eggs, walnuts and cocoa.
Snacks are available all over Bulgaria in tiny shops or from stands on the street.
'BANITSA' fillo dough pastry filled with white cheese
'GEVREK' like a very dry bagel, sold from big bags on street corners
'KIFLA' croissant usually filled with jam
'PIROSHKA' dough stick filled with white cheese and fried
For the really adventurous, try 'BOZA' - a thick malt drink with a distinct smell. It's said to be an acquired taste.