Visitors and tourists are very specific people when it comes to places they want to visit. It is expensive to finance a vacation and thus necessary that they feel they are getting the true value for their money. Bulgaria is one such country that anyone would realize maximum utility for their hard earned cash. This is because of the many captivating sceneries available in the small peninsula, especially the rich historic background that we very much cherish.

Most of the recommended places that is a must visit are the old towns of Bulgaria which represent the rich history of the country even with the continuously changing modern environment. In one way or the other the inhabitants have managed to maintain and restore these monumental features that are a sight to behold. Anyone who has been to the country will agree with the fact that even the remote population of the people is an antique representation of ancient civilization.

Tour guides conversant with the richness of the country will point out to you the sites that you should not miss even without blinking. They will include the point that the historic destinations are mainly monasteries, churches, fortresses and mosques. The country has a depth in religion and ancient beliefs in gods. Though it is an almost impossible fit to exhaust all the places that a traveler should grace with their presence while in Bulgaria, a few of the outlines areas are a great starting point.

1. Batchkovo monastery

It dates from 11 century and is among the oldest and biggest monasteries in Europe. It is famous with its mixture of culture traces of the Byzantine, Bulgarian and Georgian cultures.

2. Plovdiv and its Old town of Plovdiv This is the second biggest city in Bulgaria which many visitors would fancy viewing ancient buildings and uniquely structured streets found nowhere else in the world. This city is one of the oldest ones in the whole world and is known with many ancient names. It is also known as “The City of the seven hills” because of its location historically developed on seven hills. In Plovdiv you can see remains dating from the Thrace, Greek, Roman, Ottoman periods, mixture of many religions and cultures. Plovdiv is basically the cultural center of Bulgaria.

3. The great Roman Thermae – Nothing represents the massive dominance of the Roman Empires better than these relic baths. Roman Thermae or baths are located in Varna, the third biggest city known also as the sea side capital of Bulgaria, and they date from the early 3rd century AC.

4. Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria is an epitome of the country’s historical background. The magnificent architecture is something that one can only wonder about. It is endowed with a number of museums holding the country’s gem as far as culture and lifestyle is concerned.

5. The Valley of the Thracian Kings – the final resting place for the ancient rulers showcasing tombs and burial mounds. Not very popular but a fact is that there are Celtic traces in the same area. It is becoming more and more popular tourist destination in the last decades. The valley is also known as the Valley of Roses and its annual Rose festivals. The oil rose is also one of the national symbols of the country.

6. Veliko Turnovo – a harbor for historic collections that are unique and one of a kind especially ruins and remains from old churches and fortress. It used to be a capital of Bulgaria during the Second Bulgarian Empire period and is known as the city of Tsars.

7. Lovech fortress – Though it has been destroyed over time, it still holds traces of Roman, Thracian and medieval history thus still being considered as a strong historic attraction in Bulgaria. There the Lovech peace treaty is signed after the failure of the Byzantine siege in 1187.

8. Djumaya mosque – a great show of the diverse variety found in the small country. It dates from the time when Plovdiv was known as the city of Filibe during its Ottoman ruler’s period which starts in the 14th century. It is one of the oldest and biggest mosques in Bulgaria.

9. Boyana church – it is no wonder that it is an international heritage site according to the UNESCO. It magnificently holds the medieval frescos.

10. Shipka monument – the importance of this place cannot be over emphasized. It represents an era when Bulgarian troops in conjunction with the Bulgarian troop conquered the Ottoman whose oppression was suppressing the people back then. The place is famous with the Battle of Shipka Pass during the Russian-Turkish war in 1877-1878. The memorial is built there in the name of the people who gave their lives for the Liberation of Bulgaria.

The above named locations are just a few among the enticing destinations. Be aggressive and find out about the undiscovered treasures. Purpose to enjoy the company of the people’s company for their kindness is just exceptional. In addition, do not forget to get yourself an item from their fine handcrafts for they have a fine workmanship that brings out the unique feature that is only Bulgarian. It would be exciting to try out there indigenous foods and drinks for it is rumored that their red wine is close to none.

By Veselina Dzhingarova