Bulgaria is a history buff’s paradise, not to mention one of the most interesting and beautiful places on earth. If you’re planning on visiting the UNESCO sites for your holiday with a difference, here’s our guide to making the most of it.
Madara Rider
The Madara Rider in the figure of a knight winning a battle with a lion makes for the perfect photo opportunity. This rider is carved into a 100m-high cliff near Madara, a village in northeast Bulgaria. You may want to schedule a visit here on your trip as it makes the perfect place to explore away from the crowds. Here you’ll find evidence of events that occurred as far back as 705AD.
Boyana Church
Located on the outskirts of Sofia, the beautiful Boyana Church is one of the most enchanting, fully finished and preserved monuments of east European medieval art. The three buildings it consists began construction in the 10th century. The frescoes in the second church were painted in 1259 and make this building one of the most vital collections of medieval paintings ever.
Ancient City of Nessebar
Originally built as a Thracian settlement called Menebria, the Ancient City of Nessebar in Bulgaria sits on a windy peninsular on the black sea. Here you’ll find the remains of a finer day, an acropolis, agora, temple of Apollo and a wall from the Thracian fortifications, all of which date from the Hellenistic period. At over 3000 years old, this ancient city was one of the most important settlements on the west coast, and the wooden houses are testament to the architecture of its time.
Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Nestled in the valley of the Roussenski Lom River you’ll find the eye-boggling site of rock-hewn churches, cells, chapels and monasteries in this beautiful area of northeast Bulgaria. In the village of Ivanovo you’ll explore the place that became home to the first hermits who dug their cells and churches here during the 12th century. You’ll be blown away by the 14th century murals, so give yourself enough time to look around.
Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Part of a large Thracian necropolis, this vaulted tomb houses perhaps Bulgaria’s best-preserved artistic masterpieces from the Hellenistic period. Walk through a narrow corridor and a round burial chamber and admire the Thracian couple at a ritual funeral feast represented in the murals. The monument is located near the ancient Thracian capital of Seuthopolis and dates back to the 4th century BC. It’s advised to go on a rainy or misty day for the best atmosphere.
Pirin National Park
Nature lovers should definitely plan some time in the beautiful Pirin National Park, which spans an area of over 27,000 hectares in southwest Bulgaria. The diverse limestone mountain landscapes mean that there are 70 glacial lakes here, plus lots of rocky caves, waterfalls and beautiful glacial landforms resplendent with conifers. You may also see birds and animals endemic to the Balkan Pleistocene flora. There are two areas developed for skiing, but the majority is just as wild and beautiful as it has always been.
Rila Monastery
As the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, Rila Monastery is not to be missed during your UNESCO site-spotting holiday in Bulgaria. Named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD), this must-see attraction has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, but today the holy complex symbolises the impressive Slavic cultural identity. See what’s changed since the rebuild between 1834 and 1862 for an inspiring Bulgarian history lesson.
Srebarna Nature Reserve
Srebarna Nature Reserve is a must-see place to visit in Bulgaria, promising outstanding scenery and a relaxing break from the chaos of the big city. Covering more than 600 hectares and close to the village of Srebarna on the west bank of the Danube, this peaceful reserve is a freshwater lake that has become a breeding ground for many kinds of endangered or rare birds, such as the purple heron, Dalmatian pelican, great egret, white spoonbill and night heron.
Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
This magnificent 3rd century BC Thracian tomb was discovered in 1982 near the village of Sveshtari and stands as a great reminder of the Getes culture and the Thracian people, who, according to geographers, bridged the Hyperborean and Hellenistic worlds. The unique architectural décor in the tomb boasts half-human, half-plant caryatids and fascinating painted murals. Hire a guide to show you around and arrive early for the place to yourself.
Seeing Bulgaria’s unique UNESCO heritage sites is an exciting and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Call our travel specialists today and ask about a holiday in Bulgaria.
