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Monasteries 
The Bulgarian monasteries amaze with their magnificent
architecture, unfading frescoes and murals, exquisite icons and woodcarvings, made
by self - taught architects, builders and painters. The rugged beauty of the Rila
Mountains forms the natural decor for the most impressive monument from the Bulgarian
National Revival period - Rila Monastery (10th century). |
This age - old guard of the Bulgarian spirit and language is included in the UNESCO list if
World Heritage. Another of the oldest monasteries on the Bulgarian lands - Bachkovo Monastery -
rises amidst the green slopes of the Rhodope Mountains. Founded in 1083, it boasts a rich
museum collection and library containing valuable incunabula and manuscripts. Bulgaria's third
largest monastery - Troyan Monastery - was founded nearly four centuries ago. It suburb murals
were painted by the famous National Revival artist Zahari Zograph. A number of monasteries which
preserve memories and works of art from a turbulent age were located around Veliko Turnovo, the
capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom: the Arbanassi Monasteries, Transfiguration Monastery,
Kapinovo Monastery and Kelifarevo Monastery. Other monasteries also form an inseparable part of
Bulgaria's faith and history: Rozhen Monastery, rising high above Melnik's sandstone pyramids,
Dryanovo Monastery near Gabrovo, the unique Rock Monastery near Rousse and Aladja Monastery near
Varna. |
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| Sofia
The Bulgarian capital city was born 7000 years ago in the green embrace of
Vitosha Mountain, close to warm mineral springs. Closely linked with its fate, these natural factors
have found a place in its coat of arms. |
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Today more than 250 unique monuments from different ages blend harmoniously with the city's modern
appearance. Even the briefest sightseeing tour of Sofia will invariably include the 4th century
St.George Rotunda - a major monument of Roman architecture, the St.Sophia early Christian basilica
which gave the city its name and is depicted interior with murals, icons and mosaics. The small
Boyana Church included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage for its murals, genuine and masterpieces
painted by an unknown artist in 1259, completes the picture.
Sofia is a cosmopolitan city. Like any other European capital, it is the hub of the country's
political, public and business life, the center of active cultural life and international event.
- Just 20 km from downtown Sofia, Vitosha is easily accessible to visitors of the Bulgarian capital
city.
- Equally attractive during any season, it is renowned with a first - class ski center with many
lifts, T - bars and a ski school.
- A 120 daylong ski season, lasting snow cover up to 2 m, plenty of sunny days.
Today it is difficult to say who is more proud over the proximity of the other - million - strong
Sofia or the Vitosha Mountain. |
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Plovdiv
More ancient than Bulgaria itself, the country's second largest city preserves
vivid memories of its turbulent and dramatic faith. |
In 341 B.C. Philip II of Macedon conquered the ancient town of Evmolpia, leaving it his name -
Philippopolis. At the start of our millenium the Romans conquered Trace and called the city
Trimonium. In the 19th century Bulgarian master builders erected the National Revival city of
Plovdiv (the Old Town) with steep cobbled lanes, lovely houses with large bay windows and slender
columns, latticed eaves and heavy old gates. Every house here has its own style and atmosphere,
its intimate world with carved ceilings and bright murals, window seats and fine furniture form
Venice, Vienna and London.
Plovdiv has been declared a partner town of the world capital of culture Weimar for 1999. |
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| Veliko Tarnovo
Capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1393). |
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If you happen to visit this unusual city whose stone houses seam perched one above the other on
the steep bank of the Yantra river, you will first be taken to see Tzarevetz - the place of the
patriarchal church, royal palaces and Baudouin's Tower. Then you will be shown another hill -
Trapezitza - where the foundation of 17 medieval churches has been unearthed. You will marvel and
enthuse over Bulgarian National Revival period architectural ensembles on Gurko Street. The original
Samovodene Market has been brought back to life and skilled craftsmen fashion and sells exquisite
objects in small workshops. All night Tzarevetz hill land the natural decor to a fantastic sound
and sight spectacle. |
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Copyright © 2000, New Travels Agency, 1504 Sofia, 38/A Oborishte Str., BULGARIA
Tel.: +359 2 944 50 56, Tel./Fax: +359 2 944 50 33
E-mail: nta@newtravelsagency.com |
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