Only in Bulgaria

Madara Rider

     The Madara Rider, representing the figure of a knight triumphing over a lion, is carved into a 100-m-high cliff near the village of Madara in north-east Bulgaria. Madara was the principal sacred place of the First Bulgarian Empire before Bulgaria's conversion to Christianity in the 9th century. The inscriptions beside the sculpture tell of events that occurred between A.D. 705 and 801.

     The monument is dated back to circa 701 AD and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. The Madara horseman is the only rock relief in Europe dated back to the early Middle Ages. In 2009 the Bulgarian voters have chosen the Madara Horseman to be depicted on their future euro coins.

Rock-Hewn churches of Ivanovo

     In the valley of the Roussenski Lom river, in north-east Bulgaria, a complex of rock-hewn churches, chapels, monasteries and cells developed in the vicinity of the village of Ivanovo. This is where the first hermits had dug out their cells and churches during the 12th century. The 14th-century murals testify to the exceptional skill of the artists belonging to the Tarnovo school of painting.

     The complex is noted for its beautiful and well-preserved medieval frescoes. Five of the churches contain these frescoes in very well-preserved condition, and they are considered the best remaining example of medieval Bulgarian art.

     The Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.

Shumen Monument

     Shumen boasts the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria, regarded as the only monument in the world to depict the history of a whole country from its creation to the present day.

Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak

     The tomb is part of a large Thracian necropolis.The monument dates back to the 4th century BC and has been on the UNESCO protected World Heritage Site list since 1979. The paintings in the tomb are Bulgaria's best-preserved artistic masterpieces from the Hellenistic period.The tomb is situated near the ancient Thracian capital of Seuthopolis.

     Kazanlak can rightly be called the capital of the Valley of the Thracian Kings. One can feel the secrets of the Thracian civilization here. The museums and galleries introduce the visitors to the history of the town, the legends of its beginnings, and the authentic way of life of the local people.

Pobiti Kamani - The "Petrified Forest"

     Located 18 km westwards from Varna there is one of the most incredible natural phenomena in Bulgaria. The natural stone pillars - some reaching 6 meters high, some up to 12 meters across at their base are known as "the petrified forest".Some columns resemble animals, others remind you of frozen fountains or cascades. Several rows of columns create the impression that each is made up of two cones balancing on their sharp points.

     The Pobiti Kamani Natural Reserve was the first Bulgarian Natural Reserve created, in 1937. Walking around the columns is somewhat unreal - it is somewhat like visiting a volcanous area with the most unusual shapes and forms. In the case of the Pobiti Kamani Natural Reserve, you are in effect walking around among stalagmites that hung from a seabed that has ceased to exist and today look more like stalagtites.

Aladja Monastery

     This is one of the few preserved and accessible rock monasteries in Bulgaria, dating from the early Middle Ages and conforming to the hesychastic idea of silence, asceticism and moral perfection. Monastic cells and a small church have been dug into a sheer rock, 14 km from the city of Varna and close to the Black Sea resort of Golden Sands. Differently coloured 13th-14th century frescoes are still discernible on its walls.

Thracian tomb of Sveshtari

     Discovered in 1982 near the village of Sveshtari, this 3rd-century BC Thracian tomb reflects the fundamental structural principles of Thracian cult buildings. The tomb has a unique architectural decor, with polychrome half-human, half-plant caryatids and painted murals. The 10 female figures carved in high relief on the walls of the central chamber and the decoration of the lunette in its vault are the only examples of this type found so far in the Thracian lands. It is a remarkable reminder of the culture of the Getes, a Thracian people who were in contact with the Hellenistic and Hyperborean worlds, according to ancient geographers.

Traditional Bulgarian taverns

     The typical Bulgarian taverns (mehana) and restaurants offer national and regional traditional cuisine, excellent wines, amusing show programs and unforgettable emotions.

Arbanassi

     The old settlement of Arbanassi is situated on a high plateau with a view to the hills of Tzarevetz and Trapezitza, four kilometers from Veliko Turnovo. It's distinguished for its impressive houses and churches with rich interior decoration, wood-carving, and mural paintings created in XVI - XVII century. In the village of Arbanassi everything is authentic: the unique architecture of the Arbanassi houses, the old-time narrow streets, the drinking fountains of yore, the moving mural paintings, icons and original iconostases in its remarkable churches and monasteries.

     Namely these unique monuments from the Bulgarian architectural and arts heritage are the cause for Arbanassi to be frequently visited not only by tourists but also by scientists, archeologists, historians, architects, and artists. With a tsar decree from 1921 the settlement is declared resort, and in 2000 it is declared "historical settlement" with national significance.

Historic – ethnographic complex “Fanagoria” ( Varna)

     The historic – ethnographic complex of proto – Bulgarian village of “Fanagoria” is a unique active open-air museum. The complex is counterfeit of proto – Bulgarian battle camp of 6 – 8 th century and includes wood protected walls with battle towers, equipped jurta (ancient Bulgarian margull), active craft work – shops, restored old suites, armaments, objects of life and furnishing. There is a formed square with khan’s and shaman’s jurtas, a shooting place and a platform for the audience.The visitors can see the feast of the ancient Bulgarian feast – the spring review of the Bulgarian cavalry.

Roman spa in Varna

     Third biggest Roman ruins in Europe and, off course, the biggest in Bulgaria. The therms were built in 2nd century AD and Romans enjoyed there by bathing in freezing cold water, tepid water or hot water. Only a small complex comparing to original is still preserved.