Kovachevitsa village
Kovachevitsa was founded towards the end of the seventeenth century. The first school was built in 1830, and the church of St. Nikolas was built in 1848, making Kovachevitza the regional cultural centre. Since the village’s inception, the buildings’ charming architectural style has remained unchanged. Stone and wood are the sole building materials used. The wonderful architectural methods utilised in antiquity are still utilised today, unchanged. Kovachevitza has appeared in several films as a natural historical setting. The settlement was designated as a national architectural and historic reserve in 1977.
Beautiful canyons, a crystal-clear river, lush forests, amazingly fresh and cold towering peaks affording breath-taking vistas can all be found at Kovachevitza. All of this will transport you to long-forgotten times in history. The village of Kovachevitza is nestled amid the peaks of the Rhodopes’ most distant south-western corner. Its population is estimated to be around 50 people. It has a temperate temperature, with a warm winter (because of the breeze from the Aegean) and cool summer (due to the freshness of the surrounding coniferous forests). The Kanina River flows nearby, is known for its three deep pools, an abundance of mountain trout, and stunning waterfalls that cascade like glistening silver from dizzying heights. The unabashed beauty of its proud, tall white-facade homes with stone-slab roofs and crowded whispering eaves is a rare example of Bulgarian architectural talent.
The village of Kovachevitsa is an ideal destination for those who enjoy the country and cultural tourism, as it allows them to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, explore nature and old traditions, and sample authentic regional delicacies and beverages. Hiking, trekking, and sightseeing are all popular activities in the area.
Town of Etara
Etara is a first-of-its-kind architectural and ethnographic complex in Bulgaria. The complex was first opened on September 7, 1964, and was designated as a National Park in 1967 and a cultural monument in 1971. It’s located in Gabrovo, about 31 miles (50 kilometres) from Veliko Tarnovo, in the middle of the Stara Planina mountains. Etara is an open-air museum dedicated to the lifestyle, customs, and culture of Bulgarian ancestors from a few centuries ago and their craftsmanship. Over 50 structures, including dwellings, workplaces, and water systems, are distributed across 17 acres of land. If you visit during a festival or celebration, you will be able to view architecture from the Bulgarian Revival period, crafts and products from the time when Gabrovo was dubbed “the Bulgarian Manchester,” as well as live customs and rites and rituals. Etara offers a variety of engaging events, including hobby and training courses, weekend programmes, and the International Crafts Fair in September. Paid parking is available near the complex’s south entrance, as well as regular public transportation.
In Etara, there is a hotel and a couple of traditional restaurants and cafes, but Veliko Tarnovo is only a short drive away if you want more lodging and dining options.
Zheravna village
Zheravna is a lovely alpine village and architectural reserve about 20 minutes from the coast on the highway (Burgas). More than 200 historic houses from the National Revival period have been conserved and repaired. It is a renowned tourist site as well as a source of artistic and literary inspiration. Zheravna is a place where time has come to a standstill. Animals prancing by, coffee cups clattering on a tray, pure cold mountain water running in the basin fill the air with rural odours and sounds. Many of the houses have been converted into museums or guest houses. Others have shops, restaurants, and cafes on their ground levels. The streets are cobblestone, tiny, and winding. It’s easy to get lost or miss the turn you’re looking for. Because parking is scarce, it may be preferable to park your car in the central plaza and then walk.
Zheravna holds one of Bulgaria’s most magnificent festivals in August. The Folklore Costume Festival is a three-day break from everyday life. People dress up in traditional folklore or military outfits, sleep under the stars, and cook over an open fire. Workshops and re-enactments are held by artisans, musicians, and warriors who use old traditional tools of the trade.
It’s lovely in any season, and unless there’s a huge event going on, the village is actually rather quiet.
Brashlyan village
It’s around 260.9 miles (420 kilometres) southeast of Sofia, 8.6 miles (14 kilometres) northwest of Malko Turnovo, 39.1 miles (63 kilometres) south of Burgas, and 39.1 miles (63 kilometres) northwest of Malko Turnovo. Only 2.4 miles (4 kilometres) separate us from the Turkish border. The Strandzha mountains surround it. Winters are pleasant, with often positive temperatures, while summers are scorching and dry.
The population is estimated to be around 60 people. Malko Tarnovo and Burgas can be reached by bus regularly.
Brashlyan has power and running water, and the main streets are paved with asphalt. A church, a hotel complex, and a guest house are all present.
In 1982, the settlement was designated as an architectural and historical reserve. It is made up of 76 dwellings, and the church “St. Dimitar” was built in the 17th century to replace a Thracian sanctuary devoted to the deity Dionysus. Household objects and crafts from 19th and 20th-century residents are displayed in ethnographic museums. The Balu House is a nineteenth-century architectural and historical landmark. The house’s layout is characteristic of Strandzha residential design. The agricultural museum is focused on Renaissance agriculture, and there are historic farm implements on display that were used by Strandzha in the past. Three chapels, St. Panteleimon, St. Petka, and St. Marina, are located near the village.
Town of Kotel
Kotel is a town in Bulgaria’s southeast region. It is located in a gorgeous tiny valley (kotlovina, from whence it gets its name) in the Eastern Balkan Range, surrounded by magnificent scenery, fresh air, and clean mountain water. It is 203.8 miles (328 kilometres) east of Sofia, 30.4 miles (49 kilometres) north of Sliven, 23.6 miles (38 kilometres) south of Omourtag, and 38.5 miles (62 kilometres) south of Targovishte, respectively.
This is a historically rich town. In the nineteenth century, it was a centre of Bulgarian culture and education. On the fringes of the mountain village of Kotel, the Old Town of Kotel is a picturesque architectural reserve. For Bulgarians, the Kotel is a sacred site, a symbol of the Bulgarian Revival and the 19th-century Liberation Movement. Kotel is about a 30-minute drive from the Burgas highway. Although the route is well-marked, there are numerous twists and just two lanes? When you arrive in town, there will be signs directing you to the centre and the ethnographic complex. The complex, also known as Galata, was once the poorest part of town and the only one to survive the 1890s fire that destroyed the town. Beautiful wood-covered homes from the Revival Period (most of which have been kept or renovated) rise behind towering strong walls along narrow stone-paved lanes in Kotel’s Old Town. Some of the houses and historic public buildings have been converted into museums or are now used as guest houses, stores, cafes, or restaurants, but the majority of them are private properties that have been restored or are in the process of being restored. There are a few museums in the neighbourhood, or you may simply take a stroll through the steep, winding alleyways. The Old Town of Kotel, unlike the village of Zheravna with which it shares architectural characteristics, has the feel of a modern industrial town. Kotel is a historically and culturally significant town.
Town of Koprivshtitsa
Koprivshtitsa is particularly lovely in the winter when the snow has covered everything and the chimneys are filled with smoke. Even though a walk in the snow is great, the ideal way to spend the evening is to retire to a warm home, sit by the fireplace, and savour a delectable meal and a glass of wine. Here, tourism is extensively established, and there are many wonderful places to stay.
The wonderfully gorgeous tiny hamlet of Koprivshtitsa may be the ideal location for reliving Bulgaria’s original atmosphere from a bygone period. Koprivshtitsa is a true museum town and architectural reserve nestled in the deep valley of the Topolnitsa River, among the forested slopes of the Sredna Gora highlands between Sofia and Plovdiv. Consider the scene: dozens of brightly coloured Bulgarian Revival houses line the twisting cobblestone alleys, joined by little arched bridges.
Koprivshtitsa, once a thriving town of well-educated merchants, is renowned across Bulgaria as the birthplace of scores of eminent writers and revolutionaries, including some of the Bulgarian Revival’s prominent characters. It was also the epicentre of the epic and tragic April Uprising against Ottoman control in 1876, a watershed milestone on the road to Bulgaria’s hard-won independence. Koprivshtitsa is one of the most picturesque settlements in the Balkans.
Koprivshtitsa is one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans, and a wonderful journey back in time, with its spectacular blend of exquisite ancient architecture, tragic history, and crisp pure mountain air. So stay a few days, savour the substantial cuisine and strong rakia, learn about the local history, and explore the area.
Dolen village
Dolen village is one of Bulgaria’s most romantic destinations.
Dolen is a Rhodope Mountain town located in the western portion of the Rhodope Mountains. It is 12.4 miles (20 kilometres) east of Gotse Delchev and 137 miles (220 kilometres) south of Sofia. In the 1980s, the village, along with the neighbouring villages of Leshten and Kovachevitsa, was designated as a cultural and architectural monument. Dolen is still relatively unknown to tourists and thus less commercialised, although the three villages have the same architectural style. True timelessness and serenity may be found here, which is hard to come by in Kovachevitsa and Leshten.
Dolen’s lack of popularity does not imply that it is any less attractive than the other two villages described above. Entrepreneurial businesses moved to Kovachevitsa and Leshten first and progressively developed them by considerable investment in acquiring historic buildings and renovating them for tourists. This has begun to happen in Dolen as well, but the process is (thankfully) still in its early stages.
The majority of Dolen’s homes are over 150 years old. Dolen houses typically have two or three levels, as well as a large terrace (known as a chardak). Only a few of the houses still do this now because the ground level was originally utilised for animal protection. In the winter, the chardak is chilly, but in the summer, it’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The thin stone layers on the roofs, which are utilised instead of normal tiles, are one of the most distinctive aspects of the local dwellings.
In 1977, the village was designated as a Cultural-Historical Reserve due to its well-preserved Renaissance architecture. The historic Church of St. Nicola, built-in 1834 in the school, is the primary attraction. Icons of George Filipov and Zograf of Debarsko, who afterwards moved to Gabrovo, are drawn on the church’s iconostasis. In the past, the community was famed for its goldsmithing.
The narrow cobblestone lanes and typical ancient houses built in the Renaissance era are fascinating. Wood carvings adorn several of the ceilings.
Dolen is the descendant of the old Thracian hamlets that may still be found in the area today. Thracian necropoleis were strewn across the hills. Thracian vineyards were also used till the end of the Bulgarian renaissance. The settlement is situated on the ancient Roman-Thracian road that ran between Trimontium (Plovdiv) and Drama.
Dolen was a haven for those who were persecuted by the law, as well as those who disagreed with each foreign ruler’s new social system. The topography is hilly, with various rivers and ravines that flow into Bistrica as tributaries. There are now modern highways, but in the past, there were just old Thracian routes and river fords. Not on the Roman roadway, but on the old Thracian routes, there were at least three observation posts. These are the only Byzantine, early and late Middle Ages, and even Ottoman structures that have survived. They were used to patrol highways, issue warnings of impending danger, and collect road taxes.
Nessebar
Nessebar, a small seaside town on a peninsula, is overrun with tourists in the summer, making it nearly difficult to be alone on the streets, yet most people are sunbathing on the beach throughout the day.
In the spring, Nessebar is a wonderful area to visit. If you’re on a budget, the restaurants aren’t the ideal spot to eat lunch, but a stroll around the deserted ancient alleyways will put a smile on your face. Nessebar has been related to several ancient civilisations during its 3,000-year existence. The exquisite ancient district has been designated as a living museum town, with the ruins of 40 churches dating from various periods of history. Here you’ll find some fantastic photo and painting opportunities.
Nessebar’s small cobblestone lanes and gabled buildings make it a great spot for visitors to unwind and enjoy a classic Bulgarian atmosphere. Music and entertainment may be found in both the old and new town, sometimes until late at night. UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. Nessebar is ideal for families who wish to get away from the crowds and actually unwind. Nessebar, located at a cultural crossroads, was the birthplace of many European notions that we now take for granted. It was originally a Thracian village before becoming a Greek colony in the early sixth century BC. The peninsular town, however, is home to more than just the ruins of several renowned and historic eras. This Black Sea port revolutionised the globe since it was here that the concept of money was born.
Nessebar was once a major trading city and a member of the Delian League, an ancient Greek alliance. It remained a key focal point for the cultures and epochs that passed through this pivotal location for centuries to come. The ruins of these times can still be seen today in the form of buildings from the Middle Ages and Byzantine Empires. The historic city, which is located in modern-day Bulgaria, displays all eras of Balkan architectural evolution.
Nessebar was also responsible for another important component of the region’s history, namely the evolution of trade and the corresponding monetary system. These days, the concept of money is taken for granted. However, coins did not exist until roughly the 6th century BC. Goods were frequently exchanged for other goods before that period. Nessebar, as a major commerce city, was one of the earliest sites in the globe to begin minting coins. In the 5th century BC, bronze and silver coins were struck, while gold coins were created in the 3rd century BC. Today, most currencies around the world still use coins.
The old town, which is nestled within a narrow rocky peninsula jutting out into the Black Sea, welcomes aimless strolling via its network of cobblestone lanes. You’ll enter a unique neighbourhood with memories from thousands of years of civilisation once you pass through the small entrance in the historic fortress wall. The trading atmosphere is still alive and well in the town, with street merchants selling art and handicrafts. The town is proud of its rich history and cultural traditions and hosts a diverse calendar of festivals and events throughout the year.
The ancient Thracians settled Nessebar, on the Black Sea, near the end of the Bronze Age, and named it Melsambria. Today, you may see the surviving ruins of bygone ages, such as Roman and Medieval fortifications, Byzantine and Bulgarian churches, and 18th and 19th-century buildings.
Nessebar takes great pride in its churches. The Old Metropolitan Church of St. Sofia and the Church of Virgin Eleusa, both on the northern shore, are three-aisled basilicas from the early Byzantine period in the 5th and 6th centuries. The 11th-century Church of St. John the Baptist is distinguished by its cylindrical dome. The frescoes from the 16th century are a highlight of St. Stephen’s Church.
Nessebar is also Bulgaria’s cultural treasure trove. It was designated as a museum town, archaeological reserve, and architectural reserve in 1956. It was listed on the World Heritage List in 1983 because of its unique historical significance. The Old Town is now a popular destination for romantic strolls through the small cobblestone alleyways, which are lined with businesses selling unique handcrafted items.
Nessebar is a year-round resort that can grow busy during peak season (June to September). The greatest time to visit the Roman ruins and original gabled buildings is in the late fall. The return of fishing boats is another draw. Come before and after the peak season to avoid the crowds. Winter is an excellent season to visit the Old City and attend one of its many festivities.
Leshten village
Leshten village is 4.3 miles (7 kilometres) from Ognyanovo village and 8.6 miles (14 kilometres) from Gotse Delchev town. It is one of several towns in the area where traditional architecture has been preserved, with lovely wooden houses covered in stone tiles and cobblestone streets and it is still charming and tranquil. In Leshten, there are numerous places to stay and eat.
It’s a typical Bulgarian village in the Pirin Mountains of South-West Bulgaria. Leshten is a small settlement with roughly 30 dwellings. The village’s houses are all built in the traditional Bulgarian architectural style. 15 of the 30 houses are available for rent. The other half of the residences are pubs and homes for the locals. The main street that runs through the village connects all of the houses. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain walks and drives, and other activities are available.
Not everyone is suited to Leshten. The village is for people who want to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature as well as rustic food. Lesthen is for those of you who enjoy Bulgarian history and traditions and desire to travel back in time, even only for a short time. You can begin your exploration of Leshten by taking a walk around the village. Begin at the square and make your way through the narrow, cobblestone streets. Climb to the top of the hill and take a look around. The sight of the 200-year-old houses, one atop the other, will be with you for the rest of your life. Look about the grounds, which are lush with foliage and flowers, and see if you may enter and tour one of the residences.
The authentic aspect of the renovated old houses has been kept, allowing you to experience a sense of connection to the past. If you don’t have enough time, go for a walk and then go to one of the local restaurants to sample the homemade delicacies available. The food served in the restaurants is grown locally. You must sample one of the regional delicacies, such as minced meat meatballs, roasted chicken, or pancakes with local jam.
Visit the “Saint Paraskeva” church as well. This church, which was completed in 1833, has kept its original appearance. Light a candle and go inside to admire the brightly coloured frescoes. See the 300-year-old baptismal font in which generations of Leshten people were christened, as well as the fresco “Ascension of Saint Elijah” and the icons of “Saint Paraskeva” and “Saint Nedelya.”
If you want to learn more about the village of Leshten’s cultural legacy, go to the community centre, where you’ll find a large collection of photos, musical instruments, historical tools, national costumes, home textiles, and other household objects.
Finally, before leaving, you can pick up a souvenir from one of the village’s little art shops before heading to the village’s main feature, “The Clay House.” The clay home, on the other hand, is not 200 years old. It’s a modern structure, yet it’s so distinctive that no tourist hasn’t seen it or admired it from afar. The structure is totally composed of clay, wood, and straw and resembles a Flintstones home. You can see it from the outside if you are only in Leshten for one day, but if you wish to stay the night, you can rent it and stay in Leshten for a few days.
Shiroka Laka village
The youngsters are skating with sleighs in the snow. Fresh snow and smoke from fireplaces fill the air in the winter. Days in the Rhodopes in December are usually emotional.
Shiroka Laka is a settlement in the Shirokolushka River valley, 12.4 miles (20 kilometres) north of Smolyan. It is a protected architectural and anthropological site. The town planning construction of the Revival period has been retained. 90 sites have been designated as cultural monuments. Six bridges, as well as the complex of the old school St. Panteleimon (1888) and the Church of the Holy Virgin, have been preserved (1834).
The oldest houses originate from the early nineteenth century (1802, 1829). Houses erected in the middle of the nineteenth century are larger and more diversified in style, with overhanging bays and protruding protrusions. These resemble fortresses; the commercial lower floors are made of stone and are levelled with wooden girdles (santrachi); upstairs, there are glazed residential quarters with protruding bays, whitewashed and framed in wood. The roofs are tiled in stone, and the chimneys are multiform in style.
The village’s name comes from the Bulgarian word “laka,” which means “curve, bend, or meander.” Shiroka Laka was established in the 17th century and is currently one of Bulgaria’s most renowned tourist spots. The village’s architecture from the Bulgarian Revival Period, as well as its musical culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history, have all been preserved.
Shiroka Laka is known for its gorgeous, original Rhodope cottages that line both sides of the river amphitheatrically. The master builders in the area were well-known across the country. The historic houses are two-story structures with bay windows and internal wooden staircases, which are typical of the Rhodope architectural style. The majority of the rooms are large, with wooden couches and little windows against the walls. Sgurovska House, Uchikovska House, and Grigorovska House are the most well-known.
The community is also known for the preservation of folklore traditions. This village produced some of the most famous singers and bagpipers of Rhodope folklore tunes. In 1972, the National School of Folk Arts was founded in Shiroka Laka. Every first Sunday in March, the community organises the Pesponedelnik Mummers Festival. Every visitor to the hamlet witnesses a strange scene on this day: gigantic mummer monsters armed with red-painted wooden swords dance around the streets, scaring away all evil from people’s homes and spirits. Garlic, beans, and peppers are adorning the mummers. Rhodope bells of various sizes are worn on the belts around their waists. On this day, many Rhodope songs are sung and people celebrate. In addition to the local mummers, the festival features many different Bulgarian and International mummer organizations.
The Zgurovski konak Ethnographic Museum, which is arranged as a house of a wealthy Rhodope family from the end of the 19th century, and the Church of the Assumption, which was built in 1834 in just 38 days by all the people of Shiroka Laka, are two of the most emblematic places of interest in the village. Other tourist attractions in the village include the house where Exarch Stefan I was born, the Exarch Stefan I monument in the village centre, and the monument of Captain Petko Voyvoda (a Bulgarian rebel who fought against the Ottoman Empire’s control) and the house where he was stationed.
Shiroka Laka offers outstanding rural and ecotourism opportunities. Tourists flock to this location because of the landscape, architecture, pure air, and venerable pine trees. In the village, there are several small hotels and private guesthouses where one can stay.
Two rock formations, Momata (the Maiden) and Glavata (the Head), as well as three chapels, St. Theodore Stratilates Chapel, St. Cyril and St. Methodius Chapel, and St. Atanas Chapel, can be found in the Shiroka Laka region.
The village’s Exarch Stefan Community Centre sits in the heart of the community. It holds the village’s information centre, where visitors may learn about the village’s sights, hotels, and guesthouses. There are also Shiroka laka souvenirs for sale.