Highlights of Bulgaria

For many, the image of Bulgaria has changed from the repressed Communist regime of 20 years ago to a busy Black Sea leisure area but, a world away from this, we have been pleasantly surprised by a rewarding array of monuments, monasteries, museums and landscapes. In the current economic climate, this relatively inexpensive destination offers good value outside the ‘Euro zone’.

Bordering five countries, Bulgaria has a diverse landscape ranging from the snow-covered Rila Mountains in the southwest to the river valleys and hills of the Danubian plain in the north. Many ancient civilisations have left their mark in history, most notably the Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Slavs and Bulgars.

The town of Plovdiv has remains preserved from antiquity, a fine example being Bulgaria’s largest surviving Roman construction, the Roman theatre in the old town, built in the 2nd century AD but only discovered 40 years ago due to a landslide. After a major excavation the site is used, during the summer months, for theatrical plays and concerts.

Bachkovo Monastery was founded in 1083 by a Georgian Byzantine military commander and until the 14th century Georgian traditions were preserved even after their loss of power. The monastery was later destroyed but restoration started in the 15th century.

To the northwest of the Rila Mountains lies the UNESCO World Heritage site, Rila Monastery, regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important historical architectural monuments with a remarkable interior displaying painted murals and woodcarvings.

VJV Exclusive Event – Church Psalms in Arbanassi
Enjoy a short private performance at the Church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Arbanassi. Singers in cassocks perform church psalms in old Slavonic language.