Town of the tower: Castra Martis, Kula

8 unknown Ancient Roman sites in Bulgaria you haven’t visited

You may well be aware of Bulgaria’s Ancient Roman history – after all, the Bulgarian lands were ruled by the Roman Empire for centuries. Sites like Plovdiv’s majestic Roman theatre, Varna’s huge Roman baths or Sofia’s antique churches of Hagia Sophia and Saint George are among the highlights of tourism in Bulgaria. However, the rest of the astonishing Roman ruins in Bulgaria appear to be largely forgotten.

From the (lost) longest bridge of the ancient world to a gate nowadays resembling two camels, kashkaval tourist presents 8 unknown Ancient Roman sites in Bulgaria you haven’t visited!

1. Brick masterpiece: The Red Church, Perushtitsa

Brick masterpiece: The Red Church, Perushtitsa

Brick masterpiece: The Red Church, Perushtitsa. Photo credit: Raggatt2000, Wikipedia.

A ruin standing proudly out in the open field near Perushtitsa, the Red Church (Червената църква Chervenata tsarkva) impresses with its rare solid brickwork and grand proportions – the dome of the church reached more than 14 metres in height! It is curious that the floor of this ancient basilica was decorated with mosaics, while the walls were painted. Some of the frescoes from the 5th-6th century AD were discovered during the Red Church’s restoration as recently as 2013!

2. Gorgon Medusa on the floor: Villa Armira, Ivaylovgrad

Gorgon Medusa on the floor: Villa Armira, Ivaylovgrad

Gorgon Medusa on the floor: Villa Armira, Ivaylovgrad Photo credit: Bin im Garten, Wikipedia.

Villa Armira (Вила Армира) is perhaps the best-preserved villa of a Roman aristocrat to be found in Bulgaria. Named after the little river near the town of Ivaylovgrad by it lies, Villa Armira was built as a suburban palace of a Roman noble in the 1st century AD.

The villa is most famous for its striking mosaic decoration – its floor is filled to the brim with incredible geometric, floral and animal motifs! A regular trend on Villa Armira’s mosaics is the depiction of the gorgon Medusa, so be careful and watch out not to be caught in its stare or you may turn into stone!

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7 curious examples of Bulgarian heritage abroad you had no idea about

7 curious examples of Bulgarian heritage abroad you had no idea about

For many reasons, Bulgaria has long been a country of emigrants. You may have heard about prominent people of Bulgarian ancestry like the American John Atanasoff, one of the pioneers of computing, or Brazil’s first female president, Dilma Rousseff… but there are many more unknown cases of how Bulgaria and Bulgarians left their mark on other countries in a curious way.

Including one of Uruguay’s most beloved football clubs, a full-fledged research station in Antarctica and a huge monument to a Bulgarian communist leader in West Africa, kashkaval tourist presents 7 curious examples of Bulgarian heritage abroad you had no idea about.

1. We’re at every kilometre: Cotonou, Benin

Bizarrely and almost surreally, a monument of Bulgaria’s first communist leader, Georgi Dimitrov, stands in the middle of a busy roundabout in Cotonou, the largest city of the West African country of Benin. The monument, brightly painted and significantly over-life-size, dominates the intersection which was appropriately named Place de Bulgarie, or Bulgaria Square.

How exactly this monument came to be can only be conjectured. But in the 1970s and 1980s Benin was trying hard to be a communist country, so this honour must have been bestowed to the late Dimitrov during that period.

2. The cast iron church and the dairy man: Istanbul, Turkey

The Iron Church in Istanbul is one of the most important examples of Bulgarian heritage abroad. Standing by the Golden Horn in the historic neighborhood of Fener, the church impresses with its Gothic and Baroque exteriors… and the metallic clang of its cast iron walls!

The Orthodox church, dedicated to Saint Stephen, was prefabricated in Vienna. All iron elements (weighting 500 tons in total) were shipped to Istanbul via the Danube and the Black Sea and assembled in the Ottoman capital in 1898. Today, it’s one of the few remaining iron churches in the world and a glorious remnant of the struggle for an independent Bulgarian church.

For a taste of more Bulgarian heritage in Istanbul, make sure you visit the legendary dairy shop of 88-year-old Bulgarian Kaymakçı Pando Shestakov. His kaymak cream is reputed to be the best in Istanbul and the shop was founded by his ancestors in 1895!

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8 picturesque villages in Bulgaria perfect for a spring holiday!

8 picturesque villages in Bulgaria perfect for a spring holiday!

Spring is upon us, the days are getting longer and sunnier and you want to use any opportunity to explore Bulgaria off the beaten path. Perhaps you’re looking for a weekend getaway? It’s still cold and partially snowy high up in the mountains and a beach holiday on the Black Sea is not an option yet.

So why not visit a typical Bulgarian village, enjoy some local hospitality and immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere? Here are 8 of the best villages in Bulgaria for a spring holiday!

1. Timber aesthetics: Zheravna

Zheravna (Жеравна) lies scenically in the lower eastern part of the Balkan Mountains, at a place where they’re gradually descending as they approach the Black Sea. Zheravna rose to affluence and importance in the 17th century due to its key position on a trading route. The residents built imposing houses of wood decorated with elaborate woodcarvings and traditional local carpets.

Today, there are around 200 historic houses in Zheravna, some up to 300 years old. Each August, Zheravna is the site of the International Festival of Folk Costume, which gathers tens of thousands of people. Participants are required to wear an authentic folk costume and refrain from using modern technology for the duration of the event.

  • How to get there: The biggest city in the vicinity is Sliven, which has regular bus and rail connections to the rest of the country. There are 2-3 regional buses a day from Sliven to Zheravna and back.

2. Antique melting pot: Arbanasi

Antique melting pot: Arbanasi

Antique melting pot: Arbanasi

Reportedly established in the Middle Ages by settlers from what is today Albania, Arbanasi (Арбанаси) is located just 5 kilometres from the charming former Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo. In the early Ottoman times, it was a Greek-speaking island populated by rich merchants and craftsmen trading throughout Europe. Its wealthy residents built as many as 5 Orthodox churches, famous for their detailed interior murals. Some of the most eminent families of Wallachia (Romania) also had houses in Arbanasi.

Most of Arbanasi’s cultural heritage from the 16th-18th century is well preserved. The cobblestone streets of the ancient village are a great place for a spring walk and a memorable trip into the past. Make sure you visit the enormous Kostantsaliev House and the oldest church, that of the Nativity of Christ with unique frescoes from 1597.

  • How to get there: Arbanasi is very close to Veliko Tarnovo — the distance is almost walkable. There are regular share taxis (marshrutka) between the centre of Veliko Tarnovo (opposite the Court building) and Arbanasi every day.

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Happy Easter! Hristos voskrese!

Today happens to be Easter for Eastern Orthodox Christians like most Bulgarians as well as for Catholics and Protestants. Kashkaval tourist wishes you a Happy Easter!

If you’re set on celebrating Easter (Великден, Velikden) the Bulgarian way, don’t forget that:

  • Eggs are painted on Thursday and Saturday during the Holy Week, never on any other day. The first egg must be painted red and is saved for as long as possible to bring good fortune and prosperity to the family.
  • At midnight, you go around your local church three times in a counter-clockwise direction, carrying a candle in your hand (and trying to keep the flame burning during the whole procession!)
  • Kozunak (козунак) is the most delicious sweet bread in existence. Now’s your chance to try it!
  • The traditional greeting among Bulgarian Christians is in Church Slavonic. It goes as follows: Hristos voskrese (Христос воскресе), meaning “Christ is risen”. The proper response is: Voistina voskrese (Воистина воскресе), “Truly, He is risen”.
  • Egg fighting begins from midnight on and whoever has the strongest egg (the “beater”) will be the healthiest during the year. However, beware of cheaters with wooden eggs!
7 unique Bulgarian wine varieties you must taste

7 unique Bulgarian wine varieties you must taste

Did you know that Bulgaria was the second largest producer of wine in the world in the 1980s? Today, the country may not be producing wine on such a massive scale, but its thousand-year-old winemaking traditions continue to deliver high-quality and affordable Bulgarian wine.

Indeed, vine growing and winemaking have been part of Bulgarian culture since time immemorial. Thousands of years ago in what is today Bulgaria, the ancient Thracians were consuming wine from elaborate gold vessels in the shape of animals and mythical creatures. And who wouldn’t grow wine in Bulgaria – its sunlit hills, fertile soils and geographic latitude (equivalent to central Italy or southern France to the west) provide the perfect vine growing conditions practically all over the country.

Wine is among the most popular drinks in Bulgaria, along with rakia and beer. The country is divided into five separate winemaking regions, each of those offering specific local wines. From the spicy Mavrud of the central south to the fresh Gamza of the northwest, I present you 7 unique Bulgarian wine varieties you totally must taste!

For excellent wine tasting experiences in the Plovdiv region (pickup from Sofia or Plovdiv), book a private guided tour with Thracian Roads.

1. The dark horse: Mavrud

Mavrud’s name comes from the Greek word for black and you can definitely see why in this wine’s deep colour. Used to make a dark ruby-coloured and soft-tasting wine, Mavrud (Мавруд) grapes are almost exclusively grown in a small area just north of the charming Rhodope Mountains. More specifically, this sturdy variety is associated with the town of Asenovgrad and to a lesser extent with Perushtitsa.

Mavrud grapes are typically small in size, low on yield and ripen late – the harvest is in late October. All these factors result in a spicy and fruity varietal with high tannins, appreciated for its high quality, remarkable maturing potential and local character.

2. Flavour of the Mediterranean: Broad-Leaved Melnik

The scenic region of Melnik produces well-aging reds

The scenic region of Melnik produces well-aging reds. Photo credit: Dupnitsa.net, Wikipedia.

Planted in the southwestern-most and warmest corner of Bulgaria, in the distinct Mediterranean valley of the Struma River, the Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine (Широка мелнишка лоза, Shiroka melnishka loza) bears all the signs of an age-worthy southern red grape variety. Varietals are often named just Melnik, referring to the picturesque smallest town in Bulgaria famous for its winemaking tradition.

According to a very popular story, Melnik wine was Winston Churchill’s favourite – it is even claimed that Churchill had 500 litres of this wine delivered to him annually! Whether this is true or not, it is certain that wine from the late-ripening Broad-Leaved Melnik grapes has a captivating taste much like that of Châteauneuf-du-Pape of southeastern France, often with tobacco and leather hints.

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8 magical cultural attractions in the Rhodopes

8 magical cultural attractions in the Rhodopes

The Rhodopes (Родопи, Rodopi), a forested mountain chain in Bulgaria’s southern reaches, are a land that has preserved its age-old traditions to this day. A serene place of legendary natural beauty, the Rhodope Mountains were reportedly the home of Orpheus in Ancient Greek myth. Today, these verdant and extensive mountains remain a magnetic destination where visitors find peace and tranquility.

Thracian sanctuaries, scenic villages, medieval castles and enigmatic bridges: read on to find out more about 8 magical cultural attractions in the Rhodopes. And the Rhodopes’ natural attractions – its stunning gorges, caves and rock arches – undoubtedly deserve a whole future article of their own!

1. Arched wonder of architecture: Devil’s Bridge

Arched wonder of architecture: Devil’s Bridge

Arched wonder of architecture: Devil’s Bridge

Spanning the Arda River not far from Ardino and linking the Aegean coast of Greece with the Upper Thracian Lowland of Bulgaria, the Devil’s Bridge (Дяволски мост, Dyavolski most) has fascinated tourists and researchers for many years. This picturesque arched stone bridge was constructed in the early 16th century by the Ottomans and numerous legends attempt to explain its curious name.

According to one of the most popular tales, the violent currents of the river long prevented the locals from building a bridge at the place. Only when a young master builder made a deal with the devil (involving cryptically depicting the face of Satan on the bridge) under the danger of losing his and his wife’s lives was the bridge able to survive at the cursed location. And so it has continued to stand, for 500 years.

  • How to get there: There are daily buses from Sofia’s Central station to Kardzhali, where you can catch a local bus to Ardino. A couple of the afternoon buses from Sofia go directly to Ardino too.

2. 8000 year-old sanctuary: Perperikon

Archaeologists were looking for the lost Thracian sanctuary of Perperikon for decades until they discovered it in 2000. Nested on a rocky ridge above the village of Gorna Krepost in the Eastern Rhodopes, this ancient compound is regarded as the largest megalith complex in Southeastern Europe.

Reportedly, Perperikon was the site of a famous Temple of Dionysus, the god of wine, whose oracle rivaled the one at Delphi. Modified and expanded in Roman times with fortress walls and an imposing palace, Perperikon survived until the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans, when it was destroyed… and forgotten.

  • How to get there: Perperikon is not far from Kardzhali, which is connected to Sofia and Plovdiv by bus. It may be possible to arrange a taxi from Kardzhali to Gorna Krepost, the site of Perperikon.

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7 waterfalls in Bulgaria that will take your breath away

As a mountainous country renowned for its water resources, you can bet Bulgaria has some amazing waterfalls! The majestic waterfalls of Bulgaria may not be as well-known as the Niagara Falls or Iguazu Falls, but they are still perfect places to visit as part of an adventurous hike or on a more relaxed picnic trip.

From the highest in Southeastern Europe to some of the most picturesque, here come 7 waterfalls in Bulgaria that will take your breath away!

1. Thunder of the mountains: Skakavitsa in Rila

Thunder of the mountains: Skakavitsa in Rila

Thunder of the mountains: Skakavitsa in Rila

Around 70 metres high, the Skakavitsa Waterfall is among the main tourist attractions in the Rila Mountains. Skakavitsa (Скакавица) flows dramatically down from the eastern slope of Kabul Peak, at an elevation of 1750 metres above sea level. Due to its high-mountain location, the Skakavitsa Waterfall freezes every winter and is at its peak in spring. Then, the melting snows feed it with huge amounts of water and turn it into a thundering cataract.

As the Seven Rila Lakes are a two-hour hike away, it’s a great idea to combine Skakavitsa with a visit to Bulgaria’s most famous lake group.

  • How to get there: Skakavitsa Waterfall is less than half an hour away from Skakavitsa Hut in Rila National Park. Travel by bus or train to Dupnitsa and catch a local bus to Sapareva Banya, then make your way to Skakavitsa on a four-hour hike from the town via Pionerska Hut.

2. Balkan record holder: Raysko Praskalo

Raysko Praskalo (Райско пръскало) literally means “a heavenly spray” in Bulgarian, and this waterfall does indeed look like one. Situated deep in the Central Balkan National Park, Raysko Praskalo may not be big in volume… but at 124.5 metres, it’s the highest permanently-flowing waterfall in the Balkans!

Here’s a tip – visit Raysko Praskalo during spring or autumn to see it in its proper size. If you go in high summer, you may be disappointed by the small amount of water flowing down from the imposing rocks.

  • How to get there: Raysko Praskalo is located just next to Ray Hut above the town of Kalofer. Get to Kalofer by train or bus from Sofia or Plovdiv and start your challenging four or five-hour trek from the Panitsite area.

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6 places you would not believe are in Bulgaria

6 places you would not believe are in Bulgaria

For its relatively small size and population, Bulgaria has a lot of cultural diversity. And while you may expect to find mystical Thracian burial sites, medieval Bulgarian and Byzantine castles or lavishly decorated Ottoman mosques, there are many places which look nothing like what you would think.

From a French-style summer palace to a former Czech village, here’s 6 places you would not believe are in Bulgaria. With tips to help you get there and see them yourself, of course!

1. French château?

No, it’s a Bulgarian seaside palace!

The Euxinograde palace near Varna was built in an 18th-century French château style for the Bulgarian royal family. With its mansard roof, intricate façade brickwork and charming clock tower, Euxinograde looks like it belongs in the UNESCO World Heritage Loire Valley of central France rather than on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. Add the gorgeous park designed by the noted landscape architect Édouard André and the respected winery that’s part of the palace complex and you have a true piece of France in the Balkans.

  • How to get there: The Euxinograde palace is a government property and can be visited after a prior booking via this e-mail. The complex lies just east of the seaside capital Varna and is accessible from there.

2. Italy?

Italy? No, this is not an Italian town, but Bulgaria’s second-largest city, Plovdiv!

The Cathedral of Saint Louis in Plovdiv

No, this is not an Italian town, but Bulgaria’s second-largest city, Plovdiv!

Founded some 6,000 years ago, Plovdiv shares an uncanny amount of similarities with Italy’s capital, Rome, with which it is twinned. Both cities are famously located on seven hills, though in Plovdiv’s case, one of those was destroyed and used as building material to pave the streets. Just like Rome, Plovdiv features copious heritage from the Roman Empire, including a well-preserved Ancient Roman theatre, a forum with an odeon, an antique stadium and an ancient aqueduct, among others.

Plovdiv, a captivating Balkan town, also remains an important centre of Roman Catholicism in Bulgaria, and the elegant Cathedral of Saint Louis impresses with its Italianate Baroque and Classicist design.

  • How to get there: Plovdiv is on the Trakia motorway which links it with Sofia and Burgas. There’s an international airport serviced by Ryanair as well as extensive railway links to the rest of Bulgaria.

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Ohrid, Macedonia

8 charming Balkan towns you should explore now

The Balkans are a fascinating and multi-faceted region that’s still relatively unexplored by tourists. Breathtaking mountains, thousands of kilometres of warm beaches, ancient monuments still standing, an ethnically and religiously diverse (and always welcoming) local environment – it really doesn’t get any more varied than that!

However, with a region as broad and as varied as Southeastern Europe, it can often be a challenge to choose where to go. Read on to learn about 8 charming Balkan towns where you can truly delve into the spirit of the Balkans – whether in better-known locations like Greece and Bulgaria or in still-undiscovered corners of the peninsula like southern Albania and Herzegovina!

1. Bridge over the ages: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bridge over the ages – Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bridge over the ages – Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo credit: Jeremy Rover, Flickr.

The arched Old Bridge of white stone spanning the turquoise waters of the Neretva River is Mostar’s main symbol. It is present not only in the Herzegovinian town’s coat of arms but even in its name, alluding to the main occupation of the local residents as bridge keepers.

The Old Bridge, a work of legendary 16th-century architect Sinan, connects the cobblestone streets of Mostar’s old town on either side of the river, as well as the mix of Ottoman, Western and Mediterranean influences that shaped this charming place. Tragically, the original century-old bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War, but its reconstruction now reminds of the fragility of tangible heritage.

2. A church for each day of the year: Ohrid, Macedonia

A church for each day of the year – Ohrid, Macedonia

A church for each day of the year – Ohrid, Macedonia

Ohrid is a delightful Macedonian town panoramically located on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Ohrid. A religious and cultural centre since ancient times, it has been called “Jerusalem of the Balkans”, and not without reason. Reputedly, Ohrid once hosted 365 individual churches, one for each day of the year, and though far from all of these are around these days, those that remain make up for the numbers in their fabulous design and decoration.

Medieval churches, lavish merchant houses from Ottoman times and the mighty walls of Emperor Samuil’s fortress attract visitors to this heavenly town on the lakeside… but the innumerable wild beaches still remain Macedonia’s best-kept secret. And for some unforgettable hiking with lake vistas, you can always wander into the nearby mountain of Galičica, nested between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa on the other side.

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10 Bulgarian drinks you must try

10 Bulgarian drinks you must try

Bulgaria has a refreshing tradition of natural beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Many Bulgarian drinks are mixed together to create curious cocktails while others, like the classic rakia, are sipped pure. With summer slowly approaching and the weather getting sunnier and warmer by the day, here’s a list of 10 typically Bulgarian drinks to quench the thirst when you visit the country… and enrich your cultural experience of the Balkans!

1. The fruity queen of spirits: rakia (ракия)

The fruity queen of spirits: rakia (ракия)

The fruity queen of spirits: rakia (ракия)

A personal favourite and the most popular spirit among the South Slavic peoples, rakia is a fruit brandy that can be made out of practically any kind of fermented fruit. This legendary beverage is customarily made in home distilleries (called казан kazan). In Bulgaria, the most popular variety is grape rakia, though plum, apple, apricot, peach, cherry, quince are all appreciated and traditional for some regions like Troyan and the western parts of the country. The rose rakia of Kazanlak is another local variety that stands out.

Order a rakia with a shopska salad for the quintessential Bulgarian appetizer. And pay attention to the measures – a small drink in Bulgaria is 50ml while a big drink amounts to a whooping 100ml! Commercially-made rakia has an alcohol content of about 40% and the home-made spirit is even stronger, so a big drink is already a serious undertaking…

2. A healthy chilled yoghurt specialty: ayran (айран)

A healthy chilled yoghurt specialty: ayran (айран)

A healthy chilled yoghurt specialty: ayran (айран)

Bulgarian yoghurt is celebrated worldwide, and within the country it is enjoyed both in its thick and in its liquid form. Mix an equal amount of water with some quality Bulgarian whole-milk yoghurt, stir it and add salt to taste and you get ayran (or ayryan) – served chilled, the ultimate refreshing milk drink for the hot Balkan summers.

Ayran, though in a thicker variety and often with added herbs, is also popular throughout Turkey and the Middle East.

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