Travel Destination: Bulgaria
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a country in south-eastern Europe that is just starting to warm up international interest. It is bordered by Romania, Serbia, Republic of Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. Little is known about this country, at most is its part of the Black Sea coast which is the only attraction known to most international tourists.
Its ten largest cities are Sofia (its capital), Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Russe, Stara Zagora, Pleven, Sliven, Dobrich and Shumen. Sofia is the seat for administrative, economic, cultural and educational power in the country. It is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Prehistoric settlements have been excavated around the royal palace, Slatina and Obelia. Some of the structures here are as old as 7th century BC.
It must be a daunting task for Bulgaria to follow the footsteps of its more popular European neighbours but now is the time to step out of the shadows for it has its own beauty waiting to be discovered and underdogs have an unseen set of supporters anyway.
Just like UNESCO which listed nine Heritage Sites from this country, both of its natural and cultural riches properly recognised. So the journey can begin here where Bulgaria traces its colourful past. The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak in central Bulgaria is a late 4th century BC burial chamber with significant murals. Thracian refers to people who belong to Indo-European tribes. The Ivanovo Rock Churches is a 14th century rock monastery compound found 20 kilometres away from the city of Rouse. It showcases significant Bulgarian medieval art. Boyana Church has murals dating back to 1259, it is in the foothills of Mount Vitosha, in Boyana residential district. Other heritage sites are Madara Horseman, a Middle Age rock relief near the village of Madara; Rila Monastery which was established in the 10th century in the Rila Mountain; Nessebur, the ancient town that harbours relics and old churches from the 5th to 17th centuries; Sveshtari Thracian Tomb; Srebarna Reserve, a biosphere reserve 16 kilometres to the west of Silistra and Pirin National Park, a plant and animal haven.
Joining the European Union in 2007 has boosted Bulgaria’s economic development. It was ranked by the World Bank as an upper-middle-income economy. Services, industry and agriculture make up its GDP. Tourism is also an emerging industry. In 2008, six million visitors wandered through this country’s rich history. Greece, Romania and Germany are the top three countries where tourists came from.
Aside from the historic towns, Bulgaria is popular for its summer and winter destinations. Summer beaches are plenty along the Black Sea Coast so schedule a trip to Sozopol, Sunny Beach, Nessebur, Albena, Golden Sands, Sveti Blas, Helena and Saints Constantine. Its spa resorts are also frequented by those who are looking for practical but worthy alternative to the much more expensive western European destinations. You can relax without going over budget in Varshets, Sandanski, Hisarya, Bankya and Velingrad. The mineral springs are said to have curative properties. Winter wanderers can go to ski resorts in Bansko, Pamporovo, Borovets and Samokov.
Bulgaria may not be as high profile as its more popular neighbours but that is where its beauty is rooted, undiscovered and unpretentious, every turn is a surprise.