Rila Mountain has the highest peak on the Balkans – Musala– 2,925m. It takes the prestigious 6th place in Europe’s “ranking list” after Caucasus, the Alps, Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Etna. The mountain’s name is of ancient Thracian origin and means “the many-water mountain”. Rila has a typically Alpine outlook – sharp peaks and […]
Rhodope Mountains are the vastest mountain in Bulgaria. The old name is Rhodope which is believed to be of Thracian origin. The ancient authors often call them “The Mountain of Orpheus” since it is believed that here was Orpheus’ sanctuary where the Orphic mystic cults of Dionysian nature were held. Rhodope Mountains stretch from western […]
Vitosha is the only dome-like mountain in Bulgaria. It is not far from Bulgaria’s capital city of Sofia. Vitosha’s area is 278 sq km. Its highest peak is Mount Cherni Vruh- 2,290m. A unique natural phenomenon are the so-called stone rivers (moraines) – round granite stones as big as 2km long and 50m wide. The […]
Icons are a significant part of medieval Bulgarian cultural heritage. It displays an astonishing multitude and many of its works rightfully belong to the treasures of world classic art. The roots of Bulgarian iconography date back to the time when Bulgaria accepted Christianity – in 865 during the times of knyaz (prince) Boris Mikhail. After […]
Bulgarian folklore tradition keeps its beliefs into supernatural creatures towards which people have more poetic or generally pagan attitude. These are mythic creatures related almost wholly to the nature. When the humans draw them nearer, they are presented either as friendly or as ill meaning. In the latter case, they are equalized with demons and […]
Slavs have many traditions related to the building of a home. Their houses are built of stone and wood and they pay special attention to the decorations which consist of different symbols carved in wood – ornaments resembling snakes, spirals, stars, small circles. Bulgarians have a feeling for aesthetics and beauty and use this feeling […]
There are many countries in the world famous for their original and tasty cuisine and lost-lasting culinary traditions. The methods of Bulgarian cuisine are not so different from those used throughout the world. It should be tasted the way it is for its peculiarities which give specific taste and aroma to the meals – the […]
Nova Godina (New Year) A winter holiday, known through the whole territory of Bulgarian ethnicity for its large number of rituals. It is related to an important natural turning point – the day of the winter equinox – which makes it perfect for fortune telling and rites. After the table is incensed with coal on […]
Bulgarian state was founded in 681 and up until now it has been one of the few countries in Europe which have kept their ancient name and centuries-old traditions. They are the ones keeping the spirit of a nation. Traditions preserve through the centuries national crafts, beliefs, folklore. A people without traditions is like a […]
The spirit of every people is reflected in its folklore – the dialects, the national clothing, the songs, the dances and the music… Bulgarian folklore music culture is lively, rich and original. For centuries on end the people have created songs for labor and beauty, for slavery and fight for freedom, for the fight against […]