A stop in Lovech, Bulgaria

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In north-central Bulgaria, about 150 kilometres from the capital Sofia, there is the pretty town of Lovech. It is located precisely in the Forebalkan area, between mountains and plains; and it is divided in two parts by the river Osam: at east, the town is bordered by a 250 m high plateau where Stratesh, the biggest park in Lovech, is situated; at south-west, the borders are the hills Hisarya and Bash Bunar, while at north-west the land goes down to the plains of the neighbour province of Pleven.

The position of Lovech is really gorgeous and there are many parks and places to relax, with beautiful flowers (lilacs are the typical flowers here; Lovech is also known as the town of the lilacs) and trees, above all in spring.

The growth of the town and its population has started in the end of 1800, after the liberation of Bulgaria, because many migrants were coming from the surrounding rural areas and villages. After 1991, due to the poor economic situation of Bulgaria, the population diminished and migrated to Sofia or abroad.

During a holiday in Bulgaria, Lovech of course is worthy of a visit, being one of the oldest towns there. In the region, especially in the caves near the town, marks of antique human activities have been found. The primitive populations probably chose this area due to its lovely and comfortable position between mountains and plains and for the vicinity of a river.

The Thracian tribe of the Meldi has been the first resident here, in the 4^th/ 3^rd century BC. Their capital was called Melta and it was located in the place where today there is the architectural reserve Varosha. When the Romans occupied the Balkans, Prezidium was built as a military station nearby the modern town of Lovech, because this was a strategic point on one of the main Roman roads. Some parts of the Romans roads are still visible in the territory surrounding Lovech.

In the Middle Age, Bulgaria came back officially in the European map as the second Bulgarian Empire, after a peace treaty was signed with the Byzantine Empire, in 1187, in the citadel Hisarya. During the 12^th century, Lovech was an important trade centre and one of the most popular towns in Bulgaria.

In the middle of 14^th century, the Turks invaded the region and only in 1446 they captured the citadel of Hisarya, which anyway for long time had some benefits and privileges, such as the impossibility for Turkish people to establish in the town or to take Bulgarian children as janissaries.

After this period, in the 17^th century, Lovech became again a great trade centre and even one of the wealthiest towns in Bulgaria, gaining the name of Altan Lovech that in Turkish means Golden Lovech.

During the revolution against the Ottoman domination, Lovech was protagonist, being the centre of operations of the Secret Revolutionary Committee, the revolutionary organisation of Vasil Levski, who was then arrested and hanged in Sofia. A museum, the biggest in Bulgaria, contains a lot of belongings of Vasil Levski, such as notebooks, clothes and weapons; and it is located in the old part of Lovech.

Between 1872 and 1874, the Bulgarian master-builder Nikola Fichev, called also Kolyu Ficheto, constructed a bridge, unique of its kind in the Balkans: the famous Covered Bridge over the river Osam. In 1925, the bridge was burned, but it was restored in 1931. Today, this bridge links the new and the old part of the town and it is filled of restaurants, cafes and shops.

In the modern times, Lovech has been the place where modern foreign language education in Bulgaria started: the first foreign language school was settled in 1950 in Lovech for English, French and German. Later on, the teaching of English was moved to Sofia, where the first school was founded in 1954; and the teaching of French was settled in Varna in 1958. Therefore, the school of Lovech was teaching only the German language and was informally known as The German School (1958-1984).

If someone decides to spend a holiday or even few days in Lovech, he can consider the opportunity to rent an apartment and go to discover all what the town and its surroundings have to offer.

Lovech has various cultural and natural sights to visit, such as:

• The Tinkov house
• The covered bridge by Kolyu Ficheto
• The monument of Vasil Levski
• The Varosha old town part
• Stratesh Park with the biggest zoo in the province
• Bash Bunar Park
• The baroque buildings in the centre of the town
• The Varosha architectural and historical reserve

Some museums are also interesting and deserve a tour, for example:

• Museum of Vasil Levski
• Lovech Historical Museum
• Drasova Memorial House
• Rashova Memorial House
• Saint Kliment Ohridski School

In Lovech, there are as well some notable theatres, such as the Lovech Drama Theatre, the theatre by the Nauka Community Centre and the summer theatre in Stratesh Park.

Varna: the jewel of the Black Sea

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Considered the seaside capital of Bulgaria, Varna is a district town, 469 km north-east of Sofia, located on Varna Bay on the coasts of the Black Sea. This shore resort is the third in population after Sofia and Plovdiv; and it is the second in traffic after Sofia.

This jewel of the Bulgarian Black Sea is positioned at the end of the large Varna Bay and it has a peculiar magnetism. The city is a blend of ancient, medieval, renaissance and modern cultures.

In July and August, the sun is shining for 10-11 hours giving to the tourists a plenty of time to sunbath and to enjoy the quiet waters of the sea. Varna is of course a resort ideal all the year around for a holiday in Bulgaria, but it is even more than this, while it is offering various cultural attractions, historic buildings, galleries and museums.
It also gives an easy access to some of the quieter picturesque spots along the coast, such as the nature reserve of Kamchiya, the royal palace of Balchik and the hillside monastery of Aladzha.

The rocky Aladzha Monastery is 12 kilometers north east of Varna, within the borders of the Natural Park Golden Sands. The monastery is naturally carved among the scenic mosaic of rocks, trees and bushes. It is still possible to see, 20 meters above the ground, parts of rooms, monks’ cells and a chapel with some medieval mural paintings from the 14th century. The caves were used since the 4^th century by the hermits and in the 13^th century they have been transformed in a monastery, used until the 18^th century.

Varna has a lot of facilities, hotels, self-catering apartments for rent, besides the many sights to discover.

The Church of the Assumption is second biggest church in Bulgaria, after St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. It has been erected in 1884-1886 by the master builder Gencho Kunev in honour of the Liberation from Ottoman domination. The main features of the church are the modern Byzantine architecture, a spacious interior, the woodcarver iconostasis, and the stained glass. It has been declared monument of culture.

Seaside Park is the largest park of Varna, located by the beach; its construction started in 1878. In the park, there are the seaside baths, the Navy Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Aquarium, the Astronomical Observatory, the Planetarium; and the Dolphinarium.

Evksinograd is a small palace in the environs of Varna, erected as summer residence of Knyaz Alexander of Battenberg; and later used by tzars Ferdinand and Boris III as house of the government until today. The palace has a design reminding the French palaces of the 18^th century even if to its construction the Viennese architect Rumpelmeyer, the Swiss architect H. Meyer and architect N. Lazarov have participated.

The halocline necropolis was discovered in 1972, on the northern bank of Varna lake; it is dated back to the fifth millennium BC. The findings reveal the presence of a well developed civilization in south Eastern Europe. In the burial mounts, there were found potter masks with golden applications, ceramic tools, copper decorations; and more than 3000 golden tools.

The “Pobitite kamani” are a group of magnificent rock formations, located 17 kilometres west of Varna, declared as a natural sightseeing in 1937. Various rock pillars with a sand-lime cover are located in a sandy ground and they are seven meters high. They are probably 50 millions year old and their origin is uncertain. What is sure is that these pillars give the feeling of the eternity, above all when wind whistles around them.

The town of Devnia is 28 kilometers west from Varna in the Devnenska plain, nearby the river of and the springs with the same name. Antiquely, here was located the town of Marcianopolis, whose name is derived from Marciana, the sister of the emperor Trayan, the founder of the town.  This antique town was prosperous and flourishing, protected by solid walls; and it has been for a while the capital of the roman province Moesia Inferior, before its destruction probably in the 6^th century. Here, there is the Museum of the mosaics, the only one of its kind in Bulgaria, where are conserved models of roman and early- roman mosaics.

The Valley of Kamchia River is a real enchanted area, where one can walk in a fairytale atmosphere: this is one of the most amazing places on the Black Sea. Here, it is located the resort of Kamchia with hotels, villas and restaurants. The tourists can enjoy the marvellous nature, beautiful and comfortable coasts with fine golden sand.

Holiday Rentals in Bulgaria – Creating the Trip of a Lifetime

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A life without experiencing the cultures of the world, or seeing the history of our planet, is really quite unadventurous.  By planning a trip for you and your family or friends, you can see through the eyes of another and experience a completely new culture and way of life.  For this type of a trip, many people are now looking to explore the beauty of Bulgaria.  By finding the right holiday rentals in Bulgaria, they are able to not only experience the world in a new way, but are also able to spend economically while doing so!  Finding the best holiday rentals in Bulgaria is simple if you know a few simple tips and tricks to locating the right one for you and your loved ones.

The Tips

In order to find the holiday rentals in Bulgaria, you need to first make a list of all the comforts and features you want in the rental home.  The best thing about acquiring a holiday rentals in Bulgaria is that you do not have to give up the pleasures of home whilst on vacation!  You can do your laundry; have family meals, and your own personal space while traveling abroad.  It is truly a home away from home.  The rooms that are available and the ability to leave and return as one wishes throughout the duration of your stay in Bulgaria are just a few of the reasons holiday rentals in Bulgaria are the best choice for all people traveling either independently or in groups!

Search for holiday rentals in Bulgaria that are close to the main or local attractions in that area.  You do not want to be so far away it is a hassle to travel to the things you wish to see!  Centralize yourself.  There are plenty of holiday rentals in Bulgaria that are spacious, fitting for all purposes, and close to all the major attractions in your preferred area.  Whether you are more partial to a historical district or even maybe the theater district, scout out the various options for the holiday rentals in Bulgaria within those select areas.

Live Locally

Take the time to get to know the locals while you are using one of the holiday rentals in Bulgaria.  There is no better way to experience a culture than through the eyes of a local.  By getting to know your neighbors and the locals surrounding you, they will be able to point you in the right direction for the best local foods, fun, and other forms of entertainment.  Whether you are a food connoisseur or a theater buff, you will surely find everything you are looking for if you get to know the local people.

It is clear that using holiday rentals in Bulgaria is a wise idea for parties of all shapes and sizes.  No matter the purpose for your trip, you will surely be highly pleased with the holiday rentals in Bulgaria.  Take the time, do some research, and enjoy your trip whether you live like royalty or like a local on your holiday vacation.

Holiday activities in Burgas, Bulgaria

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Are you thinking to spend a holiday in Bulagaria? Burgas can be the right choice for it: the city is located on the Bulgarian Southern Black Sea coast; it started its development in the beginning of 20^th century and today it is a big industrialized centre with various tourist attractions. Due to its position beside the sea and bordered by lakes (Vaya, Atanaskovsko and Mandrensko), the climate is pretty gentle and it is featured by cooler summers and warmer winters.

The area Burgas covers today was antiquely occupied by small fishermen villages and fortifications; the city has been small and underdeveloped until the end of the 19^th century, keeping difficultly the pace with other cities more urbanized, such as Nesebar and Sozopol. At the beginning of the 20^th century, the navy discovered that the Burgas bay was favourable and this contributed to the development of the Port of Burgas first and the whole city then. Industry also increased and expanded, especially the oil refinery. Therefore, from the 3000 habitants of the end of the 19^th century, Burgas arrived to 300000 residents today.

Burgas is not a main destination for the tourists, generally more attracted by the old towns of Nesebar and Sozopol, but in the Bay many huge luxury holiday resorts have been built.

The city of Burgas is modern and mainly all its buildings are dated from the 20^th century, but there are anyway interesting spots to see: for example, the Gallery of Fine Arts hosted by a secession style synagogue. Sea Garden (Morska gradina) is a vast park with a wide range of plant species and stunning views to the Bay of Burgas. Small stairs take to the beach and in the summer the coast is full of coffee shops and nightclubs. There is also a bridge called Mosta, which has a t-shape: this is a great place for a walk or to drink a coffee watching the world go by. Going inside the garden, it possible to reach the salt-pans (parts of the waters of Atanasovsko lake), where factories produce tons and tons of salt per year: a little train takes visitors around to see how the salt is made.

Burgas has some nice churches to visit such as St Kiril and Metodii church, located in the city centre; and the Armenian church situated next to Bulgaria Hotel.

Burgas is encircled by three lakes. Vaya is the biggest natural lake in Bulgaria; it is ideal to fish (above all carp), but not to swim, because of its dirty waters. Atanasovsko lake is in the North of Burgas and is connected with the Black Sea; a part of this lake has restricted access being a natural reserve. In the South, is located Mandrensko lake, originally a salty lake transformed in 1934 with the construction of a dam.

Burgas has plenty of accommodations, if you decide to spend your holiday there: hotels, guesthouses, rental apartments are available for any taste and need.

Burgas has a great quantity of eating choices: pizza in many different places, international food served in some pubs, Chinese dishes, kebabs, pancakes, hot dogs and hamburgers in the main streets. In the summer, by the sea, there are various open air restaurants and pubs, such as those in the area called Kapanite. Numerous are also the cafés and small bars in Burgas.

A summer holiday in Burgas means also water sports, such as surfing, kite-surfing and diving. Other sports are available such as paragliding and quad biking.

Beside sports, Burgas offers other activities. From the North Beach, you can go to visit St. Anastasia island (previously called Bоlshevik island) taking the boat from the Bridge. In July and August, the Burgas Sand Fest takes place: artists from all over the world come here to create wonderful sand sculptures.

An International exhibition for flowers takes place every year in the pavilions of the Sea Garden. The exhibition is called The Flora and it welcomes visitors generally from end of April.

A place to visit is also Poda, a protected area part of vast marsh, which represents a vital point as a resting station for the birds using the East European migration route known as the Via Ponticum. Poda is ideal for the birdwatchers as it is a great migration viewpoint.

Various museums are also interesting in Burgas like the Ethnographic Museum with assorted ethno exhibitions and summer school of Arts, Crafts and Dances; the Archaeological Museum with Roman, Byzantine and Greek antiques;  the Historical Museum with sample of local and national history; and  the Nature and Science Museum  with thematic exhibitions  about flora, fauna, subjects of medicine and physics.

The see sights of Sofia, Bulgaria

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Bulgaria is not one of the most famous holiday destinations, but surely this small country, linking East and West Europe since centuries, has a lot to offer to its visitors. Its capital Sofia is clearly an example of the charm of Bulgaria.

Sofia has been founded seven thousand years ago and it is the second oldest city in Europe. During the centuries, the city has changed several names: Serdika was the first name, derivate from the tribe “serdi”; Triaditsa was the name used in the Greek sources; Sredets was the Slavic name connected to the word sreda (middle); and finally the name Sofia was used for the first time in the 14^th century and it refers to the renowned church of Hagia Sophia.

Sofia as been chosen as Bulgaria’s capital on 1879 at the First National Constituent Assembly: the city came out in this way from the decline experienced during the Ottoman Empire and lived a period of rebirth and new development, until it became an economic and cultural centre.

A great way to visit Sofia and its surroundings is to rent a self catering apartment with your family or friends, to live and discover all the aspects and features of this city.

During your holiday in Bulgaria, you will have numerous spots to see in Sofia:

- One of the symbols of the city is the yellow pavement, starting at the President office and drawing the heart of Sofia. The pavement goes until the Archaeological Museum, an interesting mix of collections of Thracian, Greek and Roman monuments; it takes then to the former Royal Palace, now the National Art Gallery; it has in the other side the classical Bulgaria Grand Hotel with its Viennese style cafe; it passes beside the beautiful byzantine cathedral called “Russian church”. The pavement goes by the Military club (Voenen Klub) with some of the most renowned bars and restaurants in the city and stunning neoclassical buildings, such as the one of Italian and Austrian embassy and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The Parliament square (Narodno Sabranie) is formed in a point where the pavement becomes wider, with the famed Tsar Liberator monument, the Radisson Blu Hotel and some restaurants. At the end of the yellow pavement, is located the Yablaski house, a gorgeous neo-baroque palace, now a club where all the popular DJs and bands play their shows. On the crossroads, is situated the Sofia University building and the central underground station in its subway.

- Churches are of course a beautiful characteristic of Sofia. The Cathedral Alexander Nevski for example is one of the biggest in Europe and it’s a really impressive example of Orthodox Christianity’s monuments. Especially its crypt is a spectacular and unique place to visit, where the Iconographic Museum is.  The church of Santa Sofia, located in same square, is a basilica bordered by a garden, with the monument of Saint George and the monument of the national poet Ivan Vazov. Behind the church, are located the Sofia Municipality building and Moscovska Street, with some of the most beautiful art deco buildings, cafes and restaurants.

- One of the most beautiful neo-baroque buildings in Sofia is the national theatre, opened in 1907, destroyed by the bombardments in 1943-44 and restored after the end of the war. The theatre has a gorgeous garden, named Gradskata gradina with fountains. Beside it, are the remarkable buildings of the Defence and Justice Ministries, many banks, the modern City Gallery, some lovely open-air cafes and the exclusive Grand Hotel Sofia.

- One of the main places in Sofia is Sveta Nedlya Square, somehow a religious centre of the city, due to the presence only 300 m away of the cathedral and the Theology Department of Sofia University; in the neighbourhood the Banya Bashi Mosque and the Synagogue. In this square, is situated also the most antique building in Sofia, Saint George rotunda, made in the 4^th century for order of the emperor Constantine.

- From Sveta Nedelya Square starts Vitosha Boulevard, the most important shopping area in the city with some nice shops and cafes. The major building on the Vitosha Boulevard is the National Palace of Culture, where concerts and events take regularly place. A big park surrounds the palace and it is connected by a bridge with the South Park, the residential area called Lozenets and the Hilton Sofia hotel. The boulevard continues directly to the Vitosha Mountain, visible from all the central points of the city.

- Borisovata Gradina is a beautiful park, the preferred relax zone of Sofia: it starts at the Eastern gate of the city, called Orlov Most (Eagles Bridge). Here, there is the Ariana Lake, bordered by modern cafes and restaurants. Here is also located the National Stadium Vassil Levski with the National Sports Museum.

- The Mountains Vitosha and Lulin surround Sofia. Vitosha is 2090 m high and it is ideal for ski in the winter and climbing, biking and hiking for all the year around. Boyana, Dragalevtsi and Simeonovo are famous residential areas located at the bottom of the mountain. In Boyana in particular, there are some beautiful spots to visit, such as the National History Museum and the Boyana Church. Lyulin Mountain is well-known for its spa resorts: Bankya and Gorna Banya, both at just 15 minutes distance from the city centre, are featured by clean air and mineral water springs.

- One of the hidden treasures of Sofia is The Small Sveta Gora, also called The Little Jerusalem: a little area located in the mountains with 14 Orthodox monasteries, not far from the city.