World Travel » Balkan Peninsula

Bachkovo monastery in Bulgaria

Zoritza Petrova — Thu, 05 May 2011 03:15:17 +0000

One of the most beautiful monasteries and the richest history of Bulgaria is the Bachkovo monastery. Located only 10 km from Asenovgrad and 28 km from Plovdiv, it is easily accessible for tourists and visited all year round. Situated in the picturesque Chaya river valley and is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria after Rila Monastery. He named the Assumption. The history of the monastery began back in 1083. When Byzantine commander Grigorii Bakuriani it founded with his brother Abazii. During the Second Bulgarian Empire the monastery was patronized by the Tsar Ivan Alexander. Another historical figure, which connects the monastery is Evtimii, which is believed to have been exiled here after the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman rule. Unfortunately, the monastery was plundered and destroyed in the years following the Ottoman invasion. He was restored only in XVII century. Only ossuary, located above the monastery is preserved in its original form. Ossuary is known for its unique murals, which are among the most valuable pieces of Orthodox art of XI and XII century. It is in the narthex of the arches of the ossuary is an image of Tsar Ivan Alexander, painted to remind its contribution to the restoration of the building. In addition to the ossuary, Bachkovo monastery also boasts its cathedral church of the Assumption, which was completed in 1604 the Church was built on the foundations of the once existing there Bachkovo old church. The model used Sveta Gora three-colons temples. Among the finest frescoes of the church stands the miraculous icon of the Virgin of tenderness in 1310 the Church has one of the earliest-carved iconostasis. In the tree is artfully cut cane with a plastic ornamental motifs.
One of the most interesting places in Bachkovo is the dining room, renovated in 1601, painted by an unknown painter too unusual – among the saints can see part of the Greek sages such as Plato and Aristotle and even Aristophanes, who surprisingly found his among them, perhaps because of their criticism of Athenian manners. In the middle of the dining room has a marble table in the same year, which are fed monks. Refectory operational by 1965 from the dining room is entered in two adjacent rooms, the first of which probably served for storage, and the second was the actual kitchen, which is catering to pilgrims and novice. The monastery has two temples – St. Nicholas and St. Archangels. St. Nicholas is known as the first church, written entirely by Zachary Zograf who painted here is your own image. Against St. Nicholas is the museum, recently arranged a wonderful exposition of ecclesiastical goods. One of the novelties in Bachkovo a new library, which also recently been completed. The magnificent icons and frescoes, carvings and picturesque overall look of Bachkovo – with withdrawals waterfall exterior walls and in the courtyard with towering evergreen trees and tranquil atmosphere Universal, make us feel like part of the architectural ensemble and the overall design. Make us pause for a bit of our earthly vanities, to bow before the holy place and to experience the beauty of peace, the king around. Perhaps so, here is always full of people who came to touch the sublime and go Omirotvoren.

Wonderful Bridges in Bulgaria

Zoritza Petrova — Wed, 04 May 2011 20:00:54 +0000

The Balkan Peninsular and Bulgaria are among the most beautiful European destination for tourism. You can see thousands of interesting nature objects, monasteries, revolutionary cities and historical places. The transport is quite good all around the country starting from the International Airport of Sofia.
In the heart of the Rhodope mountains on the Balkan Peninsular, are the Wonderful Bridges – the rock phenomenon included in the 100 national tourist sites. Located on 1450 meters above sea level, they are two giant marble stone bridge and a smaller one, which are forming the cave absorbing Erqupry River. The Great Bridge has a length of 100 m and a width reaching 15 meters at the widest part. It is consisted of three arches, the height of the largest is 45 m. The little bridge is located about 200 meters away. It looks like the kind of a tunnel 50 meters in height and 60 meters long. Near it is the Ice Cave, where in the late summer there is ice. In the region there are other caves, but since they are not secured and illuminated, not visited by tourists. The view was stunning – huge rocks, beautifully overgrown with vegetation, hanging over the river, which to their size seems negligible. Like painting alive by Gulliver in the country of the giants is revealed to visitors, making the challenge to their imagination. Unfortunately, the beautiful views of the object is partially obscured by the recently built an information center unfortunate stuck on the road just on the side of bridges. You can reach this part here with bus from the international airport of Sofia, but better to use Car Hire service. This will give you the ability to visit all the tourist attractions in the vicinity.
From the data center goes down to the path establishment offering food and drink, and thus began another path leading to the site with a wonderful panoramic view of the bridges. The trail is a rails that make the passage safe and feasible even in bad weather. Some bridges have beautiful green vegetation consisting mainly of spruces. This meeting and the Rhodope rose, also called immortelle. Starting to Wonder Bridges, a person can stay in Narechenski bathrooms located near or choose one of two closest chalets – Chalet Wonderful Bridges and hut rock bridges. Near is the pretty village of Kosovo with authentic houses, a small beautiful church and incredible scenery.

Crete Island

Zoritza Petrova — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:22:32 +0000

Crete is located at the southern end of Greece, has its administrative region. It is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Definitely the Crete Island is a popular tourist destination, as has diverse historical and geographical landmarks. Minoan civilization, the birth of modern and developed on Crete, considered the first great European civilization. Its monuments and can now be seen – Knossos, and Festos Gortis. During the Middle Ages the island of Crete is part of the Venetian Republic. In towns Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno are preserved fortress walls and buildings from the time of the reign of this Mediterranean country. The destination is very beautiful and you will be happy to visit is. You should see the beauty of Crete island, where you can find thousands of historical places and sightseeings. Many museums, excavations and what not, can be seen in the beautiful island. But if you want to see everything on the island, the best way is to go with your ca, or better use Car Hire Crete service and travel around the historical places of the destination.
The airport (Heraklion Airport) is about 5km from the main city of Heraklion. Crete flights from other parts of Europe are readily available on low cost airlines like Easyjet and Ryanair, as well as package holiday providers such as Olympic and Thomas Cook. Almost each stoke has own history, and the Greek Government is making tourist attraction from is.

Te new wonders of the world – Belogradchik Rocks

Zoritza Petrova — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:10:47 +0000

The Belogradchik Rocks are nominated for participation in the global contest for selecting the new 7 wonders of nature. This is one reason to write this article at this moment – I wish more people learn about this amazing place and cast their ballots in the race. Another reason to write is that Belogradchik Rocks are a great natural phenomenon, and certainly can fight for a dignified place among the 7 wonders of the world they are. I believe in this and in the beauty and charm of this place, and that most Bulgarians need to know about it and be proud of Bulgarian nature.
A few words about the town of Belogradchik
The town is small, about 6-7 thousand inhabitants, situated in northwestern Bulgaria, about 182 km. from the capital and only 50 km. from the district town of Vidin. Despite the size of only 411 sq. km. has long been established as a popular tourist destination in our small country. Nestled between two mountain ranges and Venetsa Vedernik, he welcomes us with its beautiful scenery and fantastic rock formations.
This together with the fortress, built between the rocks gives us reason to believe Belogradchik for tourist center with rich history and cultural heritage. The city and region you can explore many attractions, including: the urban history museum, the Astronomical Observatory, St. George’s Church, Magura cave, Rabisha lake castle fortress, and more and more.
Of course most interested in causing Belogradchik rocks.
Belogradchik rocks lying about 30 km in length and 3-4 km wide. Rock circuit starts Vedernik peak (1124 m) with rock groups and end Granichak village and Dabravka village (Borich impressive) and ends in a rock band village Belotintsi hundred sheep. The most magnificent rocks around the city: Madonna Lily scale, Rider, Monks, Student, Dervish, Lion, Bear, Adam and Eve, Veljko Petrovic, The Castle. Another great rock band is 4 km from the city, near the cave Lepenitza where the most impressive piece is a dinosaur. In village Borovitsa are Pine and Stone Honey Stone, Skorshin area west of U.S. dollars are twins Sbegovete, Erkyupriite Magaza in place, Lily of scale – in the place Falkovets.
Viewed from a different angle now resemble those rocks obelisks, sometimes katurnati huge stalactites, or have an amazing resemblance to animals or objects, majestic bridges, giant mushrooms and others. The crowd gave them appropriate names, and for centuries it has been associated with exciting legends and myths.
History of the origin of the Belogradchik rocks
At the end of Paleozoya before about 230 millions of years in this area is heavy build sand-marly rocks. In kysno they were flooded by the sea at the bottom of which was postponed sand, gravel and clay. Over time, these materials were connected by sandy-clay binder. This received conglomerates and sandstones. Reddish color due to iron oxides and hydroxides. As a result of tectonic cycle young alpean complex folded and displayed on land, the region of Belogradchik got into a big flaw. Under the influence of water, wind and temperature fluctuations in the limestone of these parts are highly fractured and cracked revealed conglomerates. Thus, over millions of years nature has been shaped by knobbly stone sculptures of mythical creatures, people, animals and birds. In the sandstone and limestone were formed and more than 100 caves. These rock pillars, a natural fortress, whose defensive potential was exploited since ancient times.
The legends are still alive
Until today, however, tell the people and legends about the creation of various scales. One legend tells that in the past between the rocks was nunnery. Valentina sister decided to adopt the veil and become a nun. Rumors of her beauty quickly emanated in the city and reach the poor shepherd Anton. Anton played every night of the pipe under the window of Valentina. The two fell in love and soon after gave birth to baby Valentina. Erroneous nun was expelled from the monastery. Then the anger of the Lord was dumped on the monastery and all its inhabitants turned into stone figures. Madonna with child stone still stands in the middle of the monks, a young shepherd Anton still waiting for his beloved. This story is only one of the rock formations – the array of Madonna. But enough palaver because a picture is worth more than a thousand words. And we’re in store for you more than one.

The waterfall Kaya Bunar in Bulgaria

Zoritza Petrova — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:14:58 +0000

Kaya Bunar waterfall is one of the Paradise places in Bulgaria, which we can truly enjoy. If you’re wondering where to spend the weekend or even a Sunday and you accidentally close to Veliko Tarnovo, it is a very good idea and in no case will not regret it. It is located only 15 km. from Veliko Tarnovo, Hotishki Falls will show you one of the incredible nature created. It gives early Hotishki Eco situated on the border between the Danube plain and Fore. Once you cross the little wooden bridge will end up on a vast lawn that you will find fabulous view of the waterfall. The waterfall is about 30 meters high. The sight of the throng on the smooth rocks, water is incredibly fascinating. The trees create the illusion that they have grown up in the rocks. Everything is like a magic – magic of nature.
Many people use the meadow near the waterfall for a picnic and relax, but it is only the beginning … If you continue forward in eco-trail, you can see many beautiful views and enjoy the magnificent Bulgarian nature. Older stone tunnels through which once flowed water mill destroyed, you can upload to the site just a stone at the top of the waterfall. The view can not be described – they must be felt on the spot. The trail passes behind the waterfall and down into the gorge overgrown with ivy. Continue your way forward in small stone old bridges and tunnels, and at the end of the path will end up in the spring – Kaya Bunar.

Ohrid – the romantic point of Balkan History

Zoritza Petrova — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:08:41 +0000

Ohrid is a city in southwest Macedonia. It is located on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid. Ohrid population of more than 40 000 people. Every year there are several out-festival “Ohrid Summer Festival (theater, music and art),” Balkan Festival of Folk Songs and Dances “and” Balkan Music Square. Ohrid is old and can offer you discover the Ohrid lake, visits to the fortress of Samuel and all other interesting places. You can stay cheaply in some 5-star hotels, at low cost. The architecture of the city is very interesting, diverse and extremely ancient. In every house has maintained the spirit of Macedonia, Serbia, Greece and Bulgaria. It must be borne in mind that the territory of Macedonia has experienced major changes over the years has been the subject of many wars and unrest.
On the territory of Macedonia live many Bulgarian and Serbian, so you will be able to meet different traditions.

Cute Thassos Island

Zoritza Petrova — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:29:20 +0000

Greece is a beautiful and picturesque destination for tourism and learning coupon of each stone. Really there is hardly another place in the world, where every rock has history, but destinations are thousands. Thassos is located only 40 minutes by ferry from mainland Greece near the town of Kavala. The island has many favorite resting place for the Bulgarians as the route from Sofia to Thassos is close to the Black Sea. Clean beaches and coastal cliffs and crystal (but quite salty) water with beautiful fish make a great place for sea. Colorful Greek tavernas, where usually you get sat down with ouzo jug of the house complement the pleasure of the rest of Thassos. The island is quite big and the Greek autorities made each stone to have own story, so you will be happy to visit everything and see the beauty of Greece. You can use Car Hire Greece and order your car, without traveling with your own.
Great and beautiful place they have fought many wars and battles in ancient times.

Seven Altars Monastery in the Balkan

Zoritza Petrova — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:54:03 +0000

In the deep forests of Mount Rzhana hiding in the mountains powerful chamber of one of the most astonishing and ancient sites throughout Bulgaria-Seven Altars Monastery. Only a few kilometers can stay in the fabulous village Osenovlag accompanying towards the foot of the monastery’s relics. The whole region is isolated from the modern world, away from the bustle and noise of the big city and big problems. Osenovlag Village is located in the Municipality of Svoge and is only 90 kilometers from the capital, which makes it a desirable destination for many residents of Sofia, lovers of rural tourism and nature walks. Quickly and easily reached by road from the capital in Kubratovo – Novi Iskar – Svoge – Osenovlag. The village is easily accessible, and through it on a narrow road from the railway station in the Iskar Gorge Eliseina to reach the monastery.
The nature in these areas is extreme. Mixture of deciduous and coniferous forests and nests of blackcurrant fruit, wild strawberries and raspberries, accompanied by the beauty of the landscape Tomasinieviya crocus give a unique identity and charm. Lovers walking in the forest will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature in the area and be delighted by the rest of the mountain air.
This part of the country is littered not only forestry and natural attractions and gifts, but the real mystery and historical temples and monastic treasures. Near the village Osevlag, valley Gabrovnitsa below the peak extends Izmerets magnificent Seven Altars Monastery, also known as Osenovlag’s monastery. Its official name is “Holy Mother”, but few call it that. He entered 100те list of national tourist sites, not only because of its great castles and riches, but because of its deep historical significance. Seven Altars Monastery at the foot of the village Osenovlag. Many bear legends about the importance of the seven seat in the church of the monastery. One of them states that in the past nobles established seven villages around the monastery – Osenovlag, Ogoya, Ogradishte, Bukovets, Leskovdol, Zhelek Lakatnik-and often to their thrones and raised in the monastery. Another tradition tells of Valchan who gathered in the Turkish voivodes time together and raised anew the relics of the monastery, which was burned by the Turks. In honor of the seven chieftains, regained the appearance of the sacred place was erected thrones for everyone in the church. Whatever the truth, however, the monastery remains one of the most fabulous country with its unique architecture and buildings. The yard is rampant as ever and plants 1-age redwood and maintained luxurious vegetation. There are great old bell tower, dating from 1790.
The complex offers accommodation rooms for the convenience of tourists and a lovely restaurant, welcoming people at the entrance. Seven Altars Monastery at the foot of the village Osenovlag. The visiting the monastery is quite an experience for tourists. Interest is high and therefore its access the place and the proximity of the mountain. Because of its proximity to the monastery in the village Osenovlag develop intensive and eco-tourism. The village has a hotel for tourists wishing to stay in it. In the vicinity is built and horse stables “Wild Horses” with the possibility of horse riding courses. To the delight of lovers of exotic animals in a farm and extends to the African ostriches, deer, nutria, ducks, wild horses and others. Beauty of nature surrounding the village, deep spirituality and faith to bow to the people and its history, and friendly atmosphere will make you relax and enjoy a full length of eco-travel intact and beautiful place, a fraction of many wealth of our country which can not but leave a scar in the minds and hearts of every visitor.