Cherven was one of the largest military-administrative, economic and church-cultural centers of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th-14th centuries) and an important road stop on the roads from the Danube River to the interior of the country, and from 1235 it became the seat of the Cherven Metropolitanate. Several rock monasteries were founded in its vicinity. At that time, the fortress was the ancestral domain of Georgi Terter and was considered the second most important settlement in the Bulgarian state after Tsarevets. The city grew as a large trading and craft settlement, and a castle was built - the property of the Cherven boyar. Coins were also minted in the city, which once again emphasizes its importance. The boyar's palace, representing a fortress within a fortress, is also quite impressive. It consists of a two-story residential building, a small church and a steep staircase cut into the bare rock, leading to an underground water source, vital in case of siege. The four preserved bastions are also noteworthy. Three of them are on perpetual duty near the eastern fortress wall - the most easily accessible, therefore the best fortified. The fourth bastion - originally a gate, later turned into a defensive tower, rises lonely but majestically above the western fortress wall. The locals believed that additional protection for the city was provided by the churches built into the fortress walls, a large part of the foundations of which are visible to visitors today. Also noteworthy is the lavish decoration of two of the sixteen churches discovered so far on the territory of the city - churches No. 1 and No. 2 - metropolitan, and the rest - parish. During this period, thanks to the natural fortification of the fortress, the fertile land and the key location associated with the passage of many important trade routes, the population of Cherven grew sharply. That is why the so-called "outer" city was established - for the common people and merchants, and the "inner" city - the citadel, for the high-ranking inhabitants of the city and administrative buildings. Although silent, the fortress has made us famous by taking part in the landscape of an episode of one of the most popular series - Game of Thrones. It appears in the distance in shots from episode 10 of season 5, when Varys meets Tyrion Lannister. You can combine your walk to the Medieval fortress city of Cherven with exploring the other sights in the Rusenski Lom Natural Park, you can also visit several other places located nearby. We advise you to visit: Lipnik Forest Park, Bessarabovski Monastery, Gramovets Rock Monastery Complex, Kale Adzhamka Fortress and many others.
Begliktash sundial, calendar and temple. Mysticism of millennia Only 3 km. northeast of Primorsko, on the ridge of Maslen Nos or where Strandzha Mountain embraces the seashore, the megalithic rock Thracian sanctuary "Begliktash" is hidden. It is the largest imprint left by the Thracians on our southern Black Sea coast, which became known to science only in 2003. Begliktash is compared and called the "Bulgarian Stonehenge" not only because it represents specifically arranged stones in a circle on a rock surface, but also because of the functions that it is believed to have performed, namely - a sundial, calendar and temple. Archaeologists suggest that it was created around the 14th century BC and functioned until the 4th century. Another reason why scientists believe that the Thracian sanctuary was magical, and perhaps still hides its magic, is its location next to the ancient city of Ranuli. Although the area of Valkov Egrek has been explored since its discovery to this day, archaeologists have not yet revealed the entire mysticism called Begliktash. Here, the Thracians paid their respects to the God - Sun and the Goddess - Mother. This is evidenced by the preserved "marriage bed" of the two deities, as on both sides there are two sacrificial monoliths with carved chutes, where the ancient Thracians poured the ritual liquids - wine, milk and olive oil. A little further up the rock path is the rock throne of the God - Sun or the so-called "Step of God", from which a view of the entire sanctuary opens. Just on the opposite side is the "Step of the Goddess". It cannot be denied that the ancient sanctuary has its own energy. It is believed that only a person with a pure and intact soul can pass through the “path of trial” – namely, a labyrinth formed by a system of rock corridors. There is a legend that says that these rock corridors are the way to the kingdom of Hades. It is said that the Thracian singer Orpheus passed through the labyrinth to save his beloved from the underworld. The Thracian sanctuary continues to be studied by both amateur archaeologists and historians, as well as scientists. Perhaps one day all the mysteries will be revealed, but until then the mystical sanctuary remains famous – as the place where the Sun kisses the rocks, the mountain merges with the sea, and the air is filled with positive energy. I believe that the Megalithic complex in the village of Liliach and Begliktash have something in common and are similar in many ways. Anyone can visit both and make a comparison. To make this comparison you will have to travel around Bulgaria, but it will help you enjoy Bulgarian cuisine and unforgettable nature. The village of Lilyach is located 4 km from Nevestino Municipality, Kyustendil Region
Osogovo Mountain or Osogovo is a mountain in Western Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia. It is the fifth highest mountain in Bulgaria. Its highest point is Ruen Peak (2251.3 m), which is located on the border between the two countries and is one of the 100 national tourist sites. Its ancient name is Orbelus. The only reserve in the mountain is "Tsarna Reka". Natural conditions allow the development of year-round tourism. Since 2007, Osogovo Mountain has been part of the Natura 2000 ecological network. In the Yuchbunar area, more than a century ago, local forester Yordan Mitrev planted Three Giant Sequoias, which is now a forest. The girths of these trees are several meters. The three trees are like giants and stand out quite well among the others. Their height is about 30-40 meters. Osogovo Mountain is beautiful and charming in all seasons, and the many barbecues built along the way will satisfy everyone's demands. Osogovo Mountain is a majestic natural temple with a rich spiritual and cultural history - get to know it! The legend of Osogovo Mountain - the golden heart hidden in the mountain, is one of the most mysterious and mysterious legends that have excited the imagination of people for centuries. According to the local population, somewhere in the mountain there is a golden heart - an incredible treasure that possesses magical powers. Legend has it that this golden heart was hidden by an ancient king who wanted to protect his people and preserve the power of the mountain for future generations. St. Joachim Osogovski also lived on the mountain. Together with Ivan Rilski, Prohor Pchinski and Gabriel Lesnovski, he is among the four greatest Bulgarian saints. Osogovo Mountain is one of those places in our country where we can literally sit on the roof of the Balkans and, in good weather, roughly speaking, see half of the peninsula. There are many chalets, hotels and guest houses in Osogovo. Osogovo Chalet is the first chalet in Osogovo Mountain and one of the first in Bulgaria. It was built in the distant 1927-1928. Hotel Tri Buki, Hunting Lodge Bor, Chalet "Iglika", Guest House "Osogovets", Guest Houses Tri Buki, Hotel Lima, Prophylactic "Tri Buki" and others. The mountain is convenient for tourism at any time of the year. For the winter, the ski center "Osogovo" has something to offer both beginner skiers and those who are already more advanced. There are three ski lifts of different lengths - between 400 and 1200 meters. There are different tracks - 1200 meters, 1500 meters, 4-5 tracks of 500 meters. In fact, if you visit any of the chalets, you will be surprised by the peace and quiet. The conditions for tourism are good but there are not so many tourists. The mountain is clean and friendly. The ideal place for rest and entertainment.
The "Palace" is the former summer residence of the Romanian Queen Maria Alexandrina Victoria of Edinburgh (1875 - 1938). It is located about 2 km southwest of the town of Balchik, in a beautiful area between the Balchik rocks and the sea. In 1924, the construction of the palace complex began according to a project by Italian architects. First, the residence of Queen Maria was built, which she called the "Silent Nest" Chapels, courtyards, parks, fountains and buildings in different styles were built - typical Bulgarian, Byzantine, Roman-Arabic, Moorish, Transylvanian, etc. The park along the coast was developed by the Swiss gardener Jules Jany. With great love, Queen Maria gave a name to every garden and alley in her heavenly home. Here you can see the "Wine Alley", the "Alley of the Centuries", the "Hanging Terraces", the "Divine Garden", the English Courtyard. Of great interest to tourists are also the "Garden with the Water Mirror", the "Bridge of the Palace" and the "Bridge of Sighs". After in 1940 Tsar Boris III managed to return Southern Dobrudja to Bulgarian territories by virtue of the Treaty of Craiova, the active enrichment of the complex by Bulgarian figures began. Thus, in 1955. one of the greatest landmarks of the residence to this day was created - the botanical garden. Now the "Palace" is a place for creativity, cultural and congress tourism. Cultural events combined with the romantic atmosphere deliver aesthetic pleasure to the visitor and leave him with a lasting memory of the encounter with the beautiful. Among all this heavenly beauty you can find the peace you are looking for for your next vacation The Palace also has a restaurant where you can enjoy the unique Bulgarian dishes. Visit Bulgaria to have unforgettable memories!
The city of Heracles - Heraclea Sintica The ancient city of Heraclea Sintica was founded in the 4th century BC in the tribal territory of the Thracian-Sinti, and bears the name of the mythical hero Heracles (Hercules). In ancient times, Heraclea Sintica was the main city in the northeastern borders of the ancient Macedonian kingdom. From here, Alexander the Great set off on a campaign against neighboring Thracian tribes before conquering the vast Persian Empire. In the middle of the 2nd century BC, Heraclea Sintica was conquered by the Romans. The city was patronized by Octavian Augustus himself - the founder of the Roman Empire. In Heraclea Sintica, everything you will see is as its ancient inhabitants left it. The discoveries are only being strengthened and preserved. Nearby is Rupite. Rupite is a picturesque area that is shrouded in a mystical halo. It is associated with the prophetess Baba Vanga and brings a rich energy charge to every visitor. Everyone who has ever visited this area defines it as a little corner of paradise. 8 km from Heraclea Sintica and Rupite is the town of Petrich. It is a must-visit. You will be enchanted. In Petrich you can visit the museum to learn more about Heraclea Sintica and Baba Vanga – the Prophetess or stay in a hotel to rest and have a bite to eat. We wish you a wonderful adventure!
A wonderful place, the canyon of the Rachene River near the village of Kameno Pole The picturesque canyon, which cannot be seen from afar, will take you to a world of natural wonders. Rock dolls, called Chuklite - with a height of between 10 and 40m. These rock formations are grouped in several places along the canyon from the village of Kameno Pole in the direction of the village of Reselec, the entire length of the canyon is about 4km There are no signboards and route markings, only paths lead through the area. Passing through the canyon is quite complicated and due to overgrown trees and bushes. But you can look at it from above while moving along the rocks of the canyon. Two groups of rock dolls, which can be seen in the canyon, are definitely the miracle of the area. And if the first group is impressive and interesting, then the second is breathtaking. Beautiful, bizarre, majestic are the rock pyramids hanging over the small river. If you are into extreme adventures, it is good to visit the canyon. There are other sights nearby that you can visit One of them is “Propadaloto” (or tectonic ridge Kaleto) It is a canyon with a length of approximately 750 meters and a height of 30-40 meters. There are interesting rock figures there, one of which is “Gadulka”, Nearby is the cave “Temnata dupka”, as well as the “Pustata Tsrkva”(The Deserted Church), which is believed to be from the time of Tsar Ivan Asen II There are huts and guest houses in the area if you decide to stay a few days. You can experience an unforgettable adventure here. Visit Bulgaria to experience your unforgettable adventure.