Capital: Sofia.

Geography: The state, with a total area of ​​110.9 thousand square kilometers, is located in the southeast of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. In the north it borders with Romania, in the south with Turkey and Greece, in the west - with Serbia and Macedonia. In the east it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea.

Big cities: Sofia, Ruse, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna.

Time: Behind Moscow for 1 hour.

Natural and climatic conditions: About 1/3 of the country is occupied by mountains. In the center of the country is the Stara Planina mountain system (Balkan Mountains), dividing the territory of Bulgaria into two parts: the northern plain (Danube Plain) and the southern, more mountainous. The Rila-Rhodope mountain range is located in the south-west of the country: the Rila mountains (Mount Musala - 2925 m - the highest point of the Balkan Peninsula), Pirin and the Rhodopes. The climate is temperate continental, in the south - transitional to the Mediterranean.

OK. 30% of the area of ​​Bulgaria is covered with forests, Ch. arr. broad-leaved (beech, oak), pine, fir and spruce grow in the mountains. The natural conditions of Bulgaria create favorable conditions for the development of tourism and resorts.

Political system: According to the Constitution of 1991, a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, elected by direct vote. The highest legislative body is the unicameral People's Assembly. Executive power is exercised by the government, headed by the prime minister - the leader of the party that collected the majority of votes in parliamentary elections.

Administrative-territorial division: 8 regions.

Population: 7.54 million people (2003). The majority of the population are Bulgarians (89%), there are also Turks, Gypsies, Greeks, Armenians, Russians, and others. The urban population is 71%. The population density is 68.0 people/km2.

Language: Official Bulgarian, Russian, English, German are also used.

Religion: Orthodoxy, there are Sunni Muslims.

Economy: Bulgaria is an industrial-agrarian country. GNP per capita. $1,334 (1995) The extraction of coal, oil, natural gas is developed. The leading industry is mechanical engineering. Traditional export products are canned fruits and vegetables, tobacco, wine, essential oils (1st place in the world in the production of rose oil). An important role traditionally belongs to foreign tourism (over 8 million people per year). Large ski resorts - Borovets, Pamporovo, seaside - Golden Sands, Albena, Sunny Beach, etc.

Currency: Bulgarian lev (BGL), equal to 100 stotinki. In circulation there are coins and banknotes in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 levs, as well as banknotes of 10, 20, 50 levs. Since July 1, 1997, the lev has been rigidly "pegged" to the euro at a ratio of 1 lev to one euro.

Main attractions: The country is known throughout Europe for its picturesque landscapes, seaside resorts on the Black Sea coast, an abundance of historical monuments and colorful folk rituals.

Sofia, one of the most ancient cities in Europe, has many wonderful examples of ecclesiastical and historical architecture. Most city tours start from the walls of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Alexandronevskaya Lavra, 1882 - 1912), built in honor of 200,000 Russian soldiers who fell in the struggle for the liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish rule. This is the largest cathedral in Bulgaria (area - 2600 sq. m., height - 52 m., 12 gilded bells are installed on the bell tower of the cathedral, the largest of which weighs 11,758 kg.) And the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. In the crypt of the cathedral there is the Museum of Icons, and the interior of the cathedral impresses with the richness of architectural forms, majestic paintings, icons and mosaics. Behind the cathedral is the building of the Gallery of Foreign Art with an extensive collection of European, African and Oriental art.

Across the square from the cathedral is the church of St. Sophia (VI century), which gave the name to the whole city. During the Turkish rule, minarets were added to the temple and for a long time it functioned as a mosque, until two earthquakes of the 20th century destroyed the minarets, after which the mosque was closed. Near the walls of the church is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

One of the most interesting sights of the capital is the church of St. George built of red brick on the site of the Roman rotunda - the oldest temple in Sofia. On the inside of the dome, frescoes have been preserved, the earliest of which date back to the 10th century, and on the outside, the remains of the streets of ancient Serdika (the Roman name of the city) are preserved. Under the hotel "Rila" were found the ruins of a Roman residence with an excellently preserved mosaic.

The majestic building of the National Assembly (1884) with an equestrian statue of the Russian Emperor Alexander II installed in front of it is located on the People's Assembly Square. Along Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, you can walk past the Russian Church of St. Nicholas (1913) and the Museum of Natural Sciences, to Batenberg Square, considered the center of Sofia. The building of the former mausoleum of Georgy Dimitrov is located on the square, opposite which are the National Gallery of Art and the National Ethnographic Museum in the building of the former Royal Palace (1887). In the park to the east of the mausoleum is the People's Theater. Ivan Vazov (1907) in the Baroque style. On the western side of the square, behind the building of the Bulgarian National Bank, lies the Buyuk-Jami Mosque (1496). The National Archaeological Museum, the Church of St. Peter of Samothrace (XIV century), the Bani Bashi Mosque (1576), the Sofia Synagogue (1909), an underground shopping center and a market (1911) are located in the Largo Street area.

The most beautiful boulevard of the city is Vitosha Boulevard, going from the Easter Church, past numerous underground shopping galleries, to the Palace of Culture Square with a monument to the 1300th anniversary of Bulgaria. The nearby building of the Palace of Justice (1936) houses the National Museum of History - one of the largest historical museums in the Balkans, famous for its collection of gold finds from the 4th century. BC e. from the excavations near Panagyurishte. The museum also holds the only copy of the Bulgarian medieval chronicle - "History" by John Skylitsa - the most important source of the history of the first Bulgarian Kingdom.

On Graf Ignatiev Street lies the church of St. Sedmochisnitsa (1528) rebuilt from the Black Mosque. Also of interest are the Botanical Museum in the National Botanical Garden, the Zoological Museum in the zoo, the National Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the History of Sofia, the city art gallery in the Central Park, the buildings of Sofia University. Clement of Ohrid and the Sofia Mineral Baths, built on the site of Roman baths.

Boyana is a suburban quarter in the south-west of the city, adjacent to the foot of Vitosha (2290 m.). In its upper part, there is a small Boyana Church, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, with magnificent wall paintings of the 13th century. Vitosha Mountain itself is a traditional winter recreation destination, there are many mountain hotels, ski lifts, viewing platforms and a well-developed recreation infrastructure.

119 km. to the south of the capital lies the famous Rila Monastery (X century) - one of the spiritual centers of the country. On its territory there are such unique structures as a five-story tower (1335) with the Church of the Transfiguration, church gates (XIV century, now stored in the historical museum of the monastery), a monastery library with 16,000 volumes, Khrelyova Tower, a five-domed Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin , the original "magernitsa" - the monastery refectory, etc. Not far from Sofia, in the city of Pernik, there are the ruins of a Byzantine fortress, and in Bankya (17 km west of the capital) - the best of the Bulgarian thermal resorts with odes to the "universal" composition. In the valley of the Struma River (76 km southeast of Sofia) is the Zemensky Monastery (XIII century) with the unique Church of St. John the Theologian, famous for its beautiful paintings.

The city-reserve of Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1393), is definitely worth stopping by to see the Tsar's Palace, the picturesque Patriarchal and Balduin towers in the Tsarevets fortress on the hill of the same name, near which the show "Sound and Light" is regularly held ' about the history of the city. Of interest are the picturesque Varusha quarter, the monastery of St. Peter and Paul (XIII century) and Kapinovsky, as well as the churches of St. Dimitar of Thessalonica (XI century, the oldest in the city) and St. Forty Great Martyrs (1230). The city is home to the University of Cyril and Methodius - the second largest in the country, as well as excellent museums of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom and the Renaissance Museum, numerous art galleries and many colorful houses in the national style.

In the vicinity of the city there are picturesque spurs of Stara Planina ("ancient mountain") with many caves and excellent conditions for rock climbing and trekking. At the top of the 1306-meter Shipka pass there is a monument to Russian troops and Bulgarian volunteers, who became famous during the heroic defense of the pass from Turkish troops in August 1887. In Shipka itself (13 km from the pass) there is a unique church (1896 - 1902), whose domes are cast from shells collected on the battlefield near the pass (the largest bell weighs 12 tons). The remains of Russian soldiers are buried in the church crypt, and the names of Russian and Bulgarian soldiers who fell on Shipka and near Kazanlak are carved on 34 marble slabs inside the church.

7 km. to the north of Veliko Tarnovo is the carefully restored Transfiguration Monastery (XIV century) with wonderful frescoes by Zograf and icons by the master Dospevski (1864). On the other side of the gorge Yantra lies the monastery of the Holy Trinity (1847), and 12 km. south of Veliko Tarnovo is a unique monument of medieval architecture - the Kilifarevsky Monastery (1348 - 1350, restored in 1718) with the beautiful Church of the Nativity of the Virgin (restored and rebuilt in 1840), the chapels of St. Ivan of Rilsk and St. Theodosius Tyrnovsky, which are decorated with icons of the best representatives of the Tryavna school of painting.

3 km. to the north-east of Veliko Tarnovo lies the ancient village of Arbanasi, famous for its colorful stone houses of the 16th-17th centuries, as well as the churches of the Nativity of Christ and the Archangel (17th century), which are considered monuments of national culture. And 30 km. from the city there is a balneological complex "Voneshcha Voda" with its own sources of healing mineral water.

Gabrovo - the world's "capital of laughter" and an interesting city for its traditions, 49 km. from Veliko Tarnovo. In Etara (9 km from Gabrovo) there is an open-air ethnographic museum where you can get acquainted with traditional folk crafts, original folk cuisine and rituals.

Shumen is a large city lying between Varna and Veliko Tarnovo and one of the centers of the Bulgarian Middle Ages. Here you should definitely visit the famous brewery, the Shumen Fortress (XII - XIV centuries, now it houses a museum), the Regional Historical Museum, as well as the Tombul Mosque (1744), which is considered the largest and most beautiful in Bulgaria, behind which is the Turkish covered market .

20 km. to the south-west of Shumen lies Preslav (821) - the former capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. The most famous building of ancient Veliko Preslav was the round Golden Church (908, recently restored), the Archaeological Museum, the ruins of the fortress walls of the citadel, the royal palace and the monasteries of the city are interesting.

Madara National Historical Reserve is 18 km away. east of Shumen. The city is famous for its caves, as well as the rocky 25-meter relief "Madara Horseman" (VIII century), a Roman villa and the walls of a medieval fortress on top of a rock. In Pliska (681), the restored Eastern Gate (IX century), the fortress of the Grand Palace, the Palace Church, the Inner City and the ruins of the huge three-aisled Great Basilica (865) are of interest.

In Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, be sure to check out the Trimontium ("three hills", the old city) - the Roman forum, a theater for 3 thousand seats and the Hisar Kapiy gate (II century AD), as well as the Dzhumaya mosque ( XV century) and Imaret (1445), the Cathedral of Constantine and Helena (1832) with a beautiful gallery of icons, the ruins of the Thracian city of Evmolpias (II century BC), the amphitheater of Philip II of Macedon, as well as unique churches - St. Nedelya, St. Dimitar and St. Marina (1854). The Plovdiv Archaeological Museum is considered one of the best in the country, the Ethnographic Museum in the Koyumjoglu house with an excellent collection of national costumes, the art gallery in the Baklanov House and the Museum of National Revival are also good.

30 km. from Plovdiv is the monastery of Bachkovo (Bachkovski manastir, 1083) with the beautiful churches of the Archangel Michael (XII century), the Assumption of the Virgin (1604) and the chapel of St. Nicholas, the interior of which was painted by the famous Zachary Zograf.

To the north-west of Plovdiv lies the resort area of ​​Hisarya (Isarya, Roman Augusta), known for the healing properties of its mineral springs (+27 - 51 C) since ancient Rome. Now there is a large balneological complex with numerous baths and fountains with mineral water. Also noteworthy are the ruins of Roman buildings and the Turkish fortress of Hisar.

In the southwestern part of the Pirin Mountains is "the smallest town in the country" - Melnik, famous for its wine cellars, the rocks "Melnik Pyramids", the Rozhen Monastery and the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Valuable monuments of the Rozhensky Monastery (XII - XIII centuries) are the Church of the Holy Mother of God, the paintings of the southern wall (1661), as well as unique carved wooden iconostases and lecterns.

Bansko is a nice little town, the administrative center of the Pirin region. The town is known for its well-preserved Bulgarian Revival architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. In the center - an old church, with the most natural stork's nest, ancient bells. Narrow cobbled streets, traditional peasant houses made of natural stone. Many small, family restaurants - "mekhina". Eh...nothing compares to the wonderful Bulgarian fur, its good food, lovely hosts and...amazingly low prices!

Bansko has a great variety of family pensions and hotels of various levels and classes. Seekers of luxury and stardom do not belong here, but true connoisseurs of the beauty of this region, comfort, warmth and peace, I can only say - Goodness has reached Bansko!

From all sides the town is surrounded by powerful mountains crowned with snow caps. The landscapes are amazing!

Arbanasi, Bozhentsi, Etar, Zheravna, Koprivshtitsa, Kotel, Melnik, Nessebar, Sozopol, Tryavna and Shiroko-Lyka are considered cities-museums of world significance. After restoration, a unique monument of ancient Roman architecture is open to visitors - the Sostra fortress in the ancient city of Troyan, located in central Bulgaria on the banks of the White Osam River. One of the main attractions of the country is also interesting here - the Troyan Monastery (XVI century), and ceramic workshops (they also brew brandy, one of the best in the country).

Varna is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the third most populated city in Bulgaria. Magnificent beaches, prestigious tourist complexes, a modern international airport, the largest seaport in the country, a yacht club and warm mineral springs in the Varna region have turned the city into the summer capital of the country.

Founded back in 585 BC. e. Greeks under the name of Odessos, the city is famous, first of all, for two complexes of Roman baths - those lying on Khan Krum Street date back to the 2nd - 3rd centuries, and the terms in the port area are a historical monument of the 4th century BC. Well-preserved stone walls, spacious halls, palestra area of ​​840 square meters. m. and a unique heating system, which makes these structures (by the way - the third largest in Europe) deserving special attention. Behind the baths in the port area is the beautiful church of St. Anastasia (1602), and to the south-west, in the Seaside Gardens (Marine Park) area with exotic plants, lie the Maritime Museum, one of the symbols of the city - the "Wishing Bridge", the Zoo , Terrarium, Aquarium (1911) and the only Dolphinarium on the Balkan Peninsula (1984). The Marine Park itself, stretching for 8 km., and having an excellent layout with many shady alleys, is one of the most charming places in the city.

The center of Varna is the Cathedral of the Holy Dormition of the Mother of God ("Kathedral", 1880 - 1910), famous for its frescoes and unique wood carvings in the design of the patriarchal throne and iconostasis. Museum of History and Art (Archaeological) is located on an area of ​​2000 square meters. m. in the beautiful building of the former Maiden's Gymnasium, and is considered the largest museum in the city. Its unique exposition contains more than 55 thousand exhibits, from the early Paleolithic to the late Middle Ages, including a unique gold collection of the 5th - 6th millennium BC. e.

Lying on a small rocky peninsula north of Pomorie and Burgas, the city-museum of Nessebar (Nesebar, ancient Mesembria) is one of the oldest cities in Europe, under the auspices of UNESCO. There are many small churches, among which the most attractive are the church of St. Stephen (XI century) and the church of St. Mary, famous for its miraculous icon, as well as a charming old mill, narrow cobbled streets, gentle sea, quaint white cliffs and wide sandy beaches bordered by sand dunes.

35 km. south of Burgas, on a small picturesque peninsula, lies the oldest Greek colony on the shores of the Black Sea - Sozopol (Apollonia, 610 BC). The old and new (Harmanit) parts of the city are separated by a green park, and traditional wooden houses with bay windows and wooden stairs on a limestone foundation, buried in gardens, are the hallmark of the resort. Two sandy beaches in the east provide excellent conditions for sea recreation, and a huge variety of restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars and discos, a small archaeological museum with a rich collection of Greek vases, original architecture of buildings, picturesque churches - St. Mary, St. Cyril and Methodius , St. Zosima, the tiny church of the Virgin Mary and the local Art Gallery, allow you to spend your vacation with benefit. The upper reaches of the Ropotamo River flowing through Sozopol have been declared a natural reserve.

Wineries, excellent products and regular wine exhibitions have made Bulgaria one of the centers of "wine" tourism.

Close attention in Bulgaria is paid to the development of health tourism, which is facilitated by the presence in the country of over 2 thousand sources of mineral water. One of the traditional balneological resorts of the country is Velingrad, which has on its territory more than 80 sources of mineral water, which can be grouped into four categories, depending on their temperature and chemical composition. The temperature of the local water varies from +26 C to +95 C, and the chemical composition is so diverse that, as they say here, almost all diseases can be treated with water, just by changing the sources.

Historical outline: The first people appeared here more than 500 thousand years ago. In 4 thousand BC. e. settlements of the ancient Aryans arose. One of their tribes, the Thracians, in the 5th c. BC e. created their own state here - Thrace. Thrace, located at the junction of modern Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece, was part of the ancient Greek states as a province, and in the 1-4 centuries. - The Roman Empire. The Thracian was the legendary gladiator Spartacus. In the 7th century The Slavs who came from across the Danube assimilated the local population and entered into an alliance with a small group of Proto-Bulgarians, forming the First Bulgarian Kingdom in 680. At the turn of the 9th-10th centuries. it owned almost the entire Balkan Peninsula. Christianity was introduced in 865. But already in the middle of the 10th c. the Bulgarian-Slavic state was conquered by Byzantium. As a result of the uprising raised by the brothers Peter and Asen, the country regained its independence. The second Bulgarian kingdom broke up in the end. 14th century, conquered by the Turks. The Muslim yoke lasted almost 500 years and was destroyed after the defeat of Turkey in the war with Russia (1877-78). In 1908, an independent Third Bulgarian Kingdom arose. In World War I, Bulgaria became an ally of Germany and Austria-Hungary. During World War II, Bulgaria took the side of Germany (in March 1941 it officially joined the Axis countries). After the defeat in World War II, Bulgaria fell into the sphere of influence of the USSR, power passed to the communists. From the beginning 1990s began building a democratic society. Bulgaria became the first post-communist country where the former ruling dynasty returned to power (albeit in a democratic way). In 2001, Simeon of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the leader of the Monarchist Party, won the parliamentary elections. But the positions of the Socialist Party (former communists) are also strong. Bulgaria is a candidate for NATO and the EU.

The Republic of Bulgaria is located in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula.

Bulgaria is bordered to the south by Greece and Turkey, to the west by Serbia and Macedonia, and to the north by Romania. In the east, it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea.

State symbols

Flag- a rectangular panel consisting of three horizontal equal stripes: the top one is white, the middle one is green and the bottom one is red. The first of them personifies freedom and peace, the second - forests and agriculture, the third - the blood shed in the struggle for state independence.

Coat of arms- a scarlet shield crowned with the historical crown of Bulgaria. In the shield is a rearing crowned golden lion. The shield is held by two golden crowned lions. Under the shield are oak branches and a ribbon with the motto "Union to rule silat" ("Unity gives strength").
It is generally accepted that the three lions mean the three historical lands of Bulgaria: Moesia, Thrace and Macedonia. The current coat of arms of Bulgaria was adopted by the National Assembly in 1997. This is a slightly modified version of the coat of arms used in 1927-1946. This coat of arms was based on the personal coat of arms of the Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand I.

Brief description of the modern Republic of Bulgaria

Form of government- parliamentary republic.
head of state- President elected for 5 years.
Supreme body of the legislature a unicameral People's Assembly.
Head of the government- Prime Minister. Elected and dismissed by the People's Assembly.
Capital- Sophia.
Largest cities- Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse, Stara Zagora, Pleven, Dobrich, Sliven, Shumen.
Religion- freely. The traditional religion is Orthodoxy, professed by 75.96% of the population.
Territory- 110,993.6 km².
Population– 7 364 570 people Bulgarians make up 84.8% of the population, Turks - 8.8%, Gypsies - 4.9%, Russians - 0.15%.
Official language- Bulgarian.
Economy- market, industrial country with developed agriculture.
Agriculture. Main products: vegetables, fruits, tobacco, wool, wine, wheat, barley, sunflower, sugar beets.
Climate- continental and mediterranean.
Administrative division e - is divided into 28 regions, which are subdivided into 264 communities.
Education- school education is regulated by the "Law on Public Education", divided by degrees:
primary education: primary education - from 1st to 4th grade; pro-gymnasium education - from 5th to 8th grade.
Secondary education: gymnasium education - from 9 to 12 grades.
Secondary education is considered obtained after the successful completion of the 12th grade and the successful passing of the required exams. School education is free.
Higher education regulated by the Law on Higher Education.
Higher schools in Bulgaria can be public and private. Types of higher educational institutions in Bulgaria: universities (there are 47 universities in the country), specialized higher schools, colleges.
Currency- Bulgarian lev.
Sport The most popular sport is football. Bulgaria has traditionally high achievements in weightlifting and athletics, wrestling, boxing, volleyball, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, shooting and rowing.

Tourism in Bulgaria

The country is promising in terms of tourism, there are many natural and cultural attractions. A popular destination for beach tourism is the Black Sea coast. The most popular Black Sea resorts: Albena, Golden Sands, Riviera, St. Constantine and Elena, Obzor, Sunny Beach, Sozopol, Elenite, St. Vlas.

sunny Beach

The largest sea resort in the east of Bulgaria. Located near a bay in the Black Sea with a beach 10 km long and up to 100 m wide in the central part, covered with fine yellow sand. Located between the cities of Varna and Burgas, is part of the city Nessebar, the old part of which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria (1983)

City of Nessebar is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is the successor of an ancient Thracian settlement called Mesembria, which existed from the beginning of the 1st century BC. BC e. With 510 BC e. it was turned into a Greek colony.
From antiquity to the present day, the ruins of the fortress wall, towers, gates, and reliefs have remained. In the old part of the city, intensive archaeological research is underway. During the excavations, the ruins of a church built IX century. n. e., as well as the remains of Byzantine terms.

Ski resorts in Bulgaria

The ski season starts here in December and lasts until February.

Bansko

The highest peak in the area is Mount Vihren (2915 m). Bansko is known as one of the best Bulgarian ski resorts. A stable snow cover lies here from December to April, its thickness is about 2 m. All ski slopes are located at altitudes from 1100 to 2500 m. Their total length is 65 km, the longest route is 2.6 km long.
There is an 8-seater gondola lift in Bansko. There are opportunities for off-piste skiing, a snowboard park with 2 slopes with a total length of 600 m.
In addition to skiing, Bansko is known for its historical sights. South of the city is the Pirin National Reserve. It has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The park covers an area of ​​27,400 hectares, most of it is covered with pine and spruce forests, and at the foot of the highest peak, Vihren, there are more than 180 lakes, mostly of glacial origin. In the vicinity of Bansko, the remains of ancient fortresses in Staroto Gradishte, a section of the cemetery in the town of Dobrokyovitsa, which dates back to the 2nd century BC, as well as the medieval settlements of the Holy Trinity, were discovered. In Bansko itself is interesting Church of the Holy Trinity. It was built in 1835 There are paintings, frescoes and icons in the church, and its walls are decorated with paintings and wood carvings.

Borovets

A popular Bulgarian ski resort, located in the suburbs of Sofia, on the northern slopes of Rila Mountain, at an altitude of 1350 m. The longest run is 5,789 m. Two ski jumps.

Pamporovo

Ski resort. Nestled in a magnificent pine forest, it is a popular holiday destination in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Natural attractions of Bulgaria

Srebarna Nature Reserve

The reserve includes Lake Srebarna and its surroundings, this area lies on the main migratory route of migratory birds between Europe and Africa, called "Via Pontica". The reserve was established in 1948., covers an area of ​​600 hectares, another 540 hectares are a buffer zone. Srebarna- a large lake formed in a wide karst depression, with a depth of 1 to 3 m.
Almost 100 species of birds nest in the reserve, some of them are recognized as endangered. Approximately 80 species of birds come to the lake for the winter. Among the most remarkable birds are the curly pelican, great white, red and black herons, loaf, spoonbill. There are 6 species of fish and 35 species of amphibians in the lake.

Chuprene Reserve

One of the largest biosphere reserves in Bulgaria (area 1439.2 ha). The reserve was formed February 9, 1973, for the protection of the northern coniferous forests of Bulgaria and as an ornithological reserve for the preservation of the only natural population of capercaillie in Bulgaria. There are a large number of rivers on the territory of the reserve, which originate on the nearby mountain slopes.
A wide variety of fauna is represented in the reserve: amphibians (11 species): fire salamander, Greek long-legged frog, common toad, etc.; reptiles (15 species): snake, viper, copperfish, etc.; mammals (53 species): fox, wolf, stone marten, pine marten, mink, forest cat, squirrel, 14 species of bats, etc.; birds (170 species): capercaillie, black vulture, owl, golden eagle, woodpecker, thrush, hawk, kestrel, lark, quail, wren and others. Chuprene is the only Bulgarian reserve where wolves live permanently.

Seven Rila Lakes

A group of lakes of glacial origin located in the northwestern Rila Mountains. The lakes are located between 2100 and 2500 m above sea level.
Each lake has its name associated with its most characteristic feature. The highest of them is called "Teardrop" due to its clear waters. The next highest lake is called "The Eye" because of its almost perfectly oval shape, etc. The lakes are stacked on top of each other and connected by small streams that form tiny waterfalls and cascades.

Yantra (river)

A feature of the river are the numerous gorges that it forms.

Rose Valley

Region in Bulgaria, located south of the Balkan Mountains. Geologically, it consists of two river valleys: striama in the west and Tunji in the east.
The valley is famous for its roses, which have been grown there for centuries for industrial purposes: 85% of the rose oil produced in the world is produced here. Rose oil production center Kazanlak, other cities: Karlovo, Sopot, Kalofera and Pavel Banya. Every year there are festivals celebrating roses and rose oil.
The collection season runs from May to June. During this period, the valley emits a pleasant aroma and is covered with colorful flowers. The harvesting process is traditionally feminine and requires great dexterity and patience. The flowers are carefully cut one at a time, placed in willow baskets and sent to the factories.

Belogradchik rocks

They are a group of strangely shaped sandstone and a conglomerate (separate fragments) of rocks located on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, not far from the city of Belogradchik. The rocks differ in color, some reach up to 200 m in height. Many breeds have bizarre shapes and are associated with interesting legends.

Shipka

Picturesque mountain pass through the Balkan mountains.
During the Russo-Turkish War 1877-1878 Shipka was a battle arena where Russian soldiers fought, relying on the Bulgarian militias, and the Ottoman Empire.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria

Boyana Church

Medieval church. Located 8 km from Sofia, in the village of Boyana at the foot of the Vitosha Mountains.
AT 10th century in the village of Boyana, the first small church was built, dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and St. Panteleimon. At the beginning 13th century. a new two-story church, decorated with frescoes, was added to this church.

Madara Rider

Archaeological monument, a relief image of a rider, carved on a sheer cliff at a height of 23 m. Located in the north-eastern part of Bulgaria, near the village of Madara.
The monument is dated approximately 710 year n. e. and was created during the reign of the Bulgar Khan Tervel. According to one version, there is an image of the Khan himself on the rock. According to another version, the rock relief was created by the ancient Thracians and depicts a Thracian god. There is also a third version: an image of Svyatovit (Slavic god) is carved on the rock around the end of the 6th century AD. e.

Cave churches in Ivanovo

A complex of churches, chapels and cells carved into the rocks. It is located 21 km south of the city of Ruse near the village of Ivanovo at an altitude of 32 m above the canyon of the Rusensky Lom River. The complex began to be inhabited by monks from 13th century. During the heyday of the monastery, there were 40 churches and chapels and about 300 monastic cells. After the 17th century the monastery became uninhabited, most of its buildings fell into disrepair.

Thracian tomb in Kazanlak

Part of the ancient necropolis near the city of Kazanlak. The tomb was created at the end 4th-early 3rd c. BC e. for the Thracian ruler Roigos. The walls are lined with marble slabs and decorated with frescoes. The paintings that tell about the life of the Thracians and their military victories were created by the artist Kodzamakis, who used 4 colors in his work: black, red, yellow and white. The plots of the frescoes are connected with the reign of the person for whom the tomb was built.
The tomb of the Thracian ruler was found by a soldier in 1944 during the construction of a trench in the north-eastern part of the city of Kazanlak.
Today, access to the tomb is restricted to ensure the preservation of the frescoes. An exact copy has been created for tourists.

Pirin National Park

The park was created in 1962 under the name Vihren National Park with the aim of preserving the forests in the highest parts of Pirin. The park occupied an area of ​​62 km², which is one sixth of the current area of ​​the park. AT 1974 it was renamed the Pirin National Park, its territory was expanded.
About 1300 species of higher plants, about 300 species of mosses and a large number of algae grow in the park. In Pirin, there are 18 local endemic species, 15 Bulgarian and many Balkan endemics, many rare and endangered species grow, including edelweiss, the symbol of Pirin.

Edelweiss

About 2090 species and subspecies of invertebrates live in the park.

Rila Monastery

Saint's monastery John of Rylsky- the largest stauropegial monastery of the Bulgarian Church. According to legend, founded in 1930s. St. John of Rylsky (876-946), whose name he bears since the reign of the Bulgarian Tsar Peter I (927-968). Saint John lived in a cave not far from the current monastery, while the monastery itself was built by his disciples who came to the mountains to continue their studies.

Thracian tomb in Sveshtari

It is located 2.5 km southwest of the village of Sveshtari in northeastern Bulgaria.
It was discovered in 1982 during the excavations of the settlement. Dated 3rd century BC. It was built, presumably, for the Thracian ruler of the Getae tribe and his wife.

Other sights of Bulgaria

Bachkovo Monastery

Monastery of the Mother of God. One of the largest and oldest Orthodox monasteries in Europe. The monastery is known and appreciated for its unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian cultures, united by a common faith. The monastery was founded in 1083 Although the monastery survived the Turkish invasion of the Bulgarian land, it was plundered and destroyed, but restored at the end of the 15th century. The refectory, whose paintings by an anonymous artist are of significant artistic value, was reconstructed in 1601, and the Church of Mary - in 1604, they have survived to this day.

National Art Gallery

Located in the building of the former royal palace, built in 1880. The art gallery was founded in 1892. It contains more than 50,000 pieces of Bulgarian art.

Evksinograd

ex at the end 19th century Bulgarian summer royal palace and park on the Black Sea coast, 8 km north of the city of Varna. It is currently the summer government and presidential residence. Since 2007 it has also hosted the annual opera festival Operosa.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia

Bulgarian Orthodox Cathedral. Built in neo-Byzantine style, it is the Cathedral of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, as well as one of the symbols of Sofia and the first tourist attraction. It is the second largest cathedral on the Balkan Peninsula after the Cathedral of St. Sava in Belgrade. Basically, the construction of the cathedral was completed in 1912. It was created in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, as a result of which Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule.

Kaliakra

A long and narrow cape in the region of the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast, located 12 km east of the town of Kavarna. The coast is steep, with sheer cliffs to the sea.
Kaliakra is a nature reserve where you can watch dolphins, cormorants and pinnipeds. It is located on Via Pontica, one of the main migration routes for birds from Africa to Eastern and Northern Europe. In spring and autumn you can see many rare migratory birds here.
Here are also the remains of the fortress walls, plumbing, baths and the residence of the despot Dobrotitsa.

Troyan Monastery

The Monastery of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin or, as it is more commonly called, the Troyan Monastery is the third largest monastery in Bulgaria. Located in the northern part of the country, in the Balkan Mountains, founded no later than at the end 16th century

Ledenika

It is a cave in the northwestern part of the Balkan Mountains, 16 km from the Bulgarian city of Vratsa, the entrance to which is 830 m above sea level. It surprises with an abundance of galleries and impressive karst formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, dating back a thousand years. The cave is about 300 m long and consists of ten separate halls. The largest of them is a concert hall. The path to it goes through the passage of sinners. Only those whose heart is pure can pass through it. Previously, the cave was filled with water, but now there is only a small lake left here - the Lake of Desires. The legend says: if you dip your hand into the icy water of the lake and make a wish, it will come true.

Chernigrad

Peak of Vitosha mountain in Bulgaria. Altitude up to 2290 m. Here is a weather station founded in 1935 A very popular place among tourists.

broken stones

Several groups of natural rock formations with a total area of ​​7 km. Basically, these are stone columns from 5 to 7 m in height. The pillars do not have a solid foundation, appearing to be stuck in the surrounding sand.
There are several theories of the origin of this phenomenon: organic or mineral. Dynamic reconstruction of the origin of these structures, fluid migration processes and possible microbial interference during carbonate deposition is under investigation by scientists from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

Nativity Monastery

It is the largest monastery in southwestern Bulgaria. This is one of the few medieval Bulgarian monasteries.
The monastery church was built before 15th century. and dyed in 1597., preserved some frescoes. The monastery was devastated by fire between 1662 and 1674, the library was destroyed, and most of the buildings were seriously damaged. The monastery was rebuilt over the next century with the financial help of wealthy Bulgarians from all over the country. Reconstruction began in 1715 and was fully completed in 1732

Panorama of Plevna

Depicts the events of the Russian-Turkish war 1877-78., in particular, the five-month siege of Plevna, which made the city world famous and contributed to the liberation of Bulgaria after five centuries of Ottoman rule. More than 35,000 soldiers died here.

The panorama was created by 13 Russian and Bulgarian artists and officially presented on December 10 1977. The panorama expanded the already existing Skobelev Park, which is located on the site where three of the four major battles that led to the liberation of Bulgaria took place.

Russian church in Sofia

Officially known as the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, it is a Russian Orthodox church in the center of Sofia, located on Tsar Liberator Boulevard.
Construction started in 1907., and the church was consecrated in 1914

Monument to the Tsar Liberator

It was erected in honor of the Russian Emperor Alexander II, who liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. The foundation stone was laid on April 23 1901. in the presence of Prince Ferdinand I of Bulgaria, and the monument was completed on September 15 1903. Ferdinand also took part in the unveiling of the monument on 30 August 1907 together with his sons Boris and Kirill, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich of Russia, son of Alexander II, together with his wife and son.

National Museum of Earth and Man

This is one of the largest mineralogical museums in the world. Founded December 30 1985 and open to visitors on June 19 1987. Located in a reconstructed and adapted historic building built at the end of 19th century It has a number of exhibition halls, stock rooms, laboratories, a video room and a conference room. Its collection covers 40% of all known natural minerals, as well as artificial ceramics made by Bulgarian scientists.
In addition to permanent exhibitions related to minerals, the museum hosts exhibitions on other topics, as well as chamber music concerts.

Sofia Zoo

Currently, the Sofia Zoo has a huge number of exotic animals, as well as animals that live on Bulgarian soil. Was created in 1888. The zoo is constantly expanding.

Gabrovo

A city in central Bulgaria with a population of 58 thousand people. The city is considered the Bulgarian capital of humor, like Odessa, it annually hosts humor festivals. Gabrovians themselves often act as characters in jokes (the so-called Gabrov humor), where they are usually presented as overly stingy people who want to save on everything (similar to English jokes about the Scots). In Gabrovo, there is a one-of-a-kind House of Humor and Satire, which regularly holds various humorous competitions.

House of humor and satire in Gabrovo

History of Bulgaria

Bulgarian statehood has existed since 681 g. But Proto-Bulgarians were a single ethnic group before. The first mention of the Bulgarians goes back to 354 g.

Monument to Khan Asparuh in the city of Dobrich

First Bulgarian kingdom existed since 681 on 1018 years. It was formed by the ancient Bulgarians and Slavs under the leadership of Khan Asparuh. During the period of greatest prosperity, it covered most of the Balkan Peninsula and had access to three seas. It ceased to exist as a result of the conquest by Byzantium.
The ruins of the ancient capital of Bulgaria Pliska.
Byzantine Bulgaria existed for a short time 1018-1185.
Second Bulgarian kingdom (1185-1396). AT 1396 it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire.
Having become a part of Byzantium, Bulgaria, after the defeat of the Western Bulgarian kingdom and the subordination of the Bulgarian Church to the Patriarch of Constantinople, constantly fought against Byzantium, because. many noble families were resettled in the Asian part of the empire. But all the uprisings were crushed.
AT 14th century Bulgaria has a more formidable and dangerous neighbor - the Ottoman Turks, who seized possessions in Asia Minor. Already in 20s 14th century. they began to make devastating raids on the Balkan Peninsula, and in 1352 captured the first fortress in the Balkans - Tsimpe. AT 1396 Bulgaria ceased to exist as an independent state for five long centuries.
Vidin kingdom (1396-1422)
A state that broke away from Bulgaria (Tarnovo kingdom) in 14th century. After falling into 1395 of the Tarnovo kingdom and the conquest of the Vidin kingdom in 1396, Konstantin II Asen ascended the throne of Vidin. He ruled either as a vassal of the Turkish sultan, or as the Hungarian king, and also temporarily declared independence, but his power extended to part of the former Vidin kingdom. Since 1396 on 1422. these remnants of the Vidin kingdom represented Bulgaria. There was no more dispute between Tarnovo and Vidin. A number of foreign states recognized Constantine II Asen precisely as the ruler of Bulgaria. In this form, Bulgaria continued to exist until 1422, when, after the death of Constantine II Asen, the Vidin kingdom ceased to be mentioned in the sources (apparently, it was finally liquidated by the Turks).
Ottoman Bulgaria (1396-1878)
At that time, there was no independent Bulgarian state, and the lands of the Bulgarians were under the dominion of the Ottoman Empire (also called "Turkish slavery" or "Ottoman yoke" in Bulgarian historiography).
The independent Bulgarian Patriarchate was liquidated, which was subordinated to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. At first, Bulgaria was in vassalage, and in 1396 Sultan Bayezid I annexed it after defeating the Crusaders at the Battle of Nikopol.

Illustration from the "Chronicles" by J. Froissart

The Turks consolidated their power in the Balkans, becoming an even greater threat to Central Europe.
Principality of Bulgaria (1878-1908)
Under the name of the Principality of Bulgaria in history, the Bulgarian state is known from obtaining autonomy within the borders of the Ottoman Empire in 1878. before the declaration of independence in 1908. It was a constitutional monarchy with a unicameral parliament (People's Assembly). The head of state is the prince. The title of the monarch is "prince of the Bulgarians". Ruling dynasties: in 1879-1886. - Battenberg, 1887-1908 - Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. A collective regency was envisaged in the event of the incapacity of the prince.
Third Bulgarian Kingdom (1908-1946)
The Bulgarian state that existed from the declaration of independence in 1908. before the abolition of the institution of the monarchy in 1946. It was a constitutional monarchy (the Tarnovo Constitution of 1879, as amended). The king was the head of state.
World War I
AT 1915 The third Bulgarian kingdom followed Ferdinand's pro-German orientation. In an effort to annex all of Slavic Macedonia, she entered the First World War on the side of Germany, Austria and Turkey. Bulgaria began to be considered in the Entente countries as a "traitor of the Slavs."
The Second World War
February 2 1941 Bulgaria and Germany signed a protocol on the deployment of German troops on the territory of Bulgaria.
March 1, 1941 Documents were signed in Vienna on Bulgaria's accession to the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Pact.
In April 1941. Bulgaria, together with Germany and Italy, took part in the Greek operation and in the Yugoslav operation, as a result of which it received part of the Aegean coast and part of Vardar Macedonia. Although Bulgaria made a claim, it did not receive either the city of Thessaloniki or Holy Mount Athos. Already in September 1941. in the area of ​​the city of Drama, inhabited by Greek repatriates from Turkey, the Bulgarian occupying forces used terror, unambiguous with genocide, after which the Third Reich reduced the territory of Central Macedonia, which was owned by the Bulgarians.
After June 22, 1941 large-scale resistance unfolded in Bulgaria. December 13, 1941 Bulgaria declared war on Great Britain and the United States, but the fighting did not follow. However, the Bulgarian cities began to be subjected to allied air raids. Bulgaria did not declare war on the USSR, but provided its territory for the deployment of German troops, discriminatory measures were also introduced in Bulgaria against the small Jewish population, but not a single Jew was deported from Bulgaria. September 5, 1944 After the capitulation of Romania, the USSR declared war on Bulgaria. The Bulgarians offered practically no resistance to the Red Army. On September 9, as a result of an uprising prepared by the forces of the Fatherland Front, the pro-German government was overthrown, and the new authorities declared war on Germany. Then an anti-communist mountain movement arose in the country.
On September 8, 1946, a referendum was held, 92.72% of the population voted for the republic.
Of the territorial acquisitions, Bulgaria retained only Southern Dobruja. 150 thousand Bulgarians were deported from Western Thrace (Greek) and from the Greek part of Macedonia. At the same time, almost the entire Greek population, who had lived on the Black Sea coast for thousands of years, was deported from Bulgaria.
People's Republic of Bulgaria (1946-1990)
As soon as the Soviet Army entered Bulgaria, on the night of September 9-10 1944 army units, together with partisan detachments, carried out a coup d'état. AT 1946. was proclaimed People's Republic of Bulgaria, the first prime minister of socialist Bulgaria was Georgy Dimitrov.

AT 1950 a consistent Stalinist becomes prime minister Vylko Chervenkov, he completes the collectivization of agriculture, suppresses the actions of the peasants, accelerates industrialization.

After Stalin's death gradually ceded influence Todor Zhivkov, who headed the Bulgarian Communist Party in 1954.
The era of Zhivkov (1954-1989)

T. Zhivkov led Bulgaria for 33 years. Relations with Yugoslavia and Greece are being restored in Bulgaria, labor camps are being closed, and the persecution of the church is being stopped.
He was loyal to the Soviet Union, supported the suppression of the Hungarian uprising in 1956, and sent troops to help suppress the Prague Spring in 1968.
10th of November 1989 Zhivkov was removed from the posts of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the BKP and Chairman of the State Council. Prime Minister of the communist government Andrey Lukanov and Chairman of the State Council Peter Mladenov, who replaced Zhivkov in this post, took a number of steps aimed at democratizing the political system.

August 1, 1990. was elected President of Bulgaria Zhelyu Zhelev, former dissident and leader of the SDS. In November, in response to massive demonstrations and a four-day general strike, Lukanov's government resigned.
On July 12, 1991, a new constitution was adopted.

- 110994 km2.

Population of Bulgaria. 7.171 million people (

Bulgaria GDP. $55.73 billion (

Administrative divisions of Bulgaria. Consists of 8 areas which include communities. The city of Sofia also has the status of a region.

Form of government in Bulgaria. Parliamentary republic.

Head of State of Bulgaria. President elected for a term of 5 years.

Bulgaria's highest legislative body. Unicameral People's Assembly.

Bulgaria's highest executive body. Council of Ministers.

Major cities in Bulgaria. Plovdiv, Varna, Rousse, Burgas.

State language of Bulgaria. Bulgarian.

Religion in Bulgaria. 85% are Orthodox, 13% are Muslims.

Ethnic composition of Bulgaria. 87% - Bulgarians, 9% - Turks, 2.5% -, 2.5% - Macedonians.

Currency of Bulgaria. Lev = 100 stotinka.

The climate of Bulgaria. Continental, transitional. The average annual temperature is + 13°C. reaches zero in January. The average temperature of the warmest month - July - is from + 23 °С to + 25 °С. in the lowlands fall out in the amount of 500-600 mm per year, in the mountains - 1000-1200 mm per year. The entire country from west to east is crossed by the Balkan Mountains, where the vertical line is clearly visible. The highest point is Mount Musala (2925 m). Flora. Forests occupy up to 30% of the territory of Bulgaria. Here there are oak, hornbeam, beech, elm, ash, pine, spruce, fir.

Bulgaria is a beautiful country that is famous for its tourist resorts, outstanding sights and centuries-old history.

The modern capital of Bulgaria - Sophia. The city was founded in the 1st century AD, but the capital of Bulgaria, Sophia became only in 1879. The city occupied a very significant place in the history of the country. Four hundred years ago it was the second trading center of the Balkan Peninsula after Constantinople (Istanbul).

The capital of Bulgaria on the map

During its existence, the city has acquired many interesting attractions. The most recognizable among them is Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. This temple was built by Russian architect Alexander Pomerantsev. Russian artists worked on the interior decoration, including the famous Viktor Vasnetsov, the author of such paintings familiar from childhood as “Three Heroes” and “Alyonushka”.

Another interesting Sight Sophia - mosque Banya Bashi. This mosque, one of the oldest in Europe, was completed in the 16th century. Now its appearance reminds of the fact that in the history of the city there was an Ottoman presence. The mosque owes its birth to the Ottoman architect Haji Mimar Sinan, who created the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.

Walking around the capital of Bulgaria Sofia, it is worth getting acquainted with another building, in the name of which there is the word "bath" - with Sofia Central Mineral Bath. Behind this building , the main decoration of which is an elegant façade , there is a complex of fountains , from which you can take a bottle of tasty and healthy mineral water with you .

The minimum program for tourists also includes changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace. You can enjoy how the brave guardsmen proudly march in 11 hours of the morning.

Do you know what it was called first capital Bulgaria?

Ancient capitals of Bulgaria

Pliska

First capital Bulgaria Pliska (681-893 years), was located a few kilometers from the modern city of the same name in the Shumen region. The city is notable for the fact that it was founded by Khan Asparuh, who is considered the founder of the entire Bulgarian state. Unfortunately, today only ruins remain of this beautiful city. But on the site of the ancient city is open national reserve of history and archeology.

Veliki Preslav

Veliki Preslav, which is also located in the Shumen region, became second the capital of Bulgaria after the famous Preslav People's Church Council in 893. The transfer of the capital had a very serious impact on Christianization Bulgaria, since the first capital was considered pagan. During the Middle Ages, this city was considered one of the most beautiful and remarkable places in all of Europe.

Skopje and Ohrid

The next capitals of Bulgaria were Skopje (972-992) and Ohrid (992-1018), these cities are now in the territory Macedonia.

Capital of Bulgaria from 1185 to 1393 For years it was located in Veliko Tarnovo. This is a very colorful city with a long history. The most significant sight of the city is the ancient fortress Tsarevets standing on three hills. At the height of the tourist season, the city is visited by a huge number of history buffs. The city leaves unforgettable emotions, obviously, that is why it is so loved by the Bulgarians. Read more about this unique city

Vidin

After Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin became the capital of Bulgaria. The city is unique in that it was built by the ancient Romans. It is located near the border with Romania and Serbia. From the middle 14th century to early 15th century Vidin was the capital of Western Bulgaria. It housed the residence of the Bulgarian kings from the Shishmanovich dynasty. Among the sights of Vidin, the well-preserved medieval feudal fortress stands out. baba vida castle.

Nikopol

Nikopol was the capital of Bulgaria for only 2 years, until it was completely captured by the Ottoman army. A part of history is connected with this city, when Bulgaria was under the rule of the mighty Ottoman Empire.