Museums, amusement parks, beautiful natural places, and much more entertainments. You can find all this in Bulgaria!
Many things are worth visiting in the country. They are so many that you may not know where to start! We will make your choice easier with today’s article.
The “Love Bench”
Southwest of the Dryanovo Monastery there is a rock massif called Boruna. The Dryanovo eco-trail winds along with it. On this trail, you will find three terraces with benches, which reveal breathtaking panoramic views of the monastery, which remains far below you, the majestic rocks where it is nestled, and the canyons of the rivers Dryanovska and Andaka. The “bench of love” is located on the second terrace. From the monastery, it can be reached in about 10-15 minutes.
How to find the bench:
When you are at the entrance of Bacho Kiro Cave, go up the steps carved into the rocks. You will reach the Dryanovo eco-trail and then you will turn left / there are also signs/. At the top, you will be able to see a wooden pavilion – just before it you have to turn left and you will reach the “Love Bench”.
If you go at the end of August or September, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful wild cyclamens, which cover the forest like a carpet. The same goes for March, but then the carpet is made of crocuses.
Next to the Bench, there is a house for books – similar to a birdhouse, as well as a notebook in which everyone can write down their thoughts.
The “Love Bench” is also a place where several couples have said the cherished “YES”! This gives the place even more charisma and makes it especially significant.
Park “Mini Bulgaria”
Have you heard of the Mini Europe Museum in Brussels? Well, there is a similar attraction in Bulgaria – a museum of miniatures ‘Mini Bulgaria’! It presents the most remarkable places and buildings in Bulgaria from several eras.
Among them are the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, the Ivan Vazov National Theater in Sofia, the Rila Monastery, the Bachkovo Monastery, the fortresses and palaces of Bulgaria, and many others.
The Amphitheater and the Aqueduct of Philippopolis in the city of Plovdiv are representatives of the Roman era on the territory of Bulgaria. You can trace the development of the Bulgarian state from the First Bulgarian Kingdom, presented with a model of the Great Basilica in the heart of the then capital Pliska, through the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in Veliko Tarnovo by looking at the fortress Tsarevets and so to this day, reaching the models on Sq. Independence ”in Sofia and the Airport in Varna.
Only in “Mini Bulgaria” for only one walk you can visit all the palaces-residences of the Bulgarian kings, such as the palace “Vrana” in Sofia, “Evksinograd” in Varna and “Tsarska Bistritsa” in Borovets, but also that of the Romanian queen – “The Quiet Nest” in Balchik.
The miniatures are made of 10 mm plastic, in a scale of 1:25 and with technologies that allow almost 90% matching with the original. Most of the details are made on 3D printers. Making a model takes between 1 to 6 months.
The museum is located just below the Baldwin Tower of Tsarevets Fortress. It occupies an area of 12.5 decares, and in front of the park, there is a parking lot and a bus stop.
Walking through the park takes no more than forty minutes. If you are with family or friends, your stay can be extended even more if you decide to organize an educational quiz.
The Castle Of Ravadinovo
The Castle of Ravadinovo is one of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria. It is located to the left of the road, before the village of Ravadinovo. The castle is not an authentic historic building and is still under construction.
The castle is a dream come true of Georgi Kostadinov Tumpalov – architect, designer, and builder. The castle occupies an area of 20 decares, and 20,000 tons of marbled limestone, excavated from Strandzha Mountain, have been used in its construction. The roof of the building has the shape of an Orthodox cross, which symbolizes faith, love, and devotion. The castle is decorated with copper and brass, its walls are overgrown with ivy.
Castle ‘In Love with the Wind’ has several deep lakes with swans, a park, a chapel, and a cellar. In the gardens with several thousand exotic trees, flowers, and other plants, peacocks roam freely, which contributes to the fabulous atmosphere.
The stone from which the castle is built contains traces of micro diamonds. Therefore, during the different parts of the day the building changes its color – in the morning it has a shade of pink, during the day it is white, and on a full moon, it shines.
Here you can take a virtual walk around ‘In Love with the Wind’ before your real visit there.
Balchik Palace
The architectural and park complex “The Palace” is located about 2 km southwest of the center of Balchik. It is included in the 100 National Tourist Sites and is also known as Balchik Palace.
Its history begins in the early 20th century. After the Inter-Allied War, Romania violated the St. Petersburg Protocol and attacked Bulgaria. Thus the country conquered the territories of South Dobrudja to Balchik. Queen Mary of Edinburgh was fascinated by the beautiful nature of the newly conquered lands and when she visited friends in the seaside town, she decided to build her summer residence here. This is the beginning of the Balchik Palace.
One of the greatest conditions of Mary of Edinburgh is that the future building does not in any way disturb the natural beauty of the landscape, but on the contrary – to complement it and merge with it.
The most important natural element of the Palace is the crystal clear water of the springs “Byal Kladenets” and “Chatal Cheshma”. It flowed through a small valley and drove the mill wheels of the mills in the area.
Old Bulgarian, Gothic, Oriental, and Moorish elements are intertwined in the architecture of the palace. The road to the palace descends between two rows of stone walls and stops in front of the main entrance of the watchtower. The Stella Maris chapel was built in the yard.
Other popular landmarks include the Divine Garden, the English Courtyard Garden, the Hanging Terraces, Queen Mary’s Tomb, and more.
The little fire
The little fire is located near the village of Kamen Bryag. A small flow of gas flows freely from a metal pipe and all you have to do is ignite it. So it can burn for decades. Yes, decades! It only goes out in very heavy rains and winds, but there is always someone to light it again. The fire is surrounded by large stones and some liken it to a large hearth or sanctuary.
Thousands of people from all over the country gather there at the July Morning (July 1), and in the summer tourists gather to sing and play guitars.
WARNING: The place is dangerous at night because of the cliffs around it. Part of the shore has a fence to serve as a barrier, but in the dark, you have to be careful!
Planetarium – Smolyan
On September 6, 1975, the largest planetarium with a national astronomical observatory in Bulgaria opened doors. It is located in the town of Smolyan – a tourist center in the Western Rhodopes, lying 800 m above sea level, near the famous winter resort of Pamporovo. Used for 3 activities:
- research
- educational
- tourist
The planetarium is one of the most visited landmarks in the city, and for the past 48 years, it has been about 3,000,000 people have been there.
One of the most interesting things is the “heart” of the planetarium. It is around star-hall with a domed ceiling, which recreates an exact copy of the real starry sky.
The planetarium is equipped with special technology, which recreates the movement of celestial bodies in the solar system.
The Planetarium educates young and old students. Also, a Youth Astronomical Club has been organized and its members hold observation camps every summer.
A daily solar patrol has been carried out here for more than 30 years. Sketches and photographs of sunspots are made.
The planetarium makes visual and photographic documentation of all lunar and solar eclipses and other interesting astronomical phenomena visible from the territory of our country.
And one of the most unique things for tourists is the star performances, which you can learn more about here.
Historical Park
The largest historical park in the world was opened in 2019 near Varna. It is designed as a large complex and covers an area of over 500 acres. The Historical Park offers an interactive journey up to 10,000 years in time during the five epochs of human civilization, which have left traces on Bulgarian lands.
You will get acquainted with the Chalcolithic and Neolithic eras. You will meet Thracians and Romans as well, and then the historical adventure continues during the heyday of the First and Second Bulgarian Kingdoms.
For each of the epochs you will find many interesting activities:
- craft courses
- historical performances and films
- training in ancient martial and everyday skills
- theoretical seminars
- exhibitions
- restorations
- horse riding
- medieval duels
- ritual wine drinking
Along with all this, there are 10 acres of picturesque meadows with lakes and traditional places for recreation and dining.
The dishes are prepared according to authentic recipes from ancient times, using only natural Bulgarian products.
INTERESTING: There are over 100 comics, illustrated books, and encyclopedias for children and adults. With them, people get acquainted with Bulgarian history in a pleasant and fun way. The books have been translated into over 7 foreign languages.
Neptune Water Park
The Aquapark Neptune in Ravadinovo is located 5 km from Sozopol. It has numerous water slides and the largest and safest children’s Prater in the country. The facilities cover an area of 50,000 sq.m. The water park has restaurants, bars, relaxation areas, and additional services.
There are two towers – A, B, and the Prater. Tower A is very colorful and has 7 slides! Tower B is no less exciting and visitors say that there the adrenaline reaches the sky. The Prater is the part of the water park that is dedicated to children – 8 safe and fun slides.
There are 4 bars in Neptune:
- Tornado Bar
- Party Bar
- Water Bar
- Children’s Bar
The menu includes a variety of cocktails, alcoholic, soft drinks, hot drinks. The large dining area offers a salad bar and a rich sandwich, pizza and grill menu, fresh fruit juices, and desserts.
Sound and light
‘Sound and Light’ is a musical-light show, which has been held every year since 1985 in Veliko Tarnovo.
The idea for the show is from the late sixties of the last century. Then the National Committee for Development of Veliko Tarnovo organized and planned the development of the old capital as a historical, cultural, and tourist center.
The equipment for the show includes 630 km of a cable network, located on an area of over 100 decares, 2,400 color floodlights, 140 flashes, and 6 real ringing bells, weighing from 600 kg to 6 tons. Everything is included in a computer-controlled system to present this unique attraction. Over BGN 10 million have been invested in the construction of the audio-visual show.
The premiere of the show is on the occasion of 800 years since the uprising of the brothers Assen and Peter and the revival of the Bulgarian state.
The programs are held throughout the year, starting between 18:00 and 21:30, depending on the season. There are two types of broadcasts: free and paid broadcasts. Free broadcasts can be seen from 1 Tsar Asen Square in front of the main gate of the fortress. Paid broadcasts are watched from a special panoramic terrace for watching.
Astronomical Observatory – Rozhen
Apart from the Planetarium, there is also the National Astronomical Observatory Rozhen in Bulgaria.
It is one of the symbols of the region and has been attracting many Bulgarians and foreigners for years! It is also the largest astronomical observatory in the Balkans.
The Astronomical Observatory is located in the Rhodopes, above the Rozhen area, whence its name. It was built on Duh Peak, near Chepelare, and was officially opened on March 13, 1981.
There are 4 telescopes inside. The regular monitoring activity on scientific programs dates back to September 1980. It is the largest one-time investment of Bulgaria in scientific infrastructure (over BGN 12 million).
Another interesting fact is that NAO – Rozhen is the only observatory in the world, on which territory there is a building with religious functions. The Holy Trinity Church had to be demolished to build a large ramp for delegations to take pictures in front of the observatory.
Visits are carried out in groups (6 to 50 people) from 10 to 16 hours each round hour.
Conclusion
And with these 10 amazing destinations in Bulgaria … our list is not exhaustive at all! There are so many more places worth seeing in the county. Maybe we will introduce you to them in the following articles? Stay tuned
