Bulgaria

Quick Facts

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Local name

Balgariya

Capital

Sofia

Government

Parliamentary Democracy

Nationality

Bulgarian

Population

7 679 000^[1]

Languages

Bulgarian, Turkish

Religions

Christianity (Bulgarian Orthodox), Islam (Sunni and Shiite)

Currency

Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Calling Code

+359

Time Zone

EET (UTC+2)

Summer (DST)

EEST (UTC+3)

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Introduction

Old Town Home

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While Bulgaria may not be Europe's most obvious tourist destination, it does warrant some attention. Since the collapse of Communism and the establishment of a democratic government in 1990, Bulgarians have worked hard at rebuilding their war-torn nation. In Sofia, historic buildings are being renovated in a push by the EU to restore Bulgaria's beauty.

Thankfully, Bulgaria's natural beauty requires no such renovation: majestic snow-capped peaks tower above the land and the beautiful Danube straddles the border with Romania. Bulgaria's mountainous terrain makes it an excellent skiing destination. For those travellers in search of a summer getaway, Bulgaria's Black Sea coastline is rapidly becoming a popular destination. Add to all this natural beauty the remarkably cheaper prices than its popular neighbours and Bulgaria starts to rear its head as an attractive tourist spot.

Brief History

Geography

Bulgaria share international borders with Romania, Turkey, Greece, Serbia and Macedonia.

Regions

• Bulgarian Blacksea Coast
• Bulgarian Mountains
• Central Northern Bulgaria
• Central Southern Bulgaria
• Northeastern Bulgaria
• Northwest Bulgaria
• Southeastern Bulgaria
• Southwestern Bulgaria

Cities

• Sofia, the country's capital.
• Plovdiv
• Burgas
• Ruse
• Varna
• Stara Zagora

Sights and Activities

Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

Sveshtari

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Located near the village of Sveshtari in Razgrad Province is an amazing Thracian Tomb. Only found in 1982 this 3rd century BC tomb has the fundamental structural principles of a Thracian cult building. The decor of the tomb is considered unique with polychrome half human and half plant caryatids with painted murals. A great feature is the ten female carvings in high relief on the walls of the main central chamber. This is a great example of pre Greek, Persian or Roman cultures in Bulgaria. This tomb is considered an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ancient City of Nesebar

Originally a Thracian settlement in the 2nd millennium BC Nesebar eventually became a Greek colony. It fell to Roman rule in 71 BC and was fought over by the Byzantines and the Bulgarians from the 5th century AD onwards. This ancient city is littered with hundreds of amazing churches, temples, theaters and walls from civilizations as old as Ancient Greece to churches built in the 19th century. There are aslo several nice beach resorts with the largest being Sunny Beach. In 1983 Nesebar was designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Church of St. George

Church of St. George might be the oldest building in the capital of Sofia. Built in the 4th century AD by the Romans this church is primarily known for its famous 12th to 14th century frescoes covering the central dome. Although three layers of frescoes have been discovered, with the earliest dating back to the 10th century. These frescoes were only discovered in the 20th century because during the Ottoman period the frescoes were painted over when the building was being used as a mosque. Presently the church is a museum, is surround by the ruins of the ancient town of Serdica and situated behind the Sheraton Hotel.

St George the Conqueror Chapel Mausoleum

St George the Conqueror Chapel Mausoleum located in Pleven was built between 1903 and 1907 in Neo-Byzantine style in order to honor the soldiers who died for the Liberation of Bulgaria during the Siege of Pleven in 1877. The bodies of several hundred soldiers are preserved in the mausoleum. The mausoleum is dedicated to St George who is the patron saint of the Bulgarian army.

Seven Rila Lakes

The Seven Rila Lakes are in the Rila Mountains in northwestern Bulgaria. The lakes are of glacial origin making them high in the mountains at between the elevation of 2100 m to 2500 m. The highest lake is Salzata (The Tear) because of its clear waters. The second highest lake is Okoto (The Eye) because it has an almost perfectly oval form, it is also the deepest lake. Lake Bareka (The Kidney) has the steepest shores. Biznaka (The Twin) is the largest by surface area. Trilistnika {The Trefoil) has an odd shape and shallow shores. Ribnoto Ezero (The Fish lake) is the shallowest lake. Lake Dolnoto Ezero (The Lower Lake) is the lowest lake and all the other lakes collect here then flow into the Dzherman River. This is one the best places in Bulgaria to do some hiking and mountain climbing. These lakes are some of the most visited lakes in Bulgaria so it can get crowded during peak tourist times.

Other Sights and Activities

• Beaches - Have fun in the sun and riding the surf of the Bulgarian coast.
• Pirin - Hike and explore the amazing waterfalls and mountains in this area of Bulgaria.
• Roman Ruins - Explore some of the many Roman ruins scattered around Bulgaria, like the theatre in Plodiv.
• Shipka Memorial - Located near Kazanlak this memorial was built to honor the Battle of Shipka Pass (1877 to 1878) which is an important symbol of Bulgarian liberation.
• Rila Monastery - Is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century this monastery is located in the Rila Mountains giving it great views and it has stunning murals.
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - Located in Sofia is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox Cathedrals in the World. Construction was completed in 1912 and this Neo-Byzantine church is a must see.
• Tumbul Mosque - Is the largest mosque in Bulgaria and located in Shumen
• Banya Bashi Mosque - Originally built in 1576, by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan, is the only functioning mosque from the Ottoman period in Sofia

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Sofia Airport (SOF) is the primary airport and hub of Hemus Air and Bulgaria Air (which is owned by Hemus Air). Sofia Airport services flights throughout Europe.

The country's other international airports are at Varna, Plovdiv and Burgas.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Ferries operate from Varna seaport, via Constanta (Romania) to Odessa (Ukraine) twice a week. Currently they leave at 2am on Tuesdays and Saturdays. See http://www.lstravel.com.ua for more information.

Getting Around

By Plane

Bulgaria Air has a number of domestic flights. The most useful flights include those between the capital Sofia and the Black Sea cities of Varna and Burgas. Plovdiv has a few flights as well, but other than that distances are relatively small and trains are efficient as well.

By Train

Bulgarian State Railways operates a network of railways througout Bulgaria. Many trains originate or terminate in Sofia or Plovdiv and link the interior and mountains to the coast of the Black Sea. On longer trips a first class sleeper is recommended. Be sure to reserve a few days in advance, longer in summer.

By Car

Although the main roads are generally in a good condition, road conditions elsewhere are not of the usual European quality yet, but improvements are made since the country is a EU member. Still, driving skills and lighting at night are both poor, so watch out. You can rent cars from international and local companies at major airports, cities and a few resorts at the Black Sea. You need a national driver's licence or international one if you are not from the EU. Be sure to have sufficient third party insurance as well (green card is compulsory). If bringing your own car, have your document of ownership in order.

By Bus

ETAP and Biomet are one of the bigger bus companies, but there are dozens more. There are tons of links between the bigger cities and even the smallest towns have at least one bus a day.

By Boat

There are few noteworthy ferries for travellers, but a trip on a yacht on the Black Sea is probably one of the best possibilities.

Red Tape

If you are a European Union (EU) citizen, you may enter without any restriction as per your EU citizenship rights. If you are not an EU citizen and Bulgaria is the first stop on your visit, you will need to obtain a Schengen Visa. This visa is valid for any country in the Schengen zone.

Money

See also: Money Matters

The Bulgarian Lev (ISO code: BGN) (plural: Leva) is the official currency of the country. One Lev is divided into 100 stotinki (singular: stotinka). Banknotes in circulation are 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva. Coins are in denominations of 1 stotinka; 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki; and 1 lev.

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