Quick Facts
Location
Bulgaria is situated in Southeast Europe and occupies the eastern part of
the Balkan Peninsula. To the north it borders on Romania, to the west on the
Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, to the east on
the Black Sea, to the south on Greece and to the southeast on Turkey's
European part. Population: 8,428,006
Capital: Sofia (pop. 1,141,000)
Religion: 86.6% of the population is Eastern Orthodox, 13% are Muslims. The
Bulgarian Church is autonomous and headed by a Patriarch.
Language: Bulgarian. English, German, French and Russian is spoken
in the country's resorts, hotels and restaurants. Climate
Temperate continental with clearly marked four seasons. A Mediterranean
influence is felt in the country's southern regions. The average annual
temperature is 10.5°C.
Currency: The unit of currency in Bulgaria is the lev, divided into
100 stotinki.
Stacking Your Postcards
Pirin National Park
The main ridge of the mountain range is aligned from Northwest to
South-Southeast. It is about 80 km long and 40 km wide. It covers an area of
2,585 km2 of exceptional natural beauty - high peaks, many glacial massifs
and 176 lakes. About 90% of these lakes are more than 2100m above sea level.
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
This teahouse was an amazing gift to the people of Boulder from her sister
city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It was opened May 15, 1998 and was handcrafted
by over 40 Tajik artisans. The artisans used vibrant colors, intricate
patterns and exquisite furnishings. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is the
only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and is something that
shouldn't be missed. The Teahouse offers a wide variety of exotic
appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts.
The Valley of Roses
To visit Bulgaria and not go to the Valley of Roses is to go to Egypt and
not see the pyramids. The Valley of Roses is in the very heart of the
country and is shielded by the high slopes of two majestic mountain ranges -
the Balkan range and Sredna Gora.
The Batak Church
Situated in the west Rhodope on the slopes of the Battashki ridge, only 60
km from Plovdiv, is an extraordinary beautiful place. The Dupkata reserve is
a nature phenomenon of national and worldwide importance because of the rare
plants and animal species that are living there. It is under protection of
UNESCO. These places have been inhabited by people for about eight thousand
years. Batak is famous for its rich historic past and its name is a reminder
to all Bulgarians about the spring of 1876, when the April rebellion
(against the Turkish Yoke) broke out. There was no revolt, though there had
been considerable expression of discontent. The entire town took part in the
rebellion. For nine days Batak was free and independent from the Turkish
authorities. For two weeks Batak's people were fighting bravely, defending
their freedom.
Ricky Mountain National Park
Covering over four hundred fifteen square miles of rugged mountain
wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park is truly one of Nature's special
places.At least 60 mountains in Rocky exceed 12,000 feet, topping off at
14,255 feet on the football field-sized summit of Longs Peak. The mountains
provide Rocky Mountain National Park with its sense of wonder and
inspiration.
Destination Guides
Sofia
The capital city of Bulgaria has been a settlement for more than 3000
years. Nestled on a high plain in western Bulgaria, Sofia enjoys hot summers
but cold winters.The city centre boasts some of the finest historical
architecture in eastern Europe and such examples include the The National
Palace Of Culture, the Sofia University and the old Dragalevtsi Monastery.
Other attractions in Sofia include the city's wonderful array of galleries
and museums such as the National History Museum which chronicles the history
of the country, the The Earth and Man Museum and the National Natural
History Museum in Sofia. This city has been conquered by many invading
armies over the centuries and you can find all sorts of influences here,
including Russian, Byzantine and Turkish.
Plovdiv
Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria, situated on the Maritsa
River. Its unique location on these ancient crossroads has stimulated strong
cultural and political influences from East and West civilizations, and yet
maintained its unique cultural identity. Being older than most of the oldest
towns like Rome, Athens, Carthage or Constantinople, an almost contemporary
of Troy, Plovdiv is a town built upon layers of towns and a culture
developed upon layers of cultures.
Plovdiv is a picturesque town, with many parks and gardens, museums and
archaeological monuments. Its old part, called the Old Town, with houses
from the National Revival period (18-19th century), is an imposing open-air
museum situated on the three hills of the ancient Trimontium. One of the
most remarkable sights of the town, the Ancient Theatre (a well-preserved
Roman theatre), is located there and is still used for open-air
performances.
Veliko Turnovo
The town of Veliko Turnovo is built in the ending outskirts of the Central
Fore Balkan. The town is situated amphitheatrically on 4 hills - Tsarevets,
Trapezitsa, Momina Krepost and Sveta Gora, the ridges of which were indeed
the deeply inclined steep banks of the Yantra river meanders. Tsarevets was
the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in XII century AC. Ancient
travelers write about the town of Turnovo as "the second after
Constantinople" in its beauty and might. The fateful events from the 13
centuries old Bulgarian State are related with this town, such as the Second
Bulgarian Kingdom's apogee in XII - XIII centuries AC and the adoption of
the First Bulgarian Constitution in 1874
Velingrad
With its diverse springs, excellent climate and leafy parks, Velingrad is
one of Bulgaria's most popular spa resorts. It is situated amidst the
wonderful natural surrounding of the Western Rhodopes, 86 km southwest of
Plovdiv. Thracians, Slavs, Byzantines, Romans, and Ottomans have shaped the
town's history. However, the greatest treasure of Velingrad are the 80
mineral springs with temperatures varying from 22 to 48C, used for treatment
of a number of diseases. The abundance of mineral springs and resort
facilities, the mild climate and the beautiful lake near the Kleptuza
spring, make Velingrad a desirable destination. Surrounding areas of
interest are the small health resort Yundola at the pass dividing the
Rhodopes from Rila mountain, notable for its inhabitants' longevity, the
village of Dorkovo with the nearby Zepina medieval Bulgarian fortress.
Burgas
The city of Burgas is the second largest port on the Black Sea coast,
situated in the western part of Burgas Bay, 390 km east of Sofia. Viewed
from the bay, Burgas looks as if emerging from the sea because it is located
at an altitude of only 17 meters, between three lakes: Burgas, Mandrensko,
and Atanassovsko. It is a major administrative, cultural and business
center, transport junction, one of Bulgaria's most dynamically developing
cities, and the fourth largest city in terms of population. This relatively
young city is a descendant of ancient Thracian and Roman civilizations.
Burgas has a typical cosmopolitan seaport atmosphere with full of sunshine
summer, beaches, sea gardens, cultural events, fine restaurants and cafes.
Places of interest are the Etnographic Museum, the Art Gallery, housed in
what used to be a synagogue, the Archeological and Historical Museums, as
well as the Armenian Church and the Church of SS Kiril and Metodii
