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Things to do in Bulgaria, Bulgaria: The Best Historic Sites
Coordinates: 42°45′N 25°30′E / 42.750°N 25.500°E / 42.750; 25.500
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1. Rila Monastery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,885 reviews
Founded in the 10th century, this monastery was restored in the 15th and again in the 19th century.
Reviewed By 118val - Shepparton, Australia
Rila Monastery is considered to be one of Bulgaria's most holy sites and is UNESCO listed. It is situated in the Rila Mountains in the deep valley of the Riska River. Apparently named after the hermit Ivan of Rila from 876 - 946 AD. The Monastery was founded in the 10th century and was the spiritual and cultural center during the 12th to 14th century. The richly engraved gates lead into a stunning view of the Monastery. Our first visit was to the Museum which housed some amazing artifacts such as old books, beautifully embroidered robes belonging to the clergy and an incredible wooden cross that was intricately carved. We then viewed the stunning external vivid coloured paintings covering the external walls, the interior is equally as stunning but you cannot photograph the interior. Once outside we could see the towers where guards use to protect the site, around the edge of the complex are the monks rooms. The building is well maintained and painted with a series of wooden stair cases and balconies. It is well worth a visit.
2. Boyana Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,836 reviews
Located at the foot of Mt. Vitosha, Bojana Church is about 900 years old. The church houses the National Museum, which focuses on regional history, art and cultural artifacts.
Reviewed By brenhell
If you manage to make it up the hill, this church is well worth the journey and 10 Lev entrance fee. The interior has amazing 13th century frescos. Note that the visitor numbers are limited to 8 at any time as space is limited plus they are probably trying to preserve the frescos by controlling humidity levels. You are only permitted to stsy for 10 mins. The grounds are pleasant with benches and plenty of birds( I saw a woodpecker). If you are making your own way there you can combine this visit with the National History museum nearby. We did this by taking trolley bus 2 from the centre to its final stop over the road from the museum. From here you can walk 30 mins up to the church or take bus 107 which goes to the church entrance.
3. Catedral de Sveta-Nedelya
4. Tsarevets
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,347 reviews
Dating to the 12th century, this strategic fortress is one of two highly fortified hills (Trapezitza being the other) that protected Bulgarian rulers living on the site in the tsar’s palace.
Reviewed By AdamDupont - Germany, null
Tsarevets is a medieval stronghold located on a hill with the same name in Veliko Tarnovo. If you are going there on the summer..bring a hat its quite hot when its sunny. The Sound and Light audiovisual show is an attraction carried out in the evening that uses three lasers, variegated lights, dramatic music and church bells to tell the story of the fall of Tarnovo to the Ottomans, as well as other key moments of the history of Bulgaria. It was free on every Saturday of the week and it was a great experience.
5. Old Nessebar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,514 reviews
Reviewed By thejetsetvet - Sheffield, United Kingdom
100% would recommend to anyone staying in and around Sunny Beach. A mere 1.30 Lev each way on the bus from the top of the strip its a beautiful and chilled day out. Excellent place for souvenir shopping - lots of art, pottery, jewellery etc. Easily the best food within a 10 mile radius of Sunny Beach, especially down at the sea front where you can couple fantastic food with breathtaking views. There is a lot of history, most places you have to pay to enter the ruins and accompanying museums but there are some free ruins to visit and they provide great photo opportunities. The Eco Bar is a great novelty cocktail bar, definitely worth a visit for its unique atmosphere.
6. The Rotunda Church of St George
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,648 reviews
Built in the 4th century, this is the oldest building in Sofia.
Reviewed By MumbaiRiders - Mumbai, India
" St George Church(Rotunda Church)"is a red brick rotunda edifice . This Church is the oldest building in Bulgaria and also in Europe situated within the excavated ruins of the ancient Roman city of Serdika..The building is famous for the 12th-, 13th- and 14th-century frescoes inside the central dome. The Church is situated in close proximity to the Presidency building.
7. Bachkovo Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 411 reviews
The Bachkovo monastery is one of most important monasteries of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. It is a real place of cult and religion that is very respected by the believers. The monastery is also a National monument of culture, reach of history, art and traditions. It conserves a huge number of icons, paintings, church buildings and very precious examples of church utensils from XI to XIX centuries. It is very possible to stay at the monastery, to have pleasure assist at an Orthodox mass, fill the spirit of Orthodoxy, see the wonderful paintings and picturesque surroundings, try the monastery's cuisine, wine and rakia.
Reviewed By georgug1 - Pleven, Bulgaria
This sacred place combines the beauty of the surrounding nature with the warm and welcoming atmosphere of one of the biggest monasteries in Bulgaria. It is free to enter and have a walk in the yard and the church. However, the small museum has a ticket. There are a lot of kiosks around offering everything from traditional Bulgarian dishes to BBQ for lunch, local dairy products, jam, nuts and even corn. Bear in mind, that the prices are little higher than usual, but the traders are open to discounts. A great idea for a family day trip - just 30 minutes away from Plovdiv. It is easy to reach by car and offers paid parking on site.
8. Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By 44svetlan
Wonderful view of the mountains and Asenovgrad. Large parking right next to the fortress. You can take a walk to the chapel of St. Atanas, for which there is a signpost. Walk along the Roman road, and anyone who wants to continue the walk can reach the river / Lyaskovska river /. Ideal place for relaxation.
9. Baba Vanga Museum
10. Belogradchik Fortress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By Edmundo_de_ABQ - Albuquerque, United States
You get to walk into the fortress, which has been left in pretty amazing shape since it's medieval days, from lower ground and can climb stairs and pathways if you want to continue to the 'Rocks'. A wide open space with just the fortress makes it feel literally more alive and historic. The fortress walls are especially impressive and you'll enjoy the very scenic area
