The old world cultures of Thracia, Greece and Rome settled and built towns and cities in what is now Bulgaria, followed by the proto-Bulgarians and the Turks. The greatest builders were the Romans and then the Byzantines. Most often the towns they built were successors of older settlements. The Turks created a small number of new towns, though this was done mainly with a view to turning Bulgaria into a military-feudal controlled land. During the 15th to 17th centuries, upsurge in Bulgarian crafts was observed.
Traces of the material and spiritual presence of the Thracians (2000 BC), the Hellenes, the Romans, the Slavs and proto-Bulgarians, the Byzantines and the Ottomans have been left in the Bulgarian lands. The Bulgarian Revival, which started in the 18th century, brought the country closer towards Europe, modern times and contemporary culture. The geographical position of Bulgaria on the crossroads between the East and the West, where throughout history the paths of world civilizations have crossed, is influential to the country’s rich and colorful cultural heritage.
Bulgaria is a natural gift. Rivers, lakes, golden sand beaches, vast plains, high mountains and evergreen forests create a diversity rarely seen on a single country’s territory. Numerous mineral waters throughout the country provide excellent conditions for spa and wellness. The mountains reveal a colourful world of forests, pastures, rock formations, villages and history. A good option for discovering the outdoors of Bulgaria is hiking, cycling, horseback riding or maybe taking a multiactivity trip.
The natural thermal water springs in Bulgaria are some of the most sterling and unique resources of the country; they are the “golden key“ to boosting the development of the hospitality industry that will keep tourism flourishing. Over 800 hydro mineral springs clustered in over 240 water formations, rich in hot and cold mineral water with temperature varying in a wide range from 37° C up to 101° C, gush forth and spout out of the bowels of the Earth from a depth of over 2000 meters.
Ski and snowboard guide to Bulgaria - Where to go, what to do and how to save
This booklet is the first “user generated” guide for skiing and snowboarding around Bulgaria. It will be constantly updated throughout the year by skiers and riders for skiers and riders. The aim of this guide is not to educate you about the cultural history of Bulgaria or tell you when the museums are open.
