National Archaeological Museum, Sofia – this museum was officially opened in 1905 and it occupies the former Grand Mosque, an impressive place of worship which was built around 1474. Restored and extended over the centuries, it was previously the National Library, until all of the important archaeological collections were brought over there. Due to the accumulation of artefacts, several halls were subsequently added to the old building, and nowadays the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia, Bulgaria has five large sections, dedicated to Prehistoric and Middle Ages eras, one central hall, one presenting jewelry and various treasures, as well as one dedicated to special temporary exhibitions.
Some of the exhibits are unique in the world, a splendid chronicle of the little known history on current Bulgarian teritories, bringing together tools, weapons, decorative art and artefacts, jewels and sacred art from the Stone Age and Bronze Age, next to medieval books, weaponry and armors, Greek and Roman antiquities and so many others. One of the most interesting museums in this part of Europe and surely worth a visit. Or maybe several.
Monastery of St Ivan of Rila – not very far from the capital, in the Rila Mountains, tourists can discover the largest and certainly the most popular Eastern Orthodox place of worship in Bulgaria, which attracts every year hundreds of thousands of visitors. Founded in the 10th century by the legendary hermit Ivan of Rila, this place played a key role overe the years in the cultural and political history of Bulgaria, being a symbol of the national identity. Rebuilt and extended over time, being a monastery as well as a school and library, can nowadays be visited by all. You will discover here the vast courtyards and buildings of the monastery, the library filled with sacred manuscripts and rare books and documents, a museum of religious art and artefacts, splendid interior and exterior frescoes, as well as the chance of admiring an unique and well-preserved example of ancient architecture.
Bachkovo Monastery – near the Chepelare River, almost 200 km from Sofia, you will find another old and impressive monastery, a monument where interestingly enough traditional Bulgarian culture mixes with Byzantine and even Georgian influences, a strange and unusual mix that is specific to this place. Founded almost a thousand years ago, in about 1083, it was from the very beginning thought as both a place of worship and a seminary, surprisingly modern for those times, as you would learn here not only religion, but also history, music and mathematics. As many other such places in Bulgaria it was destroyed during the Turkish invasions but later rebuilt, the paintings were redone and some of the old buildings and examples of sacred art still survive to this day. And are simply amazing, both for their artistic value and their historical significance. Besides the buildings, the church and the old walls which still tell so many tales, visitors will discover a rich museum inside the monastery, a splendid collection of icons and books, church artefacts and miniatures, as well as frescoes and documents.
Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia – among the sacred tourist attractions of Bulgaria, this impressive cathedral of Sofia is certainly the most popular and the most impressive, as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and one of the largest cathedrals in Eastern Europe. In no small part it's existence is in strong connection with the developpment of modern Bulgaria, as the first part of it's construction began in 1882 (it was an older project) and most of it was finally completed in 1904-1912, finally giving to the country's capital the sacred monument so dearly needed. The ambitious project was the work of one Alexander Pomerantsev, with the help of other arhitects, and it was surprisingly different from the original plans, and during it's heyday several Bulgarian, Russian and other artists, arhitects, workers from all over Europe contributed to the project. Mosaics and frescoes, huge architectural elements in the traditional Orthodox style, relics and documents, splendid icons and a place filled of atmosphere and culture, a visit to this cathedral is a must if you ever come to Sofia.
Sunny Beach – many come to Bulgaria during the summer mainly for it's seaside resorts, with good service, nice hotels, affordable prices, long sandy beaches and especially a good, pleasant atmosphere, and most choose the Sunny Beach resort. A small town during the rest of the year, it is during these summer months that is simply crowded with tourists, mainly from Eastern Europe, who enjoy the beaches, water sports, traditional and internations food at the various restaurants, concerts and shows.
photo: wikipedia.org
April 2016
