Description of Bulgaria. School encyclopedia Bulgaria capital

Bulgaria located in the southeast of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. In the north it borders with Romania, in the west - with Serbia and Macedonia, in the south - with Greece and Turkey. In the east it is washed by the Black Sea.

The country was named after the ethnonym of the people - the Bulgarians.

Official name: Bulgarian Republic

Capital: Sofia

The area of ​​the land: 110.9 thousand sq. km

Total population: 7.2 million people

Administrative division: Consists of 8 areas which include communities. The city of Sofia also has the status of a region.

Form of government: Parliamentary republic.

Head of State: President elected for a term of 5 years.

Composition of the population: 85% - Bulgarians, 10% - Turks, 4% - Gypsies, 1% Macedonians

Official language: Bulgarian

Religion: 82.6% - Orthodox Christians, 1.7% - Catholics, 1.6% - Protestants. 12.2% of Bulgarians profess Islam, 0.8% - Judaism

Internet domain: .bg

Mains voltage: ~220 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +359

Country barcode: 380

Climate

Significant mountain systems, significant elevation changes and other factors determine noticeable regional climatic differences. The northern part of the country is characterized by a temperate continental climate; The Lower Danube Plain is open to northern winds in winter. On the one hand, the Stara Planina Mountains prevent the movement of these winds in a southerly direction, and on the other hand, they serve as a barrier to the Mediterranean air currents that shape the climate in the south of the country. In the Maritsa Valley, winters are quite cold, but the Mediterranean influence is already noticeable. As you approach the Black Sea, the climate becomes milder, essentially Mediterranean.

The average January temperatures in the Maritsa valley and on the Black Sea coast are approx. +4° C, and to the north of the Stara Planina Mountains they drop to -4° C. In the mountains, winter temperatures are even lower, and there is snow for several months. Summers are hot (with the exception of the mountains), in most of the low plains the average temperature in July is approx. 21 ° C. The duration of the frost-free period ranges from 180 to 260 days. Droughts often occur on the plains, and a lot of precipitation falls in the mountains (up to 1900 mm per year), mainly in the form of snow. The amount of atmospheric precipitation is closely related to the features of the relief: the plains and intermountain valleys protected by mountains rarely receive more than 600 mm per year.

Geography

Bulgaria is located in the southeast of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. The area of ​​the country is 111.0 thousand sq. km. Its neighbors are countries: Romania in the north, Serbia and Macedonia in the west, Greece and Turkey in the south. In the east, Bulgaria is washed by the Black Sea.

Almost a third of the territory of Bulgaria is occupied by mountains, but they are low and for the most part accessible to tourists. Across the country for 555 km, the Stara Planina Range or the Balkan Range stretches, which gave the name to the peninsula. The highest point of this ridge - Mount Boteva - rises to a height of 2376 m. Parallel to Staraya Planina is Srednyaya Gora. In the southwest and west of the country are the Rila, Pirin and Rhodope mountain ranges. The highest peak of Rila, Mount Musala (2925 m), is also the highest point of the entire Balkan Peninsula.

There are many rivers in Bulgaria, but they are shallow. On the territory of the country is the middle course of the Danube - the largest river in central and southeastern Europe. Starting in the Black Forest mountains, it flows through 9 countries. Since the Danube is an international river, navigation has always been developed on it. The average water temperature in July is from +17 to +24. Cruises are organized along the river. The second largest river is the Maritsa. She carries her waters to the Aegean Sea. Struma and Mesta also flow into the Aegean Sea. Kamchia, Veleka and Ropotamo flow into the Black Sea.

Between the Stara Planina Ridge and the Danube lies the Danube Plain, which is the breadbasket of the entire country. The southeastern plain is bounded by Srednyaya Gora from the north and the Rhodopes from the southwest. It is often called Upper Thrace.

Bulgaria is famous for its wide beaches that gently slope down to the sea. The Black Sea is favorable for swimming - it is not very salty, and the bottom is sandy.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

The main types of natural vegetation in Bulgaria are forest and steppe temperate zones and Mediterranean forests. Typical steppes are common on the Dobruja plateau in the northeastern part of the country. The same vegetation exists in the Lower Danube Lowland, although the steppes there are interspersed with forests. Deciduous forests grow in the foothills and the lower altitudinal belt of the Stara Planina Mountains, coniferous forests are common higher up, and alpine meadows in the uppermost zone.

In the south-east of the country, in the Maritsa valley, hard-leaved forest formations of the Mediterranean type are found. The climate here is favorable for the cultivation of cotton, tobacco, mulberries, grapes and vegetables. In the border regions with Turkey and Greece, typical Mediterranean fruits are cultivated - citrus fruits and figs.

Forests in 1987 occupied 3.8 million hectares, or approx. 30% of the area of ​​the country. Of these, about 31% are coniferous, and the rest are deciduous with a predominance of beech, oak, ash and hornbeam. Only 15% of forest plantations are of industrial importance, and the rest are predominantly low-productive or perform water protection and soil protection functions.

In Bulgaria, there are needle-leaved forests - pine, spruce, white spruce and others. Broad-leaved forests, primarily oak and beech, and then hornbeam, ash, linden, hazel prevail in Staraya Planina, Sredna Gora and Strandzha. Wild chestnut is found in Staraya Planina (near Berkovitsa) and Belasitsa, where the best varieties of tobacco grow.

In mountainous areas up to a height of 1000 m, broad-leaved forests grow, the most common species in which are oak, beech, hornbeam, ash, linden, and hazel. Above 1000 m there is a zone of coniferous forests.

Animal world

The fauna of the country has suffered greatly due to the reduction of forested areas. Bear, wild boar, deer, and chamois are still found in the forests. The ferret, weasel, wolf, fox, badger, jackal are also common; from rodents - a squirrel, a hare, a dormouse. In the 1970s, packs of wolves became a real disaster, attacking villages on winter nights in search of sheep or calves, but in recent years the number of these predators has significantly decreased.

Attractions

The country is known throughout Europe for its picturesque landscapes, seaside resorts on the Black Sea coast, an abundance of historical monuments and colorful folk rituals.

Banks and currency

Bulgarian lev (BGL), equal to 100 stotinki. In circulation there are coins and banknotes in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 levs, as well as banknotes of 10, 20, 50 levs. Since July 1, 1997, the lev has been rigidly "pegged" to the euro at a ratio of 1.95 levs to one euro.

Open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 16.00, break - from 12.00 to 13.00. Banks are closed on weekends and holidays.

It is more profitable to exchange currency in exchange offices (Change, Exchange) than in banks or hotels. In resort areas, the exchange rate is also somewhat underestimated. Preference is given to euros or US dollars (you can even pay with them in some small shops, as well as for services on the beach). Some exchange offices (most often near markets) accept Russian rubles, but the exchange rate is very unfavorable.

Be careful - the exchange office can offer a good exchange rate with a commission of 1% of the amount, which will be indicated in the inscription in this "exchanger". However, an adjacent inscription (usually small and illegible) may indicate that at such a rate you can change money, starting only from a certain amount (usually quite large), and smaller amounts change at a different rate with a charge of 15% -20% of the amount exchange.

Credit cards, traveler's checks and eurocheques are not yet widely used and are accepted only in banks and large hotels. Payment is most often made in cash.

Useful information for tourists

In the warm season, in addition to windsurfing, water skiing and sailing, scuba diving and catamarans, rowing and all kinds of regattas are at guests' disposal. In spring and autumn, some luxury hotels offer heated seawater pools. Long boat trips along the coast of Golden Sands have a magical attraction, especially for children.

Speed ​​limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside and 120 km/h on highways.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A country for all seasons, a holiday paradise where everyone can find what they are looking for. Bulgarian landscapes are varied and full of surprises: endless sandy beaches along the Black Sea coast, chains of wild mountains and lush green hills, fertile valleys and picturesque gorges, quiet rivers and blue lakes. Crystal clear water springs and mineral springs...

Bulgaria is famous for its bright summers, heady aromas of rose plantations, variegated orchards and sun-washed vineyards.

And thanks to its snow-capped mountains and endless coniferous forests, sparkling like precious stones under the blue sky in the rays of the winter sun, Bulgaria has gained recognition as a winter wonderland. Located in the heart of Central Europe, Bulgaria appears before us as a land of primeval beauty, where time has stopped running. This is a land of natural contrasts, an ideal place for holidays and vacations, suitable for people of all ages. Traveling alone, with a loved one, with family or friends, everyone can find what they are looking for here. And, importantly, holidays in Bulgaria are available for any budget. Whether you want to be alone with nature, have fun at modern seaside resorts or relax in a hotel near a mineral spring - Bulgaria has it all!

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

The name of the country - Bulgaria - comes from the Bulgarians, warlike nomads from Central Asia, who mixed with the Slavic tribes of the Danubian plains in the 7th-8th centuries. The following centuries witnessed numerous changes: three kingdoms, Orthodox Christianity, which supplanted the Byzantine canons, the Golden Age of Slavic writing, then 500 years of the Ottoman yoke and liberation from it. The period of the national revival of Bulgarian culture dates back to the 18th - 19th centuries. In 1944, the former monarchy joined the Eastern Bloc, and in 1946 became a Republic. In recent years, Bulgaria has experienced a new freedom and has opened its doors wide, inviting tourists from all over the world to discover the treasures of the past. In Bulgaria, history and traditions organically fit into the modern life of the country, its rapid development against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and picturesque beauties of local nature. A tour to Bulgaria will be the best gift for lovers of history, culture and just a good rest.

CULTURE

Bulgaria is a country between East and West. To this day, various cultures and traditions have been preserved here. This is evidenced not only by numerous temples, monasteries and museums, which in their architectural and spiritual perfection are not inferior to the best European monuments. Bulgarian traditions and customs also live on in her holidays, in her music, dances, opera performances, without which it is impossible to imagine today's Bulgaria. Traditions continue to live in the preserved crafts - copper chasing, woodcarving, ceramics. Your tour operator in Bulgaria will always suggest historical centers of arts and crafts.

CLIMATE

In most of Bulgaria, the climate is continental, with cold winters and hot summers, to the south it becomes Mediterranean. The resorts of Bulgaria in the spring-summer and autumn months are characterized by warm mild weather with a long swimming season from May to October. In winter, the weather in every possible way contributes to a quality ski holiday.

REST ON THE SEA

has traditionally been concentrated in the regions of Varna and Burgas, on Golden Sands and Sunny Beach, in Albena, in the resorts of St. Constantine and Elena, Elenite and Dyuni, where individual tourists and families of vacationers are provided with a wide choice of opportunities for recreation and interesting pastime. Sun, sea and clean sandy beaches are guaranteed.
The resorts have excellent conditions not only for swimming and diving, but also for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Other sports are also widely represented, such as tennis, skittles, horseback riding, archery, parachuting, volleyball, basketball. The resorts have well-equipped gyms and wellness centers, attractions and activities for children.
If you prefer a less stormy and active life during your vacation, numerous cafe-terraces, cellars and restaurants are at your service, and for lovers of risk and excitement - a casino. Also, lovers of rich youth recreation and those who travel abroad to improve their health will also find suitable tours to Bulgaria.

ENTRY

The import of non-canned foodstuffs is prohibited. It is forbidden to export without special permission - objects and things of historical, artistic or archaeological value. To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, when carrying jewelry, a photo, film and video camera, a portable typewriter or laptop, indicate them in the declaration when entering the country. Foreigners are allowed to bring into Bulgaria duty-free 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine, gifts in a reasonable amount and an unlimited amount of foreign currency. If you are bringing a large amount of foreign currency, please consult your tour operator in Bulgaria for additional import regulations.

BULGARIAN CUISINE

You should definitely try typical Bulgarian dishes, which are famous for their variety and unique taste. We present you some of the most popular national dishes.

Salads and appetizers:

• shopska salad - Bulgarian national salad of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and topped with finely grated feta cheese
• kyopolu - baked and rolled eggplants with garlic and nuts
• pepper-byurek - breaded sweet peppers filled with cheese
• shopski brynza - brynza baked in a clay pot with chopped tomatoes and sweet peppers

Soups:

• tarator - a cold summer soup made from diluted sour milk with finely chopped cucumbers, grated nuts and garlic
• monastic bean chorba - white bean soup according to an old monastic recipe
• spinach soup
• kurban soup - veal soup with various vegetables

Second courses:

• kavarma vodenicharski - pieces of pork or veal with lots of onions, baked in a clay pot
• Srednogorsk gyuvech - pieces of pork or veal with tomatoes, peppers and onions, baked in a clay pot
• teleshko "vreteno" - veal roll
• grape and cabbage sarmi - small cabbage rolls made from grape or cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat
• Rhodopean "cheverme" - a small lamb baked on a fire with a headset
• baked bell pepper stuffed with minced meat
• kebapcheta - oblong minced meat patties with seasonings and without onions

Dessert:

• sheep's sour milk (sour milk)
• milk "banitsa" - puff pastry with sheep cheese
• "katmi" with honey and nuts - pancakes with honey and nuts

BULGARIAN WINE

The traditions of Bulgarian winemaking are rooted in the ancient era of the Thracians. There are many well-known types of grapes growing in Bulgaria.
The climate in the country is mild with a lot of sunny days, which favors the ripening of grapes. According to an old tradition, varieties for red wine are grown in the south, and varieties for white wine are grown in the north. Do not miss the opportunity to try the most famous brands:
Red wines: Cabernet Sauvignon from Sliven, Yambol and Oryahovitsa Mavrud from Perushtitsa, Asenovgrad, Merlot from Stambolovo and Sakar, Gymza from Pleven and Suhindol, Red wine from Melnik
White wines: Traminer from Khan Krum, Aligote from Lyaskovets, Misket from Straldzha, Sauvignon Blanc from Targovishte, Chardonnay from Slavyantsi, Rose from Preslav, Muskat from Pomorie.

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
119121, Russia, Moscow, st. Mosfilmovskaya, 66
Phone: (+7 495) 143-67-00 Fax: (+7 495) 143-96-0

Useful data for tourists about Bulgaria, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Bulgaria, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in Bulgaria.

Geography of Bulgaria

A state in Southeastern Europe, in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. Washed by the Black Sea. It borders with Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Macedonia and Romania. Most of the country - the mountain ranges of Stara Planina, Sredna Gora, Rila with Mount Musala (the highest point of the Balkan Peninsula, 2925 m), Pirin, Rhodopes. In the north of Bulgaria there is the Lower Danube plain, in the center - the Kazanlak basin, to the south - the vast Upper Thracian lowland. Forests occupy about a third of the territory, mostly deciduous.

State

State structure

Parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president. Directly elected for a term of five years.

Language

Official language: Bulgarian

Mostly they speak Russian well. Available in English, German and French.

Religion

More than 85% of the country's inhabitants are Orthodox Christians, 12% of the population are Sunni Muslims. Jews make up 0.8%, Catholics - 0.5%, Protestants - 0.5%.

Currency

International name: BGN

One lev consists of 100 stotinki. In circulation there are coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 leva, as well as banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 leva.

History of Bulgaria

The mild climate and rich nature of Bulgaria have long attracted immigrants. More than 500 thousand years ago, the first people appeared here, and in the 4th millennium BC, settlements of the ancient Aryans arose. One of their tribes, the Thracians, finally settled on the territory of modern Bulgaria and in the 5th century BC managed to create their own state, which became the birthplace of the legendary leader of the gladiators - Spartacus.

The most powerful powers of the ancient world spared no effort to conquer the small kingdom. This land had to endure the invasion of Greek colonists, Scythians, Persians and Macedonians. In the 1st century AD, the Romans managed to conquer the Thracians and establish dominance over them for 400 years. From the end of the 4th century, in the era of the Great Migration of Peoples, the raids of neighboring tribes resumed, which contributed to a change in the ethnic composition. In the 7th century, the Slavs who came from across the Danube assimilated the local population and, from the second half of the 7th century, entered into an alliance with a small group of Proto-Bulgarians (part of the Turkic-speaking people ousted by the Khazars from the lower reaches of the Kuban). So in 680 the First Bulgarian Kingdom was formed. At the turn of the 9th-10th centuries, it reached its highest power, completely owning almost the entire Balkan Peninsula. But already in the middle of the 10th century, the Bulgarian-Slavic state entered a period of severe crisis and at the beginning of the 11th century lost its independence, submitting to Byzantium. A successful uprising against the enslavers, raised by the brothers Peter and Asen, returned independence to the country. The Second Bulgarian Kingdom was formed.

The invasion of the Mongol-Tatars, the exhausting competition for hegemony in the Balkans with Serbia and Byzantium, internal turmoil led to the collapse of the kingdom and its conquest by the Turks at the end of the 14th century. The darkest period of Bulgarian history came - the Muslim yoke, which lasted for almost 500 years. It was destroyed after the defeat of Turkey in the war with Russia (1877-1878) due to the joint actions of the rebels and the Russian army. In 1908, an independent Third Bulgarian Kingdom arose. However, Germany tried to tear him away from Russia and dragged him into the First World War on its side. Despite the defeat in the war, the ruling circles of the state retained their orientation towards Germany and entered into an alliance with Hitler. A new defeat in World War II made it possible to establish a republic in the country, Bulgaria fell into the sphere of influence of the USSR, and all power passed to the communists. With the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s, this long-suffering land began building a democratic society.

The mild climate and rich nature of Bulgaria have long attracted immigrants. More than 500 thousand years ago, the first people appeared here, and in the 4th millennium BC, settlements of the ancient Aryans arose. One of their tribes, the Thracians, finally settled on the territory of modern Bulgaria and in the 5th century BC managed to create their own state, which became the birthplace of the legendary leader of the gladiators - Spartacus ....

Popular Attractions

Tourism in Bulgaria

Where to stay

Tourist resorts in Bulgaria are characterized by a special climate, a developed hotel base, excursions and entertainment. Hotels in Bulgaria are among the most inexpensive in Europe. All local hotels correspond to the standard European classification: from one to five stars. Most hotels in Bulgaria are three and four star, which makes the country accessible for recreation for people with any financial capabilities.

Certification of hotels in the country is mandatory. Thanks to this, the quality of service always corresponds to the declared stars. Stars are assigned not only to hotels, but also to campsites, motels, and rental apartments, depending on the level of services provided. Each of the accommodation options in Bulgaria has its own star threshold, namely: private hotels, motels and rental apartments cannot have more than three stars. In turn, campsites and rural houses are rated from one to two stars.

One-star hotels in Bulgaria have minimal amenities. Mandatory conditions for a hotel of this class are: the availability of parking, telephones, safes and a postal service. Unlike one-star hotels, the traditional requirements for two-star hotels are added with the obligatory presence of a mini-bar and TV in the room, as well as laundry and dry cleaning services. Three-star hotels in Bulgaria have a playground, a conference room, as well as the possibility of renting a car and a guide service. In addition to the services available in lower-class hotels, a four-star hotel must have a fitness center, swimming pool and parking. Also an unspoken standard are room service, five meals a day and the availability of Internet in the room. A five-star hotel, according to Bulgarian standards, is a hotel complex that includes conference rooms, shops, restaurants, bars, a gym, a spa center, a beauty salon and 24-hour room service.

Popular hotels

Tours and attractions in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the most attractive tourist countries in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The sun and the azure sea, magnificent beaches and mineral springs, mountains and beautiful ski slopes, important historical monuments and traditional Bulgarian cuisine will make your vacation varied and unforgettable. Natural attractions and rich cultural and historical heritage introduce the history and national traditions of this colorful country.

The capital of Bulgaria Sofia is one of the oldest European cities. Since ancient times, it has been known for its mineral and thermal springs. One of the most impressive sights not only in the capital, but throughout the country is the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, located on the eponymous Sofia Square. A beautiful architectural structure made of granite and white stone was erected in honor of the liberation of Bulgaria. Among the most interesting places in the city, it is worth highlighting the Hagia Sophia, the Church of St. Nicholas, the rotunda of St. George, the Cathedral of the Light of the Week (Holy Resurrection), the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Buyuk Mosque (Archaeological Museum), the Dragalev Monastery, the National Historical Museum and the National Art Gallery of Bulgaria.

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans. Its history goes back about three thousand years. The ruins of various ancient buildings have survived here to this day: an amphitheater, a Roman market, a stadium, a basilica, and baths. The old part of the city is surrounded by the remains of a stone Thracian fortress. The mosques "Imaret" and "Jumaya" have been preserved since the Ottoman domination. Also, the sights of Plovdiv include the Church of St. Marina, the Church of St. Constantine and Helena, the Church of St. Dimitar, as well as the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museums.

The city of Varna (and surrounding areas), located on the Black Sea coast, is not only a popular Bulgarian resort, but also an important cultural center. Here you can see a huge number of important historical sights and museums. The symbol of the city is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, located on Cyril and Methodius Square. In Varna, there is a wonderful Seaside Park "Morska Gradina", which houses the Palace of Culture and Sports, a zoo, a dolphinarium, a planetarium, an Aquarium and a Museum of Nature. Also of great interest is the Archaeological Museum, the pride of which is a collection of gold items from the 6th millennium BC. In the suburbs of Varna, it is worth visiting the Evksinograd Palace, surrounded by a chic park, the Stone Forest valley with impressive columns (up to 6 m high), whose age is 50 million years, and the Aladzha Monastery.

Bulgarian cuisine

The dishes of the Bulgarian cuisine are similar to those of the Armenian and Georgian cuisines. Particularly close to Bulgarian are such dishes as kharcho soup, piti, kebabs, kebab, basturma, chakhokhbili.

Many Bulgarian national dishes are cooked on a skar - a large oven with a metal grate. Kebapcheta, lamb skewers, kebabs, fillets, chickens, chops, zrazy stuffed with sweet peppers, game dishes are cooked on the grates of the oven.

In Bulgarian cuisine, fresh and pickled vegetables are widely used, all kinds of vegetable dishes and side dishes are prepared from them. Bulgarian cooks perfectly combine vegetables with fish, meat, flour, egg and dairy products.

Typical for Bulgarian cuisine is the use of sour milk, curdled milk, feta cheese and kashkavala cheese (sheep cheese) for the preparation of cold appetizers, soups and second courses.

Bulgarian cooks, using cheese for food, often subject it to heat treatment. To do this, cheese is mixed with butter, wrapped in parchment paper and heated. When hot, feta cheese acquires a pleasant taste and aroma, becomes tender, soft and juicy. Of the first courses, chicken broth with egg yolk, vegetable soup with pasta, zucchini soup, pork soup with apples, chorba, lamb soup, kharcho soup, pickle, mashed soups from various vegetables and meat products and tarators are very popular. (cold soups with sour milk).

Of the main dishes, lamb, veal and pork with cabbage are common, pork chops, kebab, steaks, fillets, kebabs and lamb stew, gouvechi - dishes from meat, rice and vegetables, plakia - dishes from vegetables, onions, garlic and seasonings stewed with vegetable oil, yahnia - stew with vegetables and onions or only vegetables with onions, kebabs - pieces of meat fried on a spit, and of course, kebapcheta - short minced meat sausages grilled over hot hardwood coals trees, cabbage rolls, stuffed tomatoes and zucchini, omelettes. Separately, salads (from tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, sweet peppers, green beans, green salad) are served separately for the second meat dishes.

Bulgaria is a beautiful country that is famous for its tourist resorts, outstanding sights and centuries-old history.

The modern capital of Bulgaria - Sophia. The city was founded in the 1st century AD, but the capital of Bulgaria, Sophia became only in 1879. The city occupied a very significant place in the history of the country. Four hundred years ago it was the second trading center of the Balkan Peninsula after Constantinople (Istanbul).

The capital of Bulgaria on the map

During its existence, the city has acquired many interesting attractions. The most recognizable among them is Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. This temple was built by Russian architect Alexander Pomerantsev. Russian artists worked on the interior decoration, including the famous Viktor Vasnetsov, the author of such paintings familiar from childhood as “Three Heroes” and “Alyonushka”.

Another interesting sight Sophia - mosque Banya Bashi. This mosque, one of the oldest in Europe, was completed in the 16th century. Now its appearance reminds of the fact that in the history of the city there was an Ottoman presence. The mosque owes its birth to the Ottoman architect Haji Mimar Sinan, who created the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.

Walking around the capital of Bulgaria Sofia, it is worth getting acquainted with another building, in the name of which there is the word "bath" - with Sofia Central Mineral Bath. Behind this building , the main decoration of which is an elegant facade , there is a complex of fountains , from which you can take a bottle of tasty and healthy mineral water with you .

The minimum program for tourists also includes changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace. You can enjoy how the brave guardsmen proudly march in 11 hours of the morning.

Do you know what it was called first capital Bulgaria?

Ancient capitals of Bulgaria

Pliska

First capital Bulgaria Pliska (681-893 years), was located a few kilometers from the modern city of the same name in the Shumen region. The city is notable for the fact that it was founded by Khan Asparuh, who is considered the founder of the entire Bulgarian state. Unfortunately, today only ruins remain of this beautiful city. But on the site of the ancient city is open national reserve of history and archeology.

Veliki Preslav

Veliki Preslav, which is also located in the Shumen region, became second the capital of Bulgaria after the famous Preslav People's Church Council in 893. The transfer of the capital had a very serious impact on Christianization Bulgaria, since the first capital was considered pagan. During the Middle Ages, this city was considered one of the most beautiful and remarkable places in all of Europe.

Skopje and Ohrid

The next capitals of Bulgaria were Skopje (972-992) and Ohrid (992-1018), these cities are now in the territory Macedonia.

Capital of Bulgaria from 1185 to 1393 For years it was located in Veliko Tarnovo. This is a very colorful city with a long history. The most significant sight of the city is the ancient fortress Tsarevets standing on three hills. At the height of the tourist season, the city is visited by a huge number of history buffs. The city leaves unforgettable emotions, obviously, that is why it is so loved by the Bulgarians. Read more about this unique city

Vidin

After Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin became the capital of Bulgaria. The city is unique in that it was built by the ancient Romans. It is located near the border with Romania and Serbia. From the middle 14th century to early 15th century Vidin was the capital of Western Bulgaria. It housed the residence of the Bulgarian kings from the Shishmanovich dynasty. Among the sights of Vidin, the well-preserved medieval feudal fortress stands out. baba vida castle.

Nikopol

Nikopol was the capital of Bulgaria for only 2 years, until it was completely captured by the Ottoman army. A part of history is connected with this city, when Bulgaria was under the rule of the mighty Ottoman Empire.

Geography: The state, with a total area of ​​110.9 thousand square kilometers, is located in the southeast of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. In the north it borders with Romania, in the south with Turkey and Greece, in the west - with Serbia and Macedonia. In the east it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea.

Big cities: Sofia, Ruse, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna.

Time: Behind Moscow for 1 hour.

Natural and climatic conditions: About 1/3 of the country is occupied by mountains. In the center of the country is the Stara Planina mountain system (Balkan Mountains), dividing the territory of Bulgaria into two parts: the northern plain (Danube Plain) and the southern, more mountainous. The Rila-Rhodope mountain range is located in the south-west of the country: the Rila mountains (Mount Musala - 2925 m - the highest point of the Balkan Peninsula), Pirin and the Rhodopes. The climate is temperate continental, in the south - transitional to the Mediterranean.

OK. 30% of the area of ​​Bulgaria is covered with forests, Ch. arr. broad-leaved (beech, oak), pine, fir and spruce grow in the mountains. The natural conditions of Bulgaria create favorable conditions for the development of tourism and resorts.

Political system: According to the Constitution of 1991, a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, elected by direct vote. The highest legislative body is the unicameral People's Assembly. Executive power is exercised by the government, headed by the prime minister - the leader of the party that collected the majority of votes in parliamentary elections.

Administrative-territorial division: 8 regions.

Population: 7.54 million people (2003). The majority of the population are Bulgarians (89%), there are also Turks, Gypsies, Greeks, Armenians, Russians, and others. The urban population is 71%. The population density is 68.0 people/km2.

Language: Official Bulgarian, Russian, English, German are also used.

Religion: Orthodoxy, there are Sunni Muslims.

Economy: Bulgaria is an industrial-agrarian country. GNP per capita. $1,334 (1995) The extraction of coal, oil, natural gas is developed. The leading industry is mechanical engineering. Traditional export products are canned fruits and vegetables, tobacco, wine, essential oils (1st place in the world in the production of rose oil). An important role traditionally belongs to foreign tourism (over 8 million people per year). Large ski resorts - Borovets, Pamporovo, seaside - Golden Sands, Albena, Sunny Beach, etc.

Currency: Bulgarian lev (BGL), equal to 100 stotinki. In circulation there are coins and banknotes in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 levs, as well as banknotes of 10, 20, 50 levs. Since July 1, 1997, the lev has been rigidly "pegged" to the euro at a ratio of 1 lev to one euro.

Main attractions: The country is known throughout Europe for its picturesque landscapes, seaside resorts on the Black Sea coast, an abundance of historical monuments and colorful folk rituals.

Sofia, one of the oldest cities in Europe, has many wonderful examples of ecclesiastical and historical architecture. Most city tours start from the walls of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Alexandronevskaya Lavra, 1882 - 1912), built in honor of 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for the liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish rule. This is the largest cathedral in Bulgaria (area - 2600 sq. m., height - 52 m., 12 gilded bells are installed on the bell tower of the cathedral, the largest of which weighs 11,758 kg.) And the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. In the crypt of the cathedral there is the Museum of Icons, and the interior of the cathedral impresses with the richness of architectural forms, majestic paintings, icons and mosaics. Behind the cathedral is the building of the Gallery of Foreign Art with an extensive collection of European, African and Oriental art.

Across the square from the cathedral is the church of St. Sophia (VI century), which gave the name to the whole city. During the Turkish rule, minarets were added to the temple and for a long time it functioned as a mosque, until two earthquakes of the 20th century destroyed the minarets, after which the mosque was closed. Near the walls of the church is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

One of the most interesting sights of the capital is the church of St. George built of red brick on the site of the Roman rotunda - the oldest temple in Sofia. On the inside of the dome, frescoes have been preserved, the earliest of which date back to the 10th century, and on the outside, the remains of the streets of ancient Serdika (the Roman name of the city) have been preserved. Under the hotel "Rila" were found the ruins of a Roman residence with an excellently preserved mosaic.

The majestic building of the National Assembly (1884) with an equestrian statue of the Russian Emperor Alexander II installed in front of it is located on the People's Assembly Square. Along Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, you can walk past the Russian Church of St. Nicholas (1913) and the Museum of Natural Sciences, to Batenberg Square, considered the center of Sofia. The building of the former mausoleum of Georgy Dimitrov is located on the square, opposite which are the National Gallery of Art and the National Ethnographic Museum in the building of the former Royal Palace (1887). In the park to the east of the mausoleum is the People's Theater. Ivan Vazov (1907) in the Baroque style. On the western side of the square, behind the building of the Bulgarian National Bank, lies the Buyuk-Jami Mosque (1496). The National Archaeological Museum, the Church of St. Peter of Samothrace (XIV century), the Bani Bashi Mosque (1576), the Sofia Synagogue (1909), an underground shopping center and a market (1911) are located in the Largo Street area.

The most beautiful boulevard of the city is Vitosha Boulevard, going from the Easter Church, past numerous underground shopping galleries, to the Palace of Culture Square with a monument to the 1300th anniversary of Bulgaria. The nearby building of the Palace of Justice (1936) houses the National Museum of History - one of the largest historical museums in the Balkans, famous for its collection of gold finds from the 4th century. BC e. from the excavations near Panagyurishte. The museum also holds the only copy of the Bulgarian medieval chronicle - "History" by John Skylitsa - the most important source of the history of the first Bulgarian Kingdom.

On Graf Ignatiev Street lies the church of St. Sedmochisnitsa (1528) rebuilt from the Black Mosque. Also of interest are the Botanical Museum in the National Botanical Garden, the Zoological Museum in the zoo, the National Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the History of Sofia, the city art gallery in the Central Park, the buildings of Sofia University. Clement of Ohrid and the Sofia Mineral Baths, built on the site of Roman baths.

Boyana is a suburban quarter in the south-west of the city, adjacent to the foot of Vitosha (2290 m.). In its upper part, there is a small Boyana Church, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, with magnificent wall paintings of the 13th century. Mount Vitosha itself is a traditional place for winter recreation, there are many mountain hotels, ski lifts, viewing platforms and a well-developed recreation infrastructure.

119 km. to the south of the capital lies the famous Rila Monastery (X century) - one of the spiritual centers of the country. On its territory there are such unique structures as a five-story tower (1335) with the Church of the Transfiguration, church gates (XIV century, now stored in the historical museum of the monastery), a monastery library with 16,000 volumes, Khrelyova Tower, a five-domed Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin , the original "magernitsa" - the monastery refectory, etc. Not far from Sofia, in the city of Pernik, there are the ruins of a Byzantine fortress, and in Bankya (17 km west of the capital) - the best of the Bulgarian thermal resorts with odes to the "universal" composition. In the valley of the Struma River (76 km southeast of Sofia) is the Zemensky Monastery (XIII century) with the unique church of St. John the Theologian, famous for its beautiful paintings.

The city-reserve of Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1393), is definitely worth stopping by to see the Tsar's Palace, the picturesque Patriarchal and Balduin towers in the Tsarevets fortress on the hill of the same name, near which the show "Sound and Light" is regularly held ' about the history of the city. Of interest are the picturesque Varusha quarter, the monastery of St. Peter and Paul (XIII century) and Kapinovsky, as well as the churches of St. Dimitar of Thessalonica (XI century, the oldest in the city) and St. Forty Great Martyrs (1230). The city is home to the University of Cyril and Methodius - the second largest in the country, as well as excellent museums of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom and the Renaissance Museum, numerous art galleries and many colorful houses in the national style.

In the vicinity of the city there are picturesque spurs of Stara Planina ("ancient mountain") with many caves and excellent conditions for rock climbing and trekking. At the top of the 1306-meter Shipka pass there is a monument to Russian troops and Bulgarian volunteers, who became famous during the heroic defense of the pass from Turkish troops in August 1887. In Shipka itself (13 km from the pass) there is a unique church (1896 - 1902), whose domes are cast from shells collected on the battlefield near the pass (the largest bell weighs 12 tons). The remains of Russian soldiers are buried in the church crypt, and the names of Russian and Bulgarian soldiers who fell on Shipka and near Kazanlak are carved on 34 marble slabs inside the church.

7 km. to the north of Veliko Tarnovo is the carefully restored Transfiguration Monastery (XIV century) with wonderful frescoes by Zograf and icons by the master Dospevski (1864). On the other side of the gorge Yantra lies the monastery of the Holy Trinity (1847), and 12 km. south of Veliko Tarnovo is a unique monument of medieval architecture - the Kilifarevsky Monastery (1348 - 1350, restored in 1718) with the beautiful Church of the Nativity of the Virgin (restored and rebuilt in 1840), the chapels of St. Ivan Rilsky and St. Theodosius Tyrnovsky, which are decorated with icons of the best representatives of the Tryavna school of painting.

3 km. to the north-east of Veliko Tarnovo lies the ancient village of Arbanasi, famous for its colorful stone houses of the 16th-17th centuries, as well as the churches of the Nativity of Christ and the Archangel (17th century), which are considered monuments of national culture. And 30 km. from the city there is a balneological complex "Voneshcha Voda" with its own sources of healing mineral water.

Gabrovo - the world's "capital of laughter" and an interesting city for its traditions, 49 km. from Veliko Tarnovo. In Etara (9 km from Gabrovo) there is an open-air ethnographic museum where you can get acquainted with traditional folk crafts, original folk cuisine and rituals.

Shumen is a large city lying between Varna and Veliko Tarnovo and one of the centers of the Bulgarian Middle Ages. Here you should definitely visit the famous brewery, the Shumen Fortress (XII-XIV centuries, now it houses a museum), the Regional Historical Museum, and the Tombul Mosque (1744), which is considered the largest and most beautiful in Bulgaria, behind which is the Turkish covered market .

20 km. to the south-west of Shumen lies Preslav (821) - the former capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. The most famous building of ancient Veliko Preslav was the round Golden Church (908, recently restored), the Archaeological Museum, the ruins of the fortress walls of the citadel, the royal palace and the monasteries of the city are interesting.

Madara National Historical Reserve is 18 km away. east of Shumen. The city is famous for its caves, as well as the rocky 25-meter relief "Madara Horseman" (VIII century), a Roman villa and the walls of a medieval fortress on top of a rock. In Pliska (681), the restored Eastern Gate (IX century), the fortress of the Grand Palace, the Palace Church, the Inner City and the ruins of the huge three-aisled Great Basilica (865) are of interest.

In Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, be sure to check out the Trimontium ("three hills", the old city) - the Roman forum, a theater for 3 thousand seats and the Hisar Kapiy gate (II century AD), as well as the Dzhumaya mosque ( XV century) and Imaret (1445), the Cathedral of Constantine and Helena (1832) with a beautiful gallery of icons, the ruins of the Thracian city of Evmolpias (II century BC), the amphitheater of Philip II of Macedon, as well as unique churches - St. Nedelya, St. Dimitar and St. Marina (1854). The Plovdiv Archaeological Museum is considered one of the best in the country, the Ethnographic Museum in the Koyumjoglu house with an excellent collection of national costumes, the art gallery in the Baklanov House and the Museum of National Revival are also good.

30 km. from Plovdiv is the Bachkovo Monastery (Bachkovsky Manastir, 1083) with the beautiful churches of the Archangel Michael (XII century), the Assumption of the Virgin (1604) and the chapel of St. Nicholas, the interior of which was painted by the famous Zachary Zograf.

To the north-west of Plovdiv lies the resort area of ​​Hisarya (Isarya, Roman Augusta), known for the healing properties of its mineral springs (+27 - 51 C) since ancient Rome. Now there is a large balneological complex with numerous baths and fountains with mineral water. Also noteworthy are the ruins of Roman buildings and the Turkish fortress of Hisar.

In the southwestern part of the Pirin Mountains is "the smallest town in the country" - Melnik, famous for its wine cellars, the rocks "Melnik Pyramids", the Rozhen Monastery and the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Valuable monuments of the Rozhen Monastery (XII - XIII centuries) are the Church of the Holy Mother of God, the paintings of the southern wall (1661), as well as unique carved wooden iconostases and lecterns.

Bansko is a nice little town, the administrative center of the Pirin region. The town is known for its well-preserved Bulgarian Revival architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. In the center - an old church, with the most natural stork's nest, ancient bells. Narrow cobbled streets, traditional peasant houses made of natural stone. Many small, family restaurants - "mekhina". Eh...nothing compares to the wonderful Bulgarian fur, its good food, lovely hosts and...amazingly low prices!

Bansko has a great variety of family pensions and hotels of various levels and classes. Seekers of luxury and stardom do not belong here, but for true connoisseurs of the beauty of this region, comfort, warmth and peace, I can only say - Goodness has reached Bansko!

From all sides the town is surrounded by powerful mountains crowned with snow caps. The landscapes are amazing!

Arbanasi, Bozhentsi, Etar, Zheravna, Koprivshtitsa, Kotel, Melnik, Nessebar, Sozopol, Tryavna and Shiroko-Lyka are considered world-class museum cities. After restoration, a unique monument of ancient Roman architecture is open to visitors - the Sostra fortress in the ancient city of Troyan, located in central Bulgaria on the banks of the White Osam River. Also of interest here is one of the main attractions of the country - the Troyan Monastery (XVI century), and ceramic workshops (raki is also brewed here, one of the best in the country).

Varna is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the third most populated city in Bulgaria. Magnificent beaches, prestigious tourist complexes, a modern international airport, the largest seaport in the country, a yacht club and warm mineral springs in the Varna region have turned the city into the summer capital of the country.

Founded back in 585 BC. e. Greeks under the name Odessos, the city is famous, first of all, for two complexes of Roman baths - those lying on Khan Krum Street date back to the 2nd - 3rd centuries, and the terms in the port area are a historical monument of the 4th century. Well-preserved stone walls, spacious halls, palestra area of ​​840 square meters. m. and a unique heating system, which makes these structures (by the way - the third largest in Europe) deserving special attention. Behind the baths in the port area is the beautiful church of St. Anastasia (1602), and to the south-west, in the Seaside Gardens (Marine Park) area with exotic plants, lie the Maritime Museum, one of the symbols of the city - the "Wishing Bridge", the Zoo , Terrarium, Aquarium (1911) and the only Dolphinarium on the Balkan Peninsula (1984). The Marine Park itself, stretching for 8 km., and having an excellent layout with many shady alleys, is one of the most charming places in the city.

The center of Varna is the Cathedral of the Holy Dormition of the Mother of God ("Kathedral", 1880 - 1910), famous for its frescoes and unique wood carvings in the design of the patriarchal throne and iconostasis. Museum of History and Art (Archaeological) is located on an area of ​​2000 square meters. m. in the beautiful building of the former Maiden's Gymnasium, and is considered the largest museum in the city. Its unique exposition contains more than 55 thousand exhibits, from the early Paleolithic to the late Middle Ages, including a unique gold collection of the 5th - 6th millennium BC. e.

Lying on a small rocky peninsula north of Pomorie and Burgas, the city-museum of Nessebar (Nesebar, ancient Mesembria) is one of the oldest cities in Europe, under the auspices of UNESCO. There are many small churches, among which the most attractive are the church of St. Stephen (XI century) and the church of St. Mary, famous for its miraculous icon, as well as a charming old mill, narrow cobbled streets, gentle sea, quaint white cliffs and wide sandy beaches bordered by sand dunes.

35 km. south of Burgas, on a small picturesque peninsula, lies the oldest Greek colony on the shores of the Black Sea - Sozopol (Apollonia, 610 BC). The old and new (Harmanit) parts of the city are separated by a green park, and traditional wooden houses with bay windows and wooden stairs on a limestone foundation, buried in gardens, are the hallmark of the resort. Two sandy beaches in the east provide excellent conditions for sea recreation, and a huge variety of restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars and discos, a small archaeological museum with a rich collection of Greek vases, original architecture of buildings, picturesque churches - St. Mary, St. Cyril and Methodius , St. Zosima, the tiny church of the Virgin Mary and the local Art Gallery, allow you to spend your vacation with benefit. The upper reaches of the Ropotamo River flowing through Sozopol have been declared a natural reserve.

Wineries, excellent products and regular wine exhibitions have made Bulgaria one of the centers of "wine" tourism.

Close attention in Bulgaria is paid to the development of health tourism, which is facilitated by the presence in the country of over 2 thousand sources of mineral water. One of the traditional balneological resorts of the country is Velingrad, which has on its territory more than 80 sources of mineral water, which can be grouped into four categories, depending on their temperature and chemical composition. The temperature of the local water varies from +26 C to +95 C, and the chemical composition is so diverse that, as they say here, almost all diseases can be treated with water, just by changing the sources.

Historical outline: The first people appeared here more than 500 thousand years ago. In 4 thousand BC. e. settlements of the ancient Aryans arose. One of their tribes, the Thracians, in the 5th c. BC e. created their own state here - Thrace. Thrace, located at the junction of modern Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece, was part of the ancient Greek states as a province, and in the 1-4 centuries. - The Roman Empire. The Thracian was the legendary gladiator Spartacus. In the 7th century The Slavs who came from across the Danube assimilated the local population and entered into an alliance with a small group of Proto-Bulgarians, forming the First Bulgarian Kingdom in 680. At the turn of the 9th-10th centuries. it owned almost the entire Balkan Peninsula. Christianity was introduced in 865. But already in the middle of the 10th c. the Bulgarian-Slavic state was conquered by Byzantium. As a result of the uprising raised by the brothers Peter and Asen, the country regained its independence. The second Bulgarian kingdom broke up in the end. 14th century, conquered by the Turks. The Muslim yoke lasted almost 500 years and was destroyed after the defeat of Turkey in the war with Russia (1877-78). In 1908, an independent Third Bulgarian Kingdom arose. In World War I, Bulgaria became an ally of Germany and Austria-Hungary. During World War II, Bulgaria took the side of Germany (in March 1941 it officially joined the Axis countries). After the defeat in World War II, Bulgaria fell into the sphere of influence of the USSR, power passed to the communists. From the beginning 1990s began building a democratic society. Bulgaria became the first post-communist country where the former ruling dynasty returned to power (albeit in a democratic way). In 2001, Simeon of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the leader of the Monarchist Party, won the parliamentary elections. But the positions of the Socialist Party (former communists) are also strong. Bulgaria is a candidate for NATO and the EU.