We have collected all the best sights of Bulgaria with photos and descriptions that you should definitely see. The most beautiful and interesting places for tourists in Sofia, in the resort of Sunny Beach, and other regions of the republic. As a bonus, they posted a fascinating video review and picked up some really good excursions.
Friendly and sunny Bulgaria throughout the year welcomes guests from different countries and invites you to visit many interesting places that will give them a lot of pleasant impressions.
The republic is famous for religious shrines, unusual natural monuments, comfortable beach and winter resorts that provide tourists with first-class service. What to see from the sights of Bulgaria and where to visit, we will consider further in this article.
Aladzha Monastery in Varna
The oldest in the country. It is believed to have been founded in the fourth century. The cloister is located not far from Golden Sands, practically grown into a steep wall and is invisible from the side. The monastery worked until the 14th century, but after the attack of the Ottoman Empire, it was closed.
Aladzha is open May-October. At the entrance there is a museum that tells about the history of its creation. The building is located in a rock, very large and with a considerable number of gorges, so it is easy to get lost in it.
Fortress Tsarevets
While exploring the sights of the Republic of Bulgaria, be sure to visit Tsarevets in Veliko Tarnovo. Different sources describe this fortification in their own way. According to some, it should be ranked among the monuments of history and architecture. Other sources describe it as an excellent hotel with a high level of service and comfortable rooms with all the benefits of civilization.
The hotel has three floors and is elegantly decorated, so it is a pleasure to relax in it. Opening hours from 9 am to 5 pm. The cost of an adult ticket is 6 BGN, for schoolchildren - 2 BGN.
Bachkovo monastery
Or the Petritsonsky monastery belongs to national shrines and is protected by the state. It was founded in the 11th century by the Byzantine Georgian military leader Bakuriani with his brother. Initially, only Georgian monks visited the monastery. In the 14th century, Bulgarian monks settled in the monastery, and in the 15th it was destroyed by the Ottomans. A century later, the monastery was completely restored. Now the monastery is the property of the republic, and in its central part there is the Church of the Holy Trinity.
You can get here any day from 8 am to 5 pm. The price of a ticket to the monastery is 1 BGN, we advise you to go to the refectory - 6 GBN.
Old Nessebar
It pleases tourists with magnificent beaches, picturesque landscapes and architectural monuments. The city has existed for more than three millennia and is included in the UNESCO list. Old Nessebar occupies a large peninsula and is connected to the new city by a pedestrian bridge. You can walk through the labyrinths of its ancient streets for hours, as if moving to another era. Among the sights of Bulgaria with photos and descriptions in travel guides around the republic, Old Nessebar always stands out.
Roman Amphitheater
What to see in Bulgaria? An ancient landmark in Plovdiv, still in effect. According to legend, the amphitheater was built by Emperor Trajan in the middle of the second century BC. The object is one of the items in the sightseeing excursion programs around the city. We advise you to visit the amphitheater with a guide, you can learn fascinating facts.
In addition to the amphitheater, the city also has a basilica, a theater and about two hundred iconic objects.
Queen Mary's palace
It is widely known on the Black Sea coast of the country. The summer residence was built in Balchik and is distinguished by its elegant architecture. The palace is surrounded by flowers, emerald vines, beautiful plants and architectural structures.
The two-storey building has several rooms. One of them has a stone throne of the queen, on which visitors are allowed to sit. Working hours from 8 to 20 hours. Adults cost 10BGN, children 2BGN. We advise you to take an excursion, the program in Russian will cost 30 BGN.
Wine Museum in Pleven
Located in the original building. The entrance to it is as if carved into a cave, and the windows are protected by powerful bars, as in medieval castles. However, the building fully meets the requirements of the time.
The wine-making art of the country is widely known outside its borders. Bulgarian wines are distinguished by their rich taste, as the grapes ripen perfectly under the generous rays of the southern sun.
Are you still wondering what to visit in Bulgaria? Head to the Wine Museum, which has a collection of 12,000 brands of the aromatic drink. Some copies have been kept for 90 years.
All information about the work of the institution can be found by phone: Tel .: +359 887 73 15 37. Tickets from 6GBN without tasting, full program - 14BGN. Opening hours from 11 to 18 hours.
Veliko Tarnovo - a city-reserve
It is recognized as the architectural and literary capital of the country. The development of Veliko Tarnovo was completed in the 14th century. However, the Ottomans burned all the buildings and during their reign almost completely destroyed its identity. Only by the end of the 19th century, with the fall of the Turkish yoke, the city began to gradually revive.
Today in Veliko Tarnovo there are many significant sites that are recommended to visit.
Jumaya Mosque in Plovdiv
Built in the second half of the 14th century by the Ottomans and existed for six decades. By order of Sultan Murad II, the temple was rebuilt, making it more majestic and monumental. It is in this form that the ancient religious symbol has survived to this day.
The mosque is active, therefore, in order to enter it, you must follow certain rules.
Gabrovo
When visiting the beautiful cities of Bulgaria, be sure to check out this amazing city, founded in the 14th century. Having got rid of the Ottoman yoke at the end of the 19th century, it began to develop rapidly.
The machine-building industry is well developed in the city. In addition, Gabrovo is the capital of humor, and the jokes of its inhabitants have become famous outside the country.
Reserve Kamchia
In 1951 it received its status, and in 1977 it was included in the UNESCO list. Numerous natural attractions are untouched in Kamchia - the heritage of Bulgaria. Its area is 842 hectares. Deforestation is prohibited in the reserve, and all vegetation is protected by the state.
The picturesque landscapes of the complex delight numerous tourists. Rare birds also live on its territory, and the total number of bird species exceeds 250 specimens.
Boyana Church
It is located in the village of Boyana, on the outskirts of Sofia, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. The shrine was built in three stages, therefore it consists of three different parts: a one-apse temple, a two-story church and a new annex built with donations.
The main value of the Boyana Church is the well-preserved medieval paintings.
Located on Boyansko Jezero Street 1. Opening hours from 9 am to 5 pm.
Thracian tomb
What is interesting in Bulgaria for history lovers? Of course, this mysterious monument in Kazanlak, which has been perfectly preserved since ancient times, but was discovered only in the middle of the 20th century. Included in the UNESCO heritage list.
The tomb consists of three interconnected rooms: the vestibule, the corridor and the burial chamber. The chamber contains frescoes depicting the farewell dinner of the royal married couple.
Open from 9 am to 5.30 pm.
Fortress and rocks in Belogradchik
Historical and at the same time natural landmark of the country, formed at the beginning of a new era. Convenient paths in the mountains allowed the Romans to build the first defensive structures using stone, partly rock and brick.The citadel was built by the hands of Bulgarians, Romans, Turks and Byzantines in different eras. Now it houses an observatory equipped with a modern telescope.
Open from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer season. Winter months from 9 am to 5 pm. The ticket price is 4 BGN for adults, 2 BGN for children.
Rozhen Monastery near Melnik
The building of the 9th century, which became, ten centuries later, a major spiritual and cultural center in the country. The structure looks like a fortress, is well-groomed and welcomes tourists. It contains an icon of the Virgin Mary.
The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin was built on the territory of the monastery. Vineyards grow in its courtyard, and a farm is located.
Valley of Roses
A beautiful place in Bulgaria, visiting which in May-June is like moving into a fairy tale. During this period, lovely roses bloom in the valley of the Balkan Mountains, paint the earth in delicate shades and fill the air with an incredible enchanting aroma. Roses in this area are grown for industrial use, used in the production of cosmetics and to create incense. You can buy products directly on the territory of the Valley of Roses.
In late spring and early summer, a magic carpet of roses covers the field, delighting the eye with the exuberant flowering of delicate flowers.
Shiroka-Lyka village
What should a tourist see in Bulgaria in winter? Of course, this picturesque architectural reserve in the Smolyan region, which at this time looks just magical. On both sides of the narrow streets, there are original stone houses with cozy verandas.
In the village in March, the festival of mummers is held annually, and the Ethnographic Museum is open.
Fortress Baba Vida
A fortification in Vidin dating back to the Middle Ages with an area of nine hectares is located on the banks of the Danube. In the middle of the 20th century, the citadel was opened to the public. Today, a summer theater is located on the territory of the fortress. It often hosts various concerts and meetings. If you delve into history, then the fortress has a rich destiny. Several times it was destroyed and erected during the battles, people were kept locked up here as prisoners, the exhibits of the museum are truly fascinating. The object is really one of the main attractions in Bulgaria, where you should definitely take a tour. Group programs will cost 30BGN.
All information can be found by phone: 359 (94) 601 705. It works every day from 9 to 17 hours. The cost of an adult ticket is 6BGN, a child ticket is 3BGN.
Temple of Alexander Nevsky
Describing the sights of Bulgaria, we note the Orthodox Cathedral on Alexander Nevsky Square. The church was built in the capital at the beginning of the last century. The development of the project in the neo-Byzantine style was carried out by the Russian architect Pomarantsev.
The grandiose temple impresses with its grandeur against the backdrop of the capital's landscape.
Rotunda of St. George
It has existed since the sixth century. This is the oldest temple in the capital, which was originally a baptistery. In the 16th century, after the invasion of the Turks, it became a mosque. Now in the rotunda worship services are held and a museum is located.
Sofia synagogue
It belongs to one of the most picturesque architectural monuments in the capital. The project of the building was developed at the beginning of the last century by the architect Grünager. The building was built in the style of Viennese Art Nouveau mixed with Moorish traditions.
A small museum has been opened at the synagogue, the exhibits of which tell about the history of Bulgarian Jews.
Opening hours from 9 to 13.30, then you can get in from 14 to 16.30 from Monday to Friday. Tickets for adults with a guided tour - 2BGN, children are free.
Sunny Beach
What else is Bulgaria famous for? Unambiguously with its resorts, among which Sunny Beach occupies a special place. In addition to beaches, comfortable hotels and beautiful parks, many health centers have been built here, where vacationers can undergo treatment and take wellness procedures.
Near the resort is the old town of Sozopol and the Rapotamo nature reserve, beautiful photos of which are often found in numerous printed publications telling about this hospitable country.
Historical Museum of Bulgaria
Contains a rich collection of artifacts from different eras. The institution was founded in 1973, and in 2000 moved to a new building. Among the museum exhibits there are many decorations, furniture, banknotes, household items, etc.
Opening hours every day from 9.30 to 18 hours. It is located on 16 Vitoshko Lale Street.
The ticket price for adults is 10 BGN.
Golden Sands
Video review of the resort:
A popular resort, the photo and name of which are often posted on the websites of travel companies offering beach tours on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. The city is located two dozen kilometers from another equally famous resort of Varna. According to legend, the name of the resort comes from a gold treasure buried by pirates, which eventually turned into sand.
Golden Sands beach awarded with the Blue Flag. It stretches along the coastline for three kilometers, and its width is one hundred meters. Many sanatoriums, hotels and hotels have been built in the city, offering a splendid rest.
Monument to the soldier-liberator Alyosha
It was built with public money for several years and was completed in 1957. The author of the sculpture is the Bulgarian Rodoslavov.
A 10.5 meter high granite monument to a young signalman warrior is erected on the Bunardzhik hill in Plovdiv. There are 100 steps leading to the monument in the middle of the observation deck.
Ruins of ancient Pliska
Want to visit interesting places in Bulgaria? Head to Pliska, an open-air museum that houses the ruins of a medieval city on an area of over 2,000 hectares. From 1899 to our time, excavations have continued here. Fragments of the Great Basilica and other structures have survived to this day. They are mothballed and protected by the state.
Seven Rila Lakes
They are included in the list of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria. Glacial lakes are located high in the Rila Mountains. They have clean cold water. According to legend, these are the tears of a beautiful giantess mourning the loss of her husband.
Borisov Gradina Park
Or Boris's Garden. A Swiss gardener initiated the creation of the park at the end of the 19th century. Thirty years later, the area of the garden doubled, and a couple of decades later an observatory was built on its territory.
The park has many fountains, rose gardens, a Japanese garden and a pond. Guests and townspeople like to walk here.
Boyansky waterfall
With its waters flying from a height of 15 m, it washes the slopes of the Vitosha mountain range. Water streams crash against the stones with a noise, pouring sparkling splashes all around. When the snow melts, the water jets are particularly powerful.
In clear weather, Boyansky waterfall can be seen even from the center of the capital, and you can get to it along several walking paths.
Mountain range Vitosha
With a length of 19 km, it is located in the vicinity of the capital. The top of the mountain reaches a height of more than 2200 m. On the territory of the massif, the Vitosha National Park is laid out and a ski resort has been built, the total length of the tracks of which is 30 km.
