The Rose Festival in Bulgaria attracts thousands of tourists annually.
Banya Bashi Mosque
In the very center of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is located one of the oldest mosques in Europe – Banya Bashi. Archaeologists still cannot name the exact date of its construction. Presumably, the Banya Bashi Mosque was founded in 1567-1568 thanks to the philanthropist and benefactor Efendi Kady Seyfullah. The architectural monument is a valuable example of Ottoman architecture and a popular tourist attraction in Bulgaria. Today it is the only functioning mosque in the city.
Banya Bashi literally means 'many baths'. You must be surprised by such a strange name for a holy place, but it is quite justified. The mosque was built over natural hot springs. Some tourists and locals claim that you can see wisps of steam rising from under the mosque. If you are interested in a summer holiday in Bulgaria, contact professional tour operators.
National Art Gallery of Bulgaria
Interested in art? Then you must visit the National Art Gallery of Bulgaria. Here are presented works of art created by Bulgarian artists. Among them – paintings, sculptures (marble, bronze, ceramic), drawings. The earliest works date back to the Renaissance. You must visit there, because it is the largest art gallery in the country.
Valley of Roses
For over three hundred years, at the foot of the Stara Planina mountains, Bulgarians have been growing the Damask Rose – a unique variety of this flower intended for the production of rose oil. In the 17th century, the flower was first introduced to Bulgaria. The climate here turned out to be suitable for growing roses and contributed to their continued blooming. Thus, the amount of essential oil produced increased. Today, rose oil is the pride of Bulgarians. It is considered one of the best in the world and is actively used for making cosmetics, perfumes, and expensive beauty treatments.
It is customary to collect Damask rose petals in the morning from the end of May to the end of June. It is during this period that the flowers are most saturated with moisture. The annual gathering of rose petals is always accompanied by a special celebration – the Rose Festival.
Aladzha Monastery
Aladzha Monastery is not just another monastery where monks live. It is one of the most visited attractions in Bulgaria. In the 4th century, it was carved into a sheer cliff by Christian hermits. Unfortunately, in the 14th century, it was almost destroyed and plundered by Ottoman invaders. Aladzha translates from Turkish as 'multicolored'. This name arose because of the preserved multicolored frescoes that stand out against the gray background of the rock. Also on the territory of the monastery are catacombs where, according to archaeologists, monks hid from the Ottoman invaders.
Shipka Pass
Want to learn a little more about the history of Bulgaria? About 136 years ago, thanks to the combined forces of Russian and Bulgarian troops, the advance of the Turkish army was stopped. This victory became a turning point in the Russo-Turkish War. In memory of this historic battle, the 'Monument of Freedom' was erected at an altitude of 1200 meters. But to get to it, you will have to exert yourself. Several staircases with 900 steps lead to the monument. At the top, magical landscapes of the Shipka Pass open up.
Bulgaria is a place for diverse recreation. This country offers great opportunities for a wonderful time in the summer with children at the sea.
PR