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| OLD CITIES |
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Perperikon
In the eastern Rhodopi Mountain, near the town of Kurdzhali, on a rocky summit, is located the famous sanctuary and castle of the Thracians - Perperikon. The complex had been used already during 5-4 millennia before Christ. Very interesting is the Kings Palace that is supposed to lay in 10 000 square meters. The walls of the complex are stone blocks which are 2.8 meters thick. The archeologists hope that they'll find proof that Perperikon was Dionysus's temple. |
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Pliska and Veliki Preslav
Near the town of Shumen had been built the first Bulgarian capitals -Pliska and Veliki Preslav. In 681 with the establishing of the Bulgarian state, Khan Asparuh chose Pliska as a capital. The most preserved part of the Inner town is the large castle, built by Khan Omurtag. In the fortification of the Veliki Preslav the Bulgarians were the first to build two neighboring defence walls: the outer one- 3. 25 meters wide and the inner - 2. 80 meters. During Tzar Simeon's time Preslav became one of the most exalted towns . |
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Old Plovdiv
More ancient than Bulgaria itself, this singular city preserves vivid memories of its turbulent and dramatic fate. In 342 B.C. Philip II of Macedon conquered the Thracian town of Evmolpia leaving it his name - Philippopolis. At the start of our millennium the Romans conguered Thrace and called the city Trimontium. During the 19 th century Bulgarian master builders erected the National Revival city of Plovdiv (the Old Town) with steep cobbled lanes, lovely houses with large bay windows and slender columns, latticed eaves and heavy oak gates, quiet green yards and rippling marble fountains. Every house here has its own style and atmosphere. |
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Nessebur
Situated on a small peninsula, one of the oldest towns in Europe still exudes the spirit of different ages and peoples - Thracians, Hellenes, Romans, Slavs, Byzantines and Bulgarians. Nessebur's greatest wealth are its many churches, the Old Bishop's Residence in an early Byzantine style, the New Bishop's Residence ( St. Stefan), containing valuable 12 th century murals, the Christ Pantocrator and Aliturgetos churches (13 th -14 th c.). |
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| LANDMARKS |
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Rose Valley
One of the real treasures of our country is the rose oil, famous all over the world. In May/June each year, at the foot of the Balkan Mountains, near Kazanlak, a marvelous view is waiting for you - a sea of roses, which gives its name to the valley - the Rose Valley where t he precious rose oil of Kazanlak is produced.
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Srebarna Reserve
There are a number of protected reserves in Bulgaria which purpose is to protect the unique biological diversity. One of these is the well-known natural reserve of Srebarna which is situated about 16 km. west of the town of Silistra and it is included in the list of the world cultural and natural heritage and is protected by UNESCO. On a territory of 600 hectares there could be seen some plant and animal species which appear to be rare even for the territory of Europe: water lily, loddon lily, swamp violet, bulrush and some kinds of reed as well as otter, lake crab, water rat, small cormorant, heron, shiny ibis, shoveller, mute swan, ruddy shellduck, gray goose, different kinds of ducks, pochard, black tern, tit, and others. |
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Ropotamo Reserve
The Ropotamo Reserve is situated 12 km. to the south of Sozopol and i t is most famous for its water lilies. Here can be found cactuses, interesting bird species , snakes and Sea wormwood .
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The Rocks of Belogradchik
The rocks of Belogradchik are located in the Balkan Mountains and they are unique rock formations, 30 km long and 15 km wide. Here m ost of the rocks have their own interesting legends. |
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National Parks
Unique Nature, gorgeous landscapes, magnificent waterfalls are just part of the major characteristics of Bulgarian national parks. Central Balkan National Park preserves the unique nature of the Middle Balkan and there are the natural reserves named Boatin, Tsarichina, Steneto and Dzhendema . Pirin National Park offers magnificent sights and here almost 90% of the eco-systems are untouched by man. Other national parks you can visit in Bulgaria are Rila National Park and Strandzha National Park |
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PEOPLE |
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The population of Bulgaria is 7 761 049 people (31.12.2004). 3 767 610 are male. There are 5406 residential places in the country. Major ethnic groups are: Bulgarians, Turks, Gypsies, Armenians, Greeks, Russians, Jews. The major constructive elements of the Bulgarian national group are Thracians, Slavs and old Bulgarians. The three ethnic streams belong to the family of Indo-European people. The religion of the majority is Orthodox. Other religions include Islamic, Armenian Gregorian Church, and Protestant . The official language is Bulgarian. It originates from the family of the slavonic languages and is a part of the Indo-European language group. |
| FOLKLORE TRADITIONS |
Melodious tunes and beautiful voices, fiery dances and brightly colored costumes - Bulgarian folklore has to be seen, felt and experienced!
 National Folk Festival in Koprivstitsa - held every years;
Rozhen Sings" National Fair - held every year in the Rozhen col near Pamporovo winter resort;
"Ilinden" - a big Rhodope festival of "cheverme" (lamb roasted on a spit over an open fire) and the famous bagpipes;
International Folk Festival in Bourgas - held every year in August in Bourgas and Sunny Beach resort | |
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