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Pirin National ParkCity/Region: Mountains
Resort Name: Bansko
Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise above 8,202ft (2,500m) and more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to the near extinct edelweiss and the Pirin poppy. Characteristic to the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, and
the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site, with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular, and together with the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountain settlements and stunning scenery, Pirin National Park is an attractive tourist destination.
Phone Number: 7443 5616
Email Address: pirin_np@mail.bg
Website: www.pirin-np.com
St SofiaCity/Region: Sofia
St Sofia is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in the city, dating from the 4th to 6th century, and is regarded as one of the most significant examples of early Christian architecture in the Balkans. In the 14th century the church gave its name to the city of Sofia, meaning 'holy wisdom'. During the Turkish rule the church was converted into a mosque, but was abandoned after two successive earthquakes destroyed one of the minarets almost 30 years later, and it was again converted into an orthodox church. Local legends credit St Sofia's miraculous powers for its protection over the centuries, surviving occupations and natural disasters to remain as a spiritual inspiration to the city.
Address: 2 Paris Street
Phone Number: (0)2 870 971
St George RotundaCity/Region: Sofia
The rotunda church of St George is considered to be the oldest building in Sofia, dating to the 4th century, and is situated amid the remains of the ancient Roman town of Serdica. St George Rotunda is famous for its exquisite architecture and layers of medieval frescoes that were discovered under a covering of plaster. The magnificent dome is protected by UNESCO and the church functions at present as a museum.
Address: 5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya
Phone Number: (0)2 981 6541
Hours: Daily except Friday 8am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm
Admission: Free
Alexander Nevsky CathedralCity/Region: Sofia
One of the finest examples of 20th-century architecture in Sofia and one of the symbols of the city, the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built between 1882 and 1912 to honour the Russian soldiers who died fighting to liberate Bulgaria from Turkish rule in the war of 1878 under Tsar Alexander II. The famous church-monument is situated on the tree-lined square of the same name, which also contains the Monument of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. The impressive five-nave basilica houses an interior just as splendid, with mosaics, stained glass windows, marble and woodcarvings as well as frescoes that cover the walls and domes. The underground crypt houses the Icon Museum featuring icon paintings from across the country that represents masterpieces from the 9th to the 18th century.
Address: 1 St Alexander Nevsky Square
Phone Number: (0)2 877 697
Website: www.sofia.com/culture/churches/nevsky.html
Hours: Daily 7am to 5.30pm. Museum opens 10am to 6pm; closed Tuesdays
Admission: The cathedral is free, but admission is charged for the museum
National Ethnographic MuseumCity/Region: Sofia
The National Ethnographic Museum has one of the richest collections on the Balkan Peninsula representing the traditions, arts, crafts and lifestyle of the Bulgarian people from the 17th to the 20th century. The museum contains a wealth of exhibits from around the country, including national costumes, jewellery, art works and musical instruments. It is also a popular cultural and educational centre. A craft shop sells crafts and other traditional Bulgarian items from all over Bulgaria.
Address: 1 Batenberg Square
Phone Number: (0)2 987 41 91
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
Vitosha MountainCity/Region: Sofia
Rising above Sofia, Vitosha Mountain is one of the symbols of the capital and is the most visited mountain in Bulgaria. Starting from where the suburbs end, the whole mountain has been designated a national park, the oldest in the Balkans, and is home to deer, bear, wild boar, fox and a variety of rare birds. Vitosha is known for its 'stone rivers', or moraines, piles of huge rounded granite boulders carried and deposited by glaciers thousands of years ago, as well as for its curative mineral springs. It is popular during any season and the well-known resort of Aleko is the most established winter ski resort offering modern hotels and ski facilities within easy reach of the capital.
Rila MonasteryCity/Region: Mountains
Resort Name: Borovets
The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains and is one of the most significant monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the 10th century, and eventually became a monastic complex that played a primary role in the spiritual history of medieval Bulgaria. Having survived fire, abandonment and plunder, the monastery fascinates visitors today with its exquisite architecture, rich murals and icons and valuable museum collection, including old manuscripts, jewellery, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books.
Phone Number: 987 5611
Transport: There is regular bus transport from the town of Rila
Hours: Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter hours. Services are from 7 or 8am and 4 or 5pm depending on the time of year
MomchilovtsiCity/Region: Mountains
In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular ethnographic centre that has preserved its original folklore, traditions and crafts. The Centre for Traditional Bulgarian Arts and Crafts provides a unique opportunity for visitors to attend courses to learn about and participate in traditional crafts like folk dancing, weaving, woodcarving, cooking, music and various artistic handicrafts. In winter it is a popular base from which to visit the famous ski resort of Pamporovo, which is only four miles (7km) away and the surrounding mountains and rivers offer superb hiking, caving, trout fishing and hunting.
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