This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Bulgaria lies at the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, building a bridge between the classy and sophisticated West and the colorful and friendly East and, quite naturally, is heavily influenced by both. The country was formed in 681 AD and this makes it one of the oldest in Europe and the world. BULGARIA

Hence, the numerous historical and cultural monuments one will find there. In terms of territory, it occupies the mere 110,910 sq km which makes it a real tiny gem, offering so much with so little. Saying that you can do some hiking in the mountain in the morning, go see a play in the.

But that’s not all. A couple of hours will be more than enough to complete your escape from the big city and dive in the solitude of some authentic little village where locals will greet you with the most delicious organic fruits and vegetables and homemade yogurt and cheese you have ever tasted. The most common starting point of every trip around Bulgaria is its capital city…

Situated in the western part of Bulgaria, Sofia is the political and cultural centre of the country and also its biggest city with a population of nearly 2 million people. It is a genuine modern European city with nice wide boulevards, attractive city centre and neat parks where culture, entertainment and religious diversity are highlighted. Sofia

In it one will always find an interesting museum or gallery to visit or a play to see. The thing that makes this city so special is Vitosha National Park, the majestic mountain hanging over it.

This monument of nature provides shelter for all those who wish to escape from the concrete heaven of civilization and spend some time in a place governed only by peace and solitary bliss. Its topmost point is called Cherni Vrah (Black Peak – 2290m).

A bit more on the urban beauty of Bulgaria: Sofia is not the only city to flaunt the beauty of urban Bulgaria. Plovdiv, the second biggest city in the country located 150 km southeast of Sofia, is a case in point. Situated on seven hills, just like Rome.

This place has become a historical treasury that displays architectural monuments representative of the Thracian, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. Which all played part in its development, while the houses and the alleys of the Old Town provide detailed account on what urban life was like during the National Revival Period of the 19th century.

Going further east, one will get to the two pearls of the Black Sea Coast: Varna to the north and Burgas to the south. Burgas is also host of the Spirit of Burgas music festival, one of the most popular festivals in Europe.

The list is completed by two northern cities: Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria, situated 220 km away from Sofia, and Ruse, the biggest Bulgarian city on the Danube River, nicknamed little Vienna.

Bulgaria's countryside - culture and traditions But Bulgaria is not only about the appeal of the urban areas. Those who are keen on learning more about Bulgarian traditions and customs should stop by some of the most famous rural destinations in the country.

The mountains The two giants Rila and Pirin, both national parks, are located in the southwestern part of the country. They provide excellent opportunities for mountaineering, their villages preserve the traditional Bulgarian customs and folklore and their rocks keep substantial evidence of the Thracians who inhabited these places thousands of years ago.

But perhaps most spectacular of all is Stara Planina – the Great Divide. Old Mountain, as the name translates into English, runs through the whole country separating the Danubian Plain to the north from the Upper Thracian Plain to the south and connecting the Bulgarian West to Black Sea.

The Black Sea It runs along the entire Eastern border of the country, covering a distance of 378 km. And every summer thousands of tourists spend their vacations there. But why? Well, because it offers endless sandy beaches and great variety of attractions at affordable prices.

Those who enjoy the peace and quiet can go up north to Krapets or down south to Sinemorets. The devoted campers can relax on the beaches of Smokinya, Arapya or Kavatsi. The fun-lovers can have their holidays in the entertainment centries Sunny Beach and Golden Sands.

And the admirers of history, culture and religion can visit Neseber, an architectural reserve and one of UNESCO’s World heritage sites, or Sozopol where the relics of St. John the Baptist are preserved. Of course there is still the beach, the sun, and the blue sea.

Made by: Ivelina Ivanova X grade Monika Dencheva X grade Elena Ivanova X grade