Bulgaria
The southeast European country of Bulgaria is often overlooked as a
tour destination, as many travellers associate the entire Balkan
region, including Bulgaria, with the unrest and violence that has
permeated several of its countries’ histories. Though modern-day
Bulgaria itself seldom makes headlines in this context, it is a
country whose allure is constantly overshadowed by the chronic
trouble that sporadically rears its head in the Balkans and whose
abundant treasures of scenery, culture and people remain under a
perpetual shroud because of it.
Dating from the seventh century and taking its name from the Bulgars,
who first settled in the region, Bulgaria is a nation with a long
and proud heritage, much of which is yet evident in the customs and
traditions of the people and from the architectural remnants of long
ago that remain dotted about the landscape. Reaching the pinnacle of
its power and influence at the turn of the tenth century, Bulgaria
declared war on the mighty Byzantine Empire in 924AD and was almost
successful in achieving a victorious end, but was instead forced
into subjugation, where it remained for more than a century and a
half.
In the 14th century, Bulgaria was again conquered, but this time it
was at the hands of the Ottoman Turks and a further subjugation of
almost five hundred years was brought to an end only after the
Russo-Turkish War in 1878. To this day, evidence of each of the
great ancient empires that dominated the territory of Bulgaria can
be found within the borders of the Balkan country, as well as some
architecture that displays influences from other neighbouring
civilisations. Roman bridges and amphitheatres, Byzantine
monasteries, Thracian tombs, Renaissance houses, Russian-style
churches and, of course, Bulgarian structures are but a few of the
many landmarks that make Bulgaria a country of fascinating
architectural diversity.
Bulgaria’s natural attractions include a glorious Black Sea
coastline exceeding 350kms in length, giving sun-worshippers and
watersport enthusiasts alike an idyllic setting in which either to
recline or get active, and since the country’s climate varies little
from year to year, planning a tour to this gem in southeast Europe
is made that much easier. For those who like to aim higher on a
tour, the vast Balkan mountain range that dominates much of the
territory lends itself to hiking, mountain biking and, perhaps the
most popular pastimes, skiing and wintersports of all varieties.
There are cascading waterfalls, the highest reaching 124 metres,
intriguing caves numbering in their thousands and lush, valley
forests, making Bulgaria one of the most scenic tour destinations,
but often travellers are struck more by the friendliness and
uniqueness of the Bulgarian people than the landscape and name that
as a major reason for a return visit.