Visit the medieval Asen’s Fortress and enjoy the wonderful views of the Rhodope mountains. The Asen’s Fortress is located near the town of Asenovgrad and approximately 20 km from Plovdiv, the cultural capital of Bulgaria.

Visit the medieval Asen’s Fortress and enjoy the wonderful views of the Rhodope Mountains. The Asen’s Fortress is located near the town of Asenovgrad, approximately 130 km from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and 20 km from Plovdiv, the second-largest city and the cultural capital of Bulgaria. If you are staying in Pamporovo, one of the largest Bulgarian ski resorts, the distance to Asen's Fortress is approximately 60 kilometers.

If you travel from Sofia or Plovdiv on your journey to visit the Asen's Fortress, you will pass through the town of Asenovgrad. The town was previously named Stanimaka, however, the name was changed to Asenovgrad, named after tsar Ivan Asen II. Asenovgrad is well known for its distinctive grape variety, Mavrud, as well as the many shops selling and producing wedding dresses. Therefore, if you have a wedding coming up or want to try the local Mavrud of Asenovgrad, you can take a walk around town before or after visiting the Asen's Fortress. After you pass through Asenovgrad, you will see many signs that direct you toward Asen's fortress. The road to the fortress itself is steep and narrow, and has many curves. Therefore, you should drive slowly, as there are pedestrians and other cars too. When you reach the top and the end of the road, there is a parking area where you can leave your vehicle.

Regarding the Asen’s Fortress, it is elevated 279 meters above the sea level on the high rocks on the left bank of Asenitsa River. Archaeologists have found some evidence for the existence of the fortress dated to the time of the ancient Thracians, followed by the Ancient Romans and early Byzantine period. Nevertheless, according to archaeologists the Asen’s Fortress was strongly fortified and renovated in 1231 during the reign of the Bulgarian tsar Ivan Asen II. During 13th century, the Asen’s Fortress had a feudal castle with 30 rooms and walls of the outer zone 9 to 12 metres high, with 2.9 metres thickness. In addition, archaeologist found 3 water reservoirs from the same period.

Nowadays, the preserved walls of the outer zone are 3 meters high. However, the Church of the Holy Mother of God from the 12th-13th century is the most well-preserved and remarkable building of the Asen’s Fortress. The Church the Holy Mother of God is a two-storey cross-domed building with preserved mural paintings from the 14th century. The visit to Asen's Fortress will not just provide historical information concerning the fortress but also reward you with a delightful and refreshing experience of the Rhodope Mountains' magnificent views. After you finish your visit to Asen's Fortress, you can also visit Bachkovo Monastery, which is located in close proximity to Asen's Fortress.

Asen's Fortress

Visit Asen's Fortress and discover the spectaculiar views of the Rhodope Mountains. The Asen's Fortress is located about 20km from Plovidv

Visit Asen's Fortress located near Asenovgrad

Visit the National Archaeological Museum (Sofia), located in the heart of the Bulgarian capital. The archeological museum was officially opened in 1905 and has one of the richest archeological collections on the Balkan peninsula.

Visit the National Archaeological Museum (Sofia), located in the heart of the Bulgarian capital. The National Archaeological Museum was officially opened in 1905 and has one of the richest archeological collections on the Balkan peninsula. In addition, the National Archaeological Museum (Sofia) has the richest numismatic collection among the Bulgarian museums, with over 300,000 coins.

The National Archaeological Museum, Bulgaria is located in the city center of Sofia, in close proximity to the Rotunda St. George and the Largo. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Bulgaria will fascinate you with the astonishing objects from various epochs. The museum has five halls that will enable you to experience several hours of time-travel adventure through the various periods of thousands of years and follow the development of human activities and crafts such as art, jewelry, pottery, and others. When you visit the Archaeological Museum (Sofia), you need to pay a small fee, however, the delightful and memorable experience is worth every penny.

The visit to the National Archaeological Museum will start in the Main Hall, located on the first floor of the building. In the Main Hall of the Archaeological Museum, you will have the opportunity to observe various astonishing items from different epochs and civilizations. The second floor of the Bulgarian National Archaeological Museum will entertain you with the Medieval Section, the Temporary Exhibitions Hall, and the extraordinary Treasury, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and elegance of some of the most well-known and valuable ancient treasures found in the territory of Bulgaria. 

Some of the most famous ancient treasures displayed in the Treasury Hall of the National Archeological Museum are the Lukovit Treasure from the second half of the 4th century BCE, the Valchitran Gold Treasure from the End of the Bronze Age, the Mask of Teres from the 5th century BCE, the Treasures of Seuthes III from the 4th–3rd century BCE, and other exceptional and magnificent ancient treasures found in Bulgaria.

Archaeological Museum

Visit the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia and discover the beauty and elegance of the ancient artifacts found on the territory of Bulgaria

Visit National Archaeological Museum, Bulgaria

Visit the Regional History Museum, located in the beautiful building of the former Central Mineral Baths in the city center of Sofia and discover the development of the city since the time of the Neolithic period until the 20th century.

Visit the Regional History Museum, located in the beautiful building of the former Central Mineral Baths in the city center of Sofia. The Regional Museum exhibition presents the history and the development of the Bulgarian capital since the time of the Neolithic period until the 20th century. The building itself was built in the early 20th century and initially used as a public bath due to the hot mineral springs in the area.

The building of the Regional History Museum of Sofia was designed in the Vienna Secession style, however, the architects integrated typical Bulgarian, Byzantine, and Eastern Orthodox ornamental elements. In addition, there is a small park and a fountain in front of the museum. When you visit the Regional History Museum of Sofia, you will need to pay a small fee, however, you will have the delightful opportunity to embark on a journey of several hours that will entertain you with more than eight thousand years of history of Sofia city. The permanent exhibition of the museum is displayed in eight different halls.

 The halls of the Regional History Museum, Sofia are grouped according to various themes: "The Heritage of Antiquity", "The Strength of the Spirit", "The Dynastic Connection with Europe", "Sofia Street", "The Palace Cabinet", "State and Municipal Institutions", "The Home and Clothing of Sofia Citizens" and "Cultural Life and Entertainment". Your journey will start from "The Heritage of Antiquity" hall, where you will discover astonishing archeological items from various epochs found on the territory of Sofia. The next hall is related to Christianity and is called "Strength of the Spirit." Here you will have the opportunity to encounter Christian items, icons, and documents.

Your visit to the Regional History Museum will continue through the other halls, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional exponate of a very rare car and a carriage, as well as collections of various gorgeous paintings, old photos, short movies, and astonishing items found in the territories of the Bulgarian capital Sofia.

Regional History Museum

Visit the Regional Museum of Sofia, situated in the heart of the Bulgarian capital. Discover the long and interesting history of Sofia

Visit The Regional History Museum, Sofia

The National History Museum of Bulgaria is situated in the Boyana neighborhood of Sofia. With its extensive collection of ancient artifacts, the museum offers an enriching and educational experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Visit the National History Museum of Bulgaria, situated at the foothills of Vitosha Montains in the Boyana neighborhood of Sofia. With its extensive collection of ancient artifacts and immersive exhibitis, the National History Museum of Bulgaria stands as a testament to the nation's extraordinary heritage. The museum offers an enriching and educational experience for both locals and tourists alike.

When you enter the halls of the National History Museum, you will embark on a journey that unravels the story of Bulgaria’s ancient civilizations. From the time of the ancient Thracians, an enigmatic and mystical culture that populated the lands of Bulgaria several thousand years ago, BC., and left behind a legacy of mystical rituals and golden treasures, up until the customs and traditions of today's Bulgarians. Every chapter of Bulgaria's history is brought to life in the National History Museum's exhibition halls. Therefore, during your "journey through time," you will have the possibility to discover awe-inspiring artifacts, including intricately designed pottery, statues, and weaponry, which offer a glimpse into the daily lives and customs of our ancestors. 

One of the most extraordinary highlights of the National History Museum of Bulgaria, as mentioned previously, is the collection of Thracian treasures. Therefore, when you visit the hall where the ancient treasures are displayed, you will be simply mesmerized by the magnificence of the golden artifacts discovered in the territories of Bulgaria. Some of those exceptional Thracian treasures are dated to the 6th century BC. The delicate craftsmanship and the mysteries that still surround these captivating relics provide an invaluable insight into the spiritual beliefs, social structures, and artistic prowess of the Thracian civilization. Continuing the journey through the National History Museum of Bulgaria, you will encounter Byzantine and medieval exhibits, shedding light on the crucial moments that molded Bulgaria's history.

Throughout your visit to the National History Museum of Bulgaria, you will also be able to explore the rise of the medieval Bulgarian Empire and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Bulgaria's identity and its unique blend of cultural influences. Beyond the ancient and medieval eras, the museum also presents exhibits on Bulgaria's contemporary history. The visit to the National History Museum of Bulgaria can be described as an exciting and captivating journey, transporting its visitors through time. From ancient civilizations to modern milestones, the museum preserves and shares the stories that have shaped the identity of Bulgaria.

National History Museum

Visit National History Museum of Bulgaria and embark on a captivating voyage through time. Discover the mesmerizing ancient treasures and the history of Bulgaria

Visit National History Museum of Bulgaria

Visit the National Gallery of Art, Square 500 situated in heart of the Bulgarian capital Sofia near the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and immerse yourself in a journey trough the creative and vibrant world of art.

Visit the National Gallery of Art, Square 500 situated in heart of the Bulgarian capital Sofia near the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and immerse yourself in a journey trough the creative and vibrant world of art. The Gallery Square 500, is the largest building of the National Gallery and showcase diverse range of artworks created by local and foreign artists displayed on 4 levels of the building.

Once you enter the 19th-century Neoclassic building, initially designed by Austrian architect Friedrich Schwanberg and, in its present form, by architect Nikola Nikolov, you will embark on a thought-provoking adventure in the world of artistic exhibitions of traditional and experimental art. The Square 500 Gallery presents a large variety of artistic mediums, from paintings and sculptures to photography and multimedia installations. The exhibition halls are carefully designed to convey unique perspectives and enhance the pleasant sense of uniqueness of the art works created by, as mentioned previously, local and foreign artists.

During your visit to the National Gallery Square 500, you will have the opportunity to encounter pieces of decorative and applied art, including sculptures by Rodin and Meshtrovich and paintings by Vladimir Dimitrov — Maystora, Ivan Mrkvička, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, Tsanko Lavrenov, Anton Mitov,  Vasil Stoilov,  Ivan Milev,  Rosso Fiorentino, Jan van Goyen, Nicolas Peters Berchem, Isaac van Ostade, Auguste Renoir, Maurice Vlaminck, and Konstantin Korovin, as well as drawings by Dürer, Rembrandt, Goya, Chagall, Picasso, Miró, and Dali. In addition, the National Gallery Square 500 frequently hosts special exhibitions, artist talks, and numerous workshops.

The visit to the National Gallery Square 500 is a fascinating journey that will stimulate your imagination and challenge your perceptions while you are wondering through the beautifully designed, spacious gallery halls. Therefore, whether you're seeking visual inspiration, cultural immersion, or a quiet moment of contemplation, the Square 500 Gallery enables you to explore the limitless possibilities of the extraordinary world of art.

Art Gallery, Square 500

Visit National Gallery Square 500, nestled in the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria, and take a deep dive into the vibrant and magical world of art.

Visit Square 500, the National Gallery of Bulgaria

Visit the Archaeological Museum in Veliki Preslav, Bulgaria. Nestled in the heart of the ancient capital, the museum has an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to the 9th century when the city was a thriving cultural center.

Visit the Archaeological Museum in Veliki Preslav, Bulgaria, nestled in the heart of the ancient capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to the 9th century when the city was a thriving political, religious, and cultural center. The vast collection of the Archaeological Museum includes intricately crafted jewelry and pottery, ancient weapons, and religious artifacts.

Veliki Preslav, once known as Preslav, was the capital of Bulgaria from 893 to 972 AD, during the reign of Simeon the Great. In this period, the Great Preslav flourished as a center of education, literature, and arts. The city served as a melting pot of different cultures and attracted scholars, artists, and artisans from all over. Therefore, the Archaeological Museum in Veliki Preslav tells the story of the ancient capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. One of the museum's most prized possessions is the Golden Treasure displayed in the Treasury, a collection of gold and silver jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. These exquisite pieces portray the superb craftsmanship and artistic skill of the ancient masters of jewelry.

In addition, the museum has a collection of ceramics and pottery that showcases the development of pottery-making techniques in the region. Therefore, during your visit to the Archaeological Museum in Veliki Preslav, you will have the opportunity to observe beautifully decorated vessels, plates, and figurines that reveal the daily lives and customs of the people who once inhabited the area. Furthermore, the museum also features displays on the archaeological excavations conducted in and around Veliki Preslav. Therefore, during your visit, you can learn more about the methods and discoveries of these excavations and gain a deeper understanding of the Great Preslav's historical significance.

A visit to the Archaeological Museum in Veliki Preslav is a time-travel adventure that will enable you to immerse yourself in the vibrant history of the ancient capital and explore its rich heritage. From the remarkable Golden Treasure to the religious artifacts and archaeological excavations, the museum will offer you a delightful experience through time.

Visit the Archaeological Museum in Great Preslav and discover the captivating heritage found in the territory of the ancient Bulgarian capital.

Visit the Archaeological Museum in Veliki Preslav

Visit the Ruse Regional Historical Museum, located in the heart of the beautiful city of Ruse, Bulgaria. The museum exposition is displayed in the building of the former Battenberg Palace, built in 1879–1882.

Visit the Ruse Regional Historical Museum, located in the heart of the beautiful city of Ruse, situated in northern Bulgaria on the Danube River. The exposition of the Ruse Regional History Museum is displayed in the building of the former Battenberg Palace. The former Palace was constructed by the Austrian architect Friedrich Grünanger in 1879–1882. However, the building never served as a palace, as was its initial purpose.

The Ruse Regional Historical Museum was established in 1904 and has an extensive collection of artifacts that span various periods. Therefore, when you visit the Ruse Historical Museum, be prepared to embark on a time travel adventure where you will have the opportunity to explore and observe ancient Thracian artifacts, medieval treasures, and modern historical exhibits. The Ruse Historical Museum offers an overview of the city's evolution over thousands of years and holds a collection of approximately 140,000 items. The museum's exhibits are divided into different sections. Therefore, when you enter the Regional Museum of Ruse, you will first immerse yourself in the enigmatic and mystic world of the ancient Thracians while exploring the museum's archaeological section.

The archaelogical section of the Ruse Historical Museum will enable you to marvel at the intricately crafted gold jewelry, pottery, and weapons that provide insights into the customs, rituals, and daily life of this ancient civilization that once thrived in the region of Ruse. Exploring the Regional Historical Museum a bit further, you will find out that the city of Ruse is situated at the crossroads of empires. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the museum's captivating displays, from the finds of excavations of the ancient Danube castles Yatrus and Sexaginta Prista and of the medieval Bulgarian city Cherven to a collection of medieval artifacts and frescoes that reflect the city's vibrant and multicultural past.

The Ruse Regional Historical Museum additionally provides a collection of exhibits of traditional lifestyles and urban clothing, as well as ceramics, glass, and silver from the end of the 19th century. A visit to the History Museum in Ruse will offer you a captivating journey through the city's diverse past, from ancient civilizations to the Bulgarian Renaissance and beyond.

Ruse Historical Museum

Visit the Regional Historical Museum of Ruse, situated in the central area of the beautiful Danubian city of Ruse, in north Bulgaria.

Visit Ruse Regional Historical Museum

Visit the gallery of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, located in the heart of the Old Town of Plovdiv. Zlatyu Boyadzhiev was a distinguished Bulgarian painter, and he is celebrated for his contribution to the development of Bulgarian art.

Visit the gallery of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, located in the heart of the Old Town of Plovdiv. Zlatyu Boyadzhiev was a distinguished Bulgarian painter, and he is celebrated for his contribution to the development of Bulgarian art. Therefore, if you love art and culture, by visiting the gallery of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, you will be able to dive deeper into the beautiful and colorful world of his artistic masterpieces.

Visiting the gallery of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, you will discover that his art is divided into two main periods. The first period is characterized by a neoclassical style in composing scenes of rural life. However, in 1952, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev suffered a stroke and did not paint for a certain period of time. After his partial recovery, he began to paint with his left hand. Thus, his style of painting changed radically. Zlatyu Boyadzhiev's art works from the second period portrayed grotesque imagery, the inclusion of dozens of shapes in compositions, and expressive colors. Overall, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev's artwork reflects his deep connection to the Bulgarian countryside and its people. His paintings, ranging from rural landscapes to portraits, evoke a sense of lyricism and emotional depth.

The gallery of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev is situated in the former house of Dr. Stoqn Chomakov in the central street of The Old Town of Plovdiv. The house was built in 1858–1860 in neoclassical style. The interior of the house is richly decorated with ornaments and wood carvings. After the liberation, the house of Dr. Chomakov was used as the residence of the Bulgarian Tsar, Ferdinand I. Since 1950, the building has functioned as the children’s department of the "Ivan Vazov" National Library. Since 1984, the building has operated as the gallery of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, which has the largest collection of his paintings and provides a comprehensive overview of his artistic journey.

A visit to the gallery of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev will offer you an inspiring and immersive experience, which will enable you to connect with Boyadzhiev's world of art on a personal level. As you walk through the gallery, take your time to observe the intricate details, vibrant colors, and various emotions conveyed in each painting. Allow the artwork to transport you to the Bulgarian countryside, where you can enjoy the scenes and characters that inspired Boyadzhiev's brush and never-ending will to pursue his passion for art despite his delicate health condition.

Zlatyu Boyadzhiev Gallery

Visit the art gallery of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, located in the heart of the Old Town of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Discover the captivating artwork of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev.

Visit the Art Gallery of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev

Visit the art gallery of Tsanko Lavrenov located in the beautiful Old Town of Plovdiv. Tsanko Lavrenov, was a distinguished Bulgarian painter celebrated for his unique style, capturing the essence of Bulgarian folklore.

Visit the art gallery of Tsanko Lavrenov located in the beautiful Old Town of Plovdiv. Tsanko Lavrenov, was a distinguished Bulgarian painter celebrated for his unique style, capturing the essence of Bulgarian folklore and cultural heritage in his works. Visitors to the gallery of Tsanko Lavrenov will have the opportunity to witness his masterpieces and gain a deeper understanding of Lavrenov's artistic vision and the profound impact he made on Bulgarian art.

Tsanko Lavrenov was born in the town of Plovdiv in 1896. Therefore, most of Lavrenov's artistic masterpieces are displayed in the former house of Kirkor Mesrobovich constructed in 1846 situated in the Old Town of Plovdiv. Visiting the gallery of Tsanko Lavrenov you will discover that the gallery serves as a tribute to his remarkable contribution to the world of art. Lavrenov's artistic career spanned several decades, and he played a pivotal role in the development of Bulgarian art during the 20th century. During 1921 and 1922 he studied art in a private school in Vienna, Austria. Nevertheless, Lavrenov didn't graduated from it. Despite he didn't retain an artistic diploma, he pursuited his passion for art and deployed his creative artistic expression, influenced by folk art, Renaissance and Expressionism.

The first art work that brought Tsanko Lavrenov a fame was the watercolor painting "Icon Painter" from 1926, executed in the tradition of the medieval miniature. Soon after, the first landscapes from Old Plovdiv and the Rila Monastery appeared. In 1946, Tsanko Lavrenov created the "Zograf Monastery" and completed "Old Plovdiv" - a diptych. In 1947 he created the monumental painting "Tarnovo, Capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom". The majority of Lavrenov’s art work depict rural settings and themes from Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, old monasteries, Rila, and the Rhodope Mountains. Therefore, from vivid portrayals of folk dances to intricate details of traditional clothes, each piece of Tsanko Lavrenov's art tells a captivating story. 

A visit to the Tsanko Lavrenov Art Gallery will enable you to experience an enriching journey into the world of Bulgarian art. The gallery will offer you a remarkable collection of artworks that celebrate the beauty and depth of Tsanko Lavrenov's artistic masterpieces. Visiting the gallery, you can explore Lavrenov's artistic evolution, from his early masterpieces to his more experimental later works, and gain a deeper understanding of his unique contributions to the beautiful world of art.

Tsanko Lavrenov Gallery 

Visit the Tsanko Lavrenov Art Gallery, located in the Old Town of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Discover the beauty and depth of Tsanko Lavrenov's art masterpieces.

Visit Art Gallery Tsanko Lavrenov

Visit the Madara Rider, a UNESCO Heritage site located east of the town of Shumen in northeastern Bulgaria, near the village of Madara. The Madara Rider is a medieval rock relief from the late 7th or the beginning of the 8th century AD.

Visit the Madara Rider, a UNESCO Heritage site located in the picturesque and beautiful landscape near the village of Madara, situated in northeast of Bulgaria just 15 minutes away from the town of Shumen. The Madara Rider also known as the Madara Horseman is a large medieval rock relief from the late 7th or the beginning of the 8th century AD carved on the Madara Plateau. The Madara Rider stands as an extraordinary testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Bulgaria.

The Madara Rider relief sculpture depicts a majestic horseman which according to the recent studies was from the times of the Bulgarian Khan Tervel (701-721). The relief sculpture is elevated 23 metres above the ground and carved into the vertical cliff of the Madara Plateu. The horseman, is represented in life size in triumphal scene and position, thrusting a spear into a lion lying at his horse's feet, and on the left a dog is running after the horseman. There are several texts around the horseman, one of them is from the time of Khan Tervel and it is dated to 705 year AD and another one is from the time of Khan Omurtag. The Madara Rider was encountered for the science in 1872 and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

When you visit the Madara Rider you will find that the entire area of the reserve holds immense historical significance. It is believed that the horseman represents a revered military leader from the early medieval period in Bulgaria's history. The relief is believed to symbolize power, heroism, and the strength of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. The exact identity of the Madara Rider remains a topic of debate among historians, adding an air of mystery to this extraordinary site. Furthermore, nestled in the heart of the Madara Plateau, the site will offer you a chance to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. Surrounded by lush greenery, Madara Rider offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

A visit to the Madara Rider is not only a journey through history but also an encounter with captivating legends. The nearby Madara Archaeological Reserve also houses ancient tombs, ruins, and a unique rock sanctuary, making it the perfect place to complement your  visit to this mystical and ancient place. With its UNESCO World Heritage designation, the site stands as a treasure to be cherished and admired by travelers from all corners of the globe. The awe-inspiring beauty, historical significance, and enchanting surroundings make Madara Rider area a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in nature, history, art, and culture.

Madara Rider

Visit the Madara Rider, a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1979, and discover the picturesque landscape of the Madara Plateu, located in northeast Bulgaria