Although inhabited for thousands of years, the Rhodopes still harbor in their bosom wild places that seem to be untouched by humans. The Rhodopes are one of the few mountain ranges in Europe where the Brown Bear and Wolf still breeds. Old-growth forests are home to deer, elk, fox, wild goat, and other rare European species.
The Eastern part of the Rhodopes is a true heaven for bird lovers but the western part should not be overlooked as it contains over 200 species, many of them quite rare. The Trigrad Gorge is the kingdom of the famed Wallcreeper - you can observe this wonderful bird while sipping your coffee at the entrance to the Devil's Throat Cave.
Dippers and King Fisher will dart around you as you walk along clear creeks and streams. A Golden Eagle hovering high in the sky presents an unforgettable sight. If you come to the Rhodopes during spring you might hear the early-morning mating call of the Capercaillie.
Lush, grassy meadows pop into mind when thinking of the Rhodopes. For many centuries locals have kept herds of sheep, as a result of which, they have created meadows outrests. These meadows now are home to an abundance of rare flowers, many of which are not found anywhere else on Earth. In early spring you can see the pink petals of Silivriak (Heberlea rhodopaensis), the symbol of the Rhodopes, which has the unique quality of being able to spring back to life even after being pressed for years. Legend has it that the flower bloomed out of the blood of Orpheus after he was dismembered.
The Rhodopes are also well known for their mushrooms. Here you can also pick yourself a multicolored bouquet of herbs; the most fragrant thyme grows here.
If you are still not convinced that the Rhodopes are a slice of true, wild nature, then the only other option that remains is for you to come here and see it for yourself.
The Thracians bequeathed us the famous tombs near Kazanluk and Sveshtari, the unique gold treasures from Panagyurishte and Rogozen.
The Hellenes built the beautiful coastal towns of Apollonia, Anhialo and Messambria, and THE Romans - ancient Aescus, Nikopolis ad Istrum and Nove.
Huns, Gothes and Averas later passes through our lands. Around the mid-7th century the Slavs came from the north across the Danube, followed by the Bulgarians of Khan Asparouh to build the foundations of the present country at a time there were only three states in Europe: The Western Roman Empire, BULGARIA, and The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium)
The national varieties of red wine are Gamza, the lively Kadarka, Pamid, which gives pale gulping wine; Mavrud, which gives the opposite - the country's national pride;and Melnik, from that town in the far southwest.
Melnik could be called the Syrah of Bulgaria, strong, dark and very flavoury, ageing almost indefinitely. Among whites, the dominant local varieties are Rkatziteli and Dimiat. Red Misket and Muscat Ottonel are popular, but succes with Chardonnay, Reasling, Gewurztraminer and Aligote is elbowing most of the traditional varieties aside.
The Bulgarian monasteries - during difficult and turbulent times they acted as centers of patriotism which helped to preserve national feelings and hopes of the Bulgarians.
Rila monastery is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria, one of the most remarkable monuments on the Balkan Peninsula.The monastery was founded in the l0th century by the Bulgarian monk St. John of Rila and was rebuilt in the l3th -l4th century. In the four-storeyed dormitories there are more than 400 cells, 4 chapels, guest-rooms, a cook-house, unique in terms of construction and design. A museum with a rich library is arranged at the monastery. Since 1983 it is included in the list of monuments of the world culture and natural heritage compiled at UNESCO.
The Rose festival in the Rose valley has come to be a symbolic reflection of the lifestyle, the spirit and the cultural patterns typical for Kazanlak region.
In 1903, the citizens of Kazanlak organized for the first time a rose festival, dedicated to flowers, beauty and grace. The aspect of the Rose Festival in Karlovo nowadays is essentially based on ancient traditions. The ritual of rose gathering, where various ensembles of authentic folklore, kuker and folk dance take part, recreates the joy and exhilaration, caused by the forthcoming work in the rose field. A part of another ritual, that of rose distilling, the guests of the festival are presented with wreaths of roses and are treated to rose ("gyul") jam, as well as to rose brandy. Then all guests take part in the procession, celebrating youth, beauty and flowers, which goes along the streets of Karlovo to "4th of July" Square.
In 1903, the citizens of Kazanlak organized for the first time a rose festival, dedicated to flowers, beauty and grace. The aspect of the Rose Festival in Karlovo nowadays is essentially based on ancient traditions. The ritual of rose gathering, where various ensembles of authentic folklore, kuker and folk dance take part, recreates the joy and exhilaration, caused by the forthcoming work in the rose field. A part of another ritual, that of rose distilling, the guests of the festival are presented with wreaths of roses and are treated to rose ("gyul") jam, as well as to rose brandy. Then all guests take part in the procession, celebrating youth, beauty and flowers, which goes along the streets of Karlovo to "4th of July" Square.
The most impressive one of the surroundings of Bansko is the legendary mountain of Pirin.
To the south of Bansko is the Pirin National Park. Mountain and the park are the alpine type glacier forms. The highest peak there is Vihren – 2915m. At the foot of the peaks in the park, there are more than 180 circus lakes. The biggest groups of lakes are Bandarishki, Vasilashki, Strazishki, Todorini, Valjavishki, Popovi, Kremenski, Prevalski, Polenski and Vlahini.
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