Bulgarian history

and culture

Madara Horseman Represents a medieval stone relief on the northwestern slope of the

Madara Plateau, 1.5 km. east of the village of Madara (Shoumen region). Cut at a height of 23 m. from the base of a cliff. In the scale is depicted a horseman underway right a jumping dog that follows him, and pierced the lion fallen under the front legs of the horse.The Composition symbolizes the victory over the enemy. The image reminds triumphant scenes in relief sculpture of the Iranian East and ancient artistic traditions. Details determine dating and support the thesis of the origin of proto relief. It is assumed that depicts Khan Tervel as the winner. Madara Horseman is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

Kazanlashka grobnica In the corridor are painted battle scenes, the camera is a

unique scene of the funeral feast, and the symbolic transmission of the deceased Thracian ruler, accompanied by three racing chariots. The frescoes of the main frieze in the vault room is entered between two belt with ornaments. Displayed a unique scene of glorification deceased and his wife, sitting at a funeral feast, accompanied by servants, musicians, guards and coachmen. Images are an important source for the study of life, lifestyle, clothing, armor and appearance of the Thracians. This is the best preserved in Bulgaria monument of Thracian art and one of the few remaining today, masterpieces of ancient zhivopis.For Kazanlak tomb was constructed special protective building with an air conditioning, which provides conditions for the preservation of the frescoes. Near the original was built replica, open for visits.

Golqmata kosmatka Kosmatka mound was discovered by the team of Dr. Georgi

Kitov a few years ago. There is the first tomb, which archaeologists are sure that a Thracian ruler - Bronze head open, according to them is Seuthes III. The Tomb mound Ostrusha was also typical cult temple, which in the IV century ruler was buried with his horse. Although it is open earlier than Kosmatka, the road to it is still in poor condition. It is unique in the ceiling with the solar disk in the middle and with images of mythological paintings .They suggest the Greek influence in the Thracian culture. Another became famous hill in the area is a saint, which opened the famous gold mask of the Thracian king Teres.

Perperikon Perperikon (Perperikon) is a great megalithic

sanctuary, which forms one of the oldest and most historically significant archaeological complexes opened in the Bulgarian land. Quantity and type of evidence was found proving that this place was located in the famous ancient temple of Dionysus. Perperikon is where it was believed to have been exposed relics of Orpheus, or part thereof. The whole archaeological complex Perperikon consists of four main parts of the Stone Age.

Nessebar (old town) In 71 BC, Messembria (Nessebar) falls under the authority

of the Roman Empire, but remained relatively independent, such as the right to mint its own coins. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Byzantine fortress town of considerable importance, while not being conquered by Khan Krum in 812 d after 2 weeks of siege. In 1956. town was proclaimed an architectural and archaeological reserve. The remains of the ancient city wall with a gate dating from III-IV century, the churches from V-VI century and later, from the medieval period (X-XIV century), which are fine works of medieval Bulgarian and Byzantine architecture and about 60 houses, giving a unique appearance and atmosphere of the city. The ancient part of Nessebar. Nessebar is a cultural monument by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

Tsarevec Hill located in Veliko Tarnovo and its castle was the main

stronghold of the former Bulgarian capital. Today there are remnants of the old fortress, which have been restored and preserved. The old fort was built on the ruins of ancient settlements, the first of which was built in the 4th millennium BC. In the early Middle Ages this was the biggest city in the province of Lower Moesia. On these ancient ruins was built in IX century and the Bulgarian fortress. Today you can see the ruins of the citadel of the ancient city, which were inhabited by the king's palace throne room, the Patriarchate and the Patriarch's residence. Because of the greatness and beauty of the fort, on its ruins is organized architectural museum reserve Tsarevets, where knowledgeable guides can you walk and tell you details of the great history of the hill and the city.

Baba Vida It is believed that the foundation stone of Baba Vida

fortress were laid in the late 10th century, they lie on one of the towers of the ancient Bono, who was the chief Roman observatory. The fortress served to protect the local ruler and the entire town of Vidin in almost all Ages. Finalized construction of the Baba Vida Fortress acquired during the 14 century, when major reconstruction and reinforcement of the building makes Vidin Tzar Ivan Sratsimir (1352 to 1397 on). He became Baba Vida ruler in his main residence. The fortress covers an area of 9, 5 acres with a moat. He has two surrounding walls, which were located 11 defensive towers (one of them is XVIIv.). The castle was build on a few occasions when the city was under the management of Austrian and Turkish empires and the Bulgarian kingdom.

The Palace in Balchik During the Balkan War Romania invaded Bulgaria on June

28, 1913 and Dobrudja and Bulgarian army occupied territories to the line-Tutrakan Balchik. Queen of Romania - Victoria Alexandrina Maria de Edinburgh like many conquered Bulgarian lands for interesting rocks Balchik, mild climate and warm sea water. Along the Romanian aristocracy in Balchik buy places many Romanian intellectuals, including renowned artist Chichiliya Kutsesku Stork. Thus, "Palace" has become a significant cultural center in the Black Sea. On September 7, 1940 the Bulgarian foreign policy managed by contract to return Craiova Balchik and all over Southern Dobrudja to Bulgaria. Then the palace is well preserved and permanently restored, and after 80 years become a tourist center.

Plovdiv Ancient Theatre The ancient theater was built the Roman emperor Trajan

during the II century Teatatat is built in a natural saddle between Djambaz Tepe and Taxim Tepe and was one of the most important public buildings of Trimontium, remarkable for its architectural and splendor. Divided into two grade for fourteen rows of seats separated by a horizontal path (diazoma), the ancient theater could accommodate over 5,000 spectators. The stage was decorated with friezes, cornices and statues. Was discovered during archaeological excavations conducted in 1968-79 year from the Archaeological Museum - Plovdiv. The amphitheater teatron survived 20 of 28 lines. Included within the architectural reserve Old Plovdiv, the theater entered its ensemble as the most emblematic monument of continuous cultural and historical continuity, carried out on three hills over the centuries.

Shipka monument Shipka during the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878) is playing one

of the most decisive battles which determined the victorious outcome of the war, brought Bulgarian from five centuries of Ottoman rule. Together with Russian troops in the fighting were involved and 6000 Bulgarians. At the very top stands the Monument of Freedom. It was built with voluntary contributions of the Bulgarian people, designed by architect Atanas Donkozh Alexander Andreev and sculpture. Inaugurated in 1934 The monument is 31.5 meters high, it leads to 894 steps. Above the main entrance proudly stands a bronze lion. The other 3 sides are inscribed the names of Shipka, Stara Zagora and Sheinovo - battlefields. On the ground floor of the monument, a marble sarcophagus held the bones of the fallen heroes in battle. In the remaining 7 floors exposed exposure, which tells of the heroism of Russian soldiers and Bulgarian volunteers during the five-month defense of Shipka. It includes a rich collection of orders and medals, photographs and documentary material weapons. There is a copy of the Samara flag.