HERITAGE
Thracian Tomb - Sveshtari
This 3rd- century B.C. Thracian tomb reflects the fundamental structural principles of Thracian cult buildings. The decoration of the burial chamber is exceptionally interesting, a unique blend of art and architecture. The stone architrave, around the walls, is supported by ten caryatids. The wall opposite the door is painted in navy blue crayon and depicts the heroicisation of the deceased. The central chamber is richly ornamented. The chamber was decorated as a facade of a temple with depicted horseman who takes a golden garland from the hands of a goddess with a religious procession following her. The three walls have high relief with 10 caryatide
Thracian Tomb – Kazanlak
One of the most famous monuments of Thracian culture, included in the World Register of Historical Sites, in 1979, was discovered in 1944. A corridor, 1. 95 m in length, 1. 12 m in width and 2. 24 m in height leads to a domed tomb, 3. 25 m in height and 2. 65 m in diameter at the base.The building material is brick, used two centuries later by the Romans. The frame is of blocks of stone and clay is used as bonding material. It is situated in the southern part of a mound, at ground level.
The Madara Horseman
This is an area where a number of medieval churches, monastic cells and chapels were carved on both sides of the river Lom. A colony of hermits lived here from the III c. to the XVII c. The natural vesicles in the Karst rocks were widened and moulded to meet the needs of the colony. The chambers are at a height of 6-10m. and are connected by series of stairs, passages, galleries. The walls are covered with pictures of biblical themes and compositions with many figures. Great artistic value, refined colour scheme and admirable skill is displayed. The partly conserved frescoes are evidence of the notable achievements of the Bulgarian medieval art school. The remaining scriptures emphasise the significance of the literary school which developed in this area. The monasteries were included in the World Register of Historical Sites in 1979.
Rock Monasteries - Ivanovo
Bulgarian poetic folk art originates in ancient times and has centuries-old history. First preserved records for the existence of folk singers and songs derive from the IX-X century. Most of the folk songs date back from the XVII century. Folk songs are an expression of the Bulgarian way of life trough the ages, resulting from the historical and social fate of the country, from its experience and popular customs. Bulgarians enlive in the folk songs with their best qualities - diligence, honesty, steadyness, loyalty, wit and love of freedom. The songs grow up from the inner needs of the creators to give expression of their thoughts and experience. They are sung on sad and joyful days - in the fields, in the meadows, on working-bees, playing the Bulgarian ring dance, called HORO, in the gathering places of the rebels - called HAIDOUTI. Their creators are the folk singers - people with poetical and musical talent. The songs as well as the fairy tales, riddles, proverbs and sayings are a product of joint creative work. As the folk songs were spread by word of mouth they changed and had many versions. Since the books were not easy accessible to the working people, the folklore and the songs were the source of their experience, wisdom and knowledge. According to their subject the Bulgarian folk songs are ritual songs, labour songs, customs songs, historical, heroic and songs about the Haidouti.
The Rila Monastery
This monastery is a holy place for all Bulgarians, for it preserved their pride, national identity, faith and hope through the centuries. It was founded in X c. by followers of the Bulgarian hermit saint Ivan Rilski. The monastery is one of the most significant cultural centres in Bulgaria, where through the centuries intensive spiritual, educational and creative activities flourished. It was in close contact with spiritual centres abroad. After a devastating fire, the monastery was completely rebuilt in the XIX c. It is the biggest renaissance monument in Bulgaria.
It is an architectural - artistic composition of enormous dimensions, an apogee of the work of the renaissance craftsmen, icon - painters, wood-carved, artisans in the artistic area where architecture and the decorative and monumental painting of stone, wood and metal are combined. The defensive tower of Khrelio, built in the XIV c., can be found in the yard. The Monastery is still in use. There is a sumptuous library, a historical museum and a few subject museum exhibition. The church was painted by the most famous representatives of the Bulgarian renaissance artistic school. The Rila monastery was included in the UNESCO World Register of Historical Sites in 1983.
Old Nessebar
Situated on a peninsula in the Black Sea, connected with the mainland by a narrow isthmus, this is a town with a history going back more than millennia. Each era has left its permanent marks and today the town is unique. A huge museum, displaying the way of life of the different people that have inhabited it . On this tiny island castle walls from Thracian times, defensive structures, private and public building form the Hellenistic period, medieval churches and renaissance buildings combine to form a unique atmosphere. Nearby is the famous sea resort of "Slunchev Briag". The churches were built during the early Byzantine period (V-VI) and during the middle ages (X-XIV). The oldest of them are the basilicas, cruciform, single nave. The murals from the XIV-XVIII c. have an exceptional historic and artistic value, displaying the traditions and craftsmanship of the artisans and icon - painters of that time. Old Nessebar was included in the World Register of Historical Sites in 1983.
