Bulgarian Learning Community and Resources

In this article, I will take you on a short but exciting journey through the remarkable cultural and natural treasures of Bulgaria.  

The locations that I will present to you are unique in their essence. Their significance places them on the UNESCO World Heritage List that protects and preserves outstanding sites.  

There are 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria, seven of which are cultural monuments and three are natural sites. 

Let's take a walk through the unique nature of Bulgaria.

Pirin National Park was established in 1962. On the territory of the park there are 2 reserves with a rich animal and plant biodiversity, including protected species. 1/3 of the species of the Bulgarian flora and about 2/5 of the birds in Bulgaria are found in the park. Here is also the oldest tree in the country – the Baikusheva mura, which is over 1300 years old.  

The "Srebarna" reserve is located 2 km south of the Danube River. The reserve is located on the route of migratory birds from Europe to Africa - Via Pontica, and a variety of waterfowl can be found in it. Since 1983, the reserve has been on the UNESCO list precisely because of its rare inhabitants.  



The multi-growth beech forests in the Central Balkan National Park are intact, despite their longevity. The park has 11 reserves with rich biodiversity and natural treasures - waterfalls, climbing peaks, wonderful meadows for walks and numerous eco-trails leading to breathtaking views.

Not let's dive into the cultural monuments list.  

Nesseber is a city in Bulgaria, located on the Southern Black Sea coast of the country. A real attraction is the old part of the city, which is located on a peninsula jutting into the sea. It impresses with its thousand-year history and beautiful architecture. Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Bulgarians left their mark here. In the old times there used to be 42 churches on this small territory, less than half have been discovered by archaeologists and conserved, and today some of them have been turned into picture galleries.  

 

One of the symbols of Bulgarian history and culture stands in the Sofia district "Boyana" - the church "St. Nicholas and Panteleimon", better known as the Boyan Church, a monument of medieval Christian art. Over 240 images are painted on the walls, including some of the best-preserved portraits of important Bulgarian historical figures.

The Madar horseman is a rock relief carved in the 8th century on a cliff at a height of 23 m. Image dimensions are 2.6m high and 3.1m wide. Depicts a horseman, a lion, a dog.  

The Rila Monastery is a historical and cultural symbol of Bulgaria, famous for its rich architecture and unique frescoes. It is an ancient spiritual center and represents an important part of the country's national cultural heritage.

 
 


The rock churches in Ivanovo are a network of small rock churches, chapels and cells, carved at different heights in the rocks of the picturesque canyon of the Rusenski Lom river and connected by paths and rock stairs.

 
 

The Kazanlak tomb is an ancient Thracian treasure, revealing the wealth and splendor of the Thracian civilization. With its exceptional architecture and exquisite decorations, it is an important historical monument.  

The Sveshtari Tomb is a Bronze Age archaeological site discovered in 1982 that reveals the rich culture and religious customs of ancient Thracian communities. Its exquisite reliefs and sculptures provide information for understanding the life and customs of this ancient people.  

Have you visited any of these sites? Share with us in the comments below.

Reneta, OLS Community Manager – Bulgarian