Balkan Vacation: Experience The Unique Side Of Bulgaria

With its Black Sea coastline, beautiful rivers and mountains, Bulgaria offers visitors diverse landscapes. However, on top of this, the country is a cultural melting pot with Slavic, Persian, Greek and Ottoman influences. Meanwhile, these influences offer a unique heritage of music, crafts, costumes and traditional dance. Bulgaria also has beautiful and historic cities, including its capital Sofia. The city dates from the 5th century BC and lies at the foot of Vitosha Mountain.

Besides all these wonders, the Balkan country offers unique attractions to its visitors, including Chudnite Skali (Wonderful Rocks), the Ascension Cathedral, and the rainbow colors of the amazing Snail House.

Wonderful Rocks (Chudnite Skali), Tsonevo Dam, Bulgaria

Chudnite Skali, or Wonderful Rocks is a fascinating geological formation standing on the shore of Tsonevo Dam and close to Asparuhovo. Pictured above and at the top of this page, the Wonderful Rocks consist of 10 unique rock sculptures, standing up at heights around 130-160 ft (40-59 m).

The stone spires were created by wind and water erosion from the Luda Kamchia River. Made of soft limestone rock, some of the spires have unique names, such as Wolf’s Head, Knight, Hand and Giant. The mystical Chudnite Skali is best viewed from across Tsonevo Dam and the area has been declared a natural landmark in order to preserve this amazing sight.

Ascension Cathedral, Veliko Tarnovo

Known in full as the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God, Veliko Tarnovo, stands on a hill within the Tsarevets Fortress. The church might look like any other medieval church of Byzantine design, but the Ascension Cathedral is unique. In fact, the hilltop was previously the site of a 5th-century Roman basilica. Meanwhile, the cathedral was built between the 11th and 12th centuries, in the days of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Moreover, the church and other buildings were used as a stronghold for religious and political activity.

Despite this, when the Ottoman Sultan conquered the Tsarevets Fortress in 1393, the cathedral was destroyed. Fast forward 600 years and the cathedral was rebuilt in the same spot. Meanwhile, at that time, the government was communist and atheist, so the cathedral was never consecrated for religious services. However, the building was opened to reveal the beautiful murals and frescoes painted by Bulgarian artist, Teofan Sokerov inside. Besides the wondrous interior, the cathedral offers visitors a panoramic view of the town.

The Snail House, Simeonovo, Sofia, Bulgaria

A unique and colorful building stands in the Simeonovo neighborhood of Sofia, Bulgaria. However, while the neighborhood itself isn’t a popular tourist spot, the Snail House is definitely worth visiting. The five-story building was built in the shape of a giant snail and painted in rainbow hues. Moreover, the building and its interior are said to have no corners, edges, or straight walls, making it even more unique. While you might think the Snail House looks like a daycare center, it is actually a residential building.

It turns out the Snail House is the design of Simeon Simeonov and one of its best aspects is that it was created from eco-friendly, lightweight material and is energy efficient – something the world needs in these current times. You can find the Snail House at Boulevard Simeonovko Shose, 187 on Google Maps.

Experience the unique side of beautiful Bulgaria this summer, taking in these unusual and unique attractions.