August 2016 I ISSUE 13

ISSN 2367-4717 I FREE GUIDE IN ENGLISH + MAP I July - August 2016 I ISSUE 13 Rozhen – Heritage in the Future The magical meadows of Rozhen will conquer the Rhodope Mountains once again and unite the whole Bulgarian nation from 15th to 17th of July. The Festival of Folklore and Livestock Breeding “Rozhen” in 2016 aims to assert itself as the largest forum of Bulgarian spirit, traditions and folklore. The festival was resurrected and renewed after a 9-years absence. The event in 2015 has been attended by over 350 000 people. This year’s edition of the Rozhen Festival will have a special spot for those clothed in national costumes, and as for the Bulgarian national flag – it will be even bigger. More than 10,000 performers from all over the country are expected to participate in this year’s folklore competition.

The festival program includes: • Folklore Competition “Rozhen” • Traditional crafts • Ethnographic and museum exhibitions • Expositions of sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cows and buffaloes • Dairy and meat products from the farm • Exhibitions of organic food and drinks • Folk games and wrestling matches • Culinary shows and Cheverme cooking • Horse attractions • Folk festivities

In order the organization to be more efficient, this year’s festival will have special transport schemes with alternative routes through Banite, Devin and the region of Rozhen. In order to avoid traffic jams, there will be special routes for public transportation and in the three days of the event, regular traffic information will be fed via the Internet.

More useful information how to get there find out on: http://www.rozhen.bg/en/

The Festival of Folklore and Livestock Breeding “Rozhen” is organized by the “Heri- tage in the Future” Foundation, in partnership with the Municipalities of Smolyan and Chepelare.

FOLK TALES ABOUT ROZHEN From the old days on the Rozhen meadows old churches of Christian saints were revered; saints whose feasts are within two months – July and August. In 1898, Father Angel Indjov, a priest in Sokolovtsi village was the first one to come up with a general concept of a fair on these lands, summoning parishioners to honor all the saints of the Rozhen chapels on the day of St. Pantaleon – July 27. Rozhen gradually became a place where once a year relatives and friends could share both pain and joy. As days went by generations turned those meetings into tradition by organizing family and friendly gatherings of the Rhodope people – not just the natives of the area, but also the ones deported to the heart of the country. Bulgaria in Brief 1 2 Bulgaria in Brief

1 Bulgaria in Brief

16 Overview

24 Accommodation

30 Bars AND Dear Readers, Restaurants Greetings and warm welcome to Plovdiv City® Info Guide. The summer in Plovdiv offers you many opportunities for you free time. From 14th 36 ENTERtainment till 17th of July the city of Plovdiv will host ECA European Canoe Sprint Juniors & U23 Championships. Do not miss to 40 culture read also my Editor’s Top 5 facts in the Bulgarian history of sport. Take a look at the highlights of the Plovdiv’s 48 useful Numbers cultural calendar as well. You should definitely visit OPERA OPEN’ 2016 in July and DroneUP International Film Festival P lovdiv City ® Info Guide in August. Publisher: One of the most interesting events this Nova Advertising Ltd. summer is Rozhen Festival 2016 in the Ukrainian National Academic OpeRA /Нова Адвъртайзинг ЕООД/ Mid-July, where Bulgarian folklore and tra- Manager: Lyudmila Mladenova ditions gather people who want to preserve Editor: Lyubina Panayotova and pass the unique Bulgarian spirit onto the new generations. Definitely Rozhen is a Design: Nova Advertising Ltd. place to be, if you curious about Bulgarian Cover: The Old Town / Photo by Assen Velikov/ authentic traditions. Print: Janet 45 Ltd. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have For Advertising, any tips, photos and stories you want to Bulk Orders and Subscriptions: share. We will be glad if you want to tell us (before 10th of the preceding month, please!) your thoughts and opinion about some of Phone: 02 980 85 01 the Bulgarian features and we would like to Cell: 0896 717 225 find out your perspective to the cities which E-mail: [email protected] you’ve visited. You are always welcome to [email protected] facebook.com/cityinfoguides.bulgaria be our guest and we are hoping that you will plan another trip to Bulgaria any time soon. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior See you next time, permission. Monthly circulation: 5 000 Lyubina Panayotova www.cityinfoguides.com Editor Bulgaria in Brief 3 PLOVDIV – EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2019

Plovdiv is officially the European Capital of Culture in 2019. The concept of the city on the seven hills bearing the motto “Together” impressed the international jury. The idea is, using culture, to join together the minorities and majorities, people of different generations, ethnos and religions not only in the city but also in the whole South central region, standing behind the application of the city for a European capital of culture. Plovdiv is a unique miniature model of Europe and is a place where, for centuries, the cultures of different people and ethnos, with their religions live together in peace. At the same time, “Together” also means reviving spaces such as the hills, Maritsa, parks, streets and squares and left buildings (for instance the tobacco stores, Kapana), rethought as spaces for culture, sport, recreation and tourism only because thus, a solid relation will be built between the city and the people. The sense of “Plovdiv Together” is to join the past of this city, dating back to 6000 BC with the future in the presence – the cultural historical heritage shall be integrated in contemporary context and a new life shall be inspired with a vision for future development. Stepping on this concept, Plovdiv is developing an interesting and innovative programme, as its major long-term impact will be related to the development of the cultural scene in the city. The role of our artistic programme is also to attract new audiences not only from the city, but also from abroad. We would like our projects to reach people who do not traditionally take part in the cultural life of Plovdiv, but who are not just users but active participants in the process of culture creation. Thus, we aim to create an active creative scene which will place Plovdiv on the world cultural map and attract visitors from all over the world who will touch the past of this city, take a breath of the atmosphere of Ayliak and enjoy the best of the contemporary culture. In the program, Plovdiv is relying on the transformation of places which are emblematic for the city, which are actually abandoned – the tobacco stores, the brother hill, Cosmos cinema, Kapana quarter, the turning of the reading clubs into attractive spaces for cultural and touristic activity and their transformation in unique cultural centers in all parts of the city. At the moment, Plovdiv is working on the creation of the first quarter of creative industries in Bulgaria – Kapana. Local and European artists will join their efforts to renew neglected civil spaces which, on their side, will attract tourists with intense artistic program and events. Another important accent in the program of Plovdiv is the stable natural development of the city – providing better access to green areas, restoration of the connection with the hills, the Adata island, which will be rediscovered as touristic locations as well. Located on the ancient road „Via Diagonalis”, connecting Rome with Constantinople, Plovdiv is a city, where life has not faded away for already 8 millennia. It possesses unique energy it offers to the visitors so: Come with friends, to create Together! 4 Bulgaria in Brief

The State Opera Plovdiv invites to the 3rd edition of annual festival OPERA OPEN. You could enjoy magical classic concerts, opera and operetta performances at the Ancient Theater Plovdiv. All of the events start at 21:00 o’clock. Programme: 6th of July 19th of July VIVA L’OPERA, VIVA L’OPERETTA INTERNATIONAL BALLET GALA Conductor: Dian Chobanov Conductor: Dian Chobanov Soloists: Mara Mastaril and Mikael Havlicek Soloists: Krasina Pavlova and Arshak In the program are the most famous opera Galumyan (Staatsballett Berlin); George and operetta scenes Smilevski and Natalia Krapivina (Moscow Academic Music Theatre of Stanislavkiy and 15th of July Nemirovich-Danchenko); Nikolai Goroditski TURANDOT – by Puccini (New York City Ballet). Conductor: Nayden Todorov Soloists: Lila Lee, Kamen Chanev, Plamen 22nd of July Kumpikov, Eugenia Ralcheva, Alexander AIDA – by Verdi Krunev, Mark Fuler, Alexander Baranov Directed by Nina Naydenova Performed by State Opera Plovdiv 16th of July Soloists: Tanya Ivanova, Ivaylo Mihailov, TRIBUTE TO ABBA Plamen Kumpikov Performed by Rousse Philharmonic Orchestra and a rock band 29th of July Conductor: Nayden Todorov PANDORA – International project Soloists: Nadine Kune, Anette Hesel Music by Paul van Brugge and Petar Dundakov In the program: hits like Mamma Mia, The Choreography by Boryana Sechanova Winner Takes It All, Fernando, Money, Conductor: Dian Chobanov Money, Money, Dancing Queen and many Soloists: Mariyana Panova, Evelina Hristova, more. Daniela Dimitrova Bulgaria in Brief 5

DroneUp IFF 2016

DroneUp International Film Festival will take place in Plovdiv on August 19th-20th. The film festival will present the best and most creative aerial cinematography. This year, in Plovdiv, you will have the opportunity to see filmmakers from around the world present their best works in front of a live audience and compete for awesome prizes. All this at the coolest place around – the magnificent ancient Roman Stadium! The first edition of the annual festival will present the most inspiring and creative films shot by drone. You will have the opportunity to see films by the world’s best aerial cinematographers. DroneUp IFF 2016 will celebrate the artistry and creativeness of drone flying and cinematography and present the most wondrous and awesome films shot by drone filmmakers from around the globe. The emerging of unmanned flying of drones has truly democratised our quest for the above and created a new genre of filmmaking. DroneUp International Film Festival is set to celebrate and acknowledge the world’s best drone cinematography in the following six categories: • Nature • Urban • Culture & Sport • Travel • Extreme & Wild • Narrative & Cinematic Witness two exciting nights of drone film screenings and awards at Plovdiv Roman Stadium. The entrance is free-of-charge! For the full program and more information visit: www.droneup-iff.com 6 Bulgaria in Brief

Welcome to bulgaria Welcome to one of the oldest European states with 6000-years old gold treasures, a centre of ancient civilizations, a country that hosts the sanctuary of the mystical singer Orpheus and gave to the Slavonic people the Cyrillic alphabet. Bulgaria is a small country by area and population, but it was this spectacular piece of land that God Almighty blessed with unearthly beautiful nature, proud people and rich cultural heritage. Bulgarians are also quite hospitable nation – they will greet you like dear guests, they will open their than the winds/and a chariot finely wrought with hearts and homes for you and they will see you silver and gold.” off with sincere wishes to come back soon again. The newly established state acquired political recognition from the Byzantine Empire in 681 A.D. FACTS & FIGURES The state was ruled by its founder Khan Asparuh, Population: 7 364 570 the leader of the proto-Bulgarians and the first Area: 110 993 sq. km Bulgarian capital was Pliska. Language: Bulgarian During that period the Slavic alphabet was created Religion: Orthodox in 855. It was called Cyrillic alphabet, named Average summer temperatures: 26° to 30°C after St. Cyril, and corresponded perfectly to the Average winter temperatures: -5° to 5°C phonetic riches and needs of the Slavonic-Bulgarian Time zone: GMT +2 (Apr-Sept GMT +3) language. As of today more than 250 million people Country dialing code: 00 359 in Europe and Asia use the Cyrillic alphabet for Internet country code: .bg their national languages and half of them are from Administrative division: 28 regions 263municipalities Russia. With the accession of Bulgaria to the EU, Capital: Sofia (population 1 291 591) the Cyrillic alphabet became the third official one Major Cities: Plovdiv (671 918), Varna (468 220), of the union. Bourgas (409 018) Another major historical landmark took place in this period when Knyaz Boris I converted the state to Location and Territory Orthodox Christianity in 864. The First Bulgarian State stretched gradually from Bulgaria is located in South-Eastern Europe and Transylvania in the north, to the Aegean Sea in the occupies the Eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. south, from the Black Sea in the east and to the To the North the country borders with Romania via Adriatic Sea in the west. It fell to the Byzantines in the Danube River, to the East it touches the Black 1018 after it had been conquered by the Emperor Sea, its southern neighbors are Turkey and Greece Vassileios II. and to the West it borders with the Republics of The Second Bulgarian State, established in 1185 at Macedonia and Serbia. The total territory of the Veliko Tarnovo, reinstated the borders of the First country is 110 993 sq. km and Bulgaria ranks 15th Bulgarian Kingdom and a second Golden Age began in size among the other European countries. during which Bulgaria expanded its borders to the History shores of Black, Aegean and Adriatic seas. The Bulgarian state was founded circa 681 as From 1396 to 1878 the country was under the rule a union of the new-settled Proto-Bulgarians, of (the so called ‘yoke’) of the Ottoman Empire. seven Slavonic tribes who have already settled this Sofia became the capital of Bulgaria after the territory and with the inclusion of some smaller Veliko Tarnovo Constitution was accepted in 1879. ethnical groups (Thracians and others). From 1878 (liberation from the rule of the Ottoman The Thracians were a tribal society who inhabited a Empire) to 1944, Bulgaria enjoyed a brief but vast area in Central and Southeastern Europe. They unstable period of relative freedom. After 1944 the were well-known in the Ancient world for making Communist Party, led by its leader Georgi Dimitrov, filigree gold and silver jewelry. The great Homer took the power as a result of almost bloodless described in his masterpiece Iliad a Thracian king, coup d’état and proclaimed Bulgaria for a “People’s having “the biggest and the most handsome horses Republic” in 1946 after a controversial referendum. I have ever seen, /whiter than snow and swifter The Communist regime lasted until November Bulgaria in Brief 7

10th, 1989 when Bulgaria peacefully ousted the operates properly. The banking system works Communist Party leader Todor Zhivkov. according to the European legislation and world One of the first signs of Bulgaria’s democratization standards, and 80% of it is formed of top-rated after 1989 was the establishment of a multi-party banks of the eurozone. The three biggest banks system. The new Constitution of the Republic of – Unicredit Bulbank, DSK Bank and the United Bulgaria, adopted on July 12, 1991, proclaimed Bulgarian Bank, possess over 40% of all bank the country as a parliamentary republic. On March assets and generate over a half of the profit 29, 2004 Bulgaria joined NATO, and on January in the sector. The Bulgarian consumer is still 1st, 2007 the country became a member of the conservative and prefers to pay in cash. However, European Union. different modern ways of bank payments have been developing fast in the recent years. State System Religion State power in Bulgaria is divided into three branches: legislative (represented by the National Assembly), A full freedom of the religious denominations is executive (represented by the Bulgarian Government proclaimed in the Constitution of the Republic of and the Presidency) and judiciary legislative Bulgaria. (represented by the Supreme Judiciary Council and According to the census from 2011, 76% of the Supreme Court of Cassation). the population are Eastern Orthodox Christians, The National Assembly of Bulgaria (Narodno 10 % are Muslims, 0.8% - Catholics, 1.1% are Subranie) consists of 240 deputies, elected for Protestants and 0,2 % belong to other religions. 4-year terms. The parliament enacts laws, approves Population and Ethnic Groups the budget of the country and ratifies the international Bulgaria is a country with a population of almost 7.5 treaties and agreements. million people. Today 70% of the total population The President of Bulgaria is elected for a 5-year term is an urban. and is the head of state and the commander in chief With its 1, 5 million residents the capital Sofia is of the armed forces. the biggest city in Bulgaria. There are seven cities Economy with population of more than 100 000 citizens who Before the changes in Eastern Europe, the country form nearly a third of the entire population of the was entirely dependent on the Soviet Union and the country. Another 14 towns have between 50 and socialist block. A positive change began in 1997, 100 thousand residents. when the currency board system was introduced in The proportion between women and men in Bulgaria Bulgaria, i.e. the national currency (BGN) was fixed is 51.4 % to 48.6 %. The smaller share of men is to the German Mark, and later to the Euro. Thanks to due to their shorter life expectancy, and therefore is the strict monetary discipline of the currency board sharper in the age groups of over 50 years. in combination with a series of radical reforms, the According to the last census, circa 83, 9 % of the economic system was stabilized and the restoration people in Bulgaria are ethnic Bulgarians. The biggest process was initiated. minorities are the ethnic Turks (≈ 9, 4%) and the Currently Bulgaria ranks 59th (out of 183 world Roma (≈ 4, 7%). The remaining % includes smaller economies) in the Doing Business 2012 report of minorities like Armenians, Russians, Romanians, the IFC and the World Bank, measuring business Ukrainians, Greeks and Jews. regulations and their enforcement. The majority of the adult Bulgarians have secondary or higher education and among the people between Currency 25 and 64 years of age this share is over two-third. Bulgarian Lev is pegged to the EURO (EURO 1 ≈ Official Language and Alphabet BGN 1, 95). Nowadays coins in circulation are issued in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki and 1 lev. Banknotes The official language is Bulgarian and the official circulate in the form of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva. alphabet is Cyrillic. The Bulgarian language belongs to the group of the Slavonic languages. Banking System Serbo-Croatian and Russian are the most similar At this point 30 banks are functioning in the country, languages to it. Other languages as English, serving their consumers through well distributed and German, French, Russian and Spanish are spoken balanced network of 2929 branches. The banks in and used frequently by 40 % of the population. Bulgaria are stable, have excellent capital adequacy Topography and liquidity indicators and the banking supervision The country’s relief is varied (from 0 to 2,925 m 8 Bulgaria in Brief

above the sea level) and above 60 % of the territory impressive nature, such as Iskar Dam, Batak Dam, are forests and mountainous. The most famous Dospat Dam and etc. mountains are: Rila (with the highest mountain peak on the Balkan Peninsula Mussala – 2 925 m), Pirin Flora and Fauna (Vihren Peak – 2 914 m), the Central Balkan (Botev Bulgaria is still rich in locations where the natural Peak – 2 376 m), the Rhodope Mountains (Golyam beauty has been preserved almost unspoiled and Perelik Peak – 2 191 m) and Vitosha Mountain near the flora demonstrates remarkable diversity. A total Sofia (Cherni Vrah Peak – 2 290 m). of 12 360 species have been found in our country. Numerous natural phenomena are scattered across There are more than 12 National parks across the country with various natural reserves on their territory. the country: mountain passes and gorges, rock- The Bulgarian endemic plants, which are to be pyramids and bizarre rock formations, numerous found nowhere else in the world, include more than caves and waterfalls, beautiful lakes. Some of the 250 species: Rila Primrose, Balkan Violet, Bulgarian most famous natural sights are: the Melnik Pyramids, Blackberry, Rhodope Tulip, etc. Forests abound the Fossil Forest, the Belogradchik Rocks; the gorges with various wild fruits – all of them of proven and of the rivers Trigradska in the Rhodopes and Erma distinctive flavor. There is also a great diversity of near the town of Tran, Vratsata; the valleys of the animal species. Bulgaria’s fauna numbers more than rivers Iskar, Struma and Mesta, the canyon of the 13,000 representatives. Rare mammal species are Roussenski Lom River; the Srebarna Lake; the rock also to be found in the country. monastery Aladja off the city of Varna, etc. There is a great diversity of karsts forms, among Communication them there are 4,600 caves. The deepest cave in The country offers a relatively good highway network, Bulgaria is Raichova Dupka (387 m deep), and the including six international highways, which connect Europe with the Orient, and the North with the South longest is Duhlata (17,600 m long). The best known part of the continent. Four out of the ten Trans- caves are the Ledenika, the Magurata and the Saeva European corridors cross the territory of Bulgaria – IV, Dupka, the caves in the Balkan range and also the VIII, IX and X. caves in the Rhodope Mountains- the Snezhanka, For more information about the main roads and the Yagodinskata, the Dyavolsko Garlo, and the motorways in Bulgaria check out the table below: Uhlovitsa Caves. Motorway From: To: km

Climate A1 Trakia Sofia Burgas 360 The climate is moderate continental with A2 Hemus Sofia Varna 433 Mediterranean influence to the South. The average annual temperature is 10.5 degrees Celsius. A3 Struma Pernik Kulata 156 Four seasons could be clearly distinguished in A4 Chirpan K.Andreevo 117 Bulgaria – winter, spring, summer and autumn. Maritsa January is the coldest month of the year. July A5 Cherno Varna Burgas 95 and August are the hottest summer months and More sometimes temperatures go up to 40 degrees A6 Lyulin Sofia Pernik 19 Celsius. Bulgarians enjoy to circa 24000 hours of sunlight per year. A7 Sofia Kalotina 50 Kalotina Waters The first airline in the country, Sofia-Burgas, was Bulgaria boasts a huge variety and number of mineral opened in 1947. Today there are four Bulgarian springs of various chemical compositions, suitable airports, servicing commercial airlines: Burgas Airport for prophylaxis and treatment for many diseases. (BOJ), Plovdiv Airport (PDV), Sofia Airport (SOF) and There are about 600 mineral water sources in Varna Airport (VAR). Bulgaria with more than 1,600 springs, located Petrol stations on the territory of the Republic of mainly at the mountain outskirts. There are many spa Bulgaria offer petrol with octane numbers 92, 98 and resorts situated in Bankya, Velingrad and Sandanski. 95 H-unleaded, as well as diesel fuel. Worth to mention are also the mineral baths of Stara Railway roads have total length of 6 500 km and most Zagora, Narechen, Sliven and Haskovo, as well as of them is operated by electric powered engines. Kyustendil, Varshets, Hissarya, Merichleri, Momin Border and Customs Regulations Prohod and Kostenets. On the 1st of January 2007 Bulgaria joined the European Beautiful lakes lie hidden in the cirques of Rila and Union. Visitors arriving from the EU don’t need a visa, Pirin Mountains. There are also dams, surrounded by but should carry a passport or other valid identity Bulgaria in Brief 9 document confirming the nationality of the bearer. Vignette System Citizens of some non-EU countries may travel to Bulgaria for tourism and business purposes without a The Vignette system is valid for the National Road visa if the planned stay in Bulgaria does not exceed Network, except for the ring roads and by-pass roads 90 days. For further information visit the website of the of populated areas as well as the roads within populated Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate in your country. areas. Buying a vignette, you have the right to use over All other foreigners may cross the border of the 300 km of motor ways and over 18 000 km of roads for Republic of Bulgaria if they hold a valid passport and the period specified on the vignette sticker. an appropriate visa (Airport Transit Visa, Transit Visa, Where to buy a vignette from? Regular Visa or Work Visa). As of 2012, Schengen visa There are more than 3000 points of sale, incl. gas- holders have the right for a stay of up to 30 days within stations, post offices, banks etc..You can also buy 6 months period, without a short-stay Bulgarian visa. a vignette from all border-crossing points (BPCs) of Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds (according the Republic of Bulgaria. There you will find the units to the duration and the conditions of their stay) and of REA (designated with the relevant mark). These onward or return tickets in addition to other documents units are open 24 hours. The prices of vignettes are needed for the next destination. Valid health insurance in Euro (EUR). is required. ATTENTION: Driving road vehicles on the Vignette All visitors of Bulgaria, other than EU nationals, must Network without a valid vignette is a violation and register as foreigners at the passport directorate on 48, Maria Luisa Blvd. (9th–12th Counter) within five days subject to sanctions in accordance to the Road Traffic of their arrival. This registration is usually done as a Law. Assess carefully the duration of your stay and buy matter of course through the hotel or accommodation appropriate vignette. establishment. Immigration and entry regulations are Prices in EURO of vignette types by categories: very strictly enforced. Category C1 EC0 Category “Euro 0, I, II” Passports of all visitors should be valid for at least six Annual – 665; monthly – 110; weekly – 38; daily – 7 months on entry for those requiring a visa, and three Category C1 EC0 Category “Euro III, IV, V, EEV” months on entry for visa exempt nationals other than Annual – 511; monthly – 85; weekly – 30; daily – 7 those from EU countries, whose passports must be Category C2 EC0 Category “Euro 0, I, II” valid for the period of stay. Annual – 348; monthly – 60; weekly – 22; daily – 7 Category C2 EC0 Category “Euro III, IV, V, EEV” Traffic Regulations Annual – 268; monthly – 46; weekly – 17; daily – 7 Traffic rules on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, Category C3 annual – 34; monthly – 13; as well as road signals, are in compliance with weekly – 5 European Standards. If you enter Bulgaria in a private vehicle, you must have your driving license, all original MOBILE Services registration and ownership documents (including M-tel, Vivacom and Telenor are the national GSM logbook) as well as insurance valid in Bulgaria. If you operators providing digital cellular telecommunication use rent-a-car you must have the original contract document, which should state that the vehicle can be services in Bulgaria. Europe, America, Near East, brought into Bulgaria. Participants in a road accident Japan, Africa and Australia can be dialed directly. If driving a car with foreign registration are obliged to you need any help and more information about tariffs remain on the site and wait for the traffic police until and offers you can use this numbers for subscribers its arrival. Driving after consumption of alcoholic drinks of other operators to reach them: M-tel: +359 88 (over 0.5 percent per 1000 in the blood) or of other 808 8088; Telenor: +359 89 123; Vivacom: +359 intoxicating substances is strictly prohibited. The use of (0) 700 17 000. a mobile phone while driving is permitted (but only with All the operators offer prepaid vouchers. For those the help of a hands-free device is allowed). Travelling countries that cannot be dialed directly you must around the country, drivers should not exceed the order the call by dialing  0123. For any other kind following speed limits (km per hour): of international operator assistance dial  0123. For some useful telephone numbers please turn to the back pages of this guide. Tourism

4 Bulgaria is a small country (2% of the territory of Europe), but it is blessed with magnificent nature and offers unique opportunities for various types of tourism. The temperate climate makes Bulgaria a 10 Bulgaria in Brief

perfect destination during all the seasons of the year. monuments and natural sites in the capital and other Virgin natural beauty, ancient cultures, picturesque towns have now been sign-posted with specially villages, where life moves in the rhythm of previous assigned number which visitors could dial in order centuries– these are only some of the visions and to find information about them in Bulgarian and emotions you will be able to store forever in your English. The sites in Sofia include: Alexander Nevski memories if you visit Bulgaria. Cathedral, Saint Sophia Basilica, Bulgarian Academy 37 mountains can be found on a territory of only of Sciences, the Monument of Tsar Osvoboditel, 110 879 sq.km, each different from one to another, the National Arts Gallery, the National Foreign Art and with its own charm and beauty. Thousands of Gallery, Sofia City Hall, Ivan Vazov’s House-Museum, opportunities to study the wild flora and fauna and the National Theatre of Ivan Vazov, the Parliament tempting hiking trips await all those wishing to enjoy Building, the Unknown Soldier Monument, Saint the beauty of the Bulgarian nature. George Rotund, Sofia University of Kliment Ohridski, In Bulgaria you may witness many colorful traditions, Bulgarian National Bank, Boyana Church, the preserved in many parts of the country, taste local National Library of Cyril and Mehtodius, Vasil Levski culinary specialties and wines or even master some Monument, Vasil Levski Stadium, and The Russian traditional craft. church of Saint Nicolas. With so much opportunities for exciting tours around The price for the service is 1.20 leva per minute incl. this small country with rich history and culture, VAT with the call duration varying between 3 and 5 the village, spa, ecological, mountain, adventure, minutes depending on the site. religious, and cultural tourism are the fastest growing branches of this economical sphere over the past Ski Resorts few years. The winter tourism has seen swift development in the recent years. More than EUR 500 million investments Black Sea Coast were allocated to the Bansko resort, and even more are Bulgarian sea resorts offer excellent accommodation planned for other traditional winter resort like Borovets at five, four, three, and two-star hotels, both seasonal and Pamporovo in the years to come. and working all year round. They also provide a rich The sustained growth stimulates investments in the variety of sports and fun activities. branch. The facilities are being constantly renovated The following Bulgarian sea resorts were distinguished while the prices in Bulgaria remain considerably lower with the prestigious Blue Flag Award: Roussalka, than in other competitive countries. The capacity of Albena, Golden Sands, Riviera, Sunny Day, Elenite, the winter resorts increases gradually. During the Nessebar Beach, Sunny Beach, Pomorie Beach, summer mountains offer opportunities for rock climbing Duni, and the International Youth Center in Primorsko. and caving in the 4300 caves (12 are supplied with electricity). Higher mountain areas provide excellent Various harbors and piers provide opportunities for conditions for different sports, e.g. ski mountaineering, yachting, surfing, water skiing, scuba diving, motor cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc. driving. CITY INFO Unesco Heritage GUIDES .com The UNESCO List of World Heritage now features over 300 landmarks in our country. Nine Bulgarian wonders For more info, search for Varna and Burgas - seven cultural and two natural sites – are included City Info Guide, among them: Rila Monastery, Nessebar, The Kazanluk www.cityinfoguides.com Tomb, The Sveshtari Tomb, The Madara Horseman, The “Bulgaria in miniatures”- a mobile guide Boyana Church, The Ivanovo Rock Monasteries, Pirin A unique information system was launched on the National Park, Sreburna Lake. Bulgarian National Holiday (3 March) 2006, which Rural Tourism cannot be found anywhere else in Europe. Bulgarian and non-Bulgarian visitors alike can now In the recent years village tourism in Bulgaria receive information about some of the most popular successfully competes with similar activities in other European countries. The stay in a Bulgarian village historical monuments and natural phenomena in provides a unique opportunity to submerge in a Bulgaria. “Bulgaria in miniatures” is a mobile guide traditional environment and lifestyle, which spans over created with the support of the three national mobile the ages. Just imagine magical views, charming villas, phone providers. The most significant historical Bulgaria in Brief 11 guest houses and family hotels, organic food, hospitable cheese local people, over 600 mineral springs, the scent of the Chushki byurek – fried peppers stuffed with egg and rose oil and you will gain only a glimpse of what awaits cheese you in the Bulgarian countryside. Sirene po shopski – white cheese, egg, tomatoes and Adventure Tourism peppers baked in a pot. Adventure tourism in Bulgaria is gaining strong Desserts momentum because all regions of the country are The garash torta is the Bulgarian equivalent of the equally suitable for high-adrenaline thrills. In most of Sacher Torte, made from eggs, walnuts and cocoa. the mountains you can enjoy incredible rock caves, climb amazing peaks, and finally, soar in the skies with Snacks a paraglider. Some of our famous resorts like Bansko, Snacks (‘zakuska’) are available almost everywhere in Borovets and Pamporovo offer plenty of opportunities to tiny shops or from stands on the street. practice winter extreme sports. Banitsa – fillo dough pastry filled with white cheese Gevrek – like a very dry bagel, sold from big bags on Bulgarian cuisine street corners. Local cuisine in Bulgaria is a colorful mix of oriental and Homemade Alchohol Balkan dishes. While the shopska salad, the Rhodope Rakia – A type of high-grade liquor is a magic drink no banitsa pastry and the tarator an enthusiastic welcome, one can resist. If you are invited to a Bulgarian home, the boza (a drink made of fermented millet) and the tripe your host will proudly offer you some aged „slivovitza“ soup could may not please your taste but you should (plum rakia) or „grozdanka“ (made of grapes). The at least try them. Bulgarian cuisine consists of plenty very first glass is certain to raise your spirit but after the of fresh vegetables, eaten raw, roasted or stewed with third one you may have a splitting headache on the next meat in terra-cotta pots, lots of garlic, onions, sunflower day. „Drink in moderation” is a recommendation left to oil and spices. Influences of Bulgaria’s neighbours, everyone’s best judgment. Turkey and Greece are also present in dishes such as Bulgarian wines – Wine producing in Bulgaria has ‘sarmi’ (stuffed vine leaves), moussaka and baklava. A a long history and traditions, dating back to the salad and rakia (Bulgarian schnapps) are the obligatory Thracioans. In1980 Bulgaria was the world’s second start for a meal. largest wine producer. In nowadays the county is still You may find some traditional Bulgarian Dishes, listed one of the biggest importers of wine in the world. All below which are worth trying: Bulgarian wine styles keep their recipes as a secret, but they will amaze you with their taste, high-quality Salads and affordable prices. You should try for sure the Shopska salata – chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red varieties Mavrud, Melnik and Gamza, and white onions and peppers sprinkled with Bulgarian white one – Keratsuda. cheese Tips Snezhanka – thick creamy yoghurt with chopped cucumber or gherkins, walnuts and garlic Features About Bulgarians Kyopolou – roasted aubergines, peppers, loads of • One unique feature is that Bulgarians most often nod garlic, parsley for ‘no’ and shake their heads for ‘yes’. Watch out! It Soups can lead to a funny confusion. • It is common courtesy to take flowers when invited Bob chorba – traditional bean soup with plenty of herbs to someone’s home. These should be an odd number Shkembe chorba – tripe soup with garlic, vinegar and i.e. 3, 5 or 7 stems. 2, 4 or 6 stems are taken only chili, quite tasty if you can bring yourself to try it at funerals. Tarator – cold yoghurt and cucumber soup. •Bulgarians are a hospitable nation and they will lay a plenty of food on the table for you. Do your best not Meat Dishes to leave anything on your plate or you will hurt your Kavarma – meat and vegetable stew, usually served in hostess. If your hosts have young children, remember individual pots to bring a bar of chocolate or some treats for them. Kyufteta – spicy meat balls • Tipping in a restaurant is expected – around 10-15%, Kebaptcheta – spicy minced grilled meat, look like even when the service has been dire. Taxi drivers sausages expect a tip too, in the same percentages. • Many public places charge small fees to use their Vegetarian Dishes bathrooms, usually 0,20-0,50 leva. Some of them still Kashkaval (or sirene) pane – fried yellow (or white) have porcelain ‘squat pots’ instead of real toilets. 12EDITOR’SBulgaria in Brief TOP 5 BULGARIAN SPORT ACHIEVEMENTS

Did you know that with its 220 medals total, Bulgaria ranks around the top 20s in the all-time Olympic medal table? The Olympic Games will take place from August 5th till August 21st in Rio de Janeiro. Therefore I’ve got inspired to share with you some of the best Bulgarian sport achievements through the last decades.

One of the long-standing athletic world records belongs to Stefka Kostadinova. The 1. Bulgarian won the “High jump” of the World Championships in Rome back in 1987. For 29 years the score of 2.09 meters has been held from her and no other has managed to match or beat this record.

Another unmatched Bulgarian athletic achievement belongs to Yordanka Donkova. 2. Her record in “100 meters hurdles” set in 1988 continues to be the benchmark for all women in this discipline. Remarkably, Donkova set the record three times in 1986 before it was beaten by her team mate Ginka Zagorcheva in 1987, but Donkova final mark of 12:21 still stands today. Bulgaria in Brief 13

There is no Bulgarian 3. who will ever forget the summer of 1994, known also as the time of the Golden Generation of Bulgarian football. The most epic country’s football achievement is the fourth place finish at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The team of Bulgaria, led by Yordan Lechkov, Nasko Siranov, Emil Kostadinov and Hristo Stoickov (Ballon d’Or winner of the championship) beat the World Cup holders, back in these days, Germany to make it to the semi-finals. Unfortunately, a loss against Italy prevented them to reach the final, however they finished at the world’s top four.

Petar Stroychev 4. became the first person to swim the treacherous waters of the English Channel in less than seven hours in 2007. His time of 6 hours and less than 58 minutes set a new record of the fastest English Channel swim. In 2012 the Australian Trent Grimsey beat his time by about 3 minutes, but during his professional career Petar Stoychev has proven to be counted among the legends of long-distance (marathon) swimming with numerous titles in prestigious competitions, including the World Cup (seven-times winner) and the Grand Prix.

Another unbelievable achievement 5. belongs to Yordan Yovchev, the best Bulgarian gymnast ever to live. During the Olympic Games in London 2012 became the only gymnastic athlete to ever participate in six Olympic Games. This definitely is a record in the history of the world’s sport because no one has ever achieved six participations on the Olympics in sport like gymnastics, requiring huge physical efforts. During his sport career Yovchev has won numerous gold, silver and bronze medals from European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games both in the gymnastic disciplines “Rings” and “Floor”. 14 Bulgaria in Brief

Alphabet Аа a (as in cat) Пп p (as in pot) Бб b (as in bus) Рр r (as in red) Вв v (as in very) Сс s (as in sit) Гг g (as in good) Тт t (as in tree) Дд d (as in dog) Уу u (as in yule) Ее e (as in egg) Фф f (as in foot) Жж zh (like’s‘ in leisure) Хх h (like ’ch‘ in Bach) Зз z (as in zoo) Цц ts (as in puts) Ии i (as in instant) Чч ch (as in check) Йй y (as in young) Шш sh (as in shut) Кк k (as in kick) Щщ sht (like ’shed‘ in pushed) Лл l (as in love) Ъъ a (like ’u‘ in but) Мм m (as in marry) Ьь (consonant soften ing sign) Нн n (as in no) Юю yu (like you) Оо o (as in hot) Яя ya (as in yank)

Months January januari April april July yuli October oktomvri February fevruari May may August avgust November noemvri March mart June yuni September septemvri December dekemvri

Week Days

Monday ponedelnik Wednesday sryada Friday petak Tuesday vtornik Thursday chetvartak Saturday sabota Sunday nedelya

Numbers

1 edno 12 dvanadeset 53 petdeset i tri 2 dve 13 trinadeset 64 shestdeset i chetiri 3 tri 14 chetirinadeset 75 sedemdeset i pet 4 chetiri 15 petnadeset 86 osemdeset i shest 5 pet 16 shestnadeset 97 devetdeset i sedem 6 shest 17 sedemnadeset 100 sto 7 sedem 18 osemnadeset 1,000 hilyada 8 osem 19 devetnadeset 10,000 deset hilyadi 9 devet 20 dvadeset 100,000 sto hilyadi 10 deset 31 trideset i edno 1,000,000 edin milion 11 edinadeset 42 chetirideset i dve Bulgaria in Brief 15

BULGARIAN SPOKEN ENGLISH Поздрави Pozdravi Greetings

Добро утро [Do’bro ‘utro] Good morning Добър ден [‘Dobar ‘den] Good day Добър вечер [‘Dobar ‘vecher] Good evening Здравейте [Zdra’veite] Hallo Как сте? [‘Kak ste?] How are you? Добре [Do’bre] Good Аз съм добре [‘Az sam do’bre] I’m all right Благодаря [Blagoda’rya] Thank you Извинявайте [Izvi’nyavaite] Excuse me Как се казвате? [‘Kak se ‘kazvate?] What’s your name? Къде се намира...? [Ka’de se na’mira] Where is ...?

Местоположение Mestopolozhenie Getting Around

... улица/булевард [‘ulitsa/bule’vard ...] ...Street/Boulevard ... площад/паметник [plosh’tad/’pametnik] ... Square/Monument ... пощата/летището [‘poshtata/le’tishteto] ... the post/the airport ... ресторант [resto’rant ...] ... restaurant ...... пазара/аптеката [pa’zara/ap’tekata] ... the market/pharmacy ... хотел [ho’tel ...] ... hotel ...... гарата/автогарата [‘garata/’avto’garata] ... the station/the bus station магазин [maga’zin] shop спирка [‘spirka] bus/tram stop първата/втората [‘parvata/’vtorata the first/second пресечка pre’sechka] intersection...... наляво [na’lyavo] ... on the left ... надясно [na’dyasno] ... on the right ... направо [na’pravo] ... straight ahead

Пазаруване Pazaruvane Shopping Колко струва това? [‘Kolko ‘struva to’va?] How much does this cost? Къде мога да купя?... [Ka’de ‘moga da ‘kupya?] Where can I buy?... дрехи [‘drehi] clothes обувки [o’buvki] shoes храна [hra’na] food цигари [tsi’gari] cigarettes подаръци [po’daratsi] presents евтино [‘evtino] cheap скъпо [‘skapo] expensive

Храна и напитки Hrana i napitki Eating & Drinking Имате ли меню на [‘Imate li me’nyu na Do you have a menu in английски? ang’liiski?] English? предястия [pre’dyastiya] starters основни ястия [os’novni ‘yastiya] main courses десерт [de’sert] dessert вегетариански [vegeta’rianski] vegetarian пиле [‘pile] chicken риба [‘riba] fish свинско [‘svinsko] pork телешко [‘teleshko] veal / beef картофи [kar’tofi] potatoes ориз [o’riz] rice kафе [ka’fe] coffee чай [‘chai] tea горещо [go’reshto] hot (temp) бира [‘bira] bier бяло вино [‘byalo ‘vino] white wine червено вино [cher’veno ‘vino] red wine вода [vo’da] water Сметката, ако обичате. [‘Smetkata, a’ko o’bichate.] Can we have the bill, please? 16 overview

Plovdiv - Ancient and Eternal

Plovdiv is one of the oldest urban estab- some of the reasons for which the city of lishments in the world history. Its his- Plovdiv remains so interesting and appeal- tory dates back to the Neolithic era and ing throughout the years. Its geographical according to many updated historical data position between seven syenite hills and and researches the first settlement in this on the two banks of Maritsa River and area was founded around 4000 year B.C. mild climate with many warm sunny days Initially it was a Thracian city known as during the whole year also adds greatly to Puplpudeva but throughout the centuries its special charm. On the other hand the Plovdiv was largely known by its Greek passage of various tribes, the frequent name Philippopolis given to it in the honor change of ruling states especially in the of the father of Alexander the Great king medieval ages and the long Ottoman Philip II. The ancient name of the city dominance are maybe the main reasons Philippopolis is still largely used in Greece for Plovdiv’s unique history, cultural tradi- and in Cyprus. tions, local mentality of the city inhabitants Plovdiv passed in Roman hands as a and way of life. result of the separation of the Roman And last but not the least-Plovdiv has Empire and then the city passed under always been one of the main spiritual cen- Byzantine rule. The Bulgarian hegemony ters in Bulgaria. Its longstanding Orthodox over Plovdiv was firmly established after tradition has defined its history from 5th the wars of King Simeon the Great with century onwards. Nowadays Plovdiv is the Byzantium but later Byzantine Emperor second largest Christian Orthodox diocese Vassileios II got back control of the city. In of the Bulgarian Patriarchy which has the beginning of 13th century Plovdiv got a significant importance in the religious matters of our country. under the jurisdiction of the Latin Empire Many scholars point out the fact that which marked the beginning of major Plovdiv is the perfect example how rela- Catholic religious influence in the area. tively harmonious coexistence among As a result of this even at this point the different cultures can be achieved in the biggest Catholic community in Bulgaria is Balkans. Bulgarians, Greeks, Jews, Turks, in Plovdiv. Armenians and Roma live together in a Later on Bulgarian rule was established quite convenient way. These character- in Plovdiv for a short period but in 1364 istics of the city have also found their the expanding Ottoman army seized the reflection in its architecture, in its gastro- city and it became part of the new empire. nomic culture and generally in the way of Plovdiv was finally included in the borders life of the citizens. The local inhabitants of the modern Bulgarian state on 6th of are generally open for new contacts and September 1885 after the Unification of experiences, warm and talkative and ready the Princedom of Bulgaria with the Eastern to offer a helping hand to a stranger. Also Rumelia Province of the ailing Ottoman they are very fond of having a good time Empire. and with a vibrant sense of humor which This short historical flashback shows sometimes could be quite spicy. overview 17

Bearing in mind all of the above you will have a splendid time in Plovdiv for sure. The best way to feel and research the unique atmosphere of the city is to visit some of its historical and cultural landmarks where you can also meet and observe its people. They are located mainly in the centre and in the areas around it so they could be easily found and accessed. Here is a list of some of them:

The ancient Roman Theatre is one of the few of its kind so well preserved and maintained. It dates back to the rule of Emperor Trajan (98-117) and it has 7000 seats. On some of the walls of the theatre there are some quite interesting inscriptions in ancient Greek. It is part of the greater Roman City which includes the Odeon and the Stadium. The Roman theatre is one of the symbols of Plovdiv and is included in the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage. It is good to know also that during spring and summer time a lot of theatrical plays are staged there. The experience of watching a performance in such a surrounding is really unforgettable.

St. Marina Cathedral is the main temple of the Plovdiv Orthodox diocese. The tradition says that the church was erected first in the middle of 15th century but it was constructed in its current state and wholly in stone from 1851 to 1856. St. Marina Cathedral is notable for its unique wooden bell tower, for the mural paintings depicting masterfully different Bible themes and for the astonishing wood carved Episcopal The Old Town is definitely one of the best throne. The cathedral is very popular spot preserved and maintained cultural sites for the citizens of Plovdiv especially on big in Bulgaria. It is designated as a historical Christian holidays and also is preferred holy reserve by state law and was fully renovated space for religious weddings and baptisms. and maintained during the 70’s and the 80’s of the last century. It gives the visitor the opportunity for a walk through a historical micro cosmos of the different stages of development of Plovdiv-from the ancient times to the period of the liberation of the country. The Old Town of Plovdiv is one of the most visited and popular historical sites in Bulgaria and still is a centre of a rich cultural activity. Each building carries its own charm and character and combines various features from different epochs and architectural influences. 18 overview

The Dzhumaia Mosque is a typical The Cathedral of St. Louis is maybe Ottoman medieval religious temple. It is the biggest Catholic temple in Bulgaria. It located in the center of Plovdiv The inside was constructed in 1850 and also the first decoration of the mosque is dominated organ in the country was installed inside it by typical Ottoman designs some of in 1861. The cathedral is the natural centre which depict various verses from the of the rich Catholic tradition in this part of Quran. Recently it has become object of the state and adds a different neoclassical controversy between the Muslim religious touch to the architectural scenery of the communities in Bulgaria and some political city. circles and NGOs.

The Synagogue Cion is a perfect example of the Jewish religious architecture enriched from the influences of the Ottoman culture. It is built in a part of the Old Town of Plovdiv where the Jewish quarter was located two or three centuries ago. The Synagogue has a richly painted dome, an exquisite Venetian-glass chandelier and all the surfaces are covered with elaborate geometrical designs.

There are some other places and sites in Plovdiv where you can feel its spirit and unique atmosphere. For example there are interesting open spaces, sports and recreational areas and also beautiful parks and quarters nearby the city centre. We recomended some of them:

The Kapana area is located very close The City Centre is an ideal option for to the city center and to the Old Town. It a walk in all times of the day. Most of the is a charming neighborhood with small buildings are well preserved and renovated picturesque streets and little shops full and create wonderful scenery for a beautiful of handcrafted souvenirs, paintings and day out. The main street “Alexander jewelry. The architecture is very similar to Battenberg” is pedestrian zone and most this of the Old Town so it is a perfect place of the major luxury shops, restaurants and for a walk and shopping. cafeterias are situated there. overview 19

Nebet Tepe is one of the many historical spaces in Plovdiv which deserves your The International Trade Fair is attention. It is an archeological site where another landmark of the city which deserves you may find the remnants of an ancient attention. It was founded in 1892 and since citadel which dates back to the Thracian then the Fair has gradually become the and the Hellenic Era. Down the hill there biggest exhibition venue in Southeastern are two beautiful Orthodox temples-St Europe. Except the trade shows which the Constantine and St. Elena and St. Nedelya. Fair hosts every year there are a lot of other cultural, commercial and public activities which take place there on a permanent basis. It has 17 pavilions, vast parking lot and is a prime example of the modern architecture from the 80’s.

The Bunardzhika Hill is the second highest hill of the seven ones among which the city has evolved through the centuries. The city inhabitants prefer the Bunardzhika Hill for small getaways in the nature and for The Rowing Channel is one of the other recreational activities. There are also biggest and most elaborate athletic facilities two monuments of major significance-the ever built in Bulgaria. Its length is 2200 statue of the Russian Tzar Alexander II and meters and it is designed to meet all the the monument of the Soviet soldier Alyosha, requirements for international rowing a vast reminder of the period of Communist championships. rule in Bulgaria.

The Lauta carting track is outside the The open space between Ramada Hotel and city center. Many young people visit the the Central Post Office is a preferred route place in order to experience high levels of for a walk by many of the citizens of Plovdiv. adrenaline when racing the small carting Very often this part of the large pedestrian vehicles which slightly resemble the bolides area in the city center hosts various major of a Formula 1 Championship. If you are concerts and other happenings. Nearby not so fond of extreme experiences you there are a lot of restaurants and cafeterias just may watch the amateur races among where you can have a good meal or a the drivers or play some pool games in the refreshment. recreational premises nearby. 20 overview

Plovdiv CITY REGION Waters Today Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria The main river in Plovdiv region is Maritsa. It is a with a total population about 350.000 people. It is major natural water and energy source not only a big economical, cultural, educational and tourist for Bulgaria but also for our southern neighbors center and therefore it plays major role in the Greece and Turkey. Its hydro abundance makes development of the country. The vast traditions it extremely significant for the public water supply in trade, handcrafts, industrial development and in the near areas and also for the irrigation of the entrepreneurship make Plovdiv an attractive point rich arable land in the Thracian lowlands. Maritza’s for business investments, for education, for main tributaries are Pyasachnik, Stryama, Vucha recreational and leisure activities. Besides the fact and Chepelarska rivers. From the ancient times of being somehow underestimated in favor of the region has been quite famous for its mineral Sofia during the Communist regime Plovdiv was springs. The main concentration of curative waters able to maintain its standing as a large local center is in Hissar, Klissura, Assenovgrad, Banya, and and as the most significant city in South Bulgaria. also in the villages of Kuklen, Narechen, Krasnovo, Stoletovo, Rozino, Bogdan and Kliment. Thus the Some of the top Bulgarian educational and cultural region has become one of the most significant institutions such as the University of Plovdiv “Paisii centers of spa tourism in Southeastern Europe Hilendarski”, the University for Food Technologies, especially in the last 30 years. the Medical University, the Agricultural University and the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, the Waterfalls State Opera Theatre, the Drama Theatre, the Puppet SLIVODOLSKO PADALO (near the village of Yugovo, Theatre, the Public Library “Ivan Vazov” are located Lucky municipality) is situated near the town of in Plovdiv. For example, it is a well-known fact that Bachkovo which is the home of one of the most the first modern theater performance in Bulgaria important Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria – the was staged in Plovdiv. Monastery of Bachkovo. The waterfall Slivodolsko padalo is the highest waterfall in the Rhodope Land Mountain. It was designated in 2005 as a protected Plovdiv region is located in Central Southern Bulgaria. natural phenomenon together with the adjacent It is surrounded by the regions of Pazardzhik, Sofia, typical rock formations in the village of Yugovo, Lovech, Stara Zagora, Haskovo, Kurdzhali and Lucky municipality. It is a part of the natural reserve Smolyan. The area includes the Upper Thracian “Chervenata stena”. The water drops from over lowlands, parts of the Rhodope and Sredna Gora 40m height and the natural phenomenon covers a mountains and the Balkan range with its beautiful territory of 0.7 hectares. It is a preferred destination foothills. The main road artery is the Trakia for a getaway trip because one can combine a motorway which was built after a lengthy and highly visit to the waterfall and the rock formations in controversial construction process. The highway the reserve with a great spiritual experience at the connects Western Europe with Turkey and its Bachkovo Monastery. capital Istanbul and thus the road serves as a main THE SOUCHOUROUM is situated north from the transportation artery between the Old Continent and beautiful town of Karlovo, which is a place of great Asia. The modern road is also of top importance for historical and cultural significance. The area of 0.6 Bulgaria since it is the main infrastructural commute hectares around the waterfall is a protected territory. between Western Bulgaria and the southern parts of Located at 1,700 m above sea level, the height of the Black Sea Coast. Another important artery in the the waterfall is 15 meters. Here you may enjoy a region is the Sub-Balkan Road, which runs parallel small piece of the incredible beauty of the Balkan to the Trakia motorway. It connects the Northern Mountain and also to feel the soothing effect of the and the Southern parts of Bulgaria and also provides grand natural scenery. the travelers with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy THE RAYSKO PRASKALO is the highest waterfall on stunning natural scenery along with their trip. the Balkan Peninsula and one of the most famous natural sights in Bulgaria. It is located in the Balkan Climate Mountain range and it is a part of the Dzhendema Plovdiv city enjoys usually hot summers, beautiful and Natural Reserve. Near the waterfall is another town sunny springs and autumns and rarely snowy winters. with historical significance – Kalofer. The waterfall overview 21 is surrounded by beautiful rock formations which forests, as well as the magnificent Steneto Gorge. attract hikers and tourists who enjoy the natural The reserve covers a total of 3578.8 hectares and beauty, especially in summer. is the second largest after Dzhendema. The reserve DAMS contains the largest variety of forest and rock birds on the Balkans (rare winged creatures - Booted Konush Dam is located in the vicinity of the and Golden eagle, Eurasian hobby, Eurasian eagle- village of Konush, 15 km to the northeast of the owl, little owls, as well as almost all woodpeckers town of Assenovgrad. Near the dam is the habitat indigenous to Bulgaria. The Steneto Reserve is of more than 114 rare bird species, 21 of which are well-known for the numerous rock caves and included in the Bulgarian Red Book for Endangered hollows situated there, also with rock formations

Species. The region is especially important for the with severe, imposing beauty. preservation of rare species because it is the only place in Europe where the small cormorant bird CHERVENATA STENA (THE RED WALL) is part could be found during its migration period and also of the outer lands of the villages of Borovo, an almost extinct type of pelican. The surrounding Lucky Municipality and the villages of Bachkovo, area is included in the “Natura 2000” program. Dobrostan and Oreshetz, Assenovgrad Municipality. It is the biggest biosphere reserve at the Rhodope Pyasachnik Dam Mountain. There can be found rare floral and animal The total area of the dam is 3178.99 hectares. It is located entirely in the Plovdiv region. It was built on species which are almost extinct in Bulgaria and the river of the same name about 2 km northeast Greece. You may combine a visit to the reserve with of the village of Lyuben, Plovdiv region. The rivers a trip to the Bachkovo Monastery and the famous of Kalavashtitsa and Gerenska flow into the dam. Assenovgrad fortress. The dam is quite famous among the fans of fishing BELINTASH is located near the village of Sini Vrah, and in the recent years some small hotels have Assenovgrad Municipality. It was declared a reserve been opened there. A world record for catching the in 2003 for the purpose of protecting the unique biggest grass carp fish was hanged up at the dam rock formation on the territory of the village. It a few years ago. covers an area of 2.3 hectares. There is a significant Natural phenomena and reserves historical relic – the Rock Epigraphy of Belintash, The Dzhendema Natural Reserve is also which is a major source of the historical study of known as White River, with a territory of 4220, 2 the Thracian civilization. hectares. Dzhendema is the largest reserve in the Balkan Mountain range and the second largest in Through the Centuries In the distant past, the region was inhabited by Bulgaria. It is located in the Central Balkan Natural the Thracians, and later it was conquered by the Reserve under Botev peak. 70 % of its territory Romans (Roman province of Thrace). These lands is covered by old forests. It is famous for its bird became part of the Bulgarian state in the 9th century species (The Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Golden during the reign of Khan Presian. In the period 14th Eagle) and also for the highest waterfall at the – 19th century, Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Balkan Peninsula – Raysko Praskalo waterfall. Empire, and after the Liberation of 1878, the Berlin The Stara Reka (Old River) Reserve covers a total Treaty divided the country into several parts. The area of 1947.7 hectares. It was established in town of Plovdiv was part of the province of Eastern 1981 with main purpose to preserve the unique Rumelia, and in the subsequent years the Bulgarian eco-systems of deciduous, coniferous and mixed population of the region and the rest of the country forests, as well as rare and endangered plant took active part in the struggle to unite Eastern species. Twenty of these plant species cannot be found anywhere else outside Bulgaria. The reserve Rumelia with the Principality of Bulgaria. The union is located in the catchment areas of the Stara Reka took place on 6 September 1885. and Mala Reka rivers, near the historical town of Economy Karlovo. Plovdiv region is a large industrial and agricultural STENETO reserve spans over Plovdiv and Lovech area with well-developed and diverse sectors of the Districts and includes territories of the outer lands economy. Over 100 types of agricultural crops of of the villages of Karnare and Pevcite, Plovdiv area. economic significance are grown there including Here you can enjoy centuries’ old beech and spruce some of the most aromatic and exclusive brands 22 overview

of oriental tobacco. The region is well-known also for ancient times. The spa tourism has been a boosting its large vine fields which are the basis for numerous trend in the area especially in the last 30 years sorts of strong, potent and fine dry red wines like and a lot of fine hotels and spa centers have been Trakia and Mavrud. These sorts are exclusively developed there. developed in the foothills of Rodope Mountains near Krastova Gora (Fortress of the Cross) and the the city of Assenovgrad which together with Melnik numerous monasteries in the Rhodope Mountain is one of the oldest wine producing regions in our and in the foothills of the Balkan Mountain range are country. Other significant regions with exquisite wine suitable for the development of pilgrimage tourism. selections are the towns of Brezovo and Karlovo, Especially popular among the tourists and the people which are located to the north of Plovdiv. with strong Orthodox beliefs are the BACHKOVO Plovdiv region has a strong tradition in the industrial Monastery, the KUKLEN Monastery. sector. The main production branches here are food and meat production and processing and also Airport Information canning, wine, dairy, brewery and tobacco industries. For flight information: www.plovdivairport.com Another strongly developed sectors are those of light Phone: +359 (0)32 60 11 27 industrial activities especially cotton processing and Plovdiv Airport is located 12 kilometers southeast clothing, footwear and leather industry. of Plovdiv (near the main road to Assenovgrad). Fair Plovdiv There are regular flights to and from London Since 1892 when the International Plovdiv Fair (Stansted) and Frankfurt (Hahn). commenced its existence Plovdiv has established itself as a top destination for business tourism. Public Transport Two times each year the Fair with its 19 pavilions The transport inside the city is relatively easy to gathers business travelers from all over the world use. There are regular bus and trolley lines. Most of offering them plenty of opportunities for future the locations in the city center are easier to access professional and entrepreneurial contacts and for a walking on a foot. The taxi’s services are not very quality time entertainment. expensive. The taxi fares are fixed since the large transport companies involved in this activity have its Tourism own price control policy. But be careful when you The city of Plovdiv and the region have a well- hire a cab from the Intercity Bus Stations or in front developed infrastructure, which covers to a great of a large hotel, because sometimes the drivers may extent the demands of the modern tourist industry. try to make you pay higher price than the usual one. Plovdiv region spans over an area of 5.962 sq. km You have to take good notice of the price sticker on and includes 18 municipalities. the side doors and also of the service number of the Plovdiv and the surrounding area are rich in natural, taxi driver which is usually displayed above the front cultural, archaeological and historical sites, providing seat together with his company ID. excellent conditions for the development of cultural tourism –the Old Town of Plovdiv, the fortress of Assenovgrad, the Roman fortress in Hissar, the Railway Central Railway Station Plovdiv is located near museum-towns of Kalofer, Sopot, Karlovo, Klisura, Panagyurishte, the Thracian cult center in the village the centre. of Starosel, etc. 46 Hristo Botev Blvd. The Rhodope Mountains provides favorable Phone: +359 (0)32 622 729; +359 (0)32 632 720 conditions for mountain, ski, ecological, hunting www.bdz.bg and fishing tourism. The biosphere reserves there are full of natural phenomena, rich in rare flora and Taxi fauna which attract nature lovers and members of the All legal and registered taxi cabs in Plovdiv must scientific community. be yellow. Prices are about 0.65 BGN per kilometer The mineral springs near Hissar, Banya and plus an initial fee. Before you take a cab make Narechen are a prerequisite for the development of sure that the prices are correct listed on the car’s balneological and SPA centers. The curative waters window. Recommended phone numbers: 6665, there have been famous all over the Balkans from 9199, 6106, 6142. overview 23

Plovdiv will host European Canoe Championships for juniors and youths up to 23 years old. The event will take place from July 14th until July 17th at the Rowing Channel – Plovdiv.

Around 1 000 athletes will compete on the classic test of speed and power in a separate lane over three different distances: 200 m, 500 m and 1000 m.

Angel Kodinov will represent Bulgaria and Plovdiv and hopes to win the title in the discipline 1000 m. The 18-years-old athlete has already won quotas for participation in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. 24 Accommodation

Due to its long traditions in tourism and to the innate hospitality of its citizens Plo- vdiv offers various options for accommodation-from luxuri- ous facilities to small family hotels, guest houses and hostels. In the recent years the major hotels in Plovdiv have been fully renovated, redecorated and expanded in order to meet the demands of the upper class clientele. There are two major 5-star hotels in Plovdiv with longstanding tradition in hospitality which are preferred by tourists with bigger demands on terms of service and amenities. The staff there is well-educated and polite and is ready to offer you its assistance in an impeccable manner. There are also enough hotels of lower category with almost the same level of service and amenities. But if you want to spend your time in Plovdiv with less pretence but in warm, cozy and family like atmosphere you can arrange your stay in a nice small hotel or guest house where you may try some home cooked meals and experience some warm, down-to-earth hospitality. Accommodation 25

SANKT PETERBURG HOTEL PLOVDIV 26 Accommodation

Room Service TV in All Rooms Minibar in All Rooms Airconditioned Rooms Restaurant Bar Business Facilities Swimming Pool Fitness Facilities Casino Hotel Parking Credit Cards WiFi Handicape Room with good view

NOVOTEL PLOVDIV ALLIANCE

7, Vasil Aprilov Blvd. 2, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev Str. [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 032/ 646 333 [email protected] www.alliancehotel.com www.icep.bg Beds - 50, Rooms - 25 Phone: 032/ 934 252; 032/ 934 444; 032/ 934 163 Beds - 640 Double - 322 Appartments - 9

RAMADA PLOVDIV Trimontium

HEBROS 2, Kapitan Raycho Str. www.bgprincess.com [email protected] Phone: 032/ 605 000; 032/ 605 009 Beds - 290, Double - 154, Appartments - 4 51, Konstantin Stoilov Str. (Old Town) [email protected] Trimontium,one of the symbols of Plovdiv,is a Phone: 032/ 260 180 well-established hotel in the city centre,enjoys hotel-residence an ideal location near the main shopping and www.hebros-hotel.com business district, the old town and the Antique Beds - 21 Amphitheater. It has got an unique indoor swim- Double - 5 ming pool, fitting into the Roman Remains. It is Appartments - 3 a hotel with international repute and traditional Single - 1 hospitality. Accommodation 27

MARITSA

42, Tsar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd. www.victoria-group.net/ hotelmaritza/bg/welcome.htm [email protected] Phone: 032/ 952 735 Beds - 146, Rooms - 111 The 4-star Maritza Hotel is situated in the town 1, St. Valentin Str. Regatta Venue of Plovdiv on the very bank of Maritza River www.landmarkhotel.bg in the close proximity of the International Fair, [email protected] the historical old Plovdiv and the city shopping Rooms: Double 52 center. This location and the splendid conditions Landmark Creek Hotel is the newest boutique four-star of accommodation and business make it the hotel in Plovdiv. Located at the start of the Olympic most preferred business hotel in town during rowing channel the hotel offers a unique combination of the exhibition program performances, as well as tranquility of nature and the urban dynamic environment. for conference events and business meetings The hotel complex has 52 designer rooms, a garden on national and international level. restaurant, outdoor pool, spa and fitness center, lobby bar, conference hall, panorama bar. The discreet luxury, the stunning panorama view and the high level of service can satisfy even the highest demands.

NOVIZ

55, Ruski Blvd. [email protected] www.hotel.noviz.com Phone: 032/ 631 281 Cell: 0888 826 666 Beds - 40, Single - 4, Double - 10, LEIPZIG Appartments - 4, Studio - 2 Noviz hotel is the first private high category hotel in Plovdiv, combines the modern technologies 70, Ruski Blvd. with cozy and hospitality. Starting from June, www.leipzig.bg 2014, a Buffet breakfast is offered at Noviz Hotel [email protected] as a part of our customer-cares services. All our [email protected] guests, who have paid for any accommodation [email protected] board, that is inclusive of breakfast will now Phone: 032/ 654 000; 032/ 654 404 enjoy our Buffet breakfast in the cool and fresh Beds - 96, Single - 19, Double - 31, Appart.- 10 air of our Restaurant’s terrace . 28 Accommodation

www.ccu-bg.coop Hotel Intelcoop is located in a quiet residential region in Plovdiv. It has 72 rooms of which 7 apartments, 20 double rooms and 43 bedrooms and single rooms. Available for the hotel’s guests is COOP Restaurant offering Bulgarian and international cuisine and lobby bar where SANKT PETERBURG they can taste various wines and beverages. Hotel Intelcoop is specialized in congress and business tourism and offers 7 seminar halls 97, Bulgaria Blvd. with various capacity, located in an academic – www.sphotel.net conference wing. [email protected] COOP – Your place for holidays and business! Phone: 032/ 951 830 Single - 38, Double - 38, Studios - 100, Suits - 14 Room Rates - 33 Euro - 110 Euro Park Hotel Sankt Peterburg, the highest modern complex in Plovdiv, welcomes its guests in an atmosphere of unique harmony, elegance, comfort.

64, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. Phone: 032/ 350 500; 032/ 340 560 Cell: 0888 312 723; 0885 945 788 Fax: 0888 / 312 730 [email protected] www.mirenahotel.com 27 rooms (14 of which are doubles, 6 double bedrooms, 7 beds) and 1 suite. ∙ Central air-conditioning and ventilation, with the opportunity for the guests in each room. ∙ High-speed wired internet access, LCD TV, telephone, personal electronic safe, mini bar. ∙ Bathroom with telephone and hairdryer, specially equipped room and bathroom for disabled. HOTEL INTELCOOP ∙ Parking outside and underground parking with 4 spaces. ∙ Room service, transportation services upon request. 13A, Konstantin Nunkov Str. ∙ Laundry and dry cleaning. Phone: +359 878 671 185; ∙ Warm hospitality combined high level of ser- Fax: +359 32 692 847; vice. [email protected]; ∙ Affordable, opportunities for discounts. ∙ Cash and credit cards. www.cityinfoguides.com Accommodation 29

6th May – St. George’s Day The holiday is devoted to the Martyr St. George – The Victor, considered to be the patron saint of GRAB YOURherds and the protector of domestic animals and their owners. According to the tradition, on this FREE CITYday GUIDE a lamb, which has been fed with salt, bran AND HAVE A NICEand grass, STAY is slain under a fruit tree in the yard of the host. All members of the family then sit at the table and take part in eating the “kurban” (the roasted lamb). The holiday is celebrated as Day of Bravery and the Bulgarian Army too.

11th May – Saints Cyril and Methodius Day The church festival is devoted to the brothers Cyril and Methodius who received the title “Apostles of the Slavs” for influencing the religious and cultural development of all Slavic folk and inventing the Slavic alphabet, which is now called Cyrillic.

21st May – Saints Constantin and Elena This holiday is celebrated mainly as a church one in almost the whole country and honors Constantin the Great and his mother Helen.

24th May - Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture and of the Slavic letters

29th May - The Feast of the Ascension (Spasovden), also known as Ascension Thursday, Holy Thursday (only by some denominations; not to be confused with Thursday of Holy Week), or www.cityinfoguides.comAscension Day. 30 bars & restaurants

The natives of Plovdiv have always been famous for their hospitality, for their taste for good living and for spending their time in a fine manner. This special trait of their mentality is very well reflected on the culinary map of the city since most of the restaurants there offer fine food in taste and quan- tity and friendly service. And because you are in South Bulgaria and near the Rhodopes Mountain it is a good to visit a place with typical Bulgarian dishes and ask for some regional specialties. The traditional cuisine of this particular region is very rich and tasty but sometimes quite heavy. If you are a fan of the international cuisine you also have plenty of choices. Like in any other big European city there are a lot of other options for dining because there are restaurants with Italian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Armenian and even Mexican and French dishes. Also Plovdiv offers a lot of choices for having refreshment together with a salad or with a small bite because in the recent years a lot of typical Bar & Dinner places have been developed especially in the city center. One of the high points of this type of establishments is that they are open till late in the evening. There are plenty of fast food restaurants, sandwich parlors, bakeries and pastries which offer also an opportunity for a quick. bars & restaurants 31

TORRO GRANDE 32 bars & restaurants

Please note: the price guide is an approximate dinner cost s - up to 25 lv per person; ss - up to 40 lv per person sss - over 40 lv per person

BULGARIAN place was Christian-Orthodox monastery in the past and few centuries later had been turned to Ottoman religious complex. The remains of Roman fortified wall of the town of Plovdiv are also preserved. To experience the charm of the Old Town you should visit the restaurant “Puldin”. Here you can feel the unique atmosphere of the combination between architecture, Kitchen of Raya tradition, style and comfort. 1, Centralen Sq. s Phone: 032 398 999 Cell: 0877 833 900 www.raia.bg Open: 10.00 - 24.00 Credit Card Accepted Piknik s Located in the centre of the city – on a narrow quiet The park after the Parvenets village, Plovdiv street – Kuhnyata na Raya is one of the very few district places in town where you can enjoy your meal in Phone: 031 11/20 70 relaxing atmosphere. At first the place will impress Cell: 0884 22 20 70 you with its interior – entirely in Provencal style [email protected] with French flair and antique furniture in white. Open: 11:00 - 01:00 Then you are captured by the great variety of meals Restaurant Piknik is only 15 minutes by car – traditional Bulgarian dishes, fish dishes, fresh from the center of Plovdiv. It is located in the produce and fresh seasonal vegetables, served deep green of natural park, perfect place for with taste and in perfect combination of colors and short break from the city noise. The restaurant flavors. The restaurant is suitable for any celebra- is in entirely folkstyle and offers Bulgarian tions and private parties, which often take place cuisine – besides the typical Classic dishes outside in the garden during the warmer months. and specialties, Piknik offers classical Rhodope dishes like samp, patatnik /potato meal/, tra- hana /meatless meal/, Rhodope klin /rice meal/ and other. There is fresh fish for fans. We have great selection of good wines from different Bulgarian regions.

PULDIN Restaurant s 3, Knyaz Tseretelev Str. Raya Restaurant Cell: 032 631 720 34, Kapitan Raycho Str. s [email protected] Phone: 032 621 906 Open: 11:00 – 00:00 Cell: 0878 16 17 27 All credit cards accepted www.raia.bg Seats: 300 [email protected] Summer garden: 150 Open: 10.00 - 24.00 Parking Place: Yes Stylish interior with soft and warm colors Restaurant “Puldin” is emblematic for Plovdiv. supplemented by smiles and emotion. This is It’s located in the Architectural and Historic Raya – abundance of sweet aroma, fizzy wines, Reserve “Old Town”, on the Three Hills. This savoury meals. Here special attention is paid bars & restaurants 33

to the preliminary selection and preparation Pizzaria Verdi ”Trakia” s of the food – daily supplies with fresh fruits, Trakia 142 block vegetables and freshly chilled meat and fish in Cell: 0882 660 156 proper marinade and spices so they can reach Open: 11.30-23.00 every day their peak gustative qualities. Raya business Seats: 75; Garden 90 card is the pleased customers who come back Parking - yes again to taste the delicious meals decorated All credit cards accepted! with taste and accompanied by selected wines from the most famous regions in Bulgaria and s worldwide. Accessible and comfort place which Pizzaria Verdi ”Petko Petkov” is proper for wedding receptions, jubilee and 41, Petko Petkov Str. company celebrations. Cell: 0882 660 242 Open: 11.30-23.00 every day ITALIAN Seats: 75; Garden 80 All credit cards accepted!

Pizzaria Verdi ”Mall Plovdiv” s 88, Perushtitsa Str. fl.3 Cell: 0882 660 118 Open: 11.30-23.00 every day All credit cards accepted! 26, Otets Paisiy Str. s www.verdi.bg (+35932) 623711 [email protected] www.gustobg.com Open: 10.00 - 24.00h All credit cards accepted Seats: 200 4, Lady Stangford Str. s Summer garden: 60 seats For Reservation: 0889 586 058; 0876 512 051 Parking Place: Yes vivaldi.wic.bg Gusto serves original Italian pizza and pasta, as Every day: 10.00 - 24.00 well as salads and appetizers from authentic A place with a classic and cozy style where Mediterranean cuisine by original recipes. The every connoisseur of the Italian cuisine could Chefs cook for you best beefsteaks and quality enjoy a meal prepared on the spot for him by European desserts. Daily lunch menu.Outdoors our Italian chefs. In our spacious and beautiful seating. garden you could try also many culinary tempta- tions such as our homemade ice cream and classic Italian pizza.

For two decades the lovely small pizza place called Verdi turned into a fortress of the traditional Italian cuisine. In our Italian restaurants we use original products of excellent quality, which guarantees the unique taste of the dishes in all pizzerias “Verdi”. “Verdi” is the ideal place both INTERNATIONAL for business meetings and family events, which will turn into an unforgettable experience.

Pizzaria Verdi “Radio&TV” s 19, Nayden Gerov Str. Classic Cell: 0882 660 220 s Open: 11.30-23.00 every day RESTAURANT - GARDEN Seats: 75; Garden 120 22, Iztochen Blvd. All credit cards accepted! Phone: 032/63 80 18 34 bars & restaurants

Please note: the price guide is an approximate dinner cost s - up to 25 lv per person; ss - up to 40 lv per person sss - over 40 lv per person

Cell: 0886 638 018 [email protected] MEXICAN Open: 11:00–24:00 Classic restaurant is famous with good cuisine and carefully selected recipes. They offered meat specialties: pork and veal knuckle, roasted suckling-calf, pork ribs. The good food is accompanied by good wine . You can taste Bulgarian and foreign wines. You can relax in pleasant and calm atmosphere in the evening. Make reservation in advance! Catering for your party, private celebration or just for any occasion. Orders over Sombrero RESTAURANT s 30lv – free delivery. 5, Dunav Str. (Royal City Center ) Phone: +359 882 354 394; (32) 336179 www.sombrero-bg.com Sombrero is unique place in the variety of the- matic restaurants in Plovdiv – the first Mexican restaurant in the city. You can taste fajitas, bur- ritos, quesadilla, nachos and much more exotic meals from all over Mexico. You can taste some sort sangria, tequila or authentic cocktails. There Torro Grande ss are traditional Mexican food as well as typical 66, Capitan Raycho Str. Bulgarian cuisine in the lunch menu. Special Phone: +359 885 39 99 39;+359 32 39 99 39 menu for children. [email protected] www.torrogrande.com Open: 07:00 - 02:00 Torro Grande is the place to “meat in style” in Plovdiv. Located in the heart of the city Torro PIZZA Grande is a must landmark for all those who cherish classy comfort and excellent cuisine. The unique environment creates an attractive and engaging space that tickles the senses of all guests. The service of personal attitude and individual approach adds to the quality of the cooking and inspires one complete experience Pizza bar Classic s that is modern, delicious and fun. The menu 8, Zefir Str. offers a variety of unique dishes for every taste, Phone: 032 630 930 from salads and homemade bread, to sushi, Cell: 088 526 25 66 fish and meat. [email protected] Open: 07:00–24:00 Classic pizza menu offers you good selection pizzas wood, lasagna and other European specialties. Try their excellent taste! Food delivery to home or office. bars & restaurants 35

July 9th at 20:00 at the Ancient Roman Theatre Plovdiv

Mixalis Xatzigianis will perform in front of the audience in Plovdiv for the first time. The show promises to be spectacular as the artist is one of the Greek most famous singers of all times. The artist of Greek origin Michalis Hatzigiannis appeared on the European stage yet at the age of 17, when he presented Cyprus Eurovision Song Contest in Birmingham with the song written by himself – “Genesis”. Michalis is the author of most of his songs, including its emblematic ballad “De Fevgo” (“I won’t leave”), as well as the hits “It Kalokairi Mou” (“My summer”), “An Mou Tilefonouses” (“If I have called”). He has written other well-known songs for his colleagues including Despina Olympiou. 36 ENTERTAINMENT

If you ask a Bulgarian about the night life in Plovdiv probably you will get quite an enthusiastic answer such as “Plovdiv is really great for clubbing”. Vast and modern clubs with impeccable sound, lighting and splendid interior, many pubs and restaurants with live music, erotic bars and even a gay bar-this is the current face of Plovdiv’s night life. There has been a long standing rivalry between Sofia and Plovdiv about which of both cities has better discos and clubs. The winner in this battle is still unknown but one thing is sure-Plovdiv offers almost the same options for entertainment by night as Sofia does. The night scene in Plovdiv is dominated by few large clubs which gather the trendiest and most hipster crowd of the city. In these establishments you may observe the typical Bulgarian or Balkan way of entertainment which includes a lot of alcohol, loud pop folk music, which is the most popular genre here, and a lot of people dancing and shout- ing the verses of their favorite songs. It is really exciting but sometimes you have to be careful about looking too long at somebody’s girlfriend. This may have quite unpleasant consequences for you so better avoid eye contact. There are also some nice clubs with international music playlist which gather nice, fashionable young people, fond of dancing and having a good time. ENTERTAINMENT 37 38 ENTERTAINMENT

BARS & CLUBS BILLIARD BAR CLUB FABRIC Billiard club147 Licensed professional snooker and billiards 111, Otets Paisiy Str. club. Cell: +359898715213 92, Hristo Botev Blvd. Open: 10.00 - 02.00 Cell: 088 533 3147 Bar Fabric is one of the most attractive Every Day: 10.00 - 02.00. spots of Plovdiv’s nightlife. In short period of time the club established it- BowlING self as a favorite among all who hold unreserved fun. The music program is Bowling BAR Gallery full of themed party nights to suit every taste and mood. Monday nights are MALL GALERIA, 3rd floor3, for karaoke, on Tuesdays they have a Georgi Stranski Str. student party, the Wednesdays are re- Phone: 032/396981 served for all the rockers, on Thursday Cell: 0896 787 403; it’s time for Unplugged, Fridays and 0896 787 400 Saturdays are for crazy dance with DJ Open: Mon-Sun.: 10:00 - 2:00. Party and on Sunday it’s time for the www.bowlingbargallery.com bartender’s Ailyak Party. Wide selection of branded drinks and attractive promotions. Summer garden with 50 SPORTs seats, true color oasis to escape from the noise and stress of the day.

BRILIANTIN 20, Avksentiy Veleshki Str. Karting Track Lauta Cell: 0886 008 808 Locomotiv Stadium, Open: 23.00 - 6.00 Phone: 032 631 852 Cell: 0899 907 981 ENERGY www.kartinglauta.com 87, Dimitar Talev Str. Every year the track hosts national and in- Cell: 0888 200 715 ternational competitions, and gives you one 0886 000 249 of the first places among the facilities that most contribute to the development of Kart- PLANETA PLAYNER ing in Bulgaria. 122, Maritsa Blvd. Reservation Rowing Channel – Plovdiv Cell: 0899 871 253 Open: 22.00 - 6.00 Plovdiv, Recreation Park Complex (opposite Plovdiv Stadium) PLAZMA 82,Hristo BotevBlvd. Riding Center HAN KRUM Cell: 0887 538 442; (CLUB HEROS) 0886 663 773 Village Vojvodinovo Open: 23.00 - 8.00 www.klub-heros.hit.bg ENTERTAINMENT 39

MALL 2, Makedonia Blvd. Phone: 032/ 657 010 132A, Dimitar Talew Str. Phone: 032/ 277 020 78, Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. Phone: 032/ 278 080 Mall Plovdiv www.billa.bg 8, Perushtitsa Str. Phone: 032/250 084 www.mallplovdiv.bg Open: Everyday 10.00 - 21.00 Mall Plovdiv Plovdiv is the first modern shopping center with a supermarket, more than 110 shops, cinema, fast food outlets, cafes and restaurants, underground and Lidl surface parking. 97A, Makedonia Str. 34, Peshtersko Shose Blvd. SHOPS 43, Osvobozhdenie Blvd.

Piccadilly 14, Vasil Levski Str. Mall Plovdiv Phone: +359 988 989 065 8, Perushtica Str. Open: Mondays - Fridays: 10:00 - 19:00; Phone: 032/ 234 329 Saturdays: 10:00 - 16:00; Retail Park Plodiv Closed on Sundays 2B, Mendeleev Blvd. Facebook: PoDIAMOND Jewlery Phone: 032/ 283 416 [email protected] www.podiamond.com Silver, gold and diamonds jewelry Unique design Personal attention Mr.Bricolage Special price for engagenment ring 223A, 6 Septemvri Blvd. Phone: 032/ 605 260 www.mr-bricolage.bg

Metro Cash&Carry 135, Sankt Peterbug Blvd. Praktiker Phone: 0700 100 71 115A, Bulgaria Blvd. www.metro.bg Phone: 032/ 909 100 Carrefour www.praktiker.bg 3, Georgi Stranski Str. Phone: 032/396 601

Technopolis 133, Sankt Peterburg Blvd. Billa Phone: 0700 12340 221, 6 Septemvri Blvd. 032/ 683 313 Phone: 032/658 120 www.technopolis.bg 40 CULTURE

Culture and Spirit Bulgarian territory has been inhabited for time imme- morial. Bulgarians, Thracians and Slavs have left a vivid trace in the world cultural treasury. It was here, at the magical Rhodopi Mountains, that Orpheus – the angel-voiced mythical poet and musi- cian, considered the greatest poets that ever lived in Antiquity. Each corner of Bulgaria has preserved inimitable high-valued artistic etalons of material and spiritual culture. Well-known all over the world are the Varna Necropo- lis dated 4,000 BC, preserving the oldest processed gold in the world; the Thracian tombs and sanctuar- ies in Kazanlyk , Svestari, Starosel and Alexandrovo, with the numerous and world-famous Thracian gold treasures. Bulgarians have inherited this ancient culture and enhanced it with their millennium-long experience. They gave the world the proto-Bulgarian calendar, recognised as the most accurate in the world, the first ever Slavonic language alphabet, created by the brothers Cyril and Methodius. The medieval monasteries and churches are among the most valuable European samples, while the Rila Monastery stands out as the second largest on the Balkan Peninsula. Along with 8 other sites, it included in UNESCO’s list of cultural and nature heritage. The Madara Horseman, the Kazanlak Tomb, the Pirin National Park, the Boyana Church, the Srebarna Re- serve, Nessebar’s Old Town, The Svestari Tomb, the Ivanovo rock churches are among the other cultural monuments included in the list of protected sites. Small town-museums with authentic atmosphere such as Arbanasi, Bozhentsi, Etara, Zheravna, Ko- privshtitsa, Kotel, Melnik, Nessebar, Sozopol and Try- avna draw visitors from all over the world. Bulgarian folklore with its fascinating music, national dance and picturesque folk costumes is widely known and appreciated throughout the world. The renowned female ensemble of “Mystery of Bulgarian voices” perform traditional folk songs. In later years, Bulgarian culture has become proud of its achievements in the realms of literature, arts, music and architecture. Boris Christoff, Nikolay Gyaurov, Rayna Kabaivanska, and Anna Tomova-Sintova are among the biggest names in world opera. Vladimir Dimitrov-Maystora, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, Nikola Manev, Stoyan Venev, Dimiter Kazakov, Georgi Bozhilov, Gredi Assa, and Christo are some of the names of world-renowned Bulgarian artists. CULTURE 41

REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM PHOTO BY ASSEN VELIKOV 42 CULTURE Galleries

Vazrazdane Gallery Old town, 1, Stoyan Chalakov Str. Phone: + 359 32/ 63 53 39 Cell: +359 889 822 640 e-mail : [email protected] www.vazrazdane-gallery.com Mon – Sat : 10.00 – 19.00 Sunday : 11.00 – 17.00 The Vazrazdane art gallery, a member of the National community centre “Vazrazdane” has been established on 5.IX.1995. It is presented only the contemporary pictorial and plastic art. There is a run on authors, creating modern figurative art, especially depicting the body. In the gallery depot there is, maintained a rare and diverse collection of oil paintings, graphic works and drawings, sculptures. The collection on theme “The BODY” is especially stunning.

Interesting facts about Vazrazdane gallery: Summer exhibition of paintings, • 9540 pieces of art have been shown. • Visitors until this moment: graphics, sculpture and drawings more than 106 000. by 60 Bulgarian artists - • The 39 painters have debuted in the gallery. from 7th July to 5th September. • Over 114 artists have been showed for the first time in Plovdiv.

Dimitar Lalev

www.vazrazdane-gallery.com CULTURE 43 Galleries

1-2, Vitosha Str. Phone: +032 628 061 Email: [email protected]

Anastas Gallery is located at the heart of The Ancient Plovdiv. Elaborated following the ideas of Anastas Konstantinov, the gallery was opened in 1994 year. The entire exhibition area, inclusive of 300 sq.m. covered area and open yard space, has been uniquely designed with handmade floor mosaics, numerous oil paintings, plastic arts and sculptures, all of them works of the artist Anastas Konstantinov.

Throughout the 20 years of operation and market positioning, Anastas gallery has managed to attract collectors of art from all over the world. Being the first gallery of such scope in Bulgaria, it has established nowadays as a representative corner of Anastas Konstantinov’s art life. Anastas Gallery is an intellectual achievement – a small bit of contribution to the world cultural heritage.

www.galleryanastas.com 44 CULTURE

exposition “Unification of Bulgaria 1885” was opened here. MUSEUMS &GALLERIES On an area covering 1000 sq. m., through authentic items, weapons, photographs and documents are traced back the efforts of Bulgarians in the establishing of Eastern Rumelia as The Second Bulgarian State, their fight for the Unification with Principality of Bulgaria and its military defense - The Serbian-Bulgarian War.

REGIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM 1, Saedinenie Sq. tel.: 032/ 624 339, tel./fax: 032/ 633 106 Exposition “Book Publishing in Bulgaria www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org in the second half of 19th and the begin- [email protected] ning of 20th century” Summer working hours /May – October/: 10:00 – 18:00 2, Mitropolit Paisiy Str. Closed: Monday tel.: 032 629 405 Winter working hours /November – April/: 9:30 – 17:00 Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Closed: Sunday and Monday Closed: Saturday and Sunday Day for a free-of-charge visit: Winter working hours /November-March/: 9:30 – 17:00 First Thursday of each month – for students and retirees Closed: Saturday and Sunday Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each The Regional Archaeological Museum in Plovdiv is one of month the oldest cultural institutions in Bulgaria. Officially opened The building was built in the mid 19 century and Hristo in 1882, its development passes through the stage of Gruev Danov, the founder of organized book-publishing being archaeological-numismatic collection-office, until it in Bulgaria, lived here from 1869 until his death in 1911. was finally established as Archaeological Museum in 1920. Today, an exhibition dedicated to the history of book- The museum possesses one of the richest collections of publishing in Plovdiv and Plovdiv region is situated here. artifacts and works of human art related to the history of The stages in the development of Bulgarian education Plovdiv District and the Town of Plovdiv – successor to one on the basis of Hristo G. Danov and Dragan Manchov’s of the largest and most important ancient cities on the Balkan publishing activity are traced here. Peninsula – Philippopolis.

REGIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM www.historymuseumplovdiv.com [email protected]

Exposition „Bulgarian National Revival” 1, Tsanko Lavrenov Str. Exposition „The Unification of Bulgaria 1885” tel.: 032 623 378 Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 1, Saedinenie Sq. Winter working hours /November-March/: 9:30 – 17:00 tel.: 032 629409 Closed: Sunday Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each Closed: Saturday and Sunday month Winter working hours/November-March/: 9:30 – 17:00 “Bulgarian Revival” Exposition is set in the house of the Closed: Saturday and Sunday rich merchant of Plovdiv Dimitar Georgiadi, which was Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month built in 1848 and traces the history of Plovdiv during the The building was built in 1885 for the Provincial Counsel period from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. Rich of Eastern Rumelia. On 19.09.1985 the national museum documentary and photographic material allows guests CULTURE 45 to submerge in the atmosphere of the city’s distant and Srednogorie during the National Revival. Among the past – a time of foreign rule, but also a time of asser- many museum collections, those of brassware, pottery, tion of Bulgarians’ national identity, a time of fight for weapons, shepherds wood-carving, jewelry and church independent Bulgarian education, church and national items, sewn and crocheted laces, costumes from the entire independence. Bulgarian ethnic territory, musical instruments, and urban decor stand out.

REGIONAL NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 34, Hristo G. Danov Str. Museum Centre of Modern History tel.: 032/626 683 14, Angel Bukoreshtliev Str. www.rnhm.org tel.: 032 628 886 [email protected] Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Summer working hours /May-September/: 9:00 – 18:00 Closed: Saturday and Sunday Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00 Winter working hours /November-March/: 9:30 – 17:00 Winter working hours /October-April/: 8:30 – 17: 00 Closed: Saturday and Sunday Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00 month Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month The building was built in 1895 as officers’ club. From the The museum is the second largest natural history museum beginning of 1905 until 1923 it was a “Public House” in the country, with modern and contemporary styled exhibi- with theatrical company, brass music band, orchestra tions, with enhanced nature conservation idea. The halls of and night school. Today it is a Museum Centre for Con- Geology, Botanic, Invertebrates, Amphibians and Reptiles, temporary History and houses the permanent exhibition Birds and Mammals are on the first floor, and on the ground entitled The Soul of the Japanese Doll - a donation from the Friends of Bulgaria society in Japan. floor are the halls of Fishes, Aquarium and Seabed. The museum presents a freshwater aquarium with an area of 100 sq. m., where over 32 species of ornamental fish and exotic plants are shown. CITY ART GALLERY www.galleryplovdiv.com [email protected]

REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM 2, Dr. Stoyan Chomakov Str. Permanent exposition tel.: 032/625 654; fax: 032/626 328 14 A, Saborna Str. www.ethnograph.info tel.: 032 635 322 [email protected] Summer working hours /May-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Summer working hours /April-October/: 9:00 – 18:00 Winter working hours /November-April/: 9:00 – 17:30 Closed: Monday Day for a free-of-charge visit: Winter working hours /November-March/: 9:00 – 17:00 First Thursday of each month – for students Closed: Monday The exposition is housed in the building of the Young Day for a free-of-charge visit: Girls’ College, designed and built under the guidance First Thursday of each month – for students and retirees of architect Joseph Schnitter in 1881. It is arranged The exhibition is located in Argir Kuyumdzhiouglu’s beautiful chronologically on two floors. There are over 200 Renaissance house, which was built in 1847 by the master- original artworks, which trace the development of Bul- builder Hadzhi Georgi. Inside of it, there are representations garian art from the National Revival up to present day. of traditional material and spiritual culture of the Bulgarians Prominent authors and characteristic stylistic trends are who lived in the region of Plovdiv, Rhodope Mountains represented here. 46 CULTURE

Icon Gallery 9:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 17:30 22, Saborna Str. Closed: Sunday tel.: 032 626 086 Day for a free-of-charge visit: Summer work- First Thursday of each month – for students ing hours /May- Encho Pironkov (born 1932) is from the generation of October/: 9:30 – 12:30 and artists which in the 1960s not only modernized the look 13:00 – 18:00 of the Plovdiv art school, but also of the Bulgarian art. 45 Winter working works donated by the author, covering various periods of hours /November- his creative development are exhibited here. April/: 9:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 17:30 Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month – for students The Icon Exposition opened in 1975. It was structured near the Revival Church of St. Constantine and Elena, on top of the round defensive tower of the early Byzantine city wall in the Old Town. Some of the best examples of icons taken from the Gallery’s collection and the Plovdiv Bishopric are exhibited here. They represent the Ortho- Gallery of Temporary Exhibitions dox Christian art in the region of Plovdiv and the entire Southern Bulgaria from the end of the fifteenth century 15, Aleksandar I Str. to the late nineteenth century. tel.: 032 624 221 Summer working hours /May-October/: 9:30 – 18:00 Permanent Expositions „Tsanko Lavrenov” Winter working hours /November-April/: 9:00 – 17:30 and „Mexican Art” Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month – for students 11, Artin Gidikov Str. The exhibition spaces are housed in a building with a tel.: 032/ 628 745 typical urban architecture from the beginning of the 20th Summer working hours /May- century. In the halls on both floors are presented tempo- October/: 9:30 – 12:30 and rary exhibitions relating to the anniversaries of outstand- 13:00 – 18:00 ing Bulgarian artists, as well as the history and problems Closed: Sunday of the country’s cultural life. Exhibitions of foreign art- Winter working hours /Novem- ists, experimental exhibitions and children exhibitions ber-April/: 9:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 17:30 are also presented here. Closed: Sunday Day for a free-of-charge visit: First Thursday of each month – for students Tsanko Lavrenov /1896-1978/ was one of the most famous Bulgarian painters, a distinctive natural talent with high erudition, limitless energy and incredible creative imagination. The exhibition includes the artist’s best works. The first floor presents the exposition of Mexican Art – modern Mexican graphic arts, crafts and copies of stone sculpture and ceramics. The exhibits are donated in honor of the 1300 anniversary of the Bulgarian State, and the gallery was opened in 1981.

29, Saborna Str. Old Town Email: [email protected] Phone: 032 622 742 www.philippopolis.com Open: 10.00 - 19.00 Permanent Exposition „Encho Pironkov” Trakart Center & Museum 1, Vasil Kanchev Str. “Archeological” underpass tel.: 032/ 638 055 Phone: +032/ 631303 Summer working hours /May-October/: Cell: +359 882 877080; 9:30 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 18:00 +359 888 304851 Closed: Sunday Everyday: Open: 9.00 - 19.00 Winter working hours /November-April/: www.trakart.org www.facebook.com/cityinfoguides.bulgaria CULTURE 47

Your complimentary copy of the Plovdiv City Info Guide is available from hotel rooms, hotel receptions and other public areas at the following top-class Hotels: HOTELS êêê Kendros Avion Mirena Afrodita Metropol êêêêê Belle Ville Noris Hebros Buisness Hotel Plovdiv Nikol Novotel Plovdiv Bordo Nord Odeon êêêê Bright House City Hotel Plovdiv Park Hotel Plovdiv Allience Dafi Philipopolis Imperial Ego Plaza Expo Real Leipzig Elite Rusalka Landmark Famous House Seven Hills Novis Gerdzhika Star Hotel Ramada Plovdiv Globos Sankt Peterburg IntelCoop Hotel

OTHERS SUBSCRIPTION Airport Plovdiv Travel Agencies DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS: Car Hire Companies Mall Plovdiv Austria Malta Tourist Information Center Plovdiv Casinos Canada Netherlands Galleries USA Top Restaurants and Bars

COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC SECTION OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA IN: FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, KAZAKHSTAN, MONTENEGRO, MACEDONIA, ROMANIA, SERBIA, SLOVAK REPUBLIC, SLOVENIA, THE NETHERLANDS, UK

ISSN 2367-4717 I FREE GUIDE IN ENGLISH + MAP I APRIL - MAY 2014 I ISSUE 1 ISSN 2367-4717 I FREE GUIDE IN ENGLISH + MAP I JULY - AUGUST 2014 I ISSUE 2 ISSN 2367-4717 I FREE GUIDE IN ENGLISH + MAP I SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 I ISSUE 3

For Advertising, Bulk Orders and Subscriptions: 0896 717 227; www.cityinfoguides.com 0896 717 225; [email protected] www.facebook.com/cityinfoguides.bulgaria 48 USEFUL NUMBERS

AIRPORT INFORMATION INTERNATIONAL FAIR PLOVDIV Phone: 032/ 60 11 27 information 37, Tzar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd. www.plovdivairport.com Phone: 032/902 141, 032/902 432 Plovdiv Airport is situated 12 kilometres www.fair.bg southeast of Plovdiv (near the main road to Assenovgrad). RAILWAY BUS LINE Central Railway Station Plovdiv South Bus Station 46, Hristo Botev Blvd. Phone:032 622 729;032 632 720 47, Hristo Botev Blvd. www.razpisanie.bdz.bg;www.bdz.bg Phone: 032/ 626 937 www.hebrosbus.com There are mainly buses to and from Sofia, DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS Burgas, Varna, and destinations South of www.mfa.bg/en Plovdiv. Bus lines-Istanbul, Bursa and Eu- rope. EMERGENCY NUMBER & 112 Rodopi Bus Station TRAVEL Agency 1, Makedonia Blvd. Phone: 032/ 657 828. www.hebrosbus.com The bus station is right next to the central railway station. 117, 6th September Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv North Bus Station +359 (0) 884 455 405 2, Dimitar Stambolov Str. +359 (0) 888 487 113 Phone: 032/ 953 705. e-mail: [email protected] www.hebrosbus.com www.bulgariawinetours.com There are buses to over 40 destinations Memorable wine tours to premium wineries in North of Plovdiv. It is the only station rela- Bulgaria. tively far from the centre. CAR RENTALS

Sofia, 53, Nikola Vaptsarov Blvd. 1, Frederic Joliot - Curie Str. & 02 439 02 22/ 23 Phone: +359 32 660 861 fax: 02 439 12 25 +359 889 066 333 e-mail: [email protected] www.galateatours.com Sofia Airport: & 029 459 217 Galatea Tours is a licensed travel agency. We strive to give our customers the very INFO CENTERS best prices available anywhere and the best Municipality of Plovdiv service. We offer: City breaks in Plovdiv and Tourist Information the rest of Bulgaria, Hotel accommodation, 1, Central Sq., tel./fax:+359 32 656 794, Organized bus and plane tours, Tailor-made Phone: +359 32 620 229 trips, Holiday packages, Car rentals, Bus 1, Dr. St. Chomakov Str. (The Old Town), and airplane tickets, Cruises, Travel insur- Phone: +359 32 620 453 ance. Our team of highly qualified special- [email protected] ists meets all your needs and requirements www.visitplovdiv.com with professionalism and imagination. THE OLD TOWN MAIN STREET PHOTOS BY ASSEN VELIKOV