Bulgaria Guide
The Rhodopes and the Plain of Thrace
Few parts of Bulgaria are as closely associated with antiquity as the Rhodopes and the Plain of Thrace. If the Balkan Range was the cradle of the Bulgar state, then the fertile plain between the Sredna Gora and the Rhodope Mountains was the heartland of the Thracian community and the magnet that drew conquerors like Philip of Macedon and the Romans, whose legacy still remains in the graceful ruins of Plovdiv. Bulgaria's second city, and a fair rival to the capital in most respects, Plovdiv never fails to charm with its old quarter – a wonderful melange of Renaissance mansions, mosques and classical remains, spread over three hills.
Highlights
1 The Old Town, Plovdiv A superb assemblage of National Revival architecture with several beautiful houses open to the public.
2 Bachkovo Monastery Bulgaria's second – largest monastery is famed for its frescoes.
3 Hiking and horse riding in the Central Rhodope Mountains Numerous paths through an enchanting landscape of tiny villages and forested mountains.
4 Trigrad Gorge A stunning gorge deep in the Rhodope mountains, home to the Devil's Throat cave.
5 The Historical Museum, Kardzhali One of the best collections of its kind, showcasing local trades, crafts and folklore, and an impressive display of archeological finds.
6 Perperikon A breathtaking hilltop temple and fortress hewn from rock and linked to the worship of Dionysus and the cult of Orpheus.
7 The Rock Formations, Kardzhali Weird and wonderful rock formations, raised in volcanic eruptions forty million years ago and rich in folk legend.
8 The Madzharovo Nature Reserve A spectacular managed nature reserve, with some of Bulgaria's – and Europe's – rarest birds and scarce and endangered animals.