Many Bulgarian cities have preserved intact the spirit of the National Revival Period. Blagoevgrad is one of them. It is enough to take a walk in its old quarter in order to feel like travelling at least 150 years back in time. The Varosha quarter dates back to the 18th century. At that time it was the only Christian part of the city. Initially, Varosha consisted mainly of one-storey rural buildings.
The beautiful houses from the National Revival, which are symmetrical and strongly influenced by the urban architecture, were built in the XIX century. One can visit the regional museum of history, galleries and craft workshops, as well as the church, built in the quarter back in 1844. Because of the exceptional qualities of the frescoes and the iconostasis, which are the work of famous master craftsmen from Bansko, the church has been declared a national monument of culture.
You will learn more about the preserved architecture and the atmosphere of this southern Bulgarian city from the publication “Blagoevgrad’s Varosha quarters” from the collection of Radio Bulgaria.
Compiled by: Veneta Nikolova
On September 8, when the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Nativity of the Holy Theotokos), we take a look at the beautiful valley of Gabrovnitsa River and the Monastery of the Holy Theotokos, better..
Bulgaria is celebrating 145 years of the Shipka Peak epopee - the heroic six-day epic battle in which the native defenders proved that freedom is not a gift, but was won with the blood and sacrifice of thousands of Bulgarians. The Balkan peak of Saint..
Hundreds of people in white, lined up in a concentric circles, dancing and welcoming the rising sun - this unforgettable sight will be witnessed by everyone who visits the Seven Rila Lakes on August 19. The ritual is called Paneurhythmy and through it..
Mostly Cloudy
Cloudy