Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Walking the cobblestone streets of Blagoevgrad’s old quarter "Varosha"

Photo: library

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



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Celebrating the Day of St. Petka of Bulgaria

Saint Petka was born in the XI century in the town of Epibat, on the Sea of Marmara, not far from Constantinople, in a rich Bulgarian family, we learn from the saint's biography. She led a pious life, following Christ's command of love and mercy to..

published on 10/14/22 5:35 AM

The Independence Anthem of 1908

Today we recall the Independence Anthem, created on the very day Bulgaria's independence was solemnly announced in Veliko Tarnovo. The whole country is celebrating, and in our Black Sea city Burgas, this marching song is being played for the first time...

published on 9/22/22 9:05 AM

Krastova Gora - where faith in God banishes despondency

On September 13 and 14 th the Orthodox Church celebrates the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, which is one of the greatest Christian holidays, celebrated with special solemnity. In Bulgaria it is widely known as..

published on 9/14/22 10:44 AM