After the success of the campaign of the Ministry of Tourism jointly with the Association of Bulgarian Tour Guides to popularize lesser known corners of Bulgaria, the time has come for the country’s cultural and historical heritage. A new idea has been launched aimed at bringing attention to some of the most emblematic archaeological sites.

The campaign involves producing six short videos in Bulgarian and in English with intriguing information about the sites dating to different periods. The videos will be available on social media and different internet channels with the idea that they may be shared by millions of users in this country and abroad. The Ministry of Tourism is hoping that the online initiative will encourage travel outside the active summer season.

The face of the campaign is Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov – one of the most popular archaeologists in this country, frequently dubbed Bulgaria’s Indiana Jones. He will present emblematic archaeological sites, and, in the words of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Mariyana Nikolova: “with his help a product of the highest quality will be created to popularize the treasures of Bulgaria and to attract more visitors to the country.”

Three of the videos are now ready and are being shared online. Here they are:

Perperikon

An ancient rock town which functioned right up to the Middle Ages, wrapped in myth and mystery. Perperikon is located in the Eastern Rhodopes and consists of a megalithic sanctuary, ancient monuments and a medieval fortress. Through the ages it has been inhabited by Thracians, Romans, Goths, and later – by Bulgarians.

Find out more about Perperikon here

Watch the video:

Misionis

An ancient town discovered close to what is today the town of Turgovishte. The name of the town – Misionis – most probably means Moesia. It was once the capital of the Eastern Roman province of the same name – in the 5^th-6^th centuries. Archaeologists say that no more than 1% of the whole city has been unearthed. In one of the basilicas they found a floor which is 1,500 years old, as well as a throne from which church service was conducted.

Find out more about Misionis here

Watch the video:

Visegrad

A crumbling medieval castle in the Eastern portion of the Rhodope Mountain near the town of Kurdzhali is to be restored and made available to tourists. In places walls up to 7 metres in height and 1.75 metres in width have been preserved. The fortress most probably dates back to the 12^th – 13^th century and is connected with historical events of paramount significance.

Watch the video:

Compiled by Veneta Nikolova