Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Spreading tourism myths is not a new thing, thracologist Prof. Vanya Lozanova says

Image of the mythical Thracian bard and musician Orpheus on an ancient Greek vase.
Photo: library

In the search for scientific facts, researchers of ancient civilizations and cultures also come across fake news created by people in the past. The most interesting thing is that the ancient people often did it in the name of cultural tourism.

One of these fake news was discovered by thracologist Prof. Vanya Lozanova, who is a researcher of Orpheus and Orphism. The information is related to the so-called oracle of Orpheus on the island of Lesbos, mentioned only by one ancient author - Philostratus. He wrote that the head of Orpheus reached the island by sea and gave rise to prophecies.

"This is a fiction created by Philostratus. The head of Orpheus and its sacred space is in Thrace. By creating his legends, Philostratus tried to attract the attention of tourists who would visit his island," Lozanova told BNR. "We should not demythologize myths. They exist on another plane. It is good to construct the information that could intrigue tourists," the specialist said.



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

A colorful extravaganza, stone houses and stories from the past – the magical Dolene

In the southwesternmost corner of Bulgaria, high in the Ograzhden Mountains, we find ourselves in a fairy-tale paradise – the magnetic village of Dolene. Everyone who comes here gasps in surprise, because the view is very unusual for most Bulgarian..

published on 4/16/25 9:50 AM

Retro train rides are turning into an undisputed tourist hit in Bulgaria

The steam locomotive train rides organized by the Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) on various occasions and holidays for lovers of old trains have become a tradition. The puffing train, which emits a lot of steam and smoke, and its sonorous whistle are..

published on 4/14/25 12:35 PM

Sakar – land of dolmens, imperial eagles and sustainable tourism

Sakar, one of the most mysterious and little-known mountains in Bulgaria, is slowly but surely becoming a new destination for sustainable tourism. The area, located between the Eastern Rhodopes and Strandzha Mountain, has remained..

published on 4/11/25 5:45 AM