Views from Bulgaria

Views from Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria and the 15th largest city in the EU with a population of around 1.3 million. During the Middle Ages it was one of the major commercial centers of the Bulgarian Empire. Sofia lays at the foot of Mount Vitosha. The Hagia Sophia Church (bottom left) dates from the 6th century and is thr second oldest church in the city. Thanks to Irina.

Belogradchik Rocks in Bulgaria

The Belogradchik Rocks are a group of strange shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations located on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains near the town of Belogradchik in northwest Bulgaria. The rocks vary in color from primarily red to yellow; some of the rocks reach up to 200 m in height. Many rocks have fantastic shapes and are associated with interesting legends. They are often named for people or objects they are thought to resemble. The Belogradchik Rocks have been declared a Natural Landmark by the Bulgarian government and are a major tourist attraction in the region. Thanks to Irina once again.

Nice stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the legendary RMS Titanic.

Nature views and map of Bulgaria

 

Thanks to Lyubo for these cards.

Ancient Thracia, Bulgaria

Thracia was a former province of the Roman Empire, established in AD 46. The 2 pictures from the top of the card are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the one on the left is the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, protected sincw 1979 and on the right is the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari. Both tombs predate the IV & III centuries BC.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/44

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/359

Bulgarian Rock Monasteries

 

Irina sent me this card with several Bulgarian rock monasteries. The one on the left top corner is the Ivanovo Rock Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.