ブルガリアはヨーグルトだけでなく、多様な魅力を持つ国である。東欧の小国で、オスマン帝国の影響も見られる。リラという山々に囲まれた町には美しい修道院があり、ベリコ・タルノヴォは古代の首都で独特の雰囲気が残る街だ。バルカン山脈に位置するコプリフシュティツァは、ヨーロッパでも美しい街として知られる。これらの街はブルガリアの歴史や文化を感じられる場所であり、訪れる価値がある。四季があり、春から秋がベストシーズンである。
When we Japanese hear about Bulgaria, we immediately think of “yogurt.” However, in reality, Bulgaria is a fascinating country with deep traditions and a wide range of attractions.
Located in Southeastern Europe, facing the Black Sea to the east, Bulgaria shares borders with the Danube River to the north, Turkey and Greece to the south, and Serbia and Macedonia to the west. Having been under Ottoman rule for about 500 years starting from the late 14th century, there is still a large Turkish population living in Bulgaria. As a result, Islamic churches and temples coexist, shaping a unique culture.
While opportunities to be noticed are limited, you can feel the charm of each region in small towns. So this time, we asked Mr. Yamaguchi, the Central Europe Director of World Air Services Tokyo Branch, to introduce us to the beautiful but lesser-known cities of Bulgaria.
■1: Rila
Rila is a town surrounded by deep mountains in western Bulgaria. The Rila Monastery is the headquarters of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and is known as the largest Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The high artistic nature of medieval Bulgarian culture is also attractive, and the vivid frescoes covering one wall are very famous. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere of Bulgaria where different cultures mix.
“Even under Ottoman rule, the monastery was prestigious enough to receive gifts from the Sultan. You can feel the history with miraculous images, etc. (Yamaguchi, World Air Services) “
■2: Veliko Tarnovo
The ancient city of Veliko Tarnovo, located in the northeast, is said to be the most beautiful city in Bulgaria. With a population of about 80,000, it was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, also known as the “Third Rome.” It flourished as the center of politics, economy, Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and culture.
The small old town has a serene atmosphere as if time has stopped, making it ideal for strolling. From Tsarevets Hill, you can see houses clustered in the Yantra River valley. It is a charming town with a rustic but appealing atmosphere.
“The scent of 700 years ago still lingers in the streets of artisans. In workshops for knives, copper, and carpentry, products made with traditional methods evoke a nostalgic era.” (Yamaguchi, World Air Services)
■3: Koprivshtitsa
Koprivshtitsa is located in the Balkan Mountains, stretching from east to west in Bulgaria. It has been selected as one of the “30 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe,” and is full of attractions. Preserved wealthy merchant mansions built from the 18th to the 19th centuries have declared it as Bulgaria’s first museum city.
Often overlooked in regular tours, this small town is so rich in history that the entire town is said to be a museum.
“Only in Bulgaria can you see unique wooden architecture that merges folk and Baroque styles.” (Yamaguchi, World Air Services)
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Above, we featured three cities in Bulgaria that you should definitely visit. Bulgaria, like Japan, has four seasons, with spring to autumn being the best seasons. Now is the best time to visit.
[Inquiries about travel to Europe]
World Air Services
By Atsushi Inami
Photo provided by World Air Services.