Trivia
Orpheus
Smoking
Rakija/Rakia
Rose
Starosel
It is a huge cemetery near Hisarya. It is a large complex of buildings dating back to ancient Thracia. Georgi Kitov, an archeologist, found a masque of King Sevt III during excavations in 2004. The masque is made of 24 karat gold and weighs 673 g.
Hidden treasure
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A legendary Thracian singer, said to be born in the Rhodopes. His talents dethroned the god Apollo himself. The archeological finds prove that he was a historical figure and lived in the 13th century BC. The finds corroborate a theory that he was born near the Gela village. His grave is in Tatula.
Smoking
On January 1, 2005, Tobacco Act became effective In Bulgaria. The restaurants and pubs were divided into two sections: smoking and non-smoking. Smoking in public places is also prohibited.
Perperikon
Herodotus described this sanctuary dedicated to Dionysus best. There was an oracular shrine next to the sanctuary. The precise location of Perperikon had been unknown for ages, and its finding can be compared to the discovery of Troy. It was extremely difficult because the Rhodopes were said to be the home of gods. The archeological finds proved close relations of Perperikon and the Cretan and Mycenaean civilizations.
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Herodotus described this sanctuary dedicated to Dionysus best. There was an oracular shrine next to the sanctuary. The precise location of Perperikon had been unknown for ages, and its finding can be compared to the discovery of Troy. It was extremely difficult because the Rhodopes were said to be the home of gods. The archeological finds proved close relations of Perperikon and the Cretan and Mycenaean civilizations.
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Rakija/Rakia
It is a strong alcoholic beverage [38-40%], which tastes like vodka. It is made of grain and various fruits: grapes, plums and pears. The Bachkovski monastery is famous for its local specialty – very strong juniper vodka.
Rose
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Although the Bulgarian rose is in fact a Damascus rose [Rosa Damascena Milli] from Asia, it became one of the symbols of the country. The Rose Valley surrounded with the Balkan and Sredna Gora ranges, fulfills the 70% of global demand for attar. Bulgaria is the world’s leading producer of top quality attar and the second [after Turkey] as far as the amount is concerned. 3000 to 6000 rose petals are needed to make one liter of the precious liquid. The petals are picked in May before sunrise, by women.
Starosel
It is a huge cemetery near Hisarya. It is a large complex of buildings dating back to ancient Thracia. Georgi Kitov, an archeologist, found a masque of King Sevt III during excavations in 2004. The masque is made of 24 karat gold and weighs 673 g.
Hidden treasure
Advanced civilization existed some 6000 years ago in Bulgaria – it fell however for unknown reasons. It is still one of the biggest puzzles for scientists. Archeologists reveal some of its mysteries. Gold objects, the oldest in the history of humankind, were found in Varna. They are 7000 years old. Cave paintings were discovered in the Magura Cave. A dolmen [12 dolmens forming an ellipse] in Eastern Rhodopes is a miniature Stonehenge. The megalithic tombs – dolmens in Strandzha – are the oldest Thracian monuments in the world, and the masque of King Seuthes III is the first masque made completely out of gold.
Wine
Wine production dates back to the Thracian times. Bulgaria is the 5th wine exporting country in the world. The best-known wines are red: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and white: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. February 14 is the day of St Trifon, the patron of the vineyards. It is the day when the grapevines are trimmed for the first time and sprinkled with wine to guarantee good harvest.
Sign of the Cross
The Bulgarians cross themselves from the right to the left, with three fingers, which symbolize the Holy Trinity.
Wine
Wine production dates back to the Thracian times. Bulgaria is the 5th wine exporting country in the world. The best-known wines are red: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and white: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. February 14 is the day of St Trifon, the patron of the vineyards. It is the day when the grapevines are trimmed for the first time and sprinkled with wine to guarantee good harvest.
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Sign of the Cross
The Bulgarians cross themselves from the right to the left, with three fingers, which symbolize the Holy Trinity.