How to get there Where to stay What to see Where to eat
 
The Virgin Mary Monument, Haskovo
The Highest in the world statue of the Holy Virgin Mary with the Infant was built to convey the respect, love and gratitude of the people to the Mother of God. The monument was inaugurated by a traditional water-sanctifying ritual by Archbishop Arseny in 2003. In 2005 it was included into the book of Guinness World Records, and since 2009 it was also entered into the List of the Hundred National Tourist Sights in Bulgaria. The authors of the statue are Petyo Alexandrov, Nikola Stoyanov and team. It is made of polymer concrete and weighs 120 tons. The overall height of the monument is 32.8 meters, and its attractiveness is supplemented by The Nativity of the Virgin chapel, which was built insidethe base of the statue.The Yamacha Hill on which the Statue stands offers a fascinating breathtaking view over the city. The idea to build the Monument of Virgin Mary belonged to the Mayor of Haskovo Georgi Ivanov, and was embraced and supported with donations by the general public of Haskovo.The symbolism was quite intentional rather than randomly selected. The Mother of God has always been considered to be the Patroness of the city. During the millennial history of the city, the Nativity of Virgin Mary has always been revered as one of the most important holy-days, and by Decision of the Municipal Board the 8–th of September was proclaimed to be the Day of Haskovo. 
The Alexandrovo Tomb, Haskovo Municipality
The tomb in the vicinity of the village of Aleksandrovo dates back to the IV century BC, and is one of the most prominent monuments of the ancient Thracian culture. It was discovered in 2000 by the famous archaeologist Georgi Kitov (1943 - 2008). Its impressive size ranks the tomb among the most monumental ones on the Bulgarian lands. The exceptionally well-preserved frescoes enrich with new data our knowledge and notions of the Thracian religious rituals, cults, weapons, clothing and lifestyle. In 2009 the Thracian Art Museum of the Eastern Rhodopes opened its doors in the immediate proximity to the tomb. The people of Japan had donated nearly $ 3 million for the construction of this Museum. The huge museum complex was inaugurated personally jointly by the Japanese crown prince's brother - Prince Akishino and the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Georgi Parvanov. The 98 gold decorations and jewels (4500 - 4000 BC), discovered in the northern part of the Sakar Mountain are amongst the most memorable and impressive exhibits of the museum. Together with the gold ornaments from the Varna necropolis and the necklace discovered in the vicinity of the Hotitsa village, these gold works prove to be the most ancient processed gold ornaments in the world.Since 2011 the Alexandrovo tomb has become a part of the List of the Hundred National Tourist Sights in Bulgaria.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
Thracian Art Museum of the Eastern Rhodopes
In 2009 in the close proximity of the Tomb in Aleksandrovo its doors opened Thracian Art Museum of the Eastern Rhodopes. The peope of Japan donated nearly 3 million US dollars for its building. The huge compound was opened by the Japanese prince – Akishimo himself, and the president of Bulgaria – Georgi Parvanov.An important exponent in the exhibition hall is the exact duplicate of the original tomb. By this the visitors are given the opportunity to encounter a unique monument of the ancient art in Thrace. The frescoes made by the hand of the Thracian artist are recreated in the tiniest details. They depict fighting and hunting scenes as well as the notorious feasts of the Thracian aristocracy.The abundant exposition reveals many more artifacts of the Thracian period found in the region of Haskovo. Many of them can be seen on the wall paintings in the tomb of Alexandrovo – arms, jewelry, pots, etc. The brightest exhibit in Thracian Art Museum of the Eastern Rhodopes is undoubtedly the 98 golden pieces of jewelry (4500-4000 years B.C.) which were found in the northern part of the Sakar Mountain. Along with the jewels from the necropolis near Varna and the necklace from the village of Hotnica these are said to be the oldest processed gold in the world.Thracian Art Museum of the Eastern Rhodopes is one of the most well-equiped and representative museums in the country, and since 2011 it is included in the list of the One Hundred National Tourist Sights.
The Assumption Church in the Village of Uzundjovo, Haskovo Municipality
TheAssumption is the largest rural church in Bulgaria. It combines in an amazing way various elements of Christianity and Islam. Built initially as a Christian temple, in 1593 it was destroyed by the Ottoman Empire. A mosque was erected in its place – it was a part of a large estate of caravan seraglio, which according to the chronicles-writers resembled a fortress, whose central entrance is preserved until the present days. In the early 20th century the Turkish government returned the property back to Bulgaria and the reconstruction of the mosque into a church began at that time. In 2007 the church was thoroughly reconstructed by the Haskovo Municipality. During the restoration works two medieval inscriptions in Arabic on religious-philosophical topics were discovered, but these latter inscriptions have not yet been accurately dated. All the icons and frescoes were restored. The Tryavna painter Master Darin Bozhkov carved a new iconostasis, which by its size ranks among the three biggest and most impressive ones in the country. The windows were decorated with fascinating stained glass works, depicting scenes from the life of the Mother of God. 
The Bell Tower in the town of Haskovo
In the summer of 2010, next to the Monument of Virgin Mary in the city of Haskovo, the edifice of the Belfry was built up. In years of spiritual poverty and skepticism, Haskovo residents have once again gave way to their - let me say - Renaissance creative drive! It took nearly half a million Bulgarian leva to build this enlightening Christian monument and, please note the fact that all the funding was collected in less than a year entirely from donations!  Rising to nearly thirty meters, the Belfry next to the Virgin Mary Monument in the city of Haskovo, is one of the highest on the Balkan Peninsula. On top of it there are eight bells of varying size and total weight little over one tonne.  The Belfry is open to visitors every day and due to the breathtaking views it offers from the top, it has been quickly beloved as a favorite destination of both residents and guest of the city of Haskovo. ...  And now, every day at noontime, the bell tolling echoes throughout Haskovo, as if recalling the city’s role as a gate of Christianity in Europe.
Perperikon
The Rock City is the most famous archaeological site in Bulgaria recently. According to the archaeological studies, the first traces of life at Perperikon (Perperek) date back to 6 thousand years ago during the Stone-Copper Age. During the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age the ancient city became a prominent ritual center. Even the ancient historian Herodotus wrote about the famous sanctuary and prophecy center of the Thracian god Dionysus-Zagreus, situated in the Eastern Rhodopes - carved into the rocks with a stone altar on which our predecessors poured wine and lit a fire. The local priestess was as famous as the unparalleled Pitia who served in the Temple of the Delphic Apollo. The Roman author Suetonius adds that it was  in fact at Perperikon (Perperek) that Alexander the Great learnt he would become the ruler and master of the world.   Many cultures and religions have left their signs and traces on the Eastern Rhodopes and Perperikon (Perperek). Despite the differences, they all worship one and the same day of the year – the day of the summer solstice. The custodian of the millenary tradition today is the Perperikon Festival, which is held on the eve of June 22 every year,  thus commemorating and guarding our path from the shrouded with mysterious secrets past to the enigmatic future ... 
The Regional History Museum - Haskovo
The Haskovo Regional History Museum treasures more than 120 000 pieces and artifacts of the historical cultural heritage, many of which have an exceptionally high value. Unique collections of prehistoric, antique and medieval artifacts made of ceramics, stone, iron and glass contribute to part of the rich museum collection. Among the most interesting exhibits are two rarely found on the Bulgarian lands goblets, “Troy type”, dating back to 1st c. B.C., one of which became the symbol of the museum. The museum also hosts a remarkable collection of extremely high value consisting of more than 22 000 antique and medieval coins. Over the years the Regional History Museum has performed collecting, research and methodological activity in 11 municipalities of today’s Haskovo district. It has restored more than 30 cultural monuments. The museum holds one of the best ethnographic collections. Department funds have nearly 15,000 units. The museum houses collections of articles of bronze, folk costumes, fabrics, jewelry, agricultural and craft implements, pieces of folk art, ritual props and many other.
The Art Gallery – Haskovo
The Art Gallyer – Haskovo was founded in 1962. Initially it was opened in the former cinema “Septemvri” and the total pieces of art reached the number of 550 mainly drawn by local artists in Haskovo such as Dimitar Ivanov – Lico, Petar Tolchev and many more. In 1998 the gallery moved into the newly-renovated buildings on 1 Episkop Sofronii Str which are proclaimed to be monuments of cultural heritage. The gallery has been housed there since then until present days.At the moment the gallery fund of art pieces reaches 1500 paintings, black and white drawings, sculptures by various artists of different times. The masterpieces of some of the most famous artists are arranged in a constant exhibition available for visits by the local people or guests of the city.Throughout its various activities the gallery aims to expand the popularity of the greatest masterpieces of art.
Art Gallery Forum
The Art Gallery “Forum” was established by the Municipality of Haskovo and has been a functioning gallery for modern and contemporary art since 05.09.2007. It is located in the central part of the city, next to the theatre and has an area of 130 m2 for exhibition divided into two floors. The façade is constructed in antique style, with a triangular pediment and Ionian columns. The architecture style is in complete harmony with the one of the theatre. The office of the Association of the artists in Haskovo is on the ground floor as well as a constant marketplace of artists’ masterpieces. One-man exhibitions and combined shows of local, national and international artists are conducted on the first floor. Pieces of art that belong to Vejdi Rashidov, Jorj Papazov, Svetlin Rusev have been exposed here, as well as other masterpieces made by artists related with our city. The exhibitions in the gallery alter in 20 days and the culmination is around the days of the National Competition for Debut Literature in Haskovo, the Day of Haskovo – 8th of September, and the traditional yearly Christmas Exhibition opened and conducted by the Association of the artists in Haskovo. Vladimir Zapryanov is director of the Art Gallery and Maria Delcheva is keeper of the gallery.http://www.gallery-forum.eu/
The Thracian Rock Tombs around the Village of Pchelari, Haskovo region
The outskirts of the village Pchelari are abound in and are richly dotted with cultural monuments from the ancient times and the Middle Ages. The tombs cut in the eroded rocks in the areas of Hambar-Kaya, Ak-Kaya, Kara-in, Mal-said, Hodzhas, etc are among these monuments. Only in the Hambar-Kaya area one can see the traces of 6 tombs carved vertically on top of the mould array and further covered with large stone slabs. There are two tombs preserved in the Ak-Kaya and Kara-In areas carved into the sheer cliffs, one of which is particularly impressive. It is located in the Kara-in area and is the most picturesque of all similar monuments. The tomb was cut is in the sheer steep rock at 2.5 kilometers southeast of the village. The plan of the tomb is trapezoidal. The entrance oriented to the southeast has the same shape. As a result of the weathering of the rocks an interesting rocky shelter overhanging the entrance was formed, which makes the rock to resemble a dolmen. All the tombs in the vicinity of the village of Pchelari date back to the early Iron Age (II-I century B.C.) and have been declared to be cultural monuments. Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Thracian Cult complex at the village of Dolno Cherkovishte, Haskovo region
One of the largest megalithic Thracian religious complexes in the Eastern Rhodopes is to be found in the Kovan-Kaya area near the village of Dolno Cherkovishte. More than 100 trapezoidal niches were cut there in the sheer cliffs of the volcanic massif at impressive causing dizziness heights. It is believed that these niches were used for burial purposes and the urns containing the ashes of the cremated dead were placed there. In addition to the niches, a cave–like tomb was cut in the in the rock massif. The archaeologists from the Regional Historical Museum - Haskovo believe that the religious burial complex is directly related to the Thracian settlements, castles, cemeteries and shrines located in the agricultural lands of the villages Dolno Cherkovishte, Pchelari and Oreshari (the latter is located on the right bank of the river Arda). About 500 meters northwest of the village of Dolno Cherkovishte another six religious niches were cut in the southern vertical steep wall of the big rock dominating over the area. On top of the massive array another tomb was carved and traces of a large Thracian settlement were also found in close proximity to that latter tomb.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Bukelon Fortress near the village of Matochina, Haskovo region
In the fourth century A.C. the Byzantine empire constructed a powerful fortress close to the present village of Matochina (eng. Lemon Balm), which served as an important supportive landmark to defend the empire and stop the invasive approaches to the capitals Adrianople and Constantinople. This fortress was called Bukelon. In the tenth century the fortress was destroyed. Two centuries later on the ruins a new fortress with a complex structure of three interrelated sections was built. It was constructed from cast stones soldered together with white plaster and had four decorative belts of baked bricks crossing the facade. The central pat of the new fortress represented a tower with a rectangular plan. To the east the tower was joined by a semicircular section, and to the West it bordered a second narrow, elongated section with a polygonal shape. The fortress had two high floors and a spacious basement. The accommodation premises were located in the orthogonal tower. There was also a small Christian chapel. A monogram of built-into the masonry bricks representing a cross and the letters - M, N, K and K was preserved over the entrance of the fort. The Bukelon fortress is still the best preserved fortress from the Late Middle Ages within the current territory of Bulgaria. In 1968 it was declared a cultural monument of national importance.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Dolmen in the Vicinity of Hlyabovo Village, Haskovo region
The Dolmens (from Breton language, Dol – table, and man - a stone), are the first representatives of the monumental tomb architecture in the Bulgarian lands. The Dolmas are found mainly on the territory of Haskovo region in the mountains Strandzha, Sakar and Eastern Rhodopes. They are the the foundations for the created later-on unique Thracian tombs, such as the one discovered in the vicinity of the village of Alexandro. The dolmen in the vicinity of the village of Hlyabovo is the most impressive throughout Bulgaria. According to the most ancient materials used in building the dolman, and further discovered during the archeological research on the dolman, it dates back to the Early Iron Age (approximately 1050 to 500 BC). Probably dolmens were erected for community members with relatively high social status. Unfortunately, concrete information about the exact names and positions of these people is still missing and they remain anonymous, irrespective of the monumental nature of the complex archeological tomb site.. There is one thing certain however – that the owners of such ever-lasting homes, which gurantee peaceful restful existence in their afterlife, had the authority of rulers of some kind. Other impressive representatives of the megalithic culture (from Greek megalos - large and Litos - stone) in Bulgaria are the dolmans discovered in the area called Byalata Treva near the village of Hlyabovo, the one in the area called Bayamluka near Oryahovo, and the dolman discovered in the vicinity of the Pelevun village, Haskovo region.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
Battle near Klokotnitsa
From "History of George Acropolites "So after Todor Comnenus rose to power and success and became a neighbor of the Bulgarians, he concluded a peace treaty with the Bulgarian king Ivan Assen [II]... But Todor Angel [Comnenus], …because he was bold and behaved in a questionable and arbitrary manner not only with respect to the domestic royal deeds, but also ... in all state affairs, by breaking oaths and constantly violating agreements with his neighbors, so …he broke the peace treaty with Ivan Assen and headed against the Bulgarians, by gathering a huge army, composed of Byzantine and Italian ssoldiers. The army of Todor Comnenus passed near Adrianople [Edirne] and walked along the upper streams of the Evros [Maritsa] river, seeking to start a battle with the Bulgarians. In fact it turned out that he sought his own death. He believed that the Bulgarians would run away frightened and would not be able to oppose even the first attack of his army. But the Bulgarians did not think or behave so. Ivan Assen, relying more on consequences to the breach of oaths and contracts by Todor Angel - than on his troops, took just a little help from the Scythians [Comans] which did not number [even] a thousand, and entered bravely in battle rushing forward with the flag, on which some historians say he hung the broken written treaty with Todor. The enemy troops clashed at a place somewhere near the Evros, which was called Klokotnitsa. And to summarize it for you,… Todor was decisively and totally defeated by the Bulgarians... He and many of his relatives, and many of his senior officials and noblemen were captured by the enemy and all their belongings become the prey of the Bulgarians. Ivan Assen took a very human and philanthropic approach to the captives, as he released most of the soldiers, mainly among the ordinary soldiers and fighters and sent them back to their villages and their cities... He was admired and appreciated by everyone, because he did not use weapons against his people and did not engage in murders of Byzantines soldiers as apposed to what the Byzantine rulers had done to Bulgarian captives before, that is why he was respected and loved not only by the Bulgarians but also by the Romans and other peoples. "
The Menhir in the vicinity of the Ovcharovo village, Haskovo region
The menhir near the Ovcharovo village is the world's only preserved Thracian monument of this type. It represents a roughly cut trachyte conical column resembling a phallus. It is 2.10 meters high and its diameter at its widest part is approximately 1 m. The name "menhir" comes from the Brettonic languages (men - stone and hir - high). This type of equipment belongs to the so-called megalithic monuments which for the Bulgarian lands are dated back to the early Iron Age (XII - VI centuries BC.) and is associated with the Thracian times. The word “megalithic” literally stands for  “made of / of large stones” when translated from Greek. This group includes various devices cut into the natural rocks or built of large stones with impressive size and weight. The group includes some Thracian fortresses, the dolmens, the rock tombs, some pools, niches, cromlechs, etc. The menhir sites were used to serve religious purposes. The phallic shape is associated with the widely spread among the Thracian tribes cult towards the fertility and the eternal ever-reviving nature.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Kirkov’s School, Haskovo
The Kirkov’s school is a magnificent example of the Renaissance architecture on the town of Haskovo and a national cultural monument. The building enchants all visitors with its extremely rich frescos and plastic decorations. The four-column porch and the staircase railing add to the special solemnity of the site and demonstrate the aesthetic values of the Bulgarian architecture in the Renaissance period. The exceptionally beautiful garden in front of the building comes as a natural extension of the schoo. It fascinates visitors with its green vines, the deep well, exquisitely shaped boxwood and numerous flowers. After being used as an actual school and enlivened by students every day for a very long time, in 1952 the Kirkov’s school became the seat of the Regional Historical Museum, and until 1993 sheltered the exhibition describing the life and works of the Haskovo-born world-renowned scientist Prof. Assen Zlatarov. The School currently hosts a thematic collection entitled "Haskovo Enlightenment Leaders" which exhibits materials about the most prominent personalities who contributed to the spiritual development of the city from the Renaissance to our days. 
The House of Boyadzhi Oglu, Haskovo
Luxury, style and unique revival spirit – perhaps these words characterise best the house of the Haskovo nobleman Boyadzhi Oglu. The house shines and impresses with its beautiful decoration and landscape paintings, which have managed to unite architecture, art and imagination all in one.   The two-storey Г-shaped house was built in the mid 19-th century. A noteworthy feature of the interior design are the varied and solved by individual approaches wood-carved ceilings. Through the ceilings the master painter managed to create the feeling of higher vaulted premises, spaciousness and airiness. The impressive lounge provides a functional link to the other rooms, becoming one of the most astounding premises. The highlights in the whole of the interior painting and decorations are the richly coloured decorative patterns or so-called "Alafrangi" French niche windows. The end result is a symphony of colours, charm and subtlety.   Today the house of Boyadzhi Oglu is turned into one of the most stylish and fashionable restaurants in Haskovo - Restaurant Alafrangite 
The House of Chorbadji Dimitrak, Haskovo
The House of the nobleman Chorbadji Dimitraki (eng. Master Dimitrak) is one of the oldest houses in Haskovo. Built in the early decades of the 19-th century, it proudly demonstrates the high aesthetic requirements and aspirations of the newly-enriched Haskovo artisans and merchants. The visitors to the house get truly impressed by the mastery of construction, the exquisite arts carvings and the original artistic elements to be found there. The nobleman’s house is extremely interesting with its asymmetry and the Г-shaped right-angled distribution of rooms.  There are three separate premises that you can visit co-located within  part of the sizeable space under the porch - a large ground-floor living room, a kitchen with a fireplace and separated kitchen cupboards. The guest room - fascinating with its skillfully carved wooden ceiling in two colors of wood, with the French windows Alafranga type, boarded by closets on all walls - reveals one of the most beautiful and best preserved ancient interiors in Haskovo. The smaller room is decorated and arranged in a similar design.The ceiling of the hall is also made of timber in the shape of  lined bars which form rhomboid lozenge.The windows are decorated with beautiful woodcarvings, which remain unrivalled and the only one of its kind in the entire city. Nowadays the House of Chorbadji Dimitrak is the home of the Arts Kindergarten of Haskovo. 
The Paskalev House, Haskovo
Undoubtedly the House of Chorbadji Pascal is a true architectural masterpiece. It was declared a cultural monument of national importance. Visitors of the house can see and trace the transition of the local people after the liberation from Turkish yoke from the traditional rural to the more urban and European lifestyles.   The Paskalev house is two-storey asymmetrical building with magnificent and very functional internal design.  The semicircular bow window brings light, ease and sense of refinement, the beautifully carved ceilings, doors and cupboards bring comfort and warmth, while decorative niche with the French-style Alafrangi vaults complement the interior and give distinctive subtlety.   The ethnographic exposition exhibits real treasures illustrating the way of life of the Haskovo citizens of that time. The first floor acquaints the visitors with the everyday life of Haskovo family, while the second one impresses with its dignity of appearance and its spaciousness. The Paskalev House offers a myriad of peculiar feelings - a mixture of curiosity, aesthetic feast, comfort and security, surprise by the fact that the wooden couches in the living room live together with furniture from Vienna, the Russian Samovar teapot goes along with the European silver cutlery… And all this seems to be bound together by the traditional Haskovo carpets and rugs, with their amazing colorful stripes of various colors and composition, in which the women of Haskovo have interwoven their fine sense of beauty and aesthetics. 
The Roman road, village of Dolni Glavanak, Haskovo region
Since the most ancient times and the Middle Ages until the present days many important roads and connecting routes have crossed the territory of Haskovo region. One of these routes is the main road Via Singidunum which connected Serdica (Sofia) to Constantinople (Istanbul). This road has been used since the V century BC, and was of major strategic importance in the past. During the period of Roman rule the road was further improved with solid cobbled stones laid and road stations built. The distance passed was bench-marked by special encrypted columns, some of which are now kept in the Regional Historical Museum in the town of Haskovo. It is believed that part of the Via Singidunum is still preserved nowadays in Gaberovo. The route of the road passes directly through the village of Dolni Glavanak and then continues in the direction of the village of Topolovo – and the traces of the Roman road get lost in the plowed fields. From there the road most probably branched into two separate directions – first to the north to the Chala Hill, where traces of ancient and medieval fortresses were found and second along the valley of the sacred Arda River, where signs of an old road can also be found.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Sanctuary of the Nymphs and Aphrodite near the village of Kasnakovo, Haskovo region
The sanctuary of the nymphs and Aphrodite is situated in a picturesque area near the village of Kasnakovo, just a few kilometers from Haskovo. It is the best preserved Thracian sanctuary in Bulgaria. The sanctuary was erected on the ruins of an ancient religious center, which emerged around the karsts mineral springs in the early Iron Age. The sanctuary represents a large complex of several buildings and a big amphitheater. According to the preserved inscription, it was built in the II century by the Thracian veteran from the Roman Army Titus Flavius and his faithful wife to honor the water nymphs and Aphrodite. The complex also included religious buildings and buildings for pilgrims. The three mineral springs impress with its beautiful architectural design, and their water is famous for their curative powers.Every year a fair is held at the sacred place on the Ascension Day (Spassov den), 40 days after Easter. People bring and leave gifts at the springs and around them, light candles, and animal sacrifice is performed.In 1968, the sanctuary of the nymphs and Aphrodite in the vicinity of the village of Kasnakovo was declared a cultural monument of national importance.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Orpheus Sanctuary in the Vicinity of the Village of Tatul
There is no doubt that the oldest in Thrace “Heroon” - a sanctuary of deified ruler – is the one discovered in the vicinity of the village of Tatul. The most recent archaeological studies suggest that this is the sanctuary of Orpheus himself - the famous Thracian singer and hero, the legendary guardian of the Rhodopes.   The sanctuary complex is one of the most imposing megalithic monuments on the Bulgarian lands. It consists of an ancient pagan temple and a medieval fortress. The central and highest place is occupied by a tomb hewn in the rock, which is accessed through a ceremonial staircase. The rock tomb is the symbolic grave of Orpheus to ensure that he could act as an intermediary between the Heaven and the Earth, between the Gods and the humans.   During the excavations of 2004 – 2007, a circle of fireplaces was found at the Tatul site – which fireplaces seem to have served as the altars on which the sacrifices and offerings to the gods were performed. In the altar ashes the archaeologists have found hundreds of items related to the ancient cults, including a part of a golden mask similar to the masks discovered at the excavations of the royal tombs of Mycenae, some human clay idols, vessels for drinking holy wine, the top of a priest’s sceptre, as well as multitude of bones from the sacrifice acts. 
The Rock church near the village of Mihalich, Haskovo region
The Rock church in the vicinity of the village of Mihalich is a cultural monument of national importance. It is the only one of its kind in Bulgaria with a unique tri-branched shape. The church was carved in the limestone block in the area Aypando about 1.5 kilometers from the village of Mihalich. A corridor with fourteen steps carved into the rock leads the believers down into the worshiper’s niche. The entrance is 4 metres wide and 5 metres high. Three shallow semi-cylindrical shaped niches are cut in the rock directly above it.   With these niches the the ancient masters tried to imitate the windows above the entrances of the city churches. Two similar, but smaller niches are to be found on the walls of the corridor. Three shapes called Concha establish separate some space with the form of a cross. A podium altar of stone blocks was built at the bottom of the eastern apse. Two triangular shaped recess niches were also engraved by the builders in the two side angles between the central and two lateral conchas. These two latter niches resemble columns or wall piers carrying the dome. The walls are carved in crosses.  With its unique architecture and impressive size, the rock church at the village of Mihalich is one of the most interesting Christian monuments in the Bulgarian lands.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Medieval Fortress near the Village of Mezek, Haskovo Region
The impressive remains one of the best preserved medieval fortresses on the Bulgarian lands called Neutzikon soar high on the hill to the  west of the Mezek village. The fortress was built in the XI-XII century and has an irregular quadrilateral shape and a total area of nearly 7 acres. The walls, which are made of crushed stone cemented with white mortar, are decorated with three belts of bricks on the outside. The walls are further fortified with nine impressive defense towers. The main entrance of the fortress is from the west side and is so cleverly devised as to lead the attackers into a trap on a small platform where they can be fired from two sides. The angle tower between the southern and western fortress wall is the largest in size and the best preserved. You can see the traces of four floors, one of them to be found underground. There is a narrow opening from the interior of the fortress running through its full height – it is a loophole intended for defense, even when attackers penetrate into the protected area behind the fortress walls. Thus the tower was intended to function as the last resort premise – the last shelter for the defenders of the fortification.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Thracian tomb near the village of Mezek, Haskovo region
The Thracian tomb discovered in 1931 near the village of Mezek is the most monumental one of its kind, and ranks among the top most interesting tombs of Mycenaean Dome type to be seen on the ancient Thracian lands. It dates back to IV century BC and is fully preserved in its authentic form. The tomb is covered by an impressive mound embankment with a height of 15 meters and a diameter of 90 m. The archaeological research shows that a local ruler was buried in. The Thracian tomb near the village of Mezek is distinguished by its unusual architecture, as it is built of large stone blocks connected together through iron clamps. The visitors can enter the necropolis through a more than 20 meters long dromos (corridor). Two rectangular entrances come next and then the round burial chamber with a high cupola starts. The stony bed of the deceased ruler is well preserved and there are two stone urns by the side of it. Traces of additional burials, performed by cremation of the bodies were found under the stone slabs of the two rectangular rooms. A Multitude of unique items made of gold, bronze, iron, glass and ceramics were discovered in the tomb of Mezek. The findings are nowadays exhibited for the wiser audience in the Regional Historical Museum - Haskovo and at the History museums in Sofia and Istanbul.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Thracian Religious Cult Site near the village of Angel Voivoda, Haskovo region
The ancient shrine in the vicinity of the Angel Voivoda village occupies a special place among the many megalithic monuments around Haskovo. The complex is located on a rocky peak, known as the Hisar peak. At the foot of the peak lies a huge boulder, on which a full circle divided in four parts is carved, with a hole for attaching wooden or metal rods. The facility probably served as a sun-dial, or it might have been used as a tool for astronomical observations. On the summit of the peak the visitor can see the traces of a fortress wall. There are more than 50 religious cult niches carved in the rocks. In the highest part of the peak on one of the pinnacles, a stone tomb of trapezoidal shape is carved, which is accessible through five steps again carved in the rock. To the west of the tomb a second such pinnacle is found. The altar was most probably located there. Under the top of the peak a large sacrifice site of trapezoidal shape is carved. Some 50 meters to the northeast of the tomb a shallow oval basin is located. Under the top of the peak there is also a natural terrace, which was most probably used as a sanctuary.Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Deaf Stones Thracian Sanctuary, Haskovo region
The Deaf Stones rock sanctuary shrine is one of the largest Thracian cult monuments. It includes several large rock blocks with deep gorges cut in. At the foot of one of the blocks a rock tomb chamber is carved. A bed and a small niche are cut in the eastern part of the rock chamber.  There are traces of a second unfinished tomb to the side. In the rock block to the east a staircase is carved which leads to the summit with a well-shaped pool. The remaining three rocky peaks are dotted with more than 200 religious cult rock niches.  The location of the sanctuary seems to have been selected very carefully – the nature around is extremely beautiful and awesome, and the site offers excellent views to all directions of the world. The ancient inhabitants of the Rhodopes perceived the looming up above the surrounding terrain, the rock formations as were sacred. For the Thracians the height of the rock symbolized the ritual act of the transition from the everyday life to the scared. The one who rises by climbing up the stairs of the sanctuary leading to heaven ceased to be a man – reaching the top of the peak and touched by the first rays of the sun, the priest - clergyman transpired and dispersed into another, new and clean space... Irko Petrov - archaeologist
The Assumption Church, Haskovo
The Assumption Church is the oldest and the most impressive one in town.The inhabitants of Haskovo had to invest a lot of faith, efforts and courage, as well as the to unite and struggle a lot before they gotthe explicit permission to build their church during the years of the Ottoman rule.The Church was inaugurated under extremely festive atmosphere on August 15, 1837 – on the very date of one of the biggest Christian holidays, the Assumption holiday. The Church was built on the site of an ancient chapel, in a spacious courtyard  fenced by a more  than 4 meters high stone wall, meant to protect thisholy building from profane desecration. Strangely enough and for completely unknown reasons, the church was built to almost completely face southeast-northwest direction. In terms of style,  the Assumption Church was built as a nave basilica with a two-sloped roof without domes. The inner space is divided into three altar apsides. The iconostasis - done by master-painters from the Debar school - fascinates with its rich wood carving. The most remarkable mural of all is the image of "The Blessing God". This large size painting in the middle of the arch leaves the visor with the impression of the Blessing God being the Pantocrator, which was probably the true intentionof the painter, ultimately quite skilfully embedded in this almost placed-in-heaven image of God. 
Osman Baba Tekke, Haskovo Municipality
Tekke (in Turkish - tekke) is a Muslim monastic community, monastery, usually a ritual complex of buildings where the center is occupied by a heptagonal building – called türbe, which serves as tomb / mausoleum (usually symbolic) of a saint.  The oldest Tekkes in Bulgaria, which are also the largest and the most famous, are four – Demir Baba Tekke near the village of Sveshtari, municipality of Isperih; Akyazulu Baba Tekke in the village of Obrochishte, municipality of Dobrich; Kademli Baba Tekke near the village of Sokol, municipality of Nova Zagor; and Osman Baba Tekke near the village of Tekketo, municipality of Haskovo.  But who is Osman Baba? The answer to this question is given by archaeologist Dimcho Aladzhov (1930-2010). Here is a translation of the tombstone:  "BEAUTIFUL AREA!  If the Almighty wishes it and fills the country with its mercy and delights, this will be a source for Osman Baba. Finding favour in the interior of Rumelia (countryside), he grew up and established himself here. He took the path of all worthy wise men. As a leader of Jemaah, he served in the infinite, like a sea, God's grace, he was a keeper of sorrow and grief (uncertain meaning due to deleted text). Coming from Hursan in the year of seven hundred and ninetieth (1389), he lent a hand to the rayah in Rumelia to pray for the praying folks. In the year of eight hundred and eighty third (1479) this Osman Baba left for the eternity."  Osman Baba Tekke has been declared a cultural monument since last century.
The protected place Zlato pole, Municipality of Haskovo
Zlato pole was pronounced a protected place in 2001. It covers the old bed of the Maritza river which was derailed from the river during the 50s of the last century. The protected place Zlato pole contains a few water basins with various surface and depth with reed and rush plants, islands and pasture-grounds. This is the largest humid area with natural origin in the river valley of Maritza.A typical feature of the protected place Zlato pole are the feather species, most of them are water-loving birds. Dabchick (Podiceps minor), gallinula chloropus, Ixobrychus minutes, alcedo atthis and many more can be seen on the territory of the protected place. Zlato pole is an import place to spend the winter months and to make a rest during the migration process for many species. Thus during the winter more than 2000 endangered species of the Phalacrocorax pygmeus have been registered to have spent the night. This defines the place as one of the places established with the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands. Another species of that kind are Aythya nyroca and Crex crex. The Aythya nyroca and the Ixobrychus minutes are of great interest to the ornithologists.Many years ago the white water-lily which was included in the Red Book was transferred from its natural habitat in Popovitza (also located to the old river bed of the Maritza river) to the protected place Zlato pole. The water-lily planting a part of the process of restoring the bio-diversity in the area.For more information and contacts: Nikolay Apostolov +359889710508
The fortress wall of the city of Haskovo
Haskovo is a settlement with a history of thousands of years. In the ancient times various tribes settled and lived on the territory of the todays’ city of Haskovo which was at that time located on an important strategic point on the road from Central Europe to Constantinopol. Some of the tribes disappeared, other were melted in others, so that they made space for another tribes to settle forever on this territory – these tribes were the Thracians. The archeological surveys reveal the existence of an old Thracian settlement in the area of Hisarya.At the end of the VIII century on the hill of Hisarya (today’s Hisarya neighbourhood) on south of the river of Haskovo a new settlement appeared. Surrounded with a solid fortress wall it gradually grew and in the beginning of the X century it erected a second fortress wall. Thus ten centuries ago the early middle-aged city of Haskovo was born. It was a typical Bulgarian city with well-developed handicrafts, military garrison and an incredible by its number population.In order to make the young Bulgarian country vanish from the map of the Balkan peninsular in the XI century the Byzantine conquerors razed to the ground the city walls and the settlement. Despite this destructive invasion the population did not leave its native land and settled on the other bank of the river and, later on, it moved it moved around the today’s Park Yamacha.
  
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