Sokolski monastery “Assumption of the Virgin Mary” – a very picturesque and holy place in the heart of the Balkans

Sokolski Monastery is one of my favorite Bulgarian monasteries. I have visited it many times and in different seasons. It is one of those places that never gets boring.

Sokolski Monastery is known by several other names – Gabrovo Monastery, Sokolovski Monastery, Gabrovo-Sokolski Monastery. This article is dedicated to it. The photographs below are taken during various visits.

Sokolski monastery "Assumption of the Virgin"
Sokolski monastery “Assumption of the Virgin”
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The top 18 monasteries in Bulgaria that are old and still active

I have visited so many monasteries in Bulgaria in the recent years and I will continue to explore them, because each of them is unique, makes me feel with strong relation with the spiritual, and the most of them have reach history.

Find below the top monasteries in Bulgaria, top by meaning, history, and beauty.

The top monasteries in Bulgaria: Dryanovo monastery
The top monasteries in Bulgaria: Dryanovo monastery
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Zelenka beach, Northern Black Sea coast

Zelenka is a small picturesque bay with a rocky beach, located northwest of the rocky Cape Kaliakra and with a wonderful view of it. Zelenka beach is not very popular, but it is well known among the locals and on weekends it can be a bit crowded . The sea water here has a greenish color, hence the name of the bay.

Zelenka Bay
Zelenka Bay
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Brashlyan village: rustic idyll, ageless beauty, and a rich history

Today I will take you for a walk in the village of Brashlyan, Bulgaria, one of the remarkable places we saw during two of our visits to the Strandzha Mountains. It is a peaceful and picturesque village that has been around for a long time.

 Village of Brashlyan, Bulgaria
Village of Brashlyan, Bulgaria
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20 reasons to visit Zlatograd, Bulgaria

Zlatograd is a picturesque and very lively Rhodope town, close to the border between Bulgaria and Greece. In recent times, it has become popular with its authentic Renaissance houses and the Ethnographic Area Complex. Quite a curious fact about Zlatograd is that it is the birthplace of the voivode Delyu Haydutin. He was a prominent Bulgarian fighter against the Ottoman slavery. The famous Bulgarian folk song that flew into space “Izlel e Delyu haidutin” originates from the Zlatograd’s region. It was sung by Valya Balkanska.

Zlatograd: Ethnographic complex
Zlatograd: Ethnographic complex
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Skaklya waterfall in Bulgaria, all you need to know

There are three Skaklya waterfalls in Bulgaria or at least I am aware of three. About which one of them would you like to know? Well, read below, and you’ll see.

Each Skaklya waterfall is a very nice idea for a day trip from Sofia for any traveler seeking a nature escape. If you wonder what is the best time to visit the falls, springtime or after heavy rains are ideal for experiencing these destinations. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various Skaklya waterfalls and the trails that lead to them.

Bov Skaklya waterfall
Bov Skaklya waterfall
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Thracian sanctuary at Tatul: one of the 10 wonders of Bulgaria

The sanctuary near the village of Tatul is an ancient megalithic complex, mentioned as one of the most significant in Bulgarian lands. Some researchers believe that 3,500 years ago a Thracian king was buried there, and his tomb later began to serve as a place of worship for the Thracians. According to others, it was a sanctuary of Orpheus, the ancient mythical singer of the Rhodope Mountains. In 2011 the Thracian sanctuary at Tatul was chosen by a national vote as one of the wonders of Bulgaria at the initiative of the Standard newspaper.

The Thracian sanctuary near the village of Tatul: the rock with the tombs and steps
The Thracian sanctuary near the village of Tatul: the rock with the tombs and steps
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Lakatnik Rocks ecotrail: imposing cliffs and incredible views

Lakatnik Rocks is a stone phenomenon in Bulgaria, not far from the capital Sofia. The view from the top of Lakatniк Rocks towards the Iskar Gorge will take your breath away. You can get there by a relatively easy eco-path. The place is a fantastic idea for a day trip from Sofia. The natural beauty and picturesque landscapes of the place can make you an Instagram star at least for a while.

Lakatnik Rocks and the stunning view
Lakatnik Rocks and the stunning view
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Bansko in summer: what to do in Bansko in the summer season

I adore visiting Bansko in the summer. The town fascinates with an incredible spirit, attractive sights and mountain hikes, good hotels and places to eat.

Bansko is a famous ski resort in Bulgaria. However, the weather is amazing here in summer! So, don’t miss out on the glorious sunshine and enjoy the outdoors.

This article is dedicated to the best summer activities in Bansko and nearby. I have personal impressions of the all places below. I recommend them as great things to do in Bansko out of the active ski season. If you have not been to Bansko – read the brief information about each of the sites and you may find a reason to visit the town. The post will definitely help you uncover the hidden gems and delightful experiences that Bansko offers in summertime.

Bansko
Bansko, Bulgaria
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15 remarkable monasteries near Sofia

There are more than 30 monasteries near Sofia. During the last years I got to many of them. In this article I would like to present the most interesting. They are all real centers of spirituality, faith, and culture. In addition, monasteries in Bulgaria are located in quite beautiful places. Therefore, visiting a monastery is a good idea for a lovely walk and a touch to the history.

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