Starosel village lies between a mountain – Sredna Gora, and a plain – the Thracian plain – and it offers a triple attraction for people with a variety of interests. Starting with those with an interest in the history of the ancient Thracians, through admirers of the famed local wine, or SPA tourism fans on the lookout for curative mineral water springs. Makes one wonder how it is possible for such a seemingly insignificant little village, located in what is in practice the geographic centre of Bulgaria, to combine all three.

Overshadowed, until recently, by the much better known SPA resort of Hisarya, Starosel is now putting up stiff competition, and more and more people have been opting for the properties of its mineral waters, the benefits of hydrotherapy and the pleasure of its mineral water pools. SPA tourism is thriving, and there is no visitor from near or far who hasn’t come away pleased and invigorated by the water treatment here, or just by swimming in the outdoor and indoor mineral water swimming pools in the village. But there are also splendid hotels there, with several new tourist sites to be added to them soon that will offer their hospitality to the growing number of people now filling the existing hotels to capacity.

In the courtyard of one of these tourist complexes, notable for its architecture of a traditional Revival-time Bulgarian settlement, is the famed “Starosel” winery. The winery produces around one million bottles or white, red androsé wine a year from its own vineyards, covering an area of 200 hectares, where eight different varieties of grape are grown. Visitors coming here get a tour of the winery and can also taste its wines. As a matter of fact, “Starosel’ is a comparatively new winery, less than 15 years old, but it strictly adheres to the traditions in winemaking that have come down to us from the time of the ancient Thracians who were superb winemakers. But unlike them, the winery makes use of cutting edge technology and employs the top winemakers, whose services in determining the quality of the grapes, and the best technology to be used depending on the vintage, cost no less than 30,000 euro. Even though “Starosel” winery is relatively young, its wines, especially the reds, are appreciated all over the world, as there are many countries where people have already taken note of their excellent quality.

We already mentioned the ancient Thracians, and they are the third attraction in the battle Starosel has been waging for survival, alongside other small towns and villages across the country, whose population has been dwindling as they face bleak economic prospects and lack of job opportunities. Just a few kilometres from the village fascinating monuments have been discovered, sanctuaries, remains of entire cities and tombs of Thracian dignitaries. This historical, cultural and archaeological wealth, dating back to the 5^th century BC, has been attracting a growing number of tourists form the country and abroad, as the archaeological finds are well preserved and presented in an intriguing way.

Many believe that the latter-day inhabitants of this region have remained true to the good taste the Thracians once had in showing their appreciation of this blessed land with its vineyards and mineral springs, its breathtaking landscapes on the borderline between mountain and valley, with its mild and pleasant climate. In any case, there are no visible signs of incongruity between the ancient and the modern world in this regard. The two exist happily side by side and that can only benefit the people of today who have an appreciation of things genuine and authentic. Even in its advance, the tourist industry endeavours to adhere to tradition. All the more so that it is the principal employer in these parts, which otherwise has few business opportunities to offer. Yet for now, Starosel has remained off the beaten track, with tourists thronging mostly to the seaside or to the ski resorts. And that is probably a good thing, because Starosel is definitely the destination of choice for all people of refined taste.

English version: Milena Daynova