Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Walking the cobblestone streets of Blagoevgrad’s old quarter "Varosha"

Photo: library

Many Bulgarian cities have preserved intact the spirit of the National Revival Period. Blagoevgrad is one of them. It is enough to take a walk in its old quarter in order to feel like travelling at least 150 years back in time. The Varosha quarter dates back to the 18th century. At that time it was the only Christian part of the city. Initially, Varosha consisted mainly of one-storey rural buildings.

The beautiful houses from the National Revival, which are symmetrical and strongly influenced by the urban architecture, were built in the XIX century. One can visit the regional museum of history, galleries and craft workshops, as well as the church, built in the quarter back in 1844. Because of the exceptional qualities of the frescoes and the iconostasis, which are the work of famous master craftsmen from Bansko, the church has been declared a national monument of culture.

You will learn more about the preserved architecture and the atmosphere of this southern Bulgarian city from the publication  “Blagoevgrad’s Varosha quarters” from the collection of Radio Bulgaria.

Compiled by: Veneta Nikolova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Ivan Rilski is the most beloved and revered Bulgarian saint

On October 19, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of the humble hermit from the Rila mountain and heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people and Bulgarian doctors. Called "an earthly angel" and "a heavenly inhabitant" during his lifetime,..

published on 10/19/24 5:15 AM

Nature is transformed on 6 August - Transfiguration Day in Bulgaria

On the sixth day after the beginning of the summer fasting dedicated to the Theotokos, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord, one of the twelve feasts of the Lord . And as the Bulgarian tradition dictates, the church..

published on 8/4/24 5:25 AM

The hottest days of the year known as "goreshtnitsi" start in Bulgaria

The  goreshtnitsi –  dog days, the hottest days of summer in Bulgaria fall on 15, 16 and 17 July. Their roots go back to pagan times and are connected with the cult of fire. The tradition of  goreshtnitsi  is observed mostly in Northern and..

published on 7/15/24 10:34 AM