Bulgaria, which is situated in the southeastern part of Europe is a country that is endowed with history, culture and architectural marvel. Bulgaria is a place where a traveler can immerse into the past, starting with ancient Roman ruins and ending with medieval fortresses. The country is a unique mix of the Eastern and the Western cultures that have influenced its cities in more than thousand years, and this is what is offered to the history lovers and adventurous travelers. It can be a cobblestone street that still speaks of the old kingdoms or a silent church that holds frescoes that are centuries old, Bulgaria provides historical depth everywhere.
It is now so simple to plan a historical trip to Bulgaria even to travelers in the UAE. Visa application in Bulgaria has now been made easy in Dubai, as there are travel agencies and official centers that offer smooth assistance. You can apply to get a Bulgaria visa to visit this country either as a tourist or to explore the culture of the country and either way you will find it is worth the effort of preparing to visit this country. What are some of the historic cities in Bulgaria that you must visit? Let us have a look.
Here are some of the historic cities in Bulgaria you shouldn’t miss.
1. Plovdiv The Oldest European City in Europe
Plovdiv is regarded as one of the oldest cities that are continuously inhabited in the world. The Old Town of the city is like a living museum. The cobblestone streets, the Roman amphitheater that continues to host events, and the 19 th century houses reflect a fusion of the Thracian, Roman, and Ottoman influence. The Kapana district in the city is also famous with artsy cafes and galleries.
2. Veliko Tarnovo the City of the Tsars
Veliko Tarnovo is commonly referred to as the city of the Tsars, as it used to be the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The city is crowned with the beautiful Tsarevets Fortress located at the top of a hill and offering a panoramic view. The old city is full of curvy streets, the old houses and craft shops, which give the tourist a glimpse of the royal history of Bulgaria.
3. Sofia-A Roman and Modern Heritage
Being the capital of the country, Sofia is a vivid contrast of ancient history and modernity. Serdica Roman ruins can be found all over the city even under contemporary buildings and metro stations. The city has a varied heritage that is represented by such landmarks as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, and the National History Museum.
4. Nessebar A Historical Seaside Town
Nessebar is a World Heritage site on the Black Sea coast. The city is separated into two: the modern and the old. The Old Town has medieval churches, wooden buildings and ruins of Byzantine. It has narrow streets and views of the sea which make it a popular choice of romantic strolls and cultural destinations.
5. Ruse The Little Vienna on the Danube
Ruse is famous with its classic 19 th century architecture that reminds of Vienna, Austria. It is situated on the Danube river and used to be a major trading point in the Ottoman Empire. The city boasts rich cultural life including theaters, museums and other large public buildings such as Regional Historical Museum and Ruse Opera House.
6. Bansko: A history to the Slopes
Although the main attraction of Bansko is its ski resorts, the city has an old town that is very appealing and dates back to the Bulgarian National Revival era. Historic churches, cobbled streets and traditional stone houses make it a wonderful year-round resort to both adventure seekers and history lovers.
Conclusion
Bulgaria is a nation that each historic city has its own story to tell. In the cities of Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia, the layers of history that can be seen are a living archive of the past of Europe: from ancient civilizations to empires and cultural revolutions. People, who prefer more than just beautiful sceneries, will be greatly satisfied by the stories of past kings, religious trends, and architectural development. The feeling of amazement that you are going to have when you are standing in a 2,000-year-old theater or walking through ruins of a medieval fortress is something to talk about.
If you’re planning your next cultural getaway, now is the time to start exploring your options for a Bulgaria visa. For UAE residents, the process for getting a Bulgaria visa from Dubai is straightforward and accessible, allowing you to journey through time in one of Europe’s most underrated historical destinations. With the right documentation, a spirit of adventure, and a curiosity for the past, your Bulgarian journey is sure to leave a lasting mark on your travel memories.