BULGARIA ~ Church of Saint Sophia - Nessebar - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful designed postcard showing the ruins of the ancient Church of Saint Sophia in the heart of the Old Town... among the impressive collection of historical churches in Nessebar, the church of "St. Sophia", widely known and called the "Old Metropolis", stands out as one of the most significant and well-preserved cultural monuments... a bright symbol and testimony to the early Christian and Byzantine heritage... this very impressive ruin was built in the late 5th and early 6th centuries showcasing its architecture and former splendor... it was a three-aisled basilica over 25 metres long and 13 metres wide....only one stone, marble, is used... Thanks a lot Mariyana! 【ツ】

In the Ancient City of Nessebar located on a rocky peninsula on the Black Sea coastseveral successive civilizations have left their mark over a period of 3000 years. It started at the end of the Bronze Age by the ancient Thracians, followed by the Greeks, the Romans and their eastern successors the Byzantines who made it into a Christian spiritual center in the Middle Ages.

The Church of St. Sophia  was built as a three-nave basilica and dates from the late 5th and early 6th centuries. It was acquired after reconstruction in the early 9th century. In 1257, it was sacked by the Venetians, and its relics of St. Theodore were taken to the Church of San Salvatore in Venice. At the end of the 18th century, it was abandoned. 

 This ancient town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. 

Stamps:

Antique Clocks 

(20-02-2015)

Exotic Fruits in Bulgaria 

(Issued 07-03-2025)

Ethnography - Bulgarian Renaissance Lace

(Issued 30-04-2025)

BULGARIA ~ Thracian Tomb Sveshtari - UNESCO ~

... Great Tomb postcard nr2... one of the most important and best-preserved archeological monuments in the country... a monument of Thracian art... the one at Sveshtari is younger than the tomb at Kazanlak... it has a different architectural style as well... the main chamber has ten incredible sculptures along the walls: half-female, half-plant human shaped columns, holding up the ceiling...these columns are by far the most fascinating and unique feature, and nothing similar has been found at any other Thracian graves....and with exquisitely painted murals... Thanks once more Mariyana! (✿◠‿◠) 

© Photo: Boyko Kalev, design Vlado Prangov
This 3rd century BC Thracian tomb is thought to be the tomb of Dromichaetes (c. 300 - c. 280 BC), king of the Getae, and his wife. It was discovered in the early 1980s.

The original structure of the tomb is made of limestone blocks and consists of three separate chambers covered by semi-cylindrical vaults. Its length is approximately 7.5 meters and the internal height reaches 4.45 meters. 

 The Thracian Tomb Sveshtari was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
 

Stamp: 

 Bulgarian Natural Phenonmenon

 (21-06-2024)

BULGARIA ~ Thracian Tomb Kazanluk ~ UNESCO ~

... First great postcard of two showing the best places to explore Thracian history... the Thracian Tomb of Kazanluk and the Tomb of Sveshtari... the Kazanluk tomb itself is ornately decorated, and surprisingly small (about 3x3m). .. it's famous because of its unique frescoes of extremely high artistic value representing a Thracian couple at a ritual funeral feast... in order to preserve the frescoes as much as possible, the access to the original tomb is strictly forbidden... but that should be no problem, because there is an exact copy right next to the original one... Thanks a lot Mariyana!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

© Photo: Boyko Kalev, design Vlado Prangov
Discovered in 1944, this tomb dates from the Hellenistic period, around the end of the 4th century BC.  and is believed to have belonged to the Thracian ruler Roigos.The Thracians are Indo-Europeans and began to emerge as a singular ethnic group around the middle of the 2nd Millennium BC. They primarily resided on the territories of modern-day Bulgaria, Romania, northern Greece and north-western Turkey.

The monument is a vaulted brickwork "beehive" (tholos) tomb, that used to be part of a large Thracian necropolis. It comprises a narrow corridor and a round burial chamber, both decorated with murals.

They were named an UNESCO world heritage site in 1979.

Stamp:

Bulgarian Natural Phenonmenon 

(21-06-2024)

BULGARIA ~ Rila Monastery - UNESCO ~

... Great aerial view of one of the countries most important cultural, spiritual, historical and architectural monuments... it is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.... considered to be one of the holiest places in the country... located in a remote and scenic setting in the Rila Mountain range, surrounded by lush green meadows, high peaks and seven lakes... its location, architectural history and rich culture attracts visitors from all around the world... this monastery has 4 floors and 400 rooms housing today around 60 monks... Rila monastery offers accommodation for pilgrims and tourists... Thanks a lot Mariyana!【ツ】

The Rila Monastery is located in the southwestern mountains of Bulgaria. It was founded in the 10thC by St. Ivan Rilski, a hermit who was venerated after his death in the year 946. The church preserves the coffin with the relics of the founder of the monastery, the 12thC Virgin Hodegetria (giving light) wonderworking icon and the grave of the last Bulgarian king, Boris III.

The Monastery spans over 8,800km2  and consists of several buildings, including a church, residential quarters, a museum, and a library. Its grandeur and size make it one of the largest Eastern Orthodox monasteries globally.

Rila Monastery became a UNESCO Heritage site in 1983.

Stamps:

Antique Clocks 

(Issued 20-02-2015)

2014 Mushrooms

(Issued 28-02-2014)

 Definitives - Field Flowers

(Issued 22-12-2023)

BULGARIA ~ Big Vlahino Lake - Pirin National Park - UNESCO ~

... Great nature view of the Big Vlahino alpine lake located at an altitude of 2302m surrounded by majestic peaks... it is part of the ten largest and deepest lakes in Pirin Mountain... Pirin National Park has very impressive limestone and granite areas...118 glacial lakes, waterfalls, and extensive pine forests which shelter many endemic and rare species... Thanks a lot Mariyana!♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)

The Pirin Mountain in south-west Bulgaria, reach 2,900 meters high. In order to protect the rich wildlife in the mountain the Vihren National Park was created in 1962, which was renamed Pirin National Park in 1975. 

The Vlahini Lakes is a group of four lakes in Pirin. The lakes are named after the village of Vlahi, located at much lower altitude.

The World Heritage property covers an area of around 40,000 ha in the Pirin Mountains and overlaps with the undeveloped areas of Pirin National Park. It was added to the World Heritage List in 1983.

Stamps:

Antique Clocks 

(Issued 20-02-2015)

Flora - Mushrooms (Issued 10-02-2014)

EUROPA Stamps - Underwater Flora and Fauna (Issued 17-05-2024)

BULGARIA ~ Boyana Church - Sofia - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of a medieval small Orthodox church located on the outskirts of Sofia facing the mountains... most famous for its medieval frescoes... hidden within the walls is one of the world’s most stunning collections of medieval works of art... 240 wonderful preserved frescoes, the oldest are nearly 1000 years old... its painter is still anonymous... these layers of frescoes, painted in the 11th, 13th and 16th centuries and medieval charm providing a window into the country’s artistic heritage... the church reopened for visitors after a decade-long restoration in 2006 and since then has become one of the most visited sights in the Bulgarian capital... Thanks a lot Mariyana!(✿◠‿◠) 

"1.St. Ephrem the Syrian- 2.Boyana Church- 3.Scenes from the life of St Nicholas- 4.Christ Disputing with the Theologians (detail)- 5.Portret of Desislava, frescoes, 1259"

The Boyana Church actually consists of three buildings. The architecture of the original church dates from the late 10th and early 11th centuries, while the current building also sees additions from the mid-13th century and mid-19th century. The park around the church was created in the early 20th century and is known for its giant sequoias.

In 1979 The Boyana church "St. Nicholas and St. Pantaleimon" was included in the world cultural heritage list of UNESCO.

Stamp:

The 300th Anniversary of the Birth of Paisius of Hilender

(Issued 03-10-2022)

BULGARIA ~ Srebarna Nature Reserve - UNESCO ~

... Plenty of great nature views of a bird watchers paradise... a bird migration route connecting Europe and Africa... many endangered bird species use it for nesting... it has the only breeding colony of the Dalmatian pelican in Bulgaria.... one legend regarding the origin of the name of the lake describes how upon a full moon, the light at night reflects in the smooth waters, so that it turns the lake into an enchanting painting of liquid silver.... hence the name Srebarna ( The Silver Lake)... hundreds of species of animals, birds and plants make Srebarna their home and thanks to the network of walking and cycling tracks you can access most areas to experience them... also a series of lookout posts and observation towers are ideal places to watch the wildlife... Thanks Mariyana!【ツ】

The Srebarna Nature Reserve situated in northern Bulgaria is a freshwater lake adjacent to the Danube river and extending over 600 ha. It is a unique wetland, including floating reed islands, willow poplar and flooded willow, riverine forest belts and wet meadows with significant old White Willow trees.

It is the breeding ground of almost 100 species of birds, many of which are rare or endangered. Some 80 other bird species migrate and seek refuge there every winter.

It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and then placed on UNESCO’s endangered list in 1992 after environmental decline; improvements were seen in the early 21st century.

Stamp:

Endangered Birds of Bulgaria

(Issued 01-12-2023)

BULGARIA ~ Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of a group of monolithic religious buildings... wonderful examples of Bulgarian medieval art... once home to monks who hewed cells, churches and chapels out of solid rock... this complex had up to 300 rooms at its peak.... the only one open to visit is the small St. Archangel Michael Chapel ("The Buried Church")... the beautiful and well-preserved colours of the frescoes on the walls and ceiling are still vivid and impressive... with great matching Ivanovo Rock Monastery stamps👍... Thanks a lot Mariyana! (ツ)

 © Photo: Boyko Kalev Design: Vlado Prangov
Ivanovo is located in Central-North Bulgaria along the right bank of Danube river in the Danubian Plain. This rock-hewn complex dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. It is thought to have been founded around 1220. Beyond these dates, not much is known. The frescoes in the churches are from the same lengthy time period, some were painted in the 13th century and some the late 14th century.

Located in Roussensky Lom nature park, which is on Bulgaria's Tentative List since 1979.

 Stamps:

2X Flora - Mushrooms 

(Issued 10-02-2014)

2X Cultural and Historical Heritage - The 800th Anniversary of the Ivanovo Rock Monastery 

(Issued 07-07-2021)

BULGARIA ~ NESEBAR - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful designed postcard showing an ancient pearl on the Black Sea Coast... a typical old town keeping secrets from the beginning of human history until today... it is called an "encyclopedia" of Christian church construction... 44 churches from the period from the 5th to the 19thC have been discovered in it so far...  interestingly, the town is split in two, with Old Nesebar (only 850 m long and 350 m wide)  covering a remote peninsula across a stone causeway from the mainland, where you’ll find New Nesebar... it is one of major seaside resorts and the most prominent tourist destinations on the Black Sea.... Thanks a lot Mariyana!【ツ】

Situated on a peninsula on the Black Sea in Burgas Region.  In the Ancient City of Nessebar, several successive civilizations have left their mark over a period of 3000 years. It started at the end of the Bronze Age by the ancient Thracians, followed by the Greeks, the Romans and their eastern successors the Byzantines who made it into a Christian spiritual center in the Middle Ages.

This ancient town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

Stamps:

Moths 

(Issued 15-01-2004)

Monasteries

(Issued 30-05-2007)

The 120th Anniversary of the Port of Burgas 

(Issued 18-05-2023)

BULGARIA ~ Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak - UNESCO ~

...Great view of the most famous tomb in the Valley of the Thracian Kings... today’s Bulgaria used to be the land of the ancient Thracian tribes... this tomb has some of the most impressive frescoes depicting hunting, feasting, clothing and other details of the everyday life of the Thracian kings... the paintings are considered Bulgaria’s best-preserved artistic splendors from the Hellenistic period... one of the masterpieces of the Thracian art and ancient cultural heritage... the original is closed to visits to protect its fragile murals... but visitors can view a replica right next door... the tomb was discovered in 1944 and has been among the first Bulgarian monuments on the UNESCO WHS list... Thanks Vesela!【ツ】

The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak is a tholos tomb with an arched roof, situated in the vicinity of the town of Kazanlak in Central Bulgaria and dates back to the Hellenistic period, during the 4th century BC. It comprises a passage, a rectangular antechamber and a round burial chamber.

The Thracians were a people of horse and cattle breeders, metal miners and goldsmiths who are believed to have had no alphabet of their own and left no written records. They believed in the afterlife and the immortality of the soul, and buried deceased rulers with their horses, dogs, weapons, drinking cups and even playing dice. The kings were considered sons of the great goddess Mother Earth and the burial rites were highly symbolic.

 In 1979 the Thracian tomb was included in the UNESCO list of protected monuments.

Stamps:

3X Flora - Mushrooms
(Issued 10-02-2014)

BULGARIA ~ The Seven Rila Lakes - Rila National Park ~

... Spectacular views of one of the most stunning natural landmarks of Bulgaria... the seven beautiful sapphire blue Rila Lakes... each in a different step of the mountain.... the Seven Rila Lakes is one of the most popular hikes... from the lift station, trails over rocky mountain passes lead from one stunning glacial lake to the next, all dating from the Ice Age... each lake is named for its most characteristic feature, like Okoto, "The Eye" and Babreka, "The Kidney"... all the lakes are situated between 2.100m and 2.500m... the highest lake, at 2.500m is Salzata “The Tear”... from the mountain above the Tear, you get an unbelievable view of the lake valley below... it seems more like a painting than reality...  many cultural monuments of national importance are also found in the park...Thanks a lot Mariyana!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Rila National Park is the largest national park in Bulgaria, spanning an area of 810.46 km2 located in  the central and highest regions of the Rila Mountains in the south-west of the country. It was established in 1992 to protect several ecosystems of national importance. Its altitude varies from 800 m near Blagoevgrad to 2,925 m at Musala Peak, the highest summit in the Balkan Peninsula.The name Rila is derived from the Thracian word roula, meaning ‘lots of water.’

There are 120 glacial lakes, including the prominent Seven Rila Lakes. Many rivers have their source in the national park, including the longest river entirely in the Balkans, the Maritsa, and the longest river entirely in Bulgaria, the Iskar.

The Park contains rare and endangered wildlife species and communities, self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity, as well as historic sites of global cultural and scientific significance.

Each of the 7 lakes has a name:
Salzata (The Tear) – very clear waters that really show off the colours of the lakes
Okoto (The Eye) – this has a oval shape resembling an eye
Babreka (The Kidney) – this has a crescent shape resembling a kidney
Bliznaka (The Twins) – this is almost two lakes that are connected
Trilistnika (The Trefoil) – this looks like a three-leafed clover
Ribnoto (Fish lake) – this is the shallowest of all the lakes
Dolnoto ezero (The Lower lake) – this is the lowest of all the lakes

Stamps:

Flora - Mushrooms

(Issued 10-02-2014)

Wine Production

(Issued 15-07-2019) 

BULGARIA ~ Madara Horseman - UNESCO ~

... Great view of an important national, historical and archaeological symbol of the Bulgarian nation... an image of it can be found on the back of most of its coins... the relief shows a majestic horseman 23m above ground level in an almost vertical 100m high cliff... the horseman is thrusting a spear into a lion lying at his horse's feet... a dog runs after the horseman... next to it are 3 inscriptions in Greek that refer to the Bulgarian rulers of the 8th and 9thC.... the site is quite a hike uphill and from there you have to walk a stone staircase with more than 200 steps.... what is amazing is the location of the carving... how did the artists reach the site so high above the ground 1400 years ago?...this remarkable historical monument is a must for anyone visiting North east Bulgaria... Thanks a lot Vesela!【ツ】

The Madara Rider is situated in northeastern Bulgaria and highlights the pagan Bulgarian art.

The monument, dated back to 710, is usually attributed to the ancient Bulgars, a nomadic tribe of warriors which settled in northeastern Bulgaria at the end of the 7thC and after merging with the local Slavs gave origin to the modern Bulgarians.

The reserve includes even some Neolithic and Thracian settlements, some Roman ruins, a 4thC fortress on top of the table mountain, and the remains from the middle age, which includes a monastery with cells for monks hewn into the cliff.

This site was declared  a UNESCO WHS site in 1979.

Stamps:

Antique Clocks
(Issued 20-02-2015)

The 180th Anniversary of St. George's Church
(Issued 05-05-2016)

First Bulgarian Presidency Council of the EU
(Issued 01-11-2017)

BULGARIA ~ Wild Orchids ~

... Beautiful orchids postcard... according to experts, the wild orchid is one of the oldest blooming plant specie... these orchids are referred to as the "bee orchids" due to the flowers resemblance to the furry bodies of bees and other insects... most of the Bulgarian National Parks are full of magnificent wildflower meadows... Thanks Samantha!!✿◕ ‿ ◕✿

From backside postcard:
"The Bulgarian orchids are mysterious flowers growing in the humid continental climate where nobody will expect to see them. The  Bulgarian name for these flowers is "Salep". You can find around 80 different types of orchids spread all over the country. Most of the time they are left unseen due to their small size. Some of them are endangered and that is why they are protected by law. Overall, the characteristic they share is extraordinary beauty granting a fascinating charm to our nature."
Ophrys reinholdii Spruner Ex Fleishm can be found from Croatia in southeastern Europe to northwestern Iran in western Asia, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

Stamps:

Folk Art
(06-008-2015)

Flora - Mushrooms
(Issued 10-02-2014)

BULGARIA ~ Rhodope Mountains ~

... Lovely Spring view...  known as the homeland of the mythical singer and poet Orpheus who according to the legend was born and lived here.... called  the "green heart of Europe" for their vast pinewoods, probably the largest in the Balkans...  the best place in Bulgaria for walking vacations... Thanks a lot Mariyana!!【ツ】

The Rhodopes are a mountain range in Southeastern Europe, with over 83% of its area in southern Bulgaria and the remainder in Greece. Its highest peak, Golyam Perelik (2,191 meters (7,188 ft)), is the seventh highest Bulgarian mountain.



Stamps:
Flora - Mountain Flowers
(Issued 06-11-2015)

 Moths
(Issued 15-01-2004)

Flora - Mushrooms
(Issued 10-02-2014)

BULGARIA ~ Vitosha Nature Park - Sofia ~

...I'm not a big fan of snow... but I must say on a postcard it looks gorgeous.... a winter wonderland ♥... Sofia is one of the unique capitals of Europe with a mountain... just a half-hour away from the city center.... a great place for skiing and snowboarding... with nice  postcrossing stamp...Thank you very much Marijana!! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Photo: © Boyko Kalev - Design: Vlado Prangov
In 1934  part of the mountain of 6,600 ha was declared a park. Its boundaries have been changed many times and today encompass the entire mountain of 27,079 ha area. Vitosha Nature Park is the oldest park on the Balkan Peninsula.

On the park’s territory 61 types of habitats were identified; among them of greatest interest as far as nature conservation goes are the natural spruce forests, the peat areas, the moraines and the caves.

Stamp:

Postcrossing
(23-12-2015)

BULGARIA ~Srebarna Nature Reserve-UNESCO~

...Great view ...must be heaven for birdlovers and birdwatching...Thanks a lot Lilia!!

With matching stamp:Bulgarian regions-North Eastern Bulgaria (Issued 24-11-2010)
Defenitives:Thracian gold treasure of Panagurishte (Issued 15-11-1999)

"A variety of legends surround the naming of Lake Srebarna one of them tells of a boat full of silver that lies somewhere along its shores! Srebro is the Bulgarian word for silver so the myth may have its roots in fact, although a more likely explanation is that the name was inspired by the silvery reflections of the full moon in the lakes surface."
The Srebarna Nature Reserve is a freshwater lake bordering to the Danube river over 600 ha. It is the breeding ground of almost 100 species of bird, many of which are rare or endangered It isAlso a bird migration route between Europe and Africa Some 80 other bird species migrate and seek refuge there every winter. Among the most interesting bird species are the Dalmatian pelican, great egret, night heron, purple heron, glossy ibis and white spoonbill, white-tailed eagle, little cormorant.

The reserve was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.

BULGARIA ~Vratsa-Natural Park Vrachanski Balkan~

A nice mapcard with views of a small historical town and lovely nature views in Bulgaria...
With great stamps!!

Vratsa is settled at the foot of Vratsa Balkan Range, north of the capital city Sofia.It's surrounded by a beautiful natural park,on the Unesco's tentative list!

BULGARIA ~Rila~

I love amazing nature views...


The cirque of the Seven Rila Lakes is the largest in the Rila Mountain they and are situated between 2100 and 2500 meters above sea level.
The first lake - "The Tear"
The second lake - "The Eye"
The third lake - "The Kidney"
The fourth lake - "The Twins"
The fifth lake - "Three-Lobed Lake"
The sixth lake - "The Fish Lake"
The seventh lake - "The Low Lake"
The Seven Rila Lakes comprise an extremely wonderous spot within the boundaries of Rila National Park. Many of its species are native to the area and are listed in the Red Data Book of Flora and Fauna which denotes them as endangered or rare.

BULGARIA

Another great card from Bulgaria with so many lovely views... The card shows the nature and animals from the country...In Bulgaria they have sunny beaches and also snowy mountains...And with the beautiful stamp sheetlet of the "Preserve the Polar Regions"! :)


You can see two UNESCO sites... 1. Pirin and 2. Sreburna Reserve inhabited with very rare varieties of birds. Photo 3 shows Perperikon, 6000-5000 BC., 4. Raisko Praskalo, 5. Belitsa Reserve, 6. Rila, 7. Smolyan Lakes, 8. Rhodopi, 9. Black Sea.

BULGARIA

An envelope with 3 beautiful Bulgarian sites arrived today. I also love the great stamps on the envelope...

Views of the Vitosha mountain,one of the tourists symbols of Sofia and the closest site for hiking, alpinism and skiing.The Boyana Waterfall and St.Al. Nevski Memorial Church,a magnificent neo-Byzantine cathedral-sized church, topped by copper and golden domes.

The Rhodopes, the greenest and most picturesque mountains are spread over 14,737 km2, of which 12,233 km2 are on Bulgarian territory. The mountains are about 220 km long and about 100-120 km wide, with an average altitude of 785 m. 15 reserves have been established in the region, some of which under UNESCO protection

It is the largest Thracian temple tomb found in Southeastern Europe. It dates back to the 5 century and most probably is of Stalk, a Thracian ruler of the Odris Kingdom. On the postcard: A Southwest view from the Temple on the Chetinyova Mound- A detail from the decoration in the spherical chamber - The frontage of the Temple - A part of the Krepida.