Tourist package "Over the centuries" - 4 days

FIRST DAY

Arrival in town of Monatana.

Visiting the ancient fortress „Castra ad Montanezium” – archeological monument of culture of national significance, where are discovered a gate with towers, a big tower (brilliant model of fortress construction during 3^rd – 4^th c.), walls from roman era, barracks and others. During a walking tour of the town you are going to visit Popska garden with archeological exhibition Lapidarium, “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” church and Mihaylova House. Departure towards town of Varshets. Visiting of one of the most monumental Bulgarian monasteries – “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” Klisurski Monastery. It is a center of the spiritual life of the region even since the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Here ARE FOUND MANY RELICS – old icons, valuable books, utensils and relics of saints. Close to the monastery there was a spring with healing “living water”.

Arrival in Berkovitsa.

Visit the oldest church in the town named „Virgin birth”, where you will see one of the best and beautiful painted icons in our country from the Renaissance period. During the walk through the town center do not miss the Clock tower – the emblem and symbol of the town, as well as the Ethnographic museum and the House of Ivan Vazov.

Departure toward the village of Georgi Damyanovo.

Visiting of another holy place – Lopushanksi Monastery „St. John the Baptist” – one of the favourite places of Ivan Vazov. Monastery impresses with its construction, proportions, architecture and stone sculptures. In 2014 here was found the imbedded miracle icon of Virgin Mary with the Child dated back to about 340 years.

Departure to the town of Chiprovtsi.

Visit of the medieval Chiprovtsi Monastery “St. Ivan Rilski”, built in by the Bulgarian Catholics with 3-sorey tower- ossuary, which hold the bones of the monks died in the Chiprovtsi uprising. An interesting monument of architecture and art and is entirely decorated with frescos is the chapel „St. Athanasius the Great“.

Arrival in town of Belogradchik.

Visiting Belogradchik fortress –a monument of culture with national significance, which is located among the famous Belogradchik Rocks. For the highest point of the fortress, called the Citadel you will have the possibility to see and the remains of another fortress – Latin kale, which served as auxiliary fortification. You will admire the miraculous rock formations resembling various figures and you will have the opportunity to hear the legends related to each figure.

Overnight.

SECOND DAY

Departing toward the village of Rabisha.

Visiting of „Magura” Cave. Carved in the limestone Rabisa hill, the cave is one of the biggest in the country. Here you will have the pleasure to stroll through spectacular halls dotted with stalagmites and stalactites and rare cave formations, reminiscent of different figures. The pearl of the cave are the petrogyphs of various ancient eras.

Arrival in town Kula.

Visiting of the Roman fortress „Castra Martis”. The fortress dates from the late 3^rd c and played essential role in the defense of these lands in 4^th – 6^th c. It consists of two parts – a small square fort, which used to be the seat of the commandant of the fortress and a castle.

Arrival in town Vidin.

Visiting „Baba Vida” castle, the only preserved medieval fortress in Bulgaria, which played both the role of fortification and a royal castle. Here you will hear the legend of a big Bulgarian boyar and his three daughters – Vida, Kula and Gamza. In the course of 2000 years the fortress had passed through various historical and construction periods. It was constructed in the 10^th c. On the site of old Roman observatory. „Baba Vida” castle was declared a national monument of culture and makes part of the 100^th national tourist sites. Visiting of fortification walls and doors. The construction of the fortress system „Kaleto“ started in 1690 and completed 30 years later. The core construction is with the shape of semi circle, formed by a wall, constructed along the bank of the Danube. From the entrance fortified gates nowadays are preserved completely or partially only 5 gates. Fortress system „Kaleto“ is a monument of culture with national significance and is one of the 100^th national tourist sites of Bulgaria. During the walking tour of the town you will visit “St. Dimitar” Cathedral - a monument of culture of national significance. The temple is second biggest in Bulgaria after the temple-monument „St. Alexander Nevski“ in Sofia. In the courtyard of Vidin Bishops residence is found another monument of culture of national significance - църквата „St. Panteleymon”, built in 1634 and painted during the time of Vidin Bishop Sofronii. Here you can see the mausoleum of Exarch Antim I and „St. Nikolay” church. In close proximity is the „Hearted” mosque and library of Osman Pazvantoglu, constructed in late 18^th c. and early 19^th c. In the mosque you will hear the legend of the unrequited love of Pazvantoglu with beautiful Bulgarian Christian. You will visit also the Cross-shaped barrack, a part form the regional museum of history - Vidin. The massive two-storey building with the shape of non-equal rays cross was constructed in 1801 and was used as a town hall of the Janissaries.

Overnight.

THIRD DAY

Arrival in town Calafat, Romania.

Visit to the museum of Arts and ethnography, which is housed in the impressive Marincu Palace. The building was constructed in 1906-1908 under the design of the architect Constantin Rogalski in French neo-baroque style, with exceptional decorative elements, marble columns and painted walls.

Arrival in town of Craiova.

During the walking tour of the center of the town you will see its ancient architectural masterpieces. Among the majestic buildings is the former administrative palace, where today houses the district administration and District Council of Dolj County. The building is creation of the architect Petre Antonescu and was constructed in 1912-1913. A further down after the square is one of the most beautiful buildings in the town- „Jean Mihail” Palace, currently Museum of Arts, where in all the premises reign elegance and European style. Because of its architectural and artistic value the Palace was declared even in 1947 one of the most important monuments of civil engineering from the early 20^th c. A real creation is also the building of the former Commercial bank, where now houses the municipal administration of Craiova. It is a work of the architect Ion Mincu and was completed in 1916. University of Craiova is housed in the building of the former Palace of Justice designed in 1890 by Ion Socolescu and it is an illustration of the neoclassicism in architecture. On the territory of the Historical center of the town you will see more impressive buildings, such as the Opera, built in 1861, The White House, near one of the alleys of the English Garden and others. In the tow’s garden you will see the Ethnographic museum of Craiova, located in Baniei House, one of the oldest preserved non religious monuments of medieval architecture in Craiova. Built in 15^th c, but after partially destroyed in 1699 was restored by Prince Constantin Bracoveanu. Do not miss to visit the Cathedral „St. Dimitar”, built over the foundations of ancient temple, where you will see magnificent interior frescos by the French painters Bories and Menipot. The church is famous for its unique beautiful mosaics. Since 1939 here is housed the Bishop residence of Oltenia. The walking tour continues with visit of the Episcopal cathedral „Madona Dudu” –the biggest Orthodox Church in Craiova, constructed between 1750-1756. Here you will hear the legend of the icon of Virgin Mary famous for its miraculous power. Opposite to the cathedral you will see the historical and archeological section of Oltenia museum. The tour includes the visit of the Catholic Church “St. Anton”, the church „St. Iliya”, „Holy Trinity” Monastery – Chapel of the Bishop of Oltenia and the evangelic church – the oldest protestant church in Oltenia.

Overnight.

FOURTH DAY

Visiting  „Nicolae Romanescu” Park – one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in Romania, designed by the French architect E. Redon. Over 100 years locals and visitors of Craiova enjoy the peace and silence among greenery, rivers, waterfalls and fountains. Here you will see hundreds of rare species of plants, hanging bridges separating the two hills, a beautiful lake, and the ruins of medieval fortress, one of the oldest zoos in the country, race course, and the lake with the swans and many other attractions.

Departing to Bucuvat, Mofleni.

Visiting of „Bucovat” Monastery and „St. Nikola” Church. Monastery church preserved icons from 1574. In the courtyard of the monastery a chapel was erected, dedicated to St. Gregory the Theologian. There is an operational school for priests in the monastery.

Arrival in Maglavit.

Visiting „Maglavit” monastery, built in 1936. Here you will see the new church „Assumption” and will hear the legend of the “magic shepherd” Petrache Lupo – known all over the world.

Departure to Bulgaria.