3 unique experiences for a holiday in BulgariaBulgaria is an up-and-coming
holiday destination, offering beautiful scenery, fascinating cities and
villages and many popular attractions. The country also has its unique
side, with a number of intriguing locations to visit, three of which are
listed below. 1. Devil’s Bridge (Dyavolski Bridge)This remarkable piece of architecture was built between 1515 and 1518 close to the town of Ardino and is named "Dyavolski" or Devil’s Bridge. The structure was declared a cultural monument in Bulgaria in 1984. This is the most stunning of several humpbacked bridges spanning the Arda River and was built over an original Roman bridge. The Devil’s Bridge heads from the slopes of the Rhodope Mountains on an ancient road which links the Northern Thracian Valley to the Aegean Sea.
To make it even more unique, the bridge features a water fountain, built in the shape of the bridge itself. The Devil’s Bridge spans 185 ft across the river, is 11.5 ft in width, while the almost gravity-defying centre arch standing at 37.7 ft in height. A number of interior arches were included so as to monitor the level of the water. While this is an impressive piece of architecture well worth viewing and photographing, several eerie legends stop the locals from crossing the bridge at night. One states that the wife of the main builder died during its construction and that her shadow is trapped in the bridge. Another, relating to the bridge’s name, states that the devil’s footprint is hidden among the rocks of the bridge. While these are merely legends, the bridge does look somewhat eerie when viewed in the dark.. 2. The Eyes of GodGoing to the other end of the religious scale, the Eyes of God are a natural rock phenomenon in Prohodna Cave in the Iskar Gorge. While you gaze at the sky from inside the cave, the deity-size eyes gaze back at you.
One of many unique attractions of Bulgaria, the Eyes of God are in the middle chamber of a cave which measures 262 m in length and illuminate the interior very well. Both holes are remarkably similar in shape and size, giving the impression of eyes, but they were caused by natural erosion in the rock. Erosion continues, as can be seen during rainy weather, when water runs down the walls of the cave, giving the appearance of crying eyes. However, it should be noted that some locals call them the Eyes of the Devil instead. 3. The Transfiguration MonasteryThis 19th-century monastery is located to the north of Veliko Tarnovo. A former monastery on this spot was destroyed by the Ottoman conquerors and the new one was built in 1825. The monastery is unique for its beautiful, colorful murals and paintings created by Zahari Zograf. While they are bright and pretty to view, the subject matter is a little dark, with some paintings revealing the Devil attacking sinners and others reflecting the Wheel of Life.
The
Transconfiguration
Monastery is not, as a rule, open to the public, but a visit to the
nearby convent will usually allow a member of the convent to open the monastery
so that you can view inside.
Enjoy an alternative visit to Bulgaria to view these and other unique attractions of this newly popular destination and make the memories of a lifetime.
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