Greetings! We recently returned from a trip to Bulgaria (country #112), where we were able to experience Rousse (roo-SAY) and Vidin (vee-DEEN; referred to as the “Gateway to Europe” due to its location on the river as the last port out of the region and the first port in; it was once the capital of the western Bulgarian Kingdom) as part of a river cruise on the lower Danube River. Below, you will find information and photos from our trip. Please note that there will be references to religion, wars, and politics within this post. These references are for historical purposes only, and should not be interpreted as a promotion or degradation of any of those topics.
Bulgaria is a Balkan country in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Greece, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Romania (across the Danube River). Seven million people live in Bulgaria, and 2.5 million Bulgarians live abroad, with most of them planning to return due to their attachment to their motherland. Bulgaria is split into north and south by the Balkan Mountain, which is a main character in many Bulgarian folk songs because it sheltered people during times of conflict. Bulgaria is known as the “Land of Roses,” and the Valley of Roses is on the other side of the mountains from where we were. They use roses to make essential oil used in cosmetics among other products. Bulgaria was also known as the Tomato Republic (1969-1972), as they were the biggest exporter of tomatoes in the world during that time. They are also one of the biggest producers of wine, worldwide.
Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe, tracing its history back to 681, when it became the first Bulgarian Empire, and was a completely independent separate kingdom. Before that, it was inhabited by several different cultures before being conquered by the Roman Empire in AD 45, and subsequently settled by early Slavs in the 6th century. During this time, they are credited for developing the Cyrillic alphabet (it should be noted that we were told that all of the Balkan countries take credit for developing the Cyrillic alphabet, resulting in one guide calling the Balkans “one big dismantled family”).
(The best preserved fortress in Bulgaria)
Dedicated to three Bulgarian Kings, and built in honor of the 800th anniversary of Veliko Tarnovo being named the capital of Bulgaria
In the 14th century, Bulgaria fell to the Ottomans, who ruled for almost 500 years, during which Bulgaria was able to maintain its identity. In the 19th century, Bulgaria established a monarchy that remained until the end of World War II (WWII), at which point they were governed by the Soviet Union, a period of time which they refer to as the Communist (political) era, and sometimes refer to as the Socialist (government structure) era. Of note, the heir to the throne (Samuel II) was sent away during WWII, but came back and eventually became Prime Minister of Bulgaria.
The Revolution of 1989 resulted in the end of Communism and the establishment of a multi-party democracy and, subsequently, a parliamentary republic. Bulgaria became member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004, and then joined the European Union (EU) in 2007, though they did not adopt the Euro as currency until January of 2026.
Most of the country of Bulgaria identifies as Eastern Orthodox, but as the presence of a Triangle of Tolerance suggests, other religions are welcomed in this area. As was the case with many of their Balkan neighbors, Bulgaria’s Jewish population was targeted during WWII, and after the war, many of them moved to the newly-established State of Israel, as they did not want to experience Communist rule.
St. Peter and St. Paul Church (depicted in the photos above; formally known as the Church of the Holy Apostles of Peter and Paul) was established in the 13th century by a man who established the second Bulgarian state in response to the Pope wanting to expand his influence in the Eastern part where this individual was crowned king. The church was the last seat of the patriarch under the Ottomans, later became a main metropolitan church under the Empire, and at one point was a Monastery. The church was partially demolished by a huge earthquake in 1913 and was subsequently restored and declared a cultural monument. It currently serves as a museum, though there are services held there by exception. The frescoes inside reflect Byzantine influence and have three layers to them, which can be seen in a couple of the photos above.
Moussaka (traditional Bulgarian dish) that is made with potatoes, mince meat, and spices. It was delicious!! For dessert, we had Baklava, which was also delicious! (there is a fair amount of Greek influence in Bulgaria).
Our time in Bulgaria was short but impactful, and we look forward to returning so that we can explore the capital city of Sofia. In the meantime, take care and be well…