Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Walking the trails of history in Haskovo and the Rhodope

Photo: visithaskovo.com
The town of Haskovo is a gateway to the Eastern Rhodopes, which in turn abound with trails exploring the historical past. But before heading out into the countryside, we recommend the enthusiastic tourist to take a stroll around the town, which boasts its renovated centre of green parks, fountains and beautiful buildings. It is no coincidence that in 2011 it was ranked the greenest city in Bulgaria.

But what Haskovo is best known for is being the town of the Virgin Mary. The nearly 33-metre high figure of the Virgin Mary holding the Child in her arms was erected in 2003 on Yamacha Hill - one of the easternmost heights of the Eastern Rhodopes. The magnificent sculpture can be seen from any point of the city and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's tallest monument of the Virgin and Child.

A bell tower stands tall next to it, offering a breathtaking view of the town and its vicinities. "The bells are made in the Veleganov Bell Foundry - one of the oldest in Bulgaria. Twice a day Haskovo reverberates with its crystalline chime," says Mitra Todorova from TIC-Haskovo.

Monument to Envy

While strolling in the city center, visitors will see another "one of a kind" monument - the world's only monument to Envy. The sculpture, which condemns this common sin, was erected entirely with donations. It represents a human figure spreading wings of feathers in an attempt to fly. However, two skeletal hands cling to it, preventing it from flying into the sky.

What else can we see in the city of Virgin Mary? - we ask.

Paskaleva House

"You can visit the Regional History Museum, which has 5 very interesting expositions - from archaeology to recent history and ethnography - explains Mitra Todorova from Tourist Infomation Centre Haskovo. - You can also see Paskaleva House - a unique model of Renaissance architecture, which illustrates the transition from rural to urban life of the wealthy inhabitants of the town. However, there are other beautiful Renaissance houses in Haskovo that form a small borough. We also have two very interesting churches."

At the nearby village of Alexandrovo, archaeologists came across a unique find: a 4th-century BC tomb with amazing frescoes. Unfortunately, it was looted long time ago. There is a perfect copy of this tomb in the building of “Thracian art in the Eastern Rhodopes” museum centre, which preserves rich expositions related to the life and lifestyle of our ancient ancestors, Todorova explains.

„Thracian art in the Eastern Rhodopes“ museum centre

"This is the area where the Thracians left the most traces. There are rock niches, sharapans (paired circular hollows in the rock for making wine), altars, sacrificial shrines and many other sacral rock sites, each with its own interesting history. A gold treasure dating back to 4500-4000 BC discovered in the Sakar Mountains is exhibited in the Museum Centre. The ornaments are similar to the items from the Varna Necropolis and are among the oldest gold artefacts in the world. The most amazing thing about it is the incredible craftsmanship. The gold elements have holes which are so tiny that only a horsehair could pass through them. The technique used by our ancestors to hang these gold pieces on jewellery is still a mystery," says Mitra Todorova.

Sveti Duh (Holy Spirit) Roman fortress

Scattered on a small hill near the resort village of Mineralni Bani are the remains of the Sveti Duh (Holy Spirit) Roman fortress. The fortress was built in the 2nd century on the site of a Roman-era structure. The fortress has been inhabited for nearly 1000 years. Today, in the centre of the former fortress, there is a modern chapel.

Church of the Assumption

Near the village of Uzundzhovo you can see the Church of the Assumption - the largest village Christian temple in Bulgaria and once the center of one of the largest trade fairs in the Ottoman Empire.

Check out our post about the natural phenomenon Stone Mushrooms in the Eastern Rhodopes:

English: Elizabeth Radkova

Photos: visithaskovo.com, haskovo.net, “Thracian art in the Eastern Rhodopes” museum centre



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The world’s oldest processed gold and interactive experiences at the Regional Historical Museum–Pazardzhik

The history of museum work in Pazardzhik dates back to the second half of the 19th century, when a collection of antiquities, coins and church manuscripts was formed in the town at the initiative of Stefan Zahariev. Over the years, the museum has..

published on 7/6/25 8:10 AM

Cosy under the stars – glamping is the new escape from city life

The unconventional accommodations provide the comfort — and often the luxury — of a hotel, all while keeping guests close to nature. Though typically pricier than regular camping, glamping offers a perfect balance between rustic experience and..

published on 7/2/25 10:12 PM

A new summer 2025 trend: Kids go offline, parents plug in

Tourism platforms indicate record interest in Bulgarian children's camps in summer 2025 with two main trends expected in the coming months. Firstly, there is growing demand for active adventure camps that focus on developing practical skills in nature and..

published on 6/29/25 9:05 AM