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

Spreading tourism myths is not a new thing, thracologist Prof. Vanya Lozanova says

Image of the mythical Thracian bard and musician Orpheus on an ancient Greek vase.
Photo: library

In the search for scientific facts, researchers of ancient civilizations and cultures also come across fake news created by people in the past. The most interesting thing is that the ancient people often did it in the name of cultural tourism.

One of these fake news was discovered by thracologist Prof. Vanya Lozanova, who is a researcher of Orpheus and Orphism. The information is related to the so-called oracle of Orpheus on the island of Lesbos, mentioned only by one ancient author - Philostratus. He wrote that the head of Orpheus reached the island by sea and gave rise to prophecies.

"This is a fiction created by Philostratus. The head of Orpheus and its sacred space is in Thrace. By creating his legends, Philostratus tried to attract the attention of tourists who would visit his island," Lozanova told BNR. "We should not demythologize myths. They exist on another plane. It is good to construct the information that could intrigue tourists," the specialist said.



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

Taking a break with wine, spa and adventures – the perfect weekend combination

Wine culture has been thriving in Bulgaria, with more and more locations and events drawing a growing number of wine lovers and boosting interest in wine tourism. Demand in wine tasting has gone up significantly in 2024, weekend advance bookings..

updated on 12/20/24 11:46 AM

Forbes: Plovdiv is among the best destinations for New Year’s Eve

Bulgaria’s second largest city of Plovdiv is in the top 3 of recommended destinations for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays in a ranking by Forbes. Experts from the European Best Destinations organization put Plovdiv in third..

published on 12/16/24 1:50 PM
Evtim Miloshev (C)

Minister Evtim Miloshev: Bulgarian tourism must become a strategic priority

At the official opening of the winter season in Bansko, caretaker Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev said that Bulgaria has the potential to become a leading tourist country in the region. It is high time the discussion began among all..

published on 12/14/24 5:42 PM