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Haskovo - the town of the Holy Mother

The town of Haskovo reflects all the diverse history of Bulgaria because of its location on an important crossroad between the East and the West, connecting Europe and Asia. The oldest recorded settlements on the territory of the town and its environs date back to the New Stone Age (around the Vth millennium BC). The numerous pre-historic, Thracian, Roman, late antique and medieval monuments are solid evidence of the long history of the town. The favorable geographic situation and conditions for existence contribute to the early and constant development of the town

The monument of the Holy Mother

The highest in the world statue of the Holy Virgin Mary with the Child is the one in Haskovo. It was built in honour and gratitude to the Holy Mother, who is considered to be the patron and protector of Haskovo. The monument was consecrated in 2003 by His Grace Bishop Arsenius, and has been included in the Guinness Book of Records. It is made of polymer concrete, its weight is 80 tons and its overall height is 32.8 m. The statue of the Holy God Mother towers a hill from which a fascinating panoramic view of the town is revealed. The attraction of the site of the monument of the Holy Mother is complemented by the chapel “The Birth of the Holy Mother”, built at the foot of the monument.

The monument of the Holy Mother is open for visitors every day from 8.00 to 21.30 h.

The unique Thracian tomb near the village of Aleksandrovo

The tomb near the village of Aleksandrovo dates back to the 4th c. B.C. It is one of the most valuable monuments of the Thracian culture. The tomb was discovered in 2000 by the famous archeologist Georgi Kitov (1943-2008). Its huge dimensions make it one of the most impressive tombs found on our lands. The extremely well preserved frescoes enrich our knowledge of the Thracian religious rituals, their cults, weapons, life-style and clothing. An enormous museum of the Thracian art in the Eastern Rhodopes together with a replica of the tomb was constructed in the immediate vicinity of the tomb, and is the rich, which makes the complex an attractive tourist sight.

The museum of the Thracian art in the Eastern Rhodopes is open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 to 17.00 h.

The Assumption church in the village of Uzundzhovo

The Assumption church in the village of Uzundzhovo is the largest village church in Bulgaria. It combines in a unique way elements of Christian and Muslim features. Originally the church was built as a Christian church but in 1593 it was destroyed by the Ottoman invaders and a mosque was built over the ruins of the church. In the beginning of the 20th c. the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey returned the building and the related ownership rights over the building to Bulgaria and it was reconstructed into an Eastern Orthodox church. All the wall paintings and icons were restored. A new wooden iconostasis was carved which ranks it among the largest in the country. Impressive stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of the Holy God Mother have been placed in the Church.

The Church "Assumption" is open for visitors every day from 8.00 to 21.30 h.

Perperikon

The stone town has recently become the most famous archeological site in Bulgaria. According to the archeological research, the first traces of life in Perperikon date back to six thousand years ago, to the Stone-Copper Age. Further on during the late Bronze Age and the early Iron Age Perperikon became an imposing religious center. The ancient Greek historian Herodotos wrote about the famous sanctuary and oracular site of the ancient Thracian god Dionysius-Zagrey, which was situated in the Rhodopes. Its priestess was as famous as the unsurpassed priestess Pythea in the temple of Apollonius of Delphi. The Roman historian Suetonius mentioned that Alexander the Great himself came to Perperikon to learn about his destiny as the ruler of the world.

The sanctuary of Orpheus in the village of Tatul

There is no doubt that the sanctuary near the village of Tatul is the oldest sanctuary found in Thrace of a deified ruler. The archeological research revealed that it was Orpheus himself - the famous Thracian musician and hero, the legendary patron of the Rhodopes. This complex is one of the most impressive megalith monuments in Bulgaria. It consists of an ancient pagan sanctuary and a medieval fortress. The central and the highest place is occupied by a grave, cut in the rocks which is accessed by a ceremonial staircase - the symbolic grave of Orpheus which made him an inter mediator between the gods and the people.

Gems of Renaissance architecture

There are several well preserved houses in Haskovo from the middle of the 19th c., the period of the Bulgarian Renaissance. They impress with their unique architecture, the wonderful wood-carvings on the ceilings, the walls and the doors and with the beautiful decoration in the rooms. The Renaissance houses in Haskovo demonstrate the progress of the aesthetic values of the newly-enriched craftsmen and merchants, who represented the rising Bulgarian bourgeoisie. The exhibitions arranged by the Regional History museum in the rooms provide us with invaluable information from the life of the residents of Haskovo - which at that time comprised of an amazing combination of village and town way of life, complemented by European styles this rising class adopted.

The Regional History Museum

The Haskovo History Museum treasures more than 120 000 pieces and artifacts of the historical cultural heritage, many of which have an exceptionally high value. Unique collections of prehistoric, antique and medieval artifacts made of ceramics, stone, iron and glass contribute to part of the rich museum collection. Among the most interesting exhibits are two rarely found on the Bulgarian lands goblets, “Troy type”, dating back to 1st c. B.C., one of which became the symbol of the museum. The museum also hosts a remarkable collection of extremely high value consisting of more than 22 000 antique and medieval coins.

The Haskovo History Museum is open for visitors from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 17:30 h.

The drama and puppet theatre “Ivan Dimov”

The “Ivan Dimov” theatre is known as one of the most beautiful theatre buildings in Bulgaria. The building, which was built in the beginning of the 20th c. was fully renovated in 2004. The beginning of theatrical activity in Haskovo was set immediately after the Liberation in 1879 by Anton Popov, who played an exceptional role not only in the theatrical history of Haskovo, but in the national theater history as well. The Haskovo Theatre is associated with the professional career of many renowned Bulgarian actors and actresses. This temple of Melpomena is named after Ivan Dimov - one of our best drama and cinema actors, who performed at the stage and directed many plays at the town theatre.

Cultural calendar

Haskovo cradles a number of cultural events of national importance. The Folk Arts Fair under the motto “Lovely Thrace Sings and Dances” has brought joy and delight to many patriotic Bulgarians for more than 40 years. A relatively newer festival of chamber dances is organized every year in May. “With the songs of Ari” is the name of another new cultural event - a festival for old popular town songs organized in June. The newest cultural event so far is the Theatre festival, organized for the first time in 2006. The National competition “Southern Spring” is the meeting venue in Haskovo for young and talented poets and writers. The end of the cultural calendar is marked by the musical days “Prof. Nedyalka Simeonova” which are held every October.

The green wealth of Haskovo

The “Kenana” forest preserve covers an area of 236.6 hectares and for years it has been the favourite spot for the citizens of Haskovo for a walk in the country. A wide alley crosses the whole park and leads to a small lake and the zoo. Another park called “Yamacha” with a total area of 500 decares is located in the south part of Haskovo on the first lowest hills of the Eastern Rhodopes. It is afforested with acacia, red oak, ash and pine trees. In the immediate vicinity of Haskovo the fans of eco tourism can enjoy the winding paths among the beautiful nature of Aida mountain, whose slopes are covered with numerous archeological remains from the time of the Thracian people.

The cultural and sports complex “Spartak”

Inhabited for more than 7000 years, the town of Haskovo has preserved its unique spirit over the ages. The rich cultural and sports life of the town is facilitated by the open stage of the Spartak Cultural and Sports Center. This unique open-air complex, with rows of sets arranged in amphitheatrical tiers, can host up to 3500 people and has a covered stage area of 300 sq.m., which provides opportunities to satisfy the choices of the audience for different entertainments and sports events. In 2006 an ice-rink with a total area of 600 sq.m. was constructed in front of the stage of the Cultural and Sports Center, and it now attracts a lot of visitors.

The karting track

The karting track in Haskovo is one of the longest and the best-equipped on the Balkans. Every year a number of national and international championships and races are held here. The track is 950 meters long and 8 meters wide. The complex seats 700 people and has separate box zone and a large parking lot. The track is ideally lighted which makes it suitable for night driving. For the fans of karting the complex offers 270 cubic centimeters karts, 9 hp as well as a modern software for keeping the time and the average speed. The complex offers hotel accommodation and a restaurant with a rich menu, cosy atmosphere and a fascinating view of the track.

Shooting ground Diana

The shooting ground “Diana” offers unique opportunities, it is so far the only one of its kind in Bulgaria. The complex provides all kinds of weapons and professional instructors. There is a shooting line for benchrest and two grounds for skeet and trap. There are grounds for shooting with short weapons. Very useful for hunters who want to practise the exercise “Running Boar” is the ground for shooting with a short rifle. There are shooting positions with metal tables for 100m, 135m and 200m shooting with carabines. Another advantage of the complex is the armoury shop, the hunting accessories shop and the nice cafe.

Tennis courts

Haskovo offers wonderful tennis and squash courts among the calmness and fresh air of park Kenana. There are 8 clay tennis courts and professional trainers available for the tennis fans of all ages who want to enjoy the game for individual and group training. The complex is designed to hold international competitions and tournaments with permanent seat rows for the audience. Every year the complex hosts a number of international tennis seminars. It includes a restaurant which offers traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

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municipality Haskovo, the Mother of God, tourism, services, sights, useful links, news, haskovo, khaskovo