There are few places in the world where the development of human civilization can be traced back to antiquity. Namely the region of Stara Zagora offers an opportunity for a journey down the Ages. Over the millennia, different nations have inhabited the region. Here, civilizations sprung and evolved, forming the European culture. Epic battles waged. Multiple historical artifacts and archeological records have been preserved showing thousand of years of history - since the ages of the first people on the European continent till today.
The region has been inhabited since the New Stone Age (the beginning of the VІth millennium BC). Тhe historians consider Stara Zagora as one of the oldest cities in Europe. Here, tourists can visit one of the best preserved Neolithic dwellings in Europe. Tools and household items, crafted and used by the ancestors of today’s Europeans, are treasured in there. The museums in Stara Zagora and Kazanlak still keep the authentic hearths, hand mills, pottery fragments, deer horn sickles and many other artifacts.
The glamour of the Thracian culture can be viewed in the Region of Stara Zagora. The so called Valley of the Thracian Kings - lands located between two mountain ranges, keeps tombs and ruins of the ancient city of Sevtopolis (IVth century BC). Golden jewellery and treasures have been found here - a witness of the Thracian culture flourishing.
Stara Zagora has preserved its ancient Roman heritage. The Roman Emperor Marcus Ulpius Trayan built the city of Augusta Trayana (107 AD) in honour of his victory over one of the most numerous Thracian tribes. The city rose to become the site of the second most significant cultural and administrative centre in the province, even minting its own coins. The glory of the city is associated with the rule of emperor Marcus Aurelius (161 - 180 AD) when large-scale construction works have been done. Part of the fortified walls, exquisite Roman mosaics and baths are still preserved as well as the ancient open-air theatre where public performances are shown to this day.
The ruins of dozens of fortresses, churches and monasteries bear witness to the memory of the glory of the First and Second Bulgarian State (VIIIth - IXth century AD). Bulgaria adopted Christianity in the 9th century and, with a fearsome army, went on to establish itself as the largest state in the Balkans. It was also home of men of letters, spreading enlightenment and introducing the Bulgarian language in church rituals.
The Proto Bulgarians’ values, physical and spiritual strength, still live in the youth organization Baga-Tur. It’s a survival school where the knowledge of the Proto-Bulgarians of matters, flora and fauna, weapons, combats and ancient philosophy is still treasured.
During 500 years of Ottoman rule, the Bulgarians kept their spirit and clung to their Bulgarian language and cultural traditions, with armed uprisings and liberation struggles.
The influence of the Bulgarian Renaissance period (ХVІІІth- ІХХth century) can be viewed in the literature, cultural clubs’ activity, the typical architecture of houses and churches standing today. The feats of bravery of those who died for Bulgaria’s liberation – Bulgarians, Russians, Romanians and Finnish soldiers – are immortalized by the dozens of monuments attesting to their sacrifice.
In the Valley of the Roses, located between two mountain ranges, the foremost oil-bearing rose in the world is cultivated and promoted as the symbol of Bulgaria. The unique Rose Festival in Kazanlak in May is an unforgettable experience for tourists who come from all over the world to immerse themselves in the magic of rose oil.
Hiking fans could enjoy the picturesque beauty of nature – the coolness of the oak pine forests of the Balkan Mountains. The Balkan Peninsula, which gets its name from these mountains, is also home to excellent fishing, hunting, flying with a delta planer and other attractions.
Nature has also endowed this region with an abundance of mineral springs and healing waters which together form today the foundation of spa tourism in the region.
The megalithic structures near the ancient city of Sevtopolis and the authentic villages abound offering the visitor an opportunity for immersion into the Bulgarian lifestyle, attract numerous tourists.
The Stara Zagora Region is the birthplace of numerous poets, musicians and artists who have left their mark in art and culture at a global level. Stara Zagora is a host to the International Opera and Ballet Festival, the Puppet Theatre Festival, a unique Roma Festival and numerous artistic exhibitions. Original festivals and celebrations dot the calendar throughout the year in many of the towns and villages, exhibiting the Bulgarian traditions and spirit.
The historical and cultural heritage of the region, presenting all the civilization shifts, together with the natural assets and beauty provide excellent preconditions for alternative tourism. Joining the efforts of local and regional authorities, businesses, and tourism-related organizations, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Stara Zagora developed and launched the specialized web site www.stara-zagora.travel as the tourist business card of the region.
At the end of 2009, and with the personal assistance of the Travel Agency MIEL Travel and of the personal engagement of the WATA executive Mrs. Christine Fournier, the tourist potential of Stara Zagora Region was presented during the 60th WATA General Assembly in Barcelona. This resulted in an increased interest and now a number of tourist agencies are going to offer a 7 day journey to Stara Zagora and Kazanlak under the motto 8000 years history & traditions.
Considerable improvement in the level of the tourist service and increased tourist flow are expected within the next years.
