In the beginning of the 16th century ,a unique bridge was built over the Maritza River. The massive stone facility was unlike any other. With its construction a settlement started to emerge nearby and it has been growing throughout the centuries to become today’s town of Svilengrad. In present day, the old bridge links the two sides of the town and is Svilengrad’s symbol. It is also under UNESCO protection as one of the most impressive architectural monuments in Southeastern Europe.

© Photo: www.svilengrad.bg

The town of Svilengrad is close to the Bulgarian borders with Greece and Turkey. People in the town feel the proximity of their neighbors and that is why in local shops everything is translated in three languages. A number of foreigners pass through the town. Many of the citizens here use bicycles for local commuting. The number of cyclists has grown since the streets of the town have been renovated. Snezhana Yaneva of the local municipality also says authorities have been trying to motivate people to ride bicycles.

© Photo: www.svilengrad.bg

© Photo: www.svilengrad.bg

“Our town hosts sport events of national level and there are a number of sport clubs here. Bicycle riding is a traditional sport for Svilengrad. On June the 11th an annual bike tour starts in Svilengrad. The route goes from Svilengrad to Greece and Turkey and there are a number of foreign participants in the competition. This summer the municipality will also complete a project dedicated to the important historical monuments in the nearby village of Mezek. I am talking about the longest Thracian tomb discovered so far, as well as a medieval fortress. Our aim is to turn Svilengrad into an important tourist destination.”

Traditionally in June a festival entitled “Songs and Dances without Borders” takes place in Svilengrad. More about the festival from Vanya Stefanova, Secretary of the “Prosveta” community center:

“We want to preserve this festival, as it’s a good tradition. There are folk ensembles that come here each year. There is a curious story related to the Srednogorka ensemble from the town of Panagyurishte. When they were guests here for the first time two of the dancers became engaged. Next year they came to Svilengrad together with their baby and baptized him in the local church. The festival usually takes place in the hall of the community center. We have not managed to find sponsors in the past years. The municipality provides some financing and we always have awards for the winners,” Stefanova says.

© Photo: www.svilengrad.bg

English version: Alexander Markov