ПРОГРАМИ
en de ru fr es sr gr al tr ro
Podcast in English
Share
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria in pictures

Zemen - paradise found

Author:
Photo: Miglena Ivanova

In western Bulgaria, about a hundred kilometres south-west of Sofia, lies the town of Zemen and its environs on the banks of the Struma River. Although not one of the country's best-known tourist destinations, interest in the region has grown considerably in recent years. Antiquity buffs will be fascinated by the Zemen Monastery of St John the Theologian, while nature lovers will be drawn to the scenic Polska Skakavitsa waterfall.



The Church of St John the Theologian in the Zemen Monastery was built in the 11th century and is one of the oldest monuments of medieval Bulgarian architecture. It was decorated with frescoes twice, in the 11th and 14th centuries. Of the earlier frescoes, only the face of St Anna remains. Most of the later frescoes are well preserved. The church was restored in 1966. In 2004 it became a branch of the National History Museum.


The other landmark of the area, which attracts tourists in search of beautiful scenery at weekends, is, as already mentioned, the Polska Skakavitsa waterfall. It plunges from a height of 52 metres. Above it is the small church of St Dimitri, built at the end of the 19th century on the foundations of an older church. 


It will be no less pleasant to walk off the beaten track and enjoy the green splendour of the Zemen Gorge of the Struma River. 


The lush green of the surrounding hills is a feast for the eyes and the soul. And the air is fragrant with wild herbs. 


Along the way you will seldom meet a living soul, but here and there you will see old houses, silent in their remote seclusion.


The gorgeous scenery will take your breath away.


The strange rock formations evoke images of a fairytale giant awakened to life, or a castle where a princess lies in a hundred-year sleep, waiting for her prince's kiss to break the spell.



Further reading:

Photography: Miglena Ivanova
Translated and posted by Elizabeth Radkova

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.
Radio Bulgaria Bulgaria in pictures    bulgaria in pictures monastery polska skakavitsa struma river tourism travel zemen

More from category

Ancient architecture and breathtaking views in the village of Delchevo

The village of Delchevo is located at the foot of the Pirin Mountain, some 10 kilometers away from the town of Gotse Delchev. It attracts tourists with preserved ancient architecture and beautiful mountain routes. Many old traditions have..

published on 5/9/23 11:23 AM

An unusual museum in Pernik

The Underground Mining Museum is one of the most unusual museums in Bulgaria. It is part of the 100 National Tourist Sites and is unique on the Balkan Peninsula. It is located in two of the preserved galleries of the first..

published on 4/21/23 11:14 AM

In anticipation of Easter

Holy Week has begun and Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria are preparing to welcome the Resurrection of Christ. Among other preparations, many towns and cities are being transformed for the holiday with art bazaars and workshops on Easter decorating..

published on 4/10/23 6:10 PM

WEATHER
Pick city: Sofía
Partly Cloudy
Min: -2 | Max: 14
Partly Cloudy
Min: 2 | Max: 14
Partly Cloudy
Min: 1 | Max: 13
Partly Cloudy
Min: -6 | Max: 13
Partly Cloudy
Min: -1 | Max: 12
Clear
Min: -2 | Max: 14
Clear
Min: -2 | Max: 14
Clear
Min: -7 | Max: 12
Clear
Min: -2 | Max: 13
Partly Cloudy
Min: -3 | Max: 15
Clear
Min: -2 | Max: 13
Partly Cloudy
Min: 0 | Max: 13
Partly Cloudy
Min: -3 | Max: 13
Partly Cloudy
Min: -3 | Max: 13
Clear
Min: -3 | Max: 13
Partly Cloudy
Min: -5 | Max: 13
Clear
Min: -1 | Max: 12
Clear
Min: -2 | Max: 13
Clear
Min: -1 | Max: 13
Clear
Min: 1 | Max: 14
Partly Cloudy
Min: -1 | Max: 12
Partly Cloudy
Min: -3 | Max: 14
Clear
Min: -5 | Max: 13
Clear
Min: -2 | Max: 12
Clear
Min: -3 | Max: 14
Clear
Min: -5 | Max: 12
Clear
Min: -3 | Max: 14
BULGARIA IN PICTURES
Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?
Yasen Gyuzelev
Theodore Ushev
Christo Javacheff - Christo
Ilia Peikov
Lika Yanko

BULGARIANS ABROAD

Български English Русский Deutsch Српски Français Ελληνικά Español Shqip Türkçe Română

english@bnr.bg

+359 2 9336 661

Общи условия за използване на сайта | Политика за поверителност | Политика за "бисквитки"