Today, October 26, is the Orthodox church holiday of St. Dimitar. In folklore, with the arrival of St. Dimitar, starts to snow for the first time. It is believed that the winter begins on this day.
 
On St. Dimitar's Day, many predictions were made for the upcoming year. If the moon was full, the hive would be full of honey and the bees would swarm. On the evening before the feast, the shepherds threw a staff into the barn. If the sheep lay on it in the morning, it was believed that the winter would be long, severe and cold.
To this day, traditional predictions are made after the first guest enters the house. If the guest is good and rich, the year will also be rich and blessed.
 
Dimitar is one of the most beloved Bulgarian names and on this day celebrates everyone who is named after the saint. According to an old custom, on a Name’s Day one goes uninvited and should bring white flowers so that the winter is good. The flowers are wrapped with red thread in order to bring health to the receiver.
 
Sources: https://www.hera.bg/
https://www.wikipedia.org

The #Skanderbeg Museum located in #Krujë, #Albania is one of the most important and visited museums in the country. It was built at the end of the 1970's and dedicated to the most celebrated of all Albanian heroes. George Skanderbeg’s ability to reunite Albanian families that had been divided for six centuries, made him an important national figure. He was the leader of the country during one of its most prosperous periods and created an army that successfully fended off the #Ottomans’ advances for 25 years, until his death in 1468.

The Museum of Skanderbeg represents grand collaboration of experts in all fields, including a team of renowned Albanian architects, led by Pirro Vaso and Pranvera Hoxha. They drew inspiration from the conceptual platform devised by Aleks Buda, then chair of the #Academy of #Sciences of Albania. Originally conceived as a memorial, the architecture of the museum seamlessly synchronises with history and the medieval arts. It also adds a contemporary flair to the medieval #Castle of Krujë within which it is located.

A large #relief of Skanderbeg and his brave soldiers confronts the visitors upon entering the museum. This massive sculpture reflects symbolic moments of the countless wars led by the national hero. Many of the museum’s visual art pieces portray Skanderbeg in his various roles as statesman, warrior, and battle commander. The pavilions store documents, original bibliographies, and reproductions which recount the history of Albania during the 15th century.

The museum shows the life and history of the Albanian principalities. The chronological #exhibition takes visitors through ceramic, bronze, iron, and copper objects as well as original icons and swords of the period. Beautiful #Byzantine-style frescoes cover the museum walls. These images depict Skanderbeg’s return to Krujë and glorify the unification of the once-divided Albanian principalities.
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Sources:
https://www.intoalbania.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/

#Diocletian considered one of Rome’s greatest #emperors, ruled from 284 to 305. His reign stabilized the empire and marks the end of the Imperial Crisis. After 21 years of political career Diocletian decided to abdicate and settled down near the Adriatic Sea.
 
In #Croatia, at the very heart of #Dalmatia, Diocletian created a special point on the map – the future city of #Split. The residence Diocletian built for himself was beyond comparison in his time. The palace was a massive structure and contains not only the palace itself but also buildings for housing the military garrison. The Emperor had a wish to enter his palace on a ship, without leaving the deck, so the lower tier of Diocletian’s #palace once was covered with water, and the ship of the Emperor was usually slowly passing between the columns and stopping among the vaulted rooms of the lower tier. The windows in the lower rooms are located near the ceiling – in case the water rises. During the ages, the sea receded, and a city emerged around the palace.
 
Today, the ruins of Diocletian’s palace are some of the most imposing Roman ruins, and certainly the main attraction of the city of Split, Croatia. For its unique past, the Old town of Split is included in the #UNESCO World Heritage List.
 
Although Diocletian spent just 10 years of his life there, his Palace survived many centuries and is still visited today. If you’d like to feel the echo of its antient glory, explore Split in your next jurney!
 
Sources:
http://www.diocletianspalace.org/
https://croatia.hr/
https://en.wikipedia.org

One of the most important archaeological discoveries of XX century are the excavations in the village of #Vergina, Northern Greece – former capital of the antient #Kingdom of #Macedon called Aigai. The excavations include several tombs which are protected by #UNESCO. The Royal Tomb of Philip II of Macedon is undoubtedly one of the most impressive ones with enormous worldwide impact.
 
The funeral of #Philip II in 336 BC was performed, as imposed by tradition, in the capital Aigai. It was the most lavish funeral ceremony held in #Greece. In a monumental death chamber, laid on an elaborate gold and ivory deathbed wearing his precious golden oak wreath, the king was surrendered to the funeral pyre. His son #Alexander became the king of Macedon. An army leader and a legislator, Philip, the hero, descended to his eternal residence, which was reached by a ramp and was in the form of an underground barrel-vaulted building with two chambers and a monumental facade. The concept of the “Macedonian tomb”, similar to the platonic concept of the leaders’ burial in an ideal state, interweaves a palace and a temple. The portraits of the two kings, father and son, are depicted in the hunting scene of the tomb’s facade, as well as on the gold deathbed in the chamber.
Philip’s Thracian wife, Meda, was buried with him in the tomb’s antechamber.
 
The imposing protective installation covering the royal burial cluster of Philip houses an exhibition of the #artefacts once touched by kings and people that took part in the sacred ritual of the heroic royal transit to the world of eternity. At the same time, the visitors of Vergina have a unique chance to admire the whole spectrum of ancient Greek #art in the late Classical times (architecture, painting, artistic metalwork, weaponry, jewellery).
 
Sources:
http://www.aigai.gr/
http://www.visitgreece.gr/
http://www.historyofmacedonia.org

In the old part of #Tetovo, on the right bank of the river #Pena, rises a beautiful #mosque. The locals call it Šarena Džamija, meaning #Painted Mosque. It was originally built in 1495. Most of the mosques of that time were financed by sultans, beys or pashas. However, the donors of the Painted Mosque were two sisters – Hurshida and Mensure. They were buried in the eight-sided #mausoleum in the yard of the mosque. The mausoleum is still standing in front of the temple, surrounded by many flowers and a fountain. In 1833, the mosque was renovated and expanded by Abdurahman Pasha. The distinguishing feature of the mosque is its painted #decorations. Abdurrahman Pasha commissioned masters from #Debar to paint the #ornamentation with oil paints. In addition to the geometric and floral ornamentation, there are also images of landscapes. Among the bright-coloured decorations, especially attractive is the depiction of #Mecca, a rare example of the #illustration of the shrine of the #Islamic prophet, Muhammad. Another major difference between the Šarena Džamija and other #Ottoman mosques is that it does not have a distinctive exterior dome, typical for the early Constantinople Ottoman architecture.

The Painted Mosque is unique example of the Muslim temples and we include it in almost every trip in North Macedonia. Entering the mosque without local guide could be a little tricky since it is usually closed. However, we work with experienced local guides who make sure it is opened for our groups. We would love to take you there!

​Source: Wikipedia.org

In December 2019 the second biggest monastery in #Bulgaria entered new renovation phase. During the last few years, the #Bachkovo #monastery went through numerous #restoration and #repair works.

Nowadays, the unique #frescoes in the oldest monastery #church - Holy Archangels, are restored and beautifully displayed. During the restoration process, some more #ancient frescoes were revealed. The official reception hall is now ready, and all guests and pilgrims of the monastery are welcomed in a fascinating church hall. In addition, the monastery #refectory is also painted with beautiful frescoes in the style of the ones at Mount #Athos. Currently, two multimedia halls are being prepared for a permanent screening of films about the monastery and the #Orthodox faith.

The images at the monastery’s #interior are made by the famous Bulgarian icon #painter Zahariy Zograf from 1838 to 1841. In the #cathedral, there is an #icon from 1311 known as The #Holy #Mother of God Icon, with a silver repousse cover. This icon is believed to have miraculous powers.
Visitors to monastery may also view other icons, silver repousse covers for copies of the Gospels, and other works of art from 16th - 19th centuries. #Treasures from the 17th century include a carved wooden icon stand with #gold ornamentation and the cathedrals royal doors. The Bulgarian #Exarch Stefan I (1878-1957) is buried at the monastery, as is the Bulgarian #Patriarch Kiril (1901-1971). There is a #museum on the grounds where some of the oldest artefacts connected with the history of the monastery are on display.
A favourite gathering place for pilgrims and visitors is the monastery’s #courtyard, with its impressive trees, such as a #Paradise apple tree and a #Chinese fir. The monastery is still functioning, and the #monks offer overnight #accommodations.

Sources:
https://www.marica.bg/
https://bulgariatravel.org

Today is a special day for the Bulgarian #teachers, #students and #education. The school year begins on September 15 both in #Bulgaria and in about a dozen other #European countries.
The education of the Bulgarian people became a priority during the National #Revival Period. Initially, in the so-called “mutual schools” the students were taught by the mutual method, i.e. the older and more advanced students taught the younger ones. The teacher taught the older ones and monitored the education of the younger ones. One teacher was responsible for more than 50 children. In 1843 the first “class school” was established in the town of #Elena. In the “class school”, the children were divided into classes according to their age. One teacher was now responsible for a class of up to 30 students. The children studied disciplines such as general Bulgarian history, Bulgarian grammar, arithmetic, anthropology and others.
In the photos you can see the #first #Bulgarian “class school” in the town of Elena, which today functions as a museum. Elena is located close to the ancient capital of the Bulgarian #Kingdom #Veliko #Tarnovo and it has been a trade and cultural centre for centuries. The town and the people of Elena played an important role during the Bulgarian Revival Period. Today, the picturesque town preserves about 150 cultural monuments, over 6000 ethnographic objects, many old books which enforced the Bulgarian education.
 
Sources:
http://bg.wikipedia.org/
https://dariknews.bg/
https://uchiteli.bg/
http://visit.elena.bg/

The homeland of the #sunflower is #North #America, where local tribes began growing it more than 4,500 years ago.
The sunflower is a relatively new crop in #Bulgaria, as its economic importance was assessed only after the end of the First World War. Until then, sunflower was grown as a decorative #plant.
In recent decades, the production of sunflower in the country is constantly growing and Bulgaria became one of the ten largest producers of #sunflower #oil in the world (2nd place in the world in sunflower exports for 2018).
Sunflower oil is extracted from the processed sunflower seeds. The oil is widely used in cooking and cosmetics.
Among the beneficial substances it contains are omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, lecithin and #vitamin E.
In addition to its valuable ingredients, the sunflower also offers incredible pleasure for the eyes. Traveling around Bulgaria in the period July - August, you will notice many #fields full of beautiful yellow flowers along the road.
Here we offer you some photos, and we can’t wait for you to #visit #Bulgaria and see the sunflower fields live.
Sources:
nuseed.com
wikipedia.org
economic.bg

The Bulgarian #Black #Sea #coast offers diverse opportunities for recreation and entertainment. With an impressive 378 km of shoreline, the coast offers 70 beaches, many bays, picturesque estuaries with beautiful dense forests and a delightful mixture of mountain and sea climates. 
In addition to the magnificent nature, the Black Sea coast has unique historical and cultural heritage.
One of the most popular places of interest is the Old Town of #Nessebar – #UNESCO recognized cultural heritage site.

The ancient town of Nessebar is located on a small peninsula in the Black Sea, connected by a long and narrow isthmus to the new part of Nessebar. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It was founded about 3000 years before the new era by the Thracians and is considered the Bulgarian city with the most preserved architectural monuments from the Middle Ages.
There are 23 churches and cultural monuments in the Old town - from an early Christian basilica to a domed Byzantine church - examples that reflect the architectural and artistic influence of the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras.

Today, ancient Nessebar preserves its romantic atmosphere with its narrow cobbled streets, small squares, two-storey houses with stone ground and wooden upper floors, which have external stairs, souvenir shops, pubs, taverns and beautiful flower gardens.

​Have a glimpse of the past, create unforgettable memories, enjoy the charm of Nessebar! 

sources:
http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/
https://bulgariatravel.org/

We've all seen those beautiful #lavender #fields which make some of the most beautiful summer photos. 
Besides for its beauty, the lavender has been honoured for centuries for its health benefits.
Its name derives from the Latin root “lavare,” which literally means “to wash.” The earliest recorded use of lavender dates back to ancient #Egypt. There, lavender oil played a role in the mummification process.
During later times, lavender became a bath additive in several regions, including Persia, ancient #Greece, and #Rome. These cultures believed that lavender helped purify the body and mind.
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to treat different health issues. 
The fragrance from the oils of the lavender plant is believed to help promote calmness and wellness. It’s also said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and possibly even mild pain. 
The annual #Lavender #Festival, which takes place in #Bulgaria at the end of June, is one of the most beautiful experiences that can bring you to the world of lavender.
The Festival includes visit to the lavender fields in the Karlovo region, ancient rituals related to the harvesting and brewing of lavender, tasting of traditional Bulgarian ritual bread and lavender tea.
sources: 
www.healthline.com
fest-bg.com
#Gobalkans archive