The Sveshtari Thracian Royal Tomb is part of the historical and archaeological reserve of Sboryanovo in Northeastern Bulgaria. Sboryanovo is a unique complex consisting of settlements, temples, and necropolises dating back to the Antiquity. Over 140 archaeological sites have been found on the territory of the reserve.

The most significant find is the Sveshtari Thracian Royal Tomb. It was constructed in the first quarter of the 3rd century BC and represents a unique monument of the Thracian tomb architecture. It has a significant size. Its length is 7.5 m, its width at the facade is 6.5 m, and the height of the tomb chamber (on the inside) is 4.45 m. The tomb was constructed by large limestone blocks. It consists of a dromos (corridor) and three premises-chambers. An individual arch covers each chamber.

The tomb decoration is influenced by the Hellenistic culture but it is transformed by the vision and beliefs of the Getae (a Thracian tribe). The unfinished decoration on the walls and the ceiling shows that the ruler had died before his eternal home was completed. The chamber ceiling is held by statues of women with raised hands (caryatids), whose faces still preserve the remains of colorful decoration. On the ceiling is depicted a scene of deification of the ruler.
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Due to its remarkable architecture and its artistic decoration, the Sveshtari tomb is included in the list of global cultural inheritance of UNESCO in 1985.
Source: https://bulgariatravel.org/

In addition to its magnificent sights reminiscent of the Mediterranean, Albania also hides its own small tropical paradise, aptly called the Blue Eye. Perhaps the most breathtaking sight in Albania, the Blue Eye is located about a 30-minute drive away from the coastal city of Saranda on the road to Gjirokastra.

The landscape leading to the Blue Eye uncovers an anomaly of nature, as you will find yourself surrounded by palm trees, wild ferns and tropical plants, as well as dense, mountainous forest vegetation of oaks and sycamores, all at once!

This vegetation is kept lush and glorious by the spring flowing down the mountain into the Bistrica River. The fresh water spring from the Gjerë Mountain flows into the Blue Eye and creates a natural pool. Its actual depth has not yet been determined. Many divers have tried to get to the bottom of it, to no avail.

As you look into the center of this pool, you will begin to understand why it is called Blue Eye. The deep blue sapphire waters of the center form the pupil of the eye and are surrounded by the vibrant emerald green and turquoise of the iris. The surrounding vegetation forms the eyelashes. The waters, though deep and blue, are so crystal clear that they reveal the rocks and vegetation at the bottom. The water maintains an “only for the brave” temperature of no more than 10 Degrees Celsius (50 Degrees Fahrenheit).

The Blue Eye is an oasis of fresh air and cool climate, a tropical paradise that can rival any view of Venezuela or the Maldives. Those who have had the fortune of seeing the Blue Eye have felt god-like and omnipotent. And you can too!

​Sources:
https://www.intoalbania.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/

Shiroka laka Village is located in the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria. The name of the village derives from the old Bulgarian word “laka” – curve, bend, meander.

Shiroka laka was founded in the 17th century and has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria. The village has preserved its architecture from the Bulgarian Revival Period, its musical culture, beautiful landscapes, and rich history.
 
Shiroka laka is famous for its beautiful, authentic Rhodope houses that lie amphitheatrically on both sides of the river. The local master builders were well-known throughout the country.
 
The village is also renowned for the folklore traditions it has preserved. Some of the most eminent singers and bagpipe-performers of Rhodope folklore songs were born in this village. The National School of Folk Arts was established in Shiroka laka in 1972.
 
Some of the most emblematic places of interest in the village is the Ethnographic Museum. It is arranged as a house of a wealthy Rhodope family from the end of the 19th century. Another site worth visiting is the Church of the Assumption which was built in 1834 in just 38 days by all the people of Shiroka laka.

The scenery, the architecture, the fresh air, and the venerable pine trees of this place make Shiroka laka one of the most interesting villages in Bulgaria.
 
Source: https://bulgariatravel.org/