Bulgaria, nestled in the heart of the Balkans, boasts one of the richest histories in Europe. With over 40,000 cultural monuments, it stands just behind Italy, Greece, and Turkey regarding cultural and historical heritage. Seven of these monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But beyond these impressive numbers, some remarkable facts highlight Bulgaria’s ancient and storied past. Here are five that stand out:
1. The Earliest Evidence of Homo Sapiens in Europe
In the spring of 2020, a sensational discovery was made in Bulgaria’s Bacho Kiro cave near Dryanovo. Archaeologists found animal bones, tools, beads, pendants, and human fossils dating back 45,000 to 47,000 years. These are the earliest remains of Homo sapiens in Europe, showing that early humans settled in Bulgaria and lived alongside Neanderthals.
2. The Oldest Processed Gold in the World
In 1972, an ancient necropolis near the coastal city of Varna revealed the oldest processed gold in the world. Over 3,000 exquisite gold items, weighing more than 6 kilograms, were uncovered, dating back to the 4th century BC. These artifacts are a stunning display of the craftsmanship of the Chalcolithic culture in the region.
3. Plovdiv: The Oldest Continuously Inhabited City in Europe
The history of Plovdiv spans over 8,000 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Life in Plovdiv has flourished from the prehistoric period through the Thracian and Roman epochs to the present day. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, ranking alongside Jericho, Byblos, Damascus, and Susa.
4. Bulgaria: The Oldest Country in Europe
Bulgaria holds the title of the oldest country in Europe that has retained its original name since its establishment in 681 AD. Founded by Khan Asparuh, the First Bulgarian Empire flourished in the early 10th century, influencing European culture with its unique literary schools and literature.
5. The Oldest Autocephalous Eastern Orthodox Church
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church became an autocephalous jurisdiction in 879. Its status was recognized by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 927, making it the oldest independent Orthodox Church in Europe, predating the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches by centuries.
Bulgaria’s rich history and cultural heritage offer a fascinating glimpse into some of the oldest civilizations in Europe. Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveller, exploring Bulgaria’s ancient treasures is a journey through time you don’t want to miss.
City Tour Sofia - since 2002, Stara planina 6, Sofia, Bulgaria
