52 historical walks around Bulgaria

Bulgarian lands hold remnants of a thousand-year history: of ancient civilisations, of battles and invasions, of the spiritual quests of our ancestors and the deeds of great heroes. Yet these traces of the past often remain hidden – tucked away in the depths of the mountains, far from the usual tourist routes. In her new book Eli Ivanova – author of the blog "Drumi v dumi" and of the guidebook "52 eco-trails for everyone" – draws attention to a number of little-known, incredibly beautiful places and routes connected with the history of our lands.

This is not a guidebook to the most famous historical landmarks in Bulgaria. It is a stroll through magical places where history and the beauty of nature merge in harmony. Places that inspired historical figures and preserved history within themselves. Places of glorious battles and heroic resistance; places around which legends circulate. Places where our ancient ancestors sensed the divine, and also places where people still seek God today.

Eli Ivanova passes through fortresses and ruins, medieval churches and ancient sanctuaries, past prehistoric caves that once sheltered the first people in these lands, and along paths trodden by our revolutionaries, poets and kings. And on the way to these places, she also draws attention to the unchanging beauty of Bulgarian nature – the waterfalls and cliffs, the breathtaking views, lush meadows, clear cold springs, secluded sea bays and mysterious forest paths.

As with her previous books, in "52 historical walks around Bulgaria" Eli Ivanova offers travellers useful advice, precise coordinates, and information on the accessibility and difficulty of the routes.