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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Bulgaria

57 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Bulgaria

Updated March 7, 2022

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Unusual Attractions in Bulgaria

Kazanlak, Bulgaria

Buzludzha Monument

An abandoned saucer-shaped monument in the Bulgarian mountains.

Ardino, Bulgaria

Devil's Bridge

An architectural marvel that spans the Arda River, and has stories of a haunted past.

Belogradchik, Bulgaria

Belogradchik Rocks

Bizarrely shaped rock formations in northwest Bulgaria come with equally bizarre legends.

Shumen, Bulgaria

Bulgarian State Monument

This massive concrete sculpture is said to be the heaviest communist monument on Earth.

Karlukovo, Bulgaria

The Eyes of God

The ceiling of Prohodna Cave in northern Bulgaria affords a peek at the sky via two deity-sized-eye-shaped holes.

Rilski manastir, Bulgaria

Rila Monastery

This historic black and white monastery is one of Bulgaria's architectural jewels.

Melnik, Bulgaria

Historic Melnik

This tiny Bulgarian town offers a stunning location in the mountains and a storied history.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Monument to the Soviet Army

A Bulgarian monument to Russia's role in World War II is constantly being painted in pop culture protest.

See All 57 Things To Do in Bulgaria

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Monuments of History: Journey Through Bulgaria

Dive into one of Europe’s oldest countries as we explore ancient civilizations and marvel at otherworldly relics of a communist utopia that never came to be.

Explore Bulgaria

Soviet History 7

Communist Architecture 7

Sacred Spaces 6

Architectural Oddities 6

History & Culture 6

Soviet Architecture 5

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Stories About Bulgaria

Bulgaria's Abandoned Communist Monument Gets a Lifeline

The Buzludzha Memorial House has a polarizing history and an uncertain future.

by Evan Nicole Brown

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