Haskovo
Haskovo Province (Област Хасково) is a province in southern Bulgaria, neighbouring Greece and Turkey to the southeast. It has a territory of 5,543 km² and population of 279,067. It comprises parts of the Thracian valley along the river Maritsa (Evros, Meriç). It consists of 11 municipalities and the capital city is Haskovo. Bulgaria vacation rentals are very interested in this almost virgin area of the country.
Geographic Position
Haskovo region is situated in central part of South Bulgaria and its territory extends on 5 543 sq. km. or 5% of the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. The region includes 261 populated areas, organized in 11 municipalities – Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Svilengrad, Lubimetz, Harmanli, Madzharovo, Simeonovgrad, Ivaylovgrad, Topolovgrad, Mineralni bani and Stambolovo. The population of Haskovo region is 270 096 people, which represents 3.46% of the country’s population. In the cities lived 70.6% of inhabitants and in the villages 29.4% of inhabitants. Some of the villages have uninhabited full-furnished houses which are registered in the books of the Bulgaria vacation rentals.
Favorable factor of the region is regional and national border with two neighboring countries – Greece and Turkey. Two key transcontinental roads cross the territory of Haskovo region. The first road connects West and Central Europe with Istanbul and Asia, the second one – North Europe with Mediterranean. The distance from Haskovo to the Greek and Turkish border is about 60 km., to Sofia – 230 km., and the entire road network is 1 882 km.
Haskovo region is characterized with favorable mild climate, beautiful clear nature and unique flora and fauna. The relief is varied; the territory of the region includes parts of the Upper-Thracian lowland, as well as East Rhodope and Sakar Mountain. The water resources of Haskovo region formed mainly from Maritza River and its feeders – Harmanlyska, Varbitza and Biala rivers. Arda River passes through a part of the region. It is the biggest river in Rhodope Mountains. A large part of region’ territory (about 38%) presented forests. In the higher parts there are coniferous trees. The diversity of landscape views attract tourists who are assisted by the services of the Bulgaria vacation rentals in their accommodation.
History and culture
The lands of Haskovo region are a cradle of a rich and ancient culture. The Thracians, the legions of the Roman Empire, the Slavs and the proto-Bulgarians have left an imprint, but also and all the nationalities, that lived at these lands.
There are vestiges from the early Neoliths and the New stone age near the mound “Chavdarova cheshma”, Simeonovgrad municipality and the mounds near Dimitrovgrad and the villages Bulgarin, Dinevo, Pyasachevo, Bolyarski izvor ets.
The gravestone Thracian mounds, the numerous complexes of sanctuaries, the necropolises, the fortresses and the dolmens in Sakar Mountain and in the Eastern Rhodopes are all bright proofs of the active presence of Thracian population at these places. The monumental cupola tomb near Mezek village and the big tomb, covered with wall paintings near Alexandrovo village, dating back to the 4th century BC, are evidence of exceptional high culture of the population, living in the area of that time.
A reliable road network, the bridges, fortresses, sanctuaries, amphitheatres and other infrastructure facilities were built during the period of the Roman rule. The nymph’s and Aphrodite’s sanctuary near Kasnakovo village, dating back to the 2-4th, the ancient villa “Armira” , the ancient and medieval fortress in Mineralni bani, dating back to the 2-14th century are witnesses of the past glory of the Roman empire. The Bulgaria vacation rentals work in close contact with the travel companies in favour of their clients.
The fortresses Constanzia near Simeonovgrad municipality and “Lutitsa” in the surroundings of Ivailovgrad, as well as the ones in the area of Lubenovo, Mineralni bani and Mezek are evidences of the medieval Bulgarian state. In the “Hissarya” area, Haskovo municipality was erected Bulgarian fortress and a new town appeared at this place. The rocky churches near Matochina and Mihalich villages are unique examples of the Bulgarian spiritual development after the adaptation of the Christianity.
On the territory of Haskovo region took place two of the most significant events of our medieval history. On the 14th April 1205 near the Matochina village, the Bulgarian troops, leaded by the king Kaloyan, had a bloody battle with the Latin invaders, guided by the emperor Baldwin Flanders, on the 9th March 1230 near Klokotnica village, the Bulgarian troops, guided by the king Ivan Asen II confronted and defeated the troops of the despot Theodor Comnin.
The heritage of the Ottoman power in the region are the oldest mosque in Haskovo, dating back to 1395, the mausoleum Osman Baba in Teke village /15 c./, the teke in Bogomil village /16 c./, the old bridge over Maritsa river in Svilengrad dating back to the 1529, The “Crookbacked bridge” in Harmanli /1585/ etc.
In this time became very popular and acquired economic importance the fair in Uzundjovo village, dating back to the second half of the 18th century and was a significant trade place until the Liberation in 1878. Every year about 50000 people visited it from different countries. The fair exerted beneficial influence for the prosperity of the cities in the region.
The building of the churches “St. Trinity” in Svilengrad /1834/, “Sveti Atanasii” in Harmanli /1835/, “Sveta Bogoroditsa” in Haskovo /1837/ was an expression of the local prosperity and consolidation of the Bulgarian spirit during the Renaissance, as well as other churches in the region. Dozen schools opened in the bigger settlements of the present Haskovo region. In 1857 their number was already 35 and the total number of the students reached 500. In 1864 was build the Class Bulgarian School in Haskovo, called “Central”. Then were established the first community centres. In 1858 the community centre “Zaria” was founded in Haskovo, in 1870 the community centre “Zvezda” was founded in Svilengrad. The same year was established the community centre in Harmanli.
During the centuries of Ottoman occupancy in Haskovo region Bulgarian haidouk groups, leaded by Kralyo voivoda, Kara Kolyo, Stanko voivoda, Rusi Kalyata, Angel voivoda, Kapitan Petko voivoda and many other people offered resistance to the conquerors and inflexible daring for preservation of the Bulgarian state. There are a great number of historic spots associated with their names and the tourists can get comprehensive information about them in the offices of the Bulgarian vacation rentals.
The Haskovo region was actively involved in the national liberation movement with the organization of revolutionary committees in 1868. This kind of committees was founded in Haskovo and in the villages Yabalkovo, Merichleri and Stransko.
The fight for liberation end with the offensive of the Russian troops and led to the liberation of Simeonovgrad on the third /15/ January 1878, of Harmanli on the forth /16/ January and of Haskovo and Svilengrad on the seventh /19/ January. The settlements in Ivailovgrad area were liberated at the same time.
The main occupation of the population of Haskovo region after the Liberation was agriculture. But also started the trade and tobacco treatment, one factory for tobacco manipulation, activated some wholesaler of cocoons, cereals, factories for the production of soda and lemonade, flour etc. The first enterprises were founded in the field of coal mining.
New stimulus of the fight for national liberation gave the Balkan War, when the troop of Haskovo on the 5th of October 1912 liberated Kardjali and advancing along Arda River towards Edirne, liberated Ivailovgrad and Svilengrad. Important place in the fighting history of the state took Haskovo region with the participation in the Second Balkan War and the First World War. Their names were saved on the build military monuments in lot of cities and the villages of the region for the next generations.
During the 30’s a new economic and cultural development started in our region. Evidence for the existed European way of life and spirituality is the preserved urban architecture from ancient time.
The time after the 9th 1944, in principle is passing by with tact by the historians, but we can’t mention it, at least for the establishment of Dimitrovgrad. It’s a city that had gather people from all the country; they devoted their fates, built the economy, formed the architecture view and gave the intellectual and spiritual potential.
The historical development of Haskovo region and the created spiritual and material culture during the centuries have predetermined the paths of the economic development, not only in the past, but and at present time. In recent times simultaneously with the growing tourism emerged the branch of the Bulgarian vacation rentals.
Economy
Haskovo is described as region with good developed structure, good market traditions, a skilled labour and comparatively good developed sector of small and big enterprises.
The big companies in that region are major movable strength of the local economy, while others small companies contribute to the success of business environment and for create optimum conditions for accelerated development. For progress of industry in Haskovo region is approve of private companies which are created with Bulgarian capitals and they find good realization at the world and home market.
More of small and middle companies on a territory of Haskovo region operated in sphere of business and services. As a whole industrial aspect to the Haskovo region is take shape from four biggest municipalities – Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Harmanli and Svilengrad. Municipality Haskovo is the biggest municipality in that region .It is the basic centre to the Bulgarian machinery building for food, wine and tobacco industries. It is also a center of the tourism in the south-east part of the country with many travel agencies, real estate and property management companies as well as Bulgarian vacation rentals companies.
The Haskovo region keep specialization in sphere of production manufacture for food ,wine and tobacco industries, machine for meat – chopper heating and folk style device. On a territory of the Haskovo region working a large industrial companies like “Erato Holding”, “Deroni “OOD, “Denido MI” EAD, “Pim” OOD. On the territory of Dimitrovgrad municipality work two big industrial companies: “Vulkan “AD specializing in manufacture of building materials and “Neohim“ AD for production of chemical fertilizers and chemical products. After privatization this companies have new, high quality and modern installations which are consider with requirements for ecology production. Chemistry industry is branch in Haskovo region with the biggest percentage in branch structure of the industry.
Very good developed in Haskovo region is tailoring and textile industry. The companies from this branch produce high quality productions and a lot of them expand their size in last years. They are famous of market with their name and marks like “Delena“ AD Haskovo, ”Elmaz teks” Haskovo, “Maritza” AD Simeonovgrad, ”Mir” AD Haskovo. The textile industry is branch at the economic region. In that branch are create a lot companies with foreign investors which are active also in the branches of real estates and Bulgarian vacation rentals.
The Haskovo region is famous with beer and wine production. Kamenitza brewery with its branch Haskovo is one of basic producers of beer in the country. All wine power on a territory of Haskovo region (“Vinprom”Shato Aida”AD Haskovo, Wine house “Sakar “AD Lubimetz, the wine–cellar of Stambolovo and “Vinprom Ivaylovgrad”) are specialized in the production of high quality wine which have good realization of the foreign market.
The wine–cellar of Stambolovo is one of famous in the entire world with its red wines of Bulgaria with fixing geographic provenance. The clients of the Bulgarian vacation rentals also prefer their taste.
The strategy trend for industry development at the region is connected with encouragement development of the contractor activities, involve fresh foreign investment, to increase quota of small and middle companies. It is accelerator for economic excitement on a territory and this is sector where developed most of work place. The priority for development of industry in Haskovo region are connected with approve that region like one of basic centre on Bulgaria according to attitude of machine building for food, wine and tobacco industry, rebirth to canning industry, differentiate Haskovo region like one of leading wine regions in Bulgaria (optimum conditions for development to vine- growing), keep traditions of the region in sphere of textile and tailoring industry. Agricultural and livestock breeding is one of leading branch for Haskovo region and create big work load for a lot people in region. In Haskovo region have optimum ground climatic conditions for development to the plant – growing. Temperate Mediterranean with combination with lavishly water resources in Haskovo region are very important precondition for cultivation of large diversity of agricultural cultures. Wide- spread and traditional industrial crops for Haskovo region is tobacco. Tobacco is cultivate on low level at the Eastern Rhodopes and Sakar Mountain. The vegetable – growing in Haskovo region is included with basic vegetables cultures: tomatos, cucumbers and pepper.
The Haskovo region is famous with production of watermelon and melon also with excellently grapes (Merlo).
The priority of plant – growing is plant and replant young vine massif, increase an area under crop with plantations of perennial plants and create of seed-bed.
The animal husbandry in Haskovo region is concentrate in private branch and described with high percentage of small – scale farm. In lowland of the Haskovo region is advanced milk cattle – breeding, pig – breeding and poultry – raising. In hilly regions is included sheep- breeding and partly goat- breeding. In this region have increase of professional stock – breeding farm and decrease of personal farm. The perspective about stock – breeding in Haskovo region is consolidation of the animal farms where the productivity is higher. The stock – breeder have possibility for finance from international programs.
Tourism
All the forms of popular tourism are very well developed in Haskovo region. There are a number of travel agencies and Bulgarian vacation rentals companies who serve the tourists in the best way.
In the last few years there were built many luxurious hotels and restaurants, big enough to meet all the requirements of the modern business tourism. The increased international visits, connected with the business trips, meetings, seminars, cultural and sportive manifestations in the country, they are assurance for good future of this type tourism in the region.
The transit tourism is also very important for the region of Haskovo. The enlargement of the roadside structure along the two transcontinental corridors, the forthcoming opening of the new frontier posts with Greece and Turkey, as well as the end of building the highway of Maritza, they are all premises for this type of tourism to prosper in all the municipalities of Haskovo region.
There are wonderful conditions for summer and winter family breaks in the holiday houses in village Mineralni bani - balneological resort, 18 km west of Haskovo and also on the cost of the Ivailovgrad reservoir in village Borislavci. The Bulgarian vacation rentals companies offer rooms and apartments in the resort all year long.
With pleasure we can mention the revival of the curative tourism in the region. Lately in the balneological resort of Mineralni bani there were built many new hotels and holiday homes and most of the old ones were modern decorated. The mineral water is unique by composition and curative characteristics (similar with the only one in Europe resort "Karlovi Vari"). It's attractive for our and foreign tourists, also for serious bulgarian and foreign investors. There are good opportunities this kind of tourism to develop in town Merichleri. This town is famous with excellent mineral water.
The alternative tourism is also developed in Haskovo region- famous as "tourism of the new century”.
The first steps in the rural tourism made the municipalities of Stambolovo, Topolovgrad, Ivailovgrad, Lyubimetz and Madjarovo, where the companies dealing with Bulgarian vacation rentals have their offices. The clear environment, preserved country way of life and traditions of villages of the region supposed its development and in the other municipalities. The ornithologists in Madjarovo are the doyens of ecotourism in Haskovo region. They successfully combined the defence of threatened with extinction animal and plant species with meeting, showing and training of groups of people, who like the nature, from the country and abroad.
The tourist associations from the region succeed to save the spirit of the mountain tourism. The Bulgarian vacation rentals companies are the most active among these associations. There are getting more and more the renovating and modern chalets and villas in the mountain area – East Rhodopes and Sacar Mountain. Every year traced and marked out the traditional tourism paths. There were established very much and new eco-paths in the municipalities Haskovo, Mineralni bani, Ivailovgrad and Madjarovo. Success has the aqua tourism, thanks to the efforts of “Water club” Haskovo. The club is the main organizer and participant in the annual regatta “Dolna Arda” and “Maritza”, which have international popularity. It is growing the interest and for the rock climbing, marches with bicycle and horse and the winter marches with ski and machines for snow, for which our region has an appropriate climate, relief and infrastructure.
In the fields of the thematic tourism we can’t mention the importance of: the cultural tourism, developed thanks to our rich historical heritage, the wine tourism, with it popular destinations Haskovo, Stambolovo, Lyubimetz and Ivailovgrad, in whose wins-cellar mature the best red wine of Bulgaria and hobby-tourism: the virgin forests of East Rhodopes and Sacar mountain are attractive centre for hunters from all the country and from abroad. Every real fisherman knows that in the place that has water, there will find fish. Across the Haskovo region pass the lower streams of the biggest rivers of South Bulgaria – Maritza, Arda and Tundja, and our region is the first for the number of micro reservoirs at unit of area in the country.
Haskovo region is an attractive place for business, culture and rest. Each of its municipalities contributes for this with it unique view. The companies that are busy in the branch of Bulgarian vacation rentals have their representatives in all of them.
Haskovo Municipality
Main town: Haskovo
Mayor: Mr. George Ivanov
Territory: 740.22 square kms
Towns and villages: 36
Population: 98 368 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: Natural landmark: ” Field of snowdrop”; Natural landmark: “Boaza”; Thracian domical vault – village Aleksandrovo; Church of the “Virgin Mary” – town Haskovo; The oldest mosque - town Haskovo; Paskals house; Shishmanovs house; “Hisaria” fortress of the Middle Ages; “Asenova “fortress – village Klokotniza.
Traditional cultural activities: Day of the Haskovo – on September 8 th; National Folklore Fair “Thracian Song and Dance” during May; The literature Days “Southern Spring” during April; International Jazz festival; National competition for viola player with international partnership” Professor Nedialka Simeonova” during October.
International partners: The Municipality has traditionally been an outward looking institution with international civic and economic links with cities in Belarus, Yugoslavia, Italy, Turkey, Greece, USA and United Kingdom. The latter are among the most active tourists and they use the services of the Bulgarian vacation rentals.
Haskovo (Bulgarian: Хасково) is the name of a town and administrative centre of the region of the same name in Southern Bulgaria, not far from both the borders with Greece and Turkey. Its population (as of December 2005) is 83,755. Haskovo celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 1985. To mark the event, a new clock tower was erected in the centre of the town. In Medieval years it was known for the nearby Uzundzhovo fair, famous in whole Bulgaria.
History
According to the archeologists, the area of Haskovo was originally settled about seven thousand years ago. In and around Haskovo, evidence has been preserved that confirms its long history during the prehistoric, Thracian, Roman, late ancient and medieval periods.
During the First Bulgarian Empire in the 9th century, a fortress was built in Haskovo that soon was transformed into a town. This town was located at the center of a sizeable region between the Klokotnitsa, Harmanliyska, and Maritsa rivers. In 1395 the Eski camii (the Old mosque) was built as the first one on the Balkan peninsula. It is interesting that its minaret is slightly inclined.
In 1782, the town was known as Marsa. Many speculate that the current name came from the Arabic word "has" (possession) and the Turkish word "köy" (village). Several historians have ascertained that the Turkish word "has" has roots to the meaning "clean". Strengthening this argument further, the town was literally called "the clean town" during the Bulgarian Revival period. The Turkish "köy" was subsequently substituted with the Bulgarian (and common Slavic) placename suffix "-ovo".
Most Bulgarians began to settle in Haskovo at the beginning of the nineteenth century. At this time, the settlement was a trading centre for merchants from Edirne, Enos, and Istanbul. Slowly, the area acquired a strong reputation for producing cotton materials, silk fabrics, and carpets. After the liberation in 1878 Haskovo became a centre of high-quality tobacco region (Bulgaria's largest cigarette manufacturing facilities are based in the town). Nowadays there are some enterprises producing food, machinery and fabric.
The cultural life in the town is presented by the newly renovated Ivan Dimov Drama Theatre, the historical museum and an art gallery. The annual Colourful Thrace Sings and Dances folk festival takes place in the nearby park Kenana. A 32-metre-high statue of the Mother of God and the Infant Jesus was erected on the Hill of Youth near Haskovo in 2003. The monument was inaugurated on 8 September on the occasion of the Nativity of Holy Virgin Mary, when the day of the town of Haskovo is celebrated. It entered the Guinness Book of Records as the highest monument to Our Lady in the world. It is also recommended by the travel companies and the Bulgarian vacation rentals companies. The town centre has recently been the subject of many investments, such that one would be hard pressed to tell the difference to Western Europe, in terms of street cafes, restaurants, shops etc.
Dimitrovgrad municipality
Main town: Dimitrovgrad
Mayor: Mr. Dimitar Hadjiivanov
Territory: 568.5 square kms
Towns and villages: 27
Population: 61 059 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: Preservation area”Zlato pole” is the only one of the damp zones along Maritza Rivers, It is oasis for rare flora and fauna and animals species; Nymph Sanctuary – Thracian sanctuary dating the century 2 at village Kasnakovo; Drag down marsh between villages Goliamo Asenovo and Bial Izvor.
Traditional cultural activities: National Poetry Holidays “Penio Penev “ held on May 7th; Autumn Days of Culture held on October 1st; Regional Holidays held in the beginning of September.
International relationships: Eisenhuettenstadt, Germany; Dimitrovgrad, Russia; Groseto, Italy; Kazincbarcika, Hungary.
Svilengrad Municipality
Main town: Svilengrad
Mayor: Mr. George Manolov
Territor: 705.7 square kms
Towns and villages: 24
Population: 25 201 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: In 1525 a bridge was built over Maritza River. It connects both parts of Svilengrad and is one of the most remarkable monuments in Southeast Europe. It is declared national monuments and is under the protection of UNESCO. The bridge is 300 m long, 6 m wide has 20 arches; Medieval castle at the Kaleto area; Thracian tomb near Mezek village dating the century 2- 3 BC.; The medieval Bulgarian necropolis in Svilengrad; The rock churches in Mihalich and Matochina villages; The Thracian hill.
Traditional cultures events: The day of Svilengrad - held on October 5th; Traditional folk festival “Trifon Zarezan”; Songs of three borders. Thracian May evenings - all of them recommended by the Bulgarian vacation rentals companies to their tenants.
International relationships: Fleken Veferlingen – Germany.
Svilengrad
Svilengrad (Cyrillic: Свиленград) is a municipality in Bulgaria situated at the border of Turkey and Greece. It is in the Haskovo Province.
With a population of approximately 20,000, Svilengrad is close to the road borders of Greece and Turkey (supposedly one of the largest road customs in Europe). Svilengrad is located ESE of Sofia and Plovdiv, S of Varna and Burgas, W of Edirne and N of the nearest Greek community Ormeni and Alexandroupoli in Greece. There is a higher level of employment than in surrounding villages. Most people are working for customs and border related industries e.g. TIR servicing, hotels, border police, etc. The Town center boasts a pedestrianized high street mostly filled with cafes, bars, phone shops and hotels. The town has 3 DVD rental shops, two cinemas and town library. The Maritsa river flows west of Svilengrad. The Evros Prefecture and Trigono of Greece is bordered to the south. The Rhodope mountains lie to the west and southwest. The area to the southwest is famous for its fruittrees. As it is situated near the country border the Bulgarian vacation rentals are very active here because of the great movement of people in and out of the country.
Origins
The town is situated near an ancient Thracian settlement believed to be 3,000 years old. The town was settled by a Bulgarian nobleman by the name of Svilen Mirchev, the towns name being formed by Svilen and grad (city), or so the local legend says. More likely is that the settlement grew from the old Thracian settlement, archaeologists believe that the modern location of the town was infact the remains of those who fled from the Thracian settlement about 20km north. This comes after evidence of the sacking of the old settlement. During Ottoman times, the town's name was Mustafapasha. In 1529, the Old Bridge over the Maritsa, one of the symbols of the town, was erected.
Lubimetz Municipality
Main town: Lubimetz
Mayor: Mr. Yanko Kuchukov
Territory: 335 square kms
Towns and villages: 10
Population: 10 931 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: Megalith complex of rocks “Gluhite kamani“ – it is unique cult sanctuary around 11 – 10 century BC; The hill of Sheinovez - it is an impressive monument and it’s famous with the fact that the Balkan War (1912 – 1913) started on this place; Thracian tomb from 4 century BC at the foot of the hill of Sheinovez.
Traditional cultures events: The Day of Lyubimetz – held on August 26th; The Day of Sacar wine – held on February 14th; Cultural festivals ” Sakar” – held on October.
International relationships: Trigono Municipality – Greece; Alexsandrupoli Municipality – Greece.
Lyubimets is a small town in the Haskovo Province of Bulgaria which operates as a separate municipality. The town's nearest neighbour is Svilengrad. It is positioned near the Greek and Turkish borders, and has an international TIR trucking road travel past it. Lyubimets has some agricultural, industrial, and commercial industries as well as a small tourist industry. The main tourist attraction is the rue du fromage located just outside the town to the west. The peak tourist season is May through September but is open all year round, and some say best seen at night.
Harmanli Municipality
Main town: Harmanli
Mayor: Mr. Michail Liskov
Territory: 694.563 square kms.
Towns and villages: 25
Population: 26 688 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: The protected area “Defileto”; The historical area Haidushka dupka ( a small cave); The forest “Ada”; The cave” Karakolovata kashta” which is located near to Dripchevo village on a territory of some four decars; The Vaulted bridge over Oludere river; The Kervansarai in the centre of the Harmanli; The “Izvora na Belonogata”spring.
Traditional cultural activities: Day of the Harmanli – On May 2nd; National cultural festivals ”Izvora na Belonogata“; International day of child book – on April.
International partners: Greece Municipalities: Keramoti, Tasos, Tavros and Trigono; Town Kralevo - Serbia; Town Koschan – Poland; Town Ipsala – Turkey.
Harmanli is a town in south-eastern Bulgaria. Its population is about 22,000. Harmanli came into being in about 1510 along the road that connects Europe and Asia.
Harmanli is the main town in Harmanli municipality. Its territory spreads over some parts of the Upper Thracian lowlands between the oblique south slopes of the Sredna Gora and precipitous north slopes of the Rhodope Mountains. The south boundary of the Thracian lowlands is outlined by the north Rhodope foot, along which it leans close on the north Rhodopes, between the lower end of the Momina Klisura defile (at 300 m elevation) and the beginning of the Harmanli defile (at 80 m elevation). The current of the Maritsa River flows near along the whole extent of this boundary, dividing the municipality into two almost equal parts. The tributaries of the Maritsa River, Harmanli and Bisser rivers flow through it as well.
The climate of the area is temperate continental, which determines the variety of the vegetative types, some of which pertain to the evergreen groups (south of Harmanli). The soils are mainly maroon and woody. The water resources are formed mainly from the flow of Maritsa river and its tributaries. Two transcontinental roadways intersect the municipality. They are very important for the travelers’ flow and for the activities of the companies that deal with Bulgarian vacation rentals.The first one is from West and Central Europe, through Sofia - Harmanli - Svilengrad and Istanbul (Е-80 or І-8), and the second one is from North Europe through Rousse - Haskovo - Harmanli and Mediterranean, on which basis corridor 9 will be developed in the future.Most famous individiuals are the football player Preslav Slavov, and the grass-hockey legend Galin Karagiozov (Morskia)currently a very successful businessman (petrol multimillionaire).
Madzharovo municipality
Main town: Madzharovo
Mayor: Mr. Atanas Dimitrov
Territory: 246.7 square kms.
Towns and villages: 19
Population: 1960 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: Preservation area “Patronka”; Preservation area “Meden kamak” – Kovan kaia; Preservation area “Momina skala”; Preservation area ”Chernata skala”; Ancient megalith equipment “ Kromleh“ from 5 – 7 century BC. In the land of village of Dolni Glavanak. Byzantine fortress “Efraim”; The Thracian tomb.
Traditional cultural activities: Spring festival of culture, sports – on May; National worship of Thrace “A day in memory of Thrace”.
Madzharovo (Маджарово) is a small Bulgarian town in the Eastern Rhodopes, part of Haskovo Province. The town has a population of only 686, making it one of the smallest in the country, and is situated on the banks of the Arda River.
Madzharovo is where the only vulture reserve in Bulgaria is located, with three species inhabiting the area. This fact is well known wide and abroad and the tourists who visit this site turn to the services of the Bulgarian vacation rentals companies. The town's name is certainly connected to the Magyars, while -ovo is a common Slavic toponym suffix.
Geographic Position
Haskovo region is situated in central part of South Bulgaria and its territory extends on 5 543 sq. km. or 5% of the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. The region includes 261 populated areas, organized in 11 municipalities – Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Svilengrad, Lubimetz, Harmanli, Madzharovo, Simeonovgrad, Ivaylovgrad, Topolovgrad, Mineralni bani and Stambolovo. The population of Haskovo region is 270 096 people, which represents 3.46% of the country’s population. In the cities lived 70.6% of inhabitants and in the villages 29.4% of inhabitants. Some of the villages have uninhabited full-furnished houses which are registered in the books of the Bulgaria vacation rentals.
Favorable factor of the region is regional and national border with two neighboring countries – Greece and Turkey. Two key transcontinental roads cross the territory of Haskovo region. The first road connects West and Central Europe with Istanbul and Asia, the second one – North Europe with Mediterranean. The distance from Haskovo to the Greek and Turkish border is about 60 km., to Sofia – 230 km., and the entire road network is 1 882 km.
Haskovo region is characterized with favorable mild climate, beautiful clear nature and unique flora and fauna. The relief is varied; the territory of the region includes parts of the Upper-Thracian lowland, as well as East Rhodope and Sakar Mountain. The water resources of Haskovo region formed mainly from Maritza River and its feeders – Harmanlyska, Varbitza and Biala rivers. Arda River passes through a part of the region. It is the biggest river in Rhodope Mountains. A large part of region’ territory (about 38%) presented forests. In the higher parts there are coniferous trees. The diversity of landscape views attract tourists who are assisted by the services of the Bulgaria vacation rentals in their accommodation.
History and culture
The lands of Haskovo region are a cradle of a rich and ancient culture. The Thracians, the legions of the Roman Empire, the Slavs and the proto-Bulgarians have left an imprint, but also and all the nationalities, that lived at these lands.
There are vestiges from the early Neoliths and the New stone age near the mound “Chavdarova cheshma”, Simeonovgrad municipality and the mounds near Dimitrovgrad and the villages Bulgarin, Dinevo, Pyasachevo, Bolyarski izvor ets.
The gravestone Thracian mounds, the numerous complexes of sanctuaries, the necropolises, the fortresses and the dolmens in Sakar Mountain and in the Eastern Rhodopes are all bright proofs of the active presence of Thracian population at these places. The monumental cupola tomb near Mezek village and the big tomb, covered with wall paintings near Alexandrovo village, dating back to the 4th century BC, are evidence of exceptional high culture of the population, living in the area of that time.
A reliable road network, the bridges, fortresses, sanctuaries, amphitheatres and other infrastructure facilities were built during the period of the Roman rule. The nymph’s and Aphrodite’s sanctuary near Kasnakovo village, dating back to the 2-4th, the ancient villa “Armira” , the ancient and medieval fortress in Mineralni bani, dating back to the 2-14th century are witnesses of the past glory of the Roman empire. The Bulgaria vacation rentals work in close contact with the travel companies in favour of their clients.
The fortresses Constanzia near Simeonovgrad municipality and “Lutitsa” in the surroundings of Ivailovgrad, as well as the ones in the area of Lubenovo, Mineralni bani and Mezek are evidences of the medieval Bulgarian state. In the “Hissarya” area, Haskovo municipality was erected Bulgarian fortress and a new town appeared at this place. The rocky churches near Matochina and Mihalich villages are unique examples of the Bulgarian spiritual development after the adaptation of the Christianity.
On the territory of Haskovo region took place two of the most significant events of our medieval history. On the 14th April 1205 near the Matochina village, the Bulgarian troops, leaded by the king Kaloyan, had a bloody battle with the Latin invaders, guided by the emperor Baldwin Flanders, on the 9th March 1230 near Klokotnica village, the Bulgarian troops, guided by the king Ivan Asen II confronted and defeated the troops of the despot Theodor Comnin.
The heritage of the Ottoman power in the region are the oldest mosque in Haskovo, dating back to 1395, the mausoleum Osman Baba in Teke village /15 c./, the teke in Bogomil village /16 c./, the old bridge over Maritsa river in Svilengrad dating back to the 1529, The “Crookbacked bridge” in Harmanli /1585/ etc.
In this time became very popular and acquired economic importance the fair in Uzundjovo village, dating back to the second half of the 18th century and was a significant trade place until the Liberation in 1878. Every year about 50000 people visited it from different countries. The fair exerted beneficial influence for the prosperity of the cities in the region.
The building of the churches “St. Trinity” in Svilengrad /1834/, “Sveti Atanasii” in Harmanli /1835/, “Sveta Bogoroditsa” in Haskovo /1837/ was an expression of the local prosperity and consolidation of the Bulgarian spirit during the Renaissance, as well as other churches in the region. Dozen schools opened in the bigger settlements of the present Haskovo region. In 1857 their number was already 35 and the total number of the students reached 500. In 1864 was build the Class Bulgarian School in Haskovo, called “Central”. Then were established the first community centres. In 1858 the community centre “Zaria” was founded in Haskovo, in 1870 the community centre “Zvezda” was founded in Svilengrad. The same year was established the community centre in Harmanli.
During the centuries of Ottoman occupancy in Haskovo region Bulgarian haidouk groups, leaded by Kralyo voivoda, Kara Kolyo, Stanko voivoda, Rusi Kalyata, Angel voivoda, Kapitan Petko voivoda and many other people offered resistance to the conquerors and inflexible daring for preservation of the Bulgarian state. There are a great number of historic spots associated with their names and the tourists can get comprehensive information about them in the offices of the Bulgarian vacation rentals.
The Haskovo region was actively involved in the national liberation movement with the organization of revolutionary committees in 1868. This kind of committees was founded in Haskovo and in the villages Yabalkovo, Merichleri and Stransko.
The fight for liberation end with the offensive of the Russian troops and led to the liberation of Simeonovgrad on the third /15/ January 1878, of Harmanli on the forth /16/ January and of Haskovo and Svilengrad on the seventh /19/ January. The settlements in Ivailovgrad area were liberated at the same time.
The main occupation of the population of Haskovo region after the Liberation was agriculture. But also started the trade and tobacco treatment, one factory for tobacco manipulation, activated some wholesaler of cocoons, cereals, factories for the production of soda and lemonade, flour etc. The first enterprises were founded in the field of coal mining.
New stimulus of the fight for national liberation gave the Balkan War, when the troop of Haskovo on the 5th of October 1912 liberated Kardjali and advancing along Arda River towards Edirne, liberated Ivailovgrad and Svilengrad. Important place in the fighting history of the state took Haskovo region with the participation in the Second Balkan War and the First World War. Their names were saved on the build military monuments in lot of cities and the villages of the region for the next generations.
During the 30’s a new economic and cultural development started in our region. Evidence for the existed European way of life and spirituality is the preserved urban architecture from ancient time.
The time after the 9th 1944, in principle is passing by with tact by the historians, but we can’t mention it, at least for the establishment of Dimitrovgrad. It’s a city that had gather people from all the country; they devoted their fates, built the economy, formed the architecture view and gave the intellectual and spiritual potential.
The historical development of Haskovo region and the created spiritual and material culture during the centuries have predetermined the paths of the economic development, not only in the past, but and at present time. In recent times simultaneously with the growing tourism emerged the branch of the Bulgarian vacation rentals.
Economy
Haskovo is described as region with good developed structure, good market traditions, a skilled labour and comparatively good developed sector of small and big enterprises.
The big companies in that region are major movable strength of the local economy, while others small companies contribute to the success of business environment and for create optimum conditions for accelerated development. For progress of industry in Haskovo region is approve of private companies which are created with Bulgarian capitals and they find good realization at the world and home market.
More of small and middle companies on a territory of Haskovo region operated in sphere of business and services. As a whole industrial aspect to the Haskovo region is take shape from four biggest municipalities – Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Harmanli and Svilengrad. Municipality Haskovo is the biggest municipality in that region .It is the basic centre to the Bulgarian machinery building for food, wine and tobacco industries. It is also a center of the tourism in the south-east part of the country with many travel agencies, real estate and property management companies as well as Bulgarian vacation rentals companies.
The Haskovo region keep specialization in sphere of production manufacture for food ,wine and tobacco industries, machine for meat – chopper heating and folk style device. On a territory of the Haskovo region working a large industrial companies like “Erato Holding”, “Deroni “OOD, “Denido MI” EAD, “Pim” OOD. On the territory of Dimitrovgrad municipality work two big industrial companies: “Vulkan “AD specializing in manufacture of building materials and “Neohim“ AD for production of chemical fertilizers and chemical products. After privatization this companies have new, high quality and modern installations which are consider with requirements for ecology production. Chemistry industry is branch in Haskovo region with the biggest percentage in branch structure of the industry.
Very good developed in Haskovo region is tailoring and textile industry. The companies from this branch produce high quality productions and a lot of them expand their size in last years. They are famous of market with their name and marks like “Delena“ AD Haskovo, ”Elmaz teks” Haskovo, “Maritza” AD Simeonovgrad, ”Mir” AD Haskovo. The textile industry is branch at the economic region. In that branch are create a lot companies with foreign investors which are active also in the branches of real estates and Bulgarian vacation rentals.
The Haskovo region is famous with beer and wine production. Kamenitza brewery with its branch Haskovo is one of basic producers of beer in the country. All wine power on a territory of Haskovo region (“Vinprom”Shato Aida”AD Haskovo, Wine house “Sakar “AD Lubimetz, the wine–cellar of Stambolovo and “Vinprom Ivaylovgrad”) are specialized in the production of high quality wine which have good realization of the foreign market.
The wine–cellar of Stambolovo is one of famous in the entire world with its red wines of Bulgaria with fixing geographic provenance. The clients of the Bulgarian vacation rentals also prefer their taste.
The strategy trend for industry development at the region is connected with encouragement development of the contractor activities, involve fresh foreign investment, to increase quota of small and middle companies. It is accelerator for economic excitement on a territory and this is sector where developed most of work place. The priority for development of industry in Haskovo region are connected with approve that region like one of basic centre on Bulgaria according to attitude of machine building for food, wine and tobacco industry, rebirth to canning industry, differentiate Haskovo region like one of leading wine regions in Bulgaria (optimum conditions for development to vine- growing), keep traditions of the region in sphere of textile and tailoring industry. Agricultural and livestock breeding is one of leading branch for Haskovo region and create big work load for a lot people in region. In Haskovo region have optimum ground climatic conditions for development to the plant – growing. Temperate Mediterranean with combination with lavishly water resources in Haskovo region are very important precondition for cultivation of large diversity of agricultural cultures. Wide- spread and traditional industrial crops for Haskovo region is tobacco. Tobacco is cultivate on low level at the Eastern Rhodopes and Sakar Mountain. The vegetable – growing in Haskovo region is included with basic vegetables cultures: tomatos, cucumbers and pepper.
The Haskovo region is famous with production of watermelon and melon also with excellently grapes (Merlo).
The priority of plant – growing is plant and replant young vine massif, increase an area under crop with plantations of perennial plants and create of seed-bed.
The animal husbandry in Haskovo region is concentrate in private branch and described with high percentage of small – scale farm. In lowland of the Haskovo region is advanced milk cattle – breeding, pig – breeding and poultry – raising. In hilly regions is included sheep- breeding and partly goat- breeding. In this region have increase of professional stock – breeding farm and decrease of personal farm. The perspective about stock – breeding in Haskovo region is consolidation of the animal farms where the productivity is higher. The stock – breeder have possibility for finance from international programs.
Tourism
All the forms of popular tourism are very well developed in Haskovo region. There are a number of travel agencies and Bulgarian vacation rentals companies who serve the tourists in the best way.
In the last few years there were built many luxurious hotels and restaurants, big enough to meet all the requirements of the modern business tourism. The increased international visits, connected with the business trips, meetings, seminars, cultural and sportive manifestations in the country, they are assurance for good future of this type tourism in the region.
The transit tourism is also very important for the region of Haskovo. The enlargement of the roadside structure along the two transcontinental corridors, the forthcoming opening of the new frontier posts with Greece and Turkey, as well as the end of building the highway of Maritza, they are all premises for this type of tourism to prosper in all the municipalities of Haskovo region.
There are wonderful conditions for summer and winter family breaks in the holiday houses in village Mineralni bani - balneological resort, 18 km west of Haskovo and also on the cost of the Ivailovgrad reservoir in village Borislavci. The Bulgarian vacation rentals companies offer rooms and apartments in the resort all year long.
With pleasure we can mention the revival of the curative tourism in the region. Lately in the balneological resort of Mineralni bani there were built many new hotels and holiday homes and most of the old ones were modern decorated. The mineral water is unique by composition and curative characteristics (similar with the only one in Europe resort "Karlovi Vari"). It's attractive for our and foreign tourists, also for serious bulgarian and foreign investors. There are good opportunities this kind of tourism to develop in town Merichleri. This town is famous with excellent mineral water.
The alternative tourism is also developed in Haskovo region- famous as "tourism of the new century”.
The first steps in the rural tourism made the municipalities of Stambolovo, Topolovgrad, Ivailovgrad, Lyubimetz and Madjarovo, where the companies dealing with Bulgarian vacation rentals have their offices. The clear environment, preserved country way of life and traditions of villages of the region supposed its development and in the other municipalities. The ornithologists in Madjarovo are the doyens of ecotourism in Haskovo region. They successfully combined the defence of threatened with extinction animal and plant species with meeting, showing and training of groups of people, who like the nature, from the country and abroad.
The tourist associations from the region succeed to save the spirit of the mountain tourism. The Bulgarian vacation rentals companies are the most active among these associations. There are getting more and more the renovating and modern chalets and villas in the mountain area – East Rhodopes and Sacar Mountain. Every year traced and marked out the traditional tourism paths. There were established very much and new eco-paths in the municipalities Haskovo, Mineralni bani, Ivailovgrad and Madjarovo. Success has the aqua tourism, thanks to the efforts of “Water club” Haskovo. The club is the main organizer and participant in the annual regatta “Dolna Arda” and “Maritza”, which have international popularity. It is growing the interest and for the rock climbing, marches with bicycle and horse and the winter marches with ski and machines for snow, for which our region has an appropriate climate, relief and infrastructure.
In the fields of the thematic tourism we can’t mention the importance of: the cultural tourism, developed thanks to our rich historical heritage, the wine tourism, with it popular destinations Haskovo, Stambolovo, Lyubimetz and Ivailovgrad, in whose wins-cellar mature the best red wine of Bulgaria and hobby-tourism: the virgin forests of East Rhodopes and Sacar mountain are attractive centre for hunters from all the country and from abroad. Every real fisherman knows that in the place that has water, there will find fish. Across the Haskovo region pass the lower streams of the biggest rivers of South Bulgaria – Maritza, Arda and Tundja, and our region is the first for the number of micro reservoirs at unit of area in the country.
Haskovo region is an attractive place for business, culture and rest. Each of its municipalities contributes for this with it unique view. The companies that are busy in the branch of Bulgarian vacation rentals have their representatives in all of them.
Haskovo Municipality
Main town: Haskovo
Mayor: Mr. George Ivanov
Territory: 740.22 square kms
Towns and villages: 36
Population: 98 368 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: Natural landmark: ” Field of snowdrop”; Natural landmark: “Boaza”; Thracian domical vault – village Aleksandrovo; Church of the “Virgin Mary” – town Haskovo; The oldest mosque - town Haskovo; Paskals house; Shishmanovs house; “Hisaria” fortress of the Middle Ages; “Asenova “fortress – village Klokotniza.
Traditional cultural activities: Day of the Haskovo – on September 8 th; National Folklore Fair “Thracian Song and Dance” during May; The literature Days “Southern Spring” during April; International Jazz festival; National competition for viola player with international partnership” Professor Nedialka Simeonova” during October.
International partners: The Municipality has traditionally been an outward looking institution with international civic and economic links with cities in Belarus, Yugoslavia, Italy, Turkey, Greece, USA and United Kingdom. The latter are among the most active tourists and they use the services of the Bulgarian vacation rentals.
Haskovo (Bulgarian: Хасково) is the name of a town and administrative centre of the region of the same name in Southern Bulgaria, not far from both the borders with Greece and Turkey. Its population (as of December 2005) is 83,755. Haskovo celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 1985. To mark the event, a new clock tower was erected in the centre of the town. In Medieval years it was known for the nearby Uzundzhovo fair, famous in whole Bulgaria.
History
According to the archeologists, the area of Haskovo was originally settled about seven thousand years ago. In and around Haskovo, evidence has been preserved that confirms its long history during the prehistoric, Thracian, Roman, late ancient and medieval periods.
During the First Bulgarian Empire in the 9th century, a fortress was built in Haskovo that soon was transformed into a town. This town was located at the center of a sizeable region between the Klokotnitsa, Harmanliyska, and Maritsa rivers. In 1395 the Eski camii (the Old mosque) was built as the first one on the Balkan peninsula. It is interesting that its minaret is slightly inclined.
In 1782, the town was known as Marsa. Many speculate that the current name came from the Arabic word "has" (possession) and the Turkish word "köy" (village). Several historians have ascertained that the Turkish word "has" has roots to the meaning "clean". Strengthening this argument further, the town was literally called "the clean town" during the Bulgarian Revival period. The Turkish "köy" was subsequently substituted with the Bulgarian (and common Slavic) placename suffix "-ovo".
Most Bulgarians began to settle in Haskovo at the beginning of the nineteenth century. At this time, the settlement was a trading centre for merchants from Edirne, Enos, and Istanbul. Slowly, the area acquired a strong reputation for producing cotton materials, silk fabrics, and carpets. After the liberation in 1878 Haskovo became a centre of high-quality tobacco region (Bulgaria's largest cigarette manufacturing facilities are based in the town). Nowadays there are some enterprises producing food, machinery and fabric.
The cultural life in the town is presented by the newly renovated Ivan Dimov Drama Theatre, the historical museum and an art gallery. The annual Colourful Thrace Sings and Dances folk festival takes place in the nearby park Kenana. A 32-metre-high statue of the Mother of God and the Infant Jesus was erected on the Hill of Youth near Haskovo in 2003. The monument was inaugurated on 8 September on the occasion of the Nativity of Holy Virgin Mary, when the day of the town of Haskovo is celebrated. It entered the Guinness Book of Records as the highest monument to Our Lady in the world. It is also recommended by the travel companies and the Bulgarian vacation rentals companies. The town centre has recently been the subject of many investments, such that one would be hard pressed to tell the difference to Western Europe, in terms of street cafes, restaurants, shops etc.
Dimitrovgrad municipality
Main town: Dimitrovgrad
Mayor: Mr. Dimitar Hadjiivanov
Territory: 568.5 square kms
Towns and villages: 27
Population: 61 059 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: Preservation area”Zlato pole” is the only one of the damp zones along Maritza Rivers, It is oasis for rare flora and fauna and animals species; Nymph Sanctuary – Thracian sanctuary dating the century 2 at village Kasnakovo; Drag down marsh between villages Goliamo Asenovo and Bial Izvor.
Traditional cultural activities: National Poetry Holidays “Penio Penev “ held on May 7th; Autumn Days of Culture held on October 1st; Regional Holidays held in the beginning of September.
International relationships: Eisenhuettenstadt, Germany; Dimitrovgrad, Russia; Groseto, Italy; Kazincbarcika, Hungary.
Svilengrad Municipality
Main town: Svilengrad
Mayor: Mr. George Manolov
Territor: 705.7 square kms
Towns and villages: 24
Population: 25 201 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: In 1525 a bridge was built over Maritza River. It connects both parts of Svilengrad and is one of the most remarkable monuments in Southeast Europe. It is declared national monuments and is under the protection of UNESCO. The bridge is 300 m long, 6 m wide has 20 arches; Medieval castle at the Kaleto area; Thracian tomb near Mezek village dating the century 2- 3 BC.; The medieval Bulgarian necropolis in Svilengrad; The rock churches in Mihalich and Matochina villages; The Thracian hill.
Traditional cultures events: The day of Svilengrad - held on October 5th; Traditional folk festival “Trifon Zarezan”; Songs of three borders. Thracian May evenings - all of them recommended by the Bulgarian vacation rentals companies to their tenants.
International relationships: Fleken Veferlingen – Germany.
Svilengrad
Svilengrad (Cyrillic: Свиленград) is a municipality in Bulgaria situated at the border of Turkey and Greece. It is in the Haskovo Province.
With a population of approximately 20,000, Svilengrad is close to the road borders of Greece and Turkey (supposedly one of the largest road customs in Europe). Svilengrad is located ESE of Sofia and Plovdiv, S of Varna and Burgas, W of Edirne and N of the nearest Greek community Ormeni and Alexandroupoli in Greece. There is a higher level of employment than in surrounding villages. Most people are working for customs and border related industries e.g. TIR servicing, hotels, border police, etc. The Town center boasts a pedestrianized high street mostly filled with cafes, bars, phone shops and hotels. The town has 3 DVD rental shops, two cinemas and town library. The Maritsa river flows west of Svilengrad. The Evros Prefecture and Trigono of Greece is bordered to the south. The Rhodope mountains lie to the west and southwest. The area to the southwest is famous for its fruittrees. As it is situated near the country border the Bulgarian vacation rentals are very active here because of the great movement of people in and out of the country.
Origins
The town is situated near an ancient Thracian settlement believed to be 3,000 years old. The town was settled by a Bulgarian nobleman by the name of Svilen Mirchev, the towns name being formed by Svilen and grad (city), or so the local legend says. More likely is that the settlement grew from the old Thracian settlement, archaeologists believe that the modern location of the town was infact the remains of those who fled from the Thracian settlement about 20km north. This comes after evidence of the sacking of the old settlement. During Ottoman times, the town's name was Mustafapasha. In 1529, the Old Bridge over the Maritsa, one of the symbols of the town, was erected.
Lubimetz Municipality
Main town: Lubimetz
Mayor: Mr. Yanko Kuchukov
Territory: 335 square kms
Towns and villages: 10
Population: 10 931 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: Megalith complex of rocks “Gluhite kamani“ – it is unique cult sanctuary around 11 – 10 century BC; The hill of Sheinovez - it is an impressive monument and it’s famous with the fact that the Balkan War (1912 – 1913) started on this place; Thracian tomb from 4 century BC at the foot of the hill of Sheinovez.
Traditional cultures events: The Day of Lyubimetz – held on August 26th; The Day of Sacar wine – held on February 14th; Cultural festivals ” Sakar” – held on October.
International relationships: Trigono Municipality – Greece; Alexsandrupoli Municipality – Greece.
Lyubimets is a small town in the Haskovo Province of Bulgaria which operates as a separate municipality. The town's nearest neighbour is Svilengrad. It is positioned near the Greek and Turkish borders, and has an international TIR trucking road travel past it. Lyubimets has some agricultural, industrial, and commercial industries as well as a small tourist industry. The main tourist attraction is the rue du fromage located just outside the town to the west. The peak tourist season is May through September but is open all year round, and some say best seen at night.
Harmanli Municipality
Main town: Harmanli
Mayor: Mr. Michail Liskov
Territory: 694.563 square kms.
Towns and villages: 25
Population: 26 688 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: The protected area “Defileto”; The historical area Haidushka dupka ( a small cave); The forest “Ada”; The cave” Karakolovata kashta” which is located near to Dripchevo village on a territory of some four decars; The Vaulted bridge over Oludere river; The Kervansarai in the centre of the Harmanli; The “Izvora na Belonogata”spring.
Traditional cultural activities: Day of the Harmanli – On May 2nd; National cultural festivals ”Izvora na Belonogata“; International day of child book – on April.
International partners: Greece Municipalities: Keramoti, Tasos, Tavros and Trigono; Town Kralevo - Serbia; Town Koschan – Poland; Town Ipsala – Turkey.
Harmanli is a town in south-eastern Bulgaria. Its population is about 22,000. Harmanli came into being in about 1510 along the road that connects Europe and Asia.
Harmanli is the main town in Harmanli municipality. Its territory spreads over some parts of the Upper Thracian lowlands between the oblique south slopes of the Sredna Gora and precipitous north slopes of the Rhodope Mountains. The south boundary of the Thracian lowlands is outlined by the north Rhodope foot, along which it leans close on the north Rhodopes, between the lower end of the Momina Klisura defile (at 300 m elevation) and the beginning of the Harmanli defile (at 80 m elevation). The current of the Maritsa River flows near along the whole extent of this boundary, dividing the municipality into two almost equal parts. The tributaries of the Maritsa River, Harmanli and Bisser rivers flow through it as well.
The climate of the area is temperate continental, which determines the variety of the vegetative types, some of which pertain to the evergreen groups (south of Harmanli). The soils are mainly maroon and woody. The water resources are formed mainly from the flow of Maritsa river and its tributaries. Two transcontinental roadways intersect the municipality. They are very important for the travelers’ flow and for the activities of the companies that deal with Bulgarian vacation rentals.The first one is from West and Central Europe, through Sofia - Harmanli - Svilengrad and Istanbul (Е-80 or І-8), and the second one is from North Europe through Rousse - Haskovo - Harmanli and Mediterranean, on which basis corridor 9 will be developed in the future.Most famous individiuals are the football player Preslav Slavov, and the grass-hockey legend Galin Karagiozov (Morskia)currently a very successful businessman (petrol multimillionaire).
Madzharovo municipality
Main town: Madzharovo
Mayor: Mr. Atanas Dimitrov
Territory: 246.7 square kms.
Towns and villages: 19
Population: 1960 people
Natural landmarks and historical monuments: Preservation area “Patronka”; Preservation area “Meden kamak” – Kovan kaia; Preservation area “Momina skala”; Preservation area ”Chernata skala”; Ancient megalith equipment “ Kromleh“ from 5 – 7 century BC. In the land of village of Dolni Glavanak. Byzantine fortress “Efraim”; The Thracian tomb.
Traditional cultural activities: Spring festival of culture, sports – on May; National worship of Thrace “A day in memory of Thrace”.
Madzharovo (Маджарово) is a small Bulgarian town in the Eastern Rhodopes, part of Haskovo Province. The town has a population of only 686, making it one of the smallest in the country, and is situated on the banks of the Arda River.
Madzharovo is where the only vulture reserve in Bulgaria is located, with three species inhabiting the area. This fact is well known wide and abroad and the tourists who visit this site turn to the services of the Bulgarian vacation rentals companies. The town's name is certainly connected to the Magyars, while -ovo is a common Slavic toponym suffix.
