Municipality of Nova Zagora
CULTURAL FINDS
The municipality pursues a consistent policy to promote and rediscover the local heritage. The municipality pursues a consistent policy of promoting and rediscovering local heritage. Since 2009, together with UBB and the Cultural Projects Association, it has financed the archeological projects of the Historical Museum-Nova Zagora near the village of Karanovo, resulting in the discovery of a unique tomb of a Thracian aristocrat, conservation and restoration of its finds. In XNUMX the Eastern Mound Archaeological Complex was officially opened for visitors, and the visiting exhibition ‘Golden Chariot’ was launched to promote the unique finds from the Nova Zagora area across the country. The archeological discoveries in the Eastern Mound are near the main road to the Southern Black Sea coast and the Trakia highway and attract many Bulgarian and foreign tourists. This is an example of how adequate management of a historical or cultural site can have a positive impact on local development. The municipality and the local action group under the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) approach plan to upgrade their tourist product by using the healing mineral springs in the village of Banya and revealing the heritage of the popular local clairvoyant Vlaycho Zhelev in the village of Konyovo.
In 2010, the Archaeological Complex "Eastern Mound" was officially opened to visitors, and the traveling exhibition "Golden Chariot" was launched, which promotes the unique finds from Novozagorsk throughout the country. Archaeological finds in the Eastern Mound are close to the main road to the southern Black Sea coast and the Trakia highway, and attract many Bulgarian and foreign tourists. This is an example of how adequate management of a historical or cultural site can have a positive impact on local development.
The municipality and the local initiative group under the "Community-led Local Development" approach plan to upgrade their tourism product by utilizing the healing mineral springs in the village of Banya and unveiling the legacy of the popular local clairvoyant Vlaycho Zhelev in the village of Konyovo.
Levski Municipality
CULTURE AND INDUSTRY IN A TYPICAL AGRICULTURAL MUNICIPALITY
At the beginning of 2019, the Municipality adopted the General Development Plan of the Municipality of Levski, the development of which enabled the municipality to attract new investments. The suitable terrains in the production territories and the new industrial zones have been identified. The plan is based on the favorable location of the municipality and aims to establish it as a natural transport-communication and logistics center and an important railway. a junction located on the lines Sofia - Varna and Sofia - Ruse and a road junction for central Northern Bulgaria.
The municipality maintains one of the rich cultural calendars in the country, and of importance are: Georgi Parzalev Arts Festival; National celebrations related to the Apostle of Freedom Vasil Levski; Festival of stuffed peppers, associated with the traditional municipal fair; Festival of Humor and Satire in memory of Grigor Vachkov; Traditional holidays and customs; Municipal review of amateur performances; Folklore Festival "St. George Swings", Festival of Cheerleading Dance, "Taraclava Sing and Dance" and many others.
The future efforts of the local authorities are aimed at upgrading its favorable location and more intensive investment profiling, as well as enhancing the promotion / marketing of the interesting but insufficiently known local cultural life and opportunities for rural tourism.
Municipality of Isperih
CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND DARING PLANS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The center for recreation, leisure and social services in Isperih is a modern asset for the 20 inhabitants of the municipality. The center is built and equipped under two projects under the Rural Development Program, prepared according to the strategy of the Local Initiative Group (LAG). Home social care today provides hot food to over 000 people in need out of 500 before the project. The food is delivered by electric car, which saves BGN 100 per month to the local government. The electric car is also locally produced - it has been converted by the club of local young enthusiasts, also under a LAG project. The new more economical means of transport provided an opportunity to provide the service in the small settlements of the municipality.
In 2017, the Isperih Municipality implemented the micro project "Youth Eco Forum for Sustainable Development". The project partner was the Isperih Business Center. A Youth Forum was established with representatives of civil society and students. The aim is to create spaces for communication and exchange of ideas, giving the power and passion of young people to work for social causes in which to believe and follow. To attract, retain, motivate and reward their interests and their creative process. They want to stay in the municipality because there is something to do and it is interesting, not only because they do it, but because they do it together and willingly. The municipality and local NGOs are also experimenting with innovative cultural events to engage young people.
On the territory of the municipality is one of the largest and most impressive historical and archaeological reserves in Bulgaria - Sborianovo. The most popular and visited tourist site in the reserve is the Sveshtar Thracian royal tomb from IV-III centuries. BC, which is one of the nine Bulgarian sites-monuments of world cultural, historical and natural heritage under the protection of UNESCO.
At present, the reserve is exclusive state property, but the municipality of Isperih has requested the Minister of Culture to initiate a grant procedure for 10 years for the management and management of the reserve. This will allow the municipality to apply with projects for improvement of the existing tourist infrastructure, restoration and conservation of key sites in the reserve, which will make the place even more attractive for tourists from the country and abroad. This will open up new opportunities for revitalization of the surrounding settlements by opening accommodation and dining places and offering new attractive entertainment for tourists
Dimitrovgrad municipality
SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR SMALL SETTLEMENTS
The municipality of Dimitrovgrad implements its own program for the development of tourism in small settlements. They have been developed local tourist routes Dimitrovgrad municipality implements its own programme for tourism development in small settlements. Local tourist routes have been developed, including: The Thracian sanctuary of the nymphs and Aphrodite in the village of Kasnakovo. It includes the ruins of cult buildings dating back to the XNUMXnd century, an inn from the XNUMXrf century, an amphitheater from the XNUMXth century and architecturally designed three springs with pools. The musical-poetic performance ‘The Legend of the Spring of Youth’ annually recreates through music and dance the legend related to the history of the spring against the background of the real setting. An information centre has been established at the site and a tourist trail and bicycle lane have been built near the Assumption Monastery in the village of Dobrich, which connects two popular tourist sites in the Municipality of Dimitrovgrad. A special interactive application is available for visitors of the complex. The road to the tourist site has been rehabilitated, and the visitors of the complex enjoy newly built places for rest and relaxation. Protected area in the village of Zlato Pole - a place for ornithological tourism: It is the largest wetland on the Maritsa River with high importance on a national and European scale. Dimitrovgrad municipality is implementing a significant project to improve the visitor infrastructure. For lovers of ornithological tourism we have created: an information centre in the village of Raynovo, XNUMX km from the protected area, with an interactive exhibition; observation towers; gazebos for rest and relaxation. A unique outdoor gallery and folk festival in the village Krepost: Dimitrovgrad municipality annually holds a municipal competition between community cultural centres for the best products, promoting local identity in rural areas. For another year, one of the funded projects is the National Folklore Festival ‘Community cultural centres - a temple of the Bulgarian spirit’ and the traditional Cherry Festival, organised by the community cultural centre in the village of Krepost. It incorporates a nationwide competition for women's folk choirs, accompanied by an exhibition of local producers and promotes the unique gem of the village - the gallery of XNUMX outdoor murals, made and donated by artists Hristo and Pancho Panevi, born there. One of the currently unused local natural resources is the Solentsi mineral spring in the town of Merichleri (population of XNUMX people). Its water ranks third in the world and second in Europe in terms of mineralization, rich in micronutrients whose composition is close to the mineral water springs in Karlovy Vary and Vichy, France. At an international exhibition in London in XNUMX, the mineral water won a gold medal. It differs from most popular mineral waters in Bulgaria, as it has XNUMX to XNUMX times higher content of dissolved substances and has a beneficial effect on many widespread diseases - liver and bile, gastrointestinal, metabolic disorders , etc. By a decision of the Minister of Environment and Water, the deposit was granted free of charge for a period of XNUMX years to be managed by Dimitrovgrad municipality. Due to lack of private investor interest, the facility is currently not concessioned. Dimitrovgrad municipality has developed a concept for its development; it plans to invest its own resources and borrowings. The main idea is to build a sports, entertainment and balneological complex to provide a wide range of services for treatment and outdoor sports – a swimming pool with mineral water, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball grounds and grandstands with XNUMX seats. The complex will also provide an opportunity to hold regional cultural holidays, such as the folklore festival Sprinkles from the Spring, organised by local community cultural centre Prosveta.
Thracian Sanctuary of the Nymphs and Aphrodite in the village of Kasnakovo, Dimitrovgrad municipality. The sanctuary includes remains of cult buildings dating back to the XNUMXnd century, an inn from the XNUMXrd century, an amphitheater from the XNUMXth century and three architecturally designed springs with pools. The musical-poetic performance "The Legend of the Spring of Youth" annually recreates through music and dance the legend related to the history of the spring against the background of the real decor. An information center has been established at the site and a tourist trail and bicycle alley have been built next to the Assumption Monastery in the village of Dobrich, which connects two popular tourist sites in the Municipality of Dimitrovgrad. A special interactive application is available for the visitors of the complex. The road to the tourist site has been rehabilitated, and the visitors of the complex are enjoying newly built places for rest and relaxation.
Protected area in the village of Zlatno pole - a place for ornithological tourism. It is the largest wetland along the Maritza River of high importance on a national and European scale. The Municipality of Dimitrovgrad is implementing a significant project to improve the visitor infrastructure. For lovers of ornithological tourism, the following was created: an information center is the village of Raynovo, 5 square meters from the protected area with interactive exposure; observation towers; gazebos for relaxation and rest.
Unique outdoor gallery and folklore fair in the village of Krepost. The municipality of Dimitrovgrad holds annually competition between community centers for the best products, promoting local identity in small settlements. For another year, one of the funded projects is the National Folklore Festival "Chitalishte - a temple of the Bulgarian spirit" and the traditional "Cherry Festival", organized by the Chitalishte in the village of Krepost. The holiday is a competition for women's folk choirs on a national scale, accompanied by an exhibition of local producers and promotes the unique gift of the village - the gallery of 40 outdoor murals, realized and donated by artists Hristo and Pancho Panevi, born in it.
One of the currently unused local natural resources is the mineral spring "Solentsi" in the town of Merichleri (population of 1695 people). The water is the third in the world and the second in Europe in terms of mineralization with a rich content of microelements, the composition of which is very close to the mineral water from the springs in Karlovy Vary and Vichy-France. At an international exhibition in London in 1907. the mineral water received a gold medal. It differs from most known mineral waters in Bulgaria, as 10 to 45 times higher content of dissolved substances and has a beneficial effect on many common diseases - liver and bile, gastrointestinal, metabolic diseases and others. By decision of the Minister of Environment and Water, the deposit was provided free of charge for a period of 25 years for management by the Municipality of Dimitrovgrad. Due to the lack of private investor interest at the moment the facility is not leased.
The Municipality of Dimitrovgrad has developed a concept for its development, envisaging to invest in it with its own and attracted funds. The main idea is the construction of a sports and entertainment and balneological complex to provide a wide range of opportunities for treatment and outdoor sports - swimming pool with mineral water, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball court and grandstands with 160 seats. The complex will also provide an opportunity to hold regional cultural holidays, such as the folklore festival "Sprays from the spring", organized by the local community center "Prosveta".
Svishtov municipality
CATALYST OF THE LOCAL INITIATIVE
Svishtov Municipality introduced the model of local partnership with non-profit organizations and organized groups of citizens, through a small project funding contest called 'LOCAL INITIATIVES'. The program finances small projects in the settlements in the municipality of Svishtov in the following directions integration of disadvantaged people; leisure, sports and entertainment venues; education, culture and tourism; rehabilitation / repair / of municipal roads, streets and sidewalks; environmental protection and reproduction. The program is launched annually after the budget for the year has been adopted. It is publicly announced on the municipality's website.
The candidates are initiative groups of residents or non-profit legal entities from the settlements in Svishtov Municipality. Each candidate can submit one project. Funding for the program is up to BGN 50. Own and partner contribution is required - at least 000% financial and at least 10% of the total project budget. Having partners is considered an advantage. In the last 3 years, the Municipality of Svishtov helped to implement a total of 22 projects worth a total of BGN 291, the applicants' own participation amounted to BGN 975,78, and 133 man-hours of voluntary work were performed.
Projects funded under the Local Initiatives Program were an innovative and effective form of public-private partnership that contributed to better interaction between citizens, non-governmental organizations and local authorities. The Local Initiatives Program of Svishtov Municipality has proven to be very useful and important for the local community, including cultural, educational and non-governmental organizations. The program also helped NGOs, schools and community centers in the municipality to strengthen their technical capacity in the preparation and implementation of projects for donor programs.
Each of the projects implemented under the Local Initiatives Program has a positive impact on the residents of the municipality, while contributing to the sustainable socio-economic and cultural development. Thanks to the cooperation between the Svishtov Municipality and the project beneficiaries, civic participation in local self-government has been enhanced.
The water potential of Svishtov Municipality is considerable. The municipality is a key point along the Danube River. There are also prospective mineral deposits in the municipality. In some of the health resorts, neurological, gynecological, gastro-intestinal, liver-bile, etc., diseases of the musculoskeletal system are treated in some of the establishments that need renovation. Other sources are not captive and are not used commercially.
The cultural and historical landmarks in the municipality are numerous and varied. Therefore, the tourism potential of the Svishtov Municipality is crucial for the development of the region's economy in the coming years.
The successful implementation of the Local Initiatives program, in practice, shows a huge potential for combining social, infrastructure, environmental, economic and local policies. The use of individual natural, historical, cultural and economic assets in good long-term planning could become a powerful incentive to change attitudes and encourage locals to promote their settlements, stimulate entrepreneurship and be active in creating / maintaining employment. Presentation of natural resources by developing conditions for alternative tourist activities, exploring and promoting local history, crafts.
Peshtera Municipality, Radilovo Village
NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF KESHKEK AND FOLK SKILLS
In 2011, the Zora-1903 Community Center in the village of Radilovo participated in the project "Active Civic Communities through the Chitalishte in Bulgaria" of the AGORA Platform with the financial support of America for Bulgaria Foundation. During the civil discussions, the local community, given the natural resources of the village, preserved traditions and ancient history, united in the idea of holding a two-day festival of traditional food, crafts, folklore, antique games, agricultural products and paintings, aimed at a wide range of people and activities - to be unique, attractive to attract the interest of tourists, media and sponsors.
A legend has been preserved in the village, passed down for centuries for a mythical dish according to the recipe of the Thracian goddess Bendida, called keshkek, which gave the idea for the name of the festival. Thus was created the "National Festival of Keshkek and Folk Skills Radilovo", which is held every year on September 22. The festival is realized thanks to the active involvement of the local community and partners in the face of the municipality of Peshtera and the mayor's office of the village of Radilovo.
Every year hundreds of volunteers are involved in the organization and holding of the festival. The festival has contributed to the social and economic development of the village and municipality community. The adults were able to pass on their experiences and knowledge to the younger generation. Local business has developed and the interest and flow of tourists to the municipality has increased. Thanks to this civic initiative, a number of community-related projects have been implemented, such as setting up an Online Shop for Local Producers, a Summer Residence for Intangible Cultural Heritage, and more.
For nine years now it has been constantly upgrading and attracting tourists from home and abroad. For two consecutive years the festival has been nominated for the most successful initiative implemented by a community center in Bulgaria. It is included in the tourist package "Rhodope Tale" of Peshtera Municipality, Batak Municipality and Rakitovo Municipality. It is also included as one of the attractions of the European Capital of Culture Plovdiv 2019 and in the calendar of European Days of Cultural Heritage 2019.
The development of tourism is a priority for the Municipality of Peshtera. Its priority role is determined by the local potential of the municipality of Peshtera: the beautiful nature and the variety of cultural and historical landmarks. There are conditions in the municipality for both winter holidays and hiking, eco-tourism and recreational relaxation in nature. Kupena Reserve, Snejanka Cave are located on the territory of the municipality. The lands of the village of Radilovo and the village of Kapitan Dimitrievo fall within the Besaparski rides protected area, which is included in the European ecological network Natura 2000 with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. To make full use of this natural resource, it is necessary to build eco trails and improve infrastructure to facilitate access for more tourists.
There are remains of over 100 significant archeological and architectural sites on the territory of Peshtera Municipality. In 2011, the ancient and medieval Peristera Fortress was granted cultural status of "national importance" and three years later, after a socialization project, was opened to visitors and is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in the municipality. This successful example can be applied to other sites and to diversify and upgrade the municipal tourism product.
Municipality of Ivaylovgrad
VILLA ARMIRA IS NOT THE ONLY GEM
The municipality of Ivaylovgrad has created an EU-funded social enterprise for in-home welfare catering service. The aim was to attract public attention and raise awareness of citizens and stakeholders as to the problems of social exclusion and opportunities for sustainable integration by applying the principles of the social economy. The project included: establishment of the enterprise - drafting of rules and methodology to provide social services; repair and delivery of new equipment and a car for food delivery to the most remote places in the municipality; selection of staff and appointment of 32 persons from the vulnerable groups in the municipality to work at the social enterprise; staff training in key competencies; preparation of a business plan for the activity of the enterprise and offering the new services - in-home welfare catering service and catering to more than 200 users from the municipality. The municipality has excellent prerequisites for the development of alternative forms of short-term summer and year-round tourism - cultural, exploration, rural, hunting, fishing, water, ecological, pilgrimage, wine and sports. Ivaylovgrad municipality is remarkable for its cultural and historical heritage - XNUMX cultural monuments, of which XNUMX churches. Near the town of Ivaylovgrad is located the unique ancient Roman Villa Armira - a suburban villa from the period of Roman rule in our lands. Ancient Villa Armira is an impressive complex of residential premises and outbuildings covering an area of XNUMX square meters. This complex is in the centre of the tourist product of the municipality (mainly for weekend tourism); in recent years a number of hotels and guest houses have appeared in the vicinity. To upgrade this product, the municipality plans to socialize local attractions: - The medieval fortress Lutitsa, which is XNUMX km from the Ladzha district: Archaeological excavations began in the summer of XNUMX and the experts say that the fortress is a large and rich medieval town, located on an area of XNUMX acres. The extremely well-preserved fortress walls are about XNUMX meters in length, there are XNUMX fortress towers. Archaeologists have unearthed a church that existed from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth century, an extensive necropolis, coins, marble details from an ancient basilica. The research is still ongoing, but access to it is possible only with a special car. - The situation is similar with the late antique and medieval fortress Balak Dere, near the Ivaylovgrad village of Huhla.
The municipality has great prerequisites for the development of alternative forms of short-term summer and year-round tourism - cultural, educational, rural, hunting, fishing, aquatic, ecological, pilgrimage, wine and sports. Ivaylovgrad municipality is remarkable for its cultural and historical heritage - 50 cultural monuments, 26 of which are churches. Near the town of Ivaylovgrad is the unique Roman Roman Villa Armira - a suburban villa from the period of Roman rule in our lands. The ancient "Villa Armira" is an impressive complex of residential and farm buildings, located on an area of 2200 square meters. Around this complex is built the current tourist product of the municipality (mainly for weekend tourism), and in recent years a number of hotels and guest houses.
To upgrade this product, the municipality plans to socialize the average local landmarks:
- The medieval fortress "Lyutitsa", which is 6 km from the Ivaylovgrad district "Ladja" Archaeological research began in the summer of 2002. According to experts, the fortress is a large and rich medieval town, located on an area of 26 acres. The length of the extremely well-infected fortress walls is about 600 meters, 14 are the fortress towers. Archaeologists have discovered a church that existed from the 13th to the 16th century, an extensive necropolis, coins, marble details from an ancient basilica. The research is still ongoing, but access to it is possible only with a special car.
- The situation is similar with the late antique and medieval fortress Balak Dere, near the Ivaylovgrad village of Huhla.
Provadia Municipality
THE SALT OF TOURISM
The municipality pursues a purposeful policy to maintain the building in which they are housed cultural institutions. With the help of a grant under a project under Operational Program "Regions for Growth" in 2018. is complete a significant project to improve the energy efficiency of cultural infrastructure. The project includes the building of Community Center "Aleko Konstantinov - 1884" (cultural monument) and Sapareva House, in which clubs for wind music, music school, ballet, etc. operate. As a result, energy costs have been reduced, the appearance of the buildings has been renewed, a comfortable atmosphere has been created for participants and spectators, and conditions have been created for attracting and developing talents. It is also supported architectural complex "Varosha", located near the community center in the city. The complex is a municipal property, created in the Revival style and it now hosts cultural events, presentations, wedding rituals, there is a hotel, tourist center and more.
In the context of support for cultural activities, they should also be reflected deliberate actions to promote and socialize the archaeological site, cultural value of national importance - Provadia - Salt Lake - the oldest salt extraction and urban center in Europe. The site is still subject to research and archaeological excavations, but there is strong interest from tourists. In order to respond to the increasing avalanche interest, the Provadia Municipality provided independent access to the site, which is located within the boundaries of a private property-manufacturing enterprise, built a parking lot near the area and worked on the preparation of a project for the construction of a visitor information center on its own terrain located next to the property.
Another site of cultural and historical heritage that enjoys interest and visitation from residents and visitors of the city is Sheep Fortress - a site of national importance. The site is located on the eastern plateau above the city. It has carried out activities for the development of cultural tourism under the PHARE Program, Beautiful Bulgaria, as well as with its own funds.
The municipality plans to develop its cultural assets, which should be promoted and presented in a modern and attractive way, including:
- construction of a visitor information center near the site "Provadia-Saltworks", located on municipal land outside the city, near the national road III-904 Staro Oryahovo - Grozdyovo - Provadia;
- on free municipal terrain in the central part of the city, ordered by a decision of the City Council, to created the Salt Museum, which combines modern technology and traditional scientific techniques for the preservation, preservation and presentation of ancestral artifacts and cultural achievements;
- Varosha architectural complex, combining Renaissance style buildings and a modern area (traditionally held for cultural events, exhibitions, presentations, celebrations) needs additional renovation to preserve its architecture and aesthetics, and to optimize maintenance and energy efficiency.
Municipality of Kazanlak
THE VALLEY OF THE THRACIAN KINGS
The municipality of Kazanlak is located in the so-called Valley of the Thracian Kings, which is characterized by extremely high concentration and variety of monuments of Thracian culture. It is estimated that there are more than 1500 burial mounds on its territory, of which about 300 have been explored so far. A set of measures is needed to protect the already researched sites and the access to them. In this regard, the following problems have been identified: poorly developed tourism product as a whole; poor transport accessibility to places for tourism; poor condition and limited access to natural and cultural heritage sites. The municipality has implemented a series of projects aimed at unfolding the tourist potential of local resources, including: - Conservation, restoration and socialisation of Thracian mounds Helvetia and Griffons, EEA Grants, Programme BGXNUMX worth BGN XNUMX million and implementation period from XNUMX April XNUMX to XNUMX April XNUMX;. - Conservation, restoration and socialisation of the Shoushmanets mound under OP Regional Development XNUMX-XNUMX, worth BGN XNUMX million; - Conservation and restoration of the Kran II tomb - first stage of the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, US Embassy in Sofia for the period XNUMX October XNUMX - XNUMX October XNUMX worth USD XNUMX thousand (co-financing from the museum budget). The application for project ‘World of the Thracians’ is under evaluation for OP Regions for Growth XNUMX-XNUMX with a total budget of BGN XNUMX million. The Municipality of Kazanlak has preserved and gradually developed its unique resources for cultural tourism. After the successful realization of the first stages for socialisation of the Thracian tombs and conservation of the archeological finds, the efforts for the complete construction of an attractive complex of the Thracian heritage continue. The main goal is to develop the potential in the region of Shipka, Sheynovo and Kran - display of all discovered and studied Thracian tombs and their transformation into a large-scale tourist product - the Valley of the Thracian Kings; with accessible infrastructure. The development of a megalithic complex near the village of Buzovgrad has a potential to become a completely new tourist product - project development, socialisation and its transformation into a tourist centre of the Thracian ritual complexes in the Valley. The small settlements in the municipality also have the potential to tap their natural resources relying on the favourable combination of mineral waters, temperate climate, diverse terrain and water areas, determining the sustainable development of tourism and recreation. There are favourable soil and climatic conditions for organic agriculture with a wide profile (oil-bearing rose and other essential oil crops, cereals, perennials, berry crops). In the area of the village of Ovoshtnik there is a deposit of hot mineral water. There are reserves for new drilling and discovery of investment fields for a modern spa complex, and construction of drilling wells for exploitation of mineral waters. The construction of ecotourism infrastructure is also promising - pedestrian and bicycle trails (Shipka, Enina, Kran, Ovoshtnik, Koprinka Dam, Buzovgrad), as well as in the area of Koprinka Dam, Ovoshtnik village and along the Tundzha River and the Thracian city Seuthopolis.
- Conservation, restoration and socialization of Thracian mounds "Helvetia" and "Griffons", Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area, Program BG08 worth BGN 2 and implementation period from 776 to 524.49.
- “Conservation, restoration and socialization of the Shushmanets mound” under the Operational Program “Regional Development” 2007-2013, in the amount of BGN 1 (July 115, 987,29 - July 20.07.2011, 20.07.2013)
- "Conservation and restoration of the Thracian tomb Kran II" -Implementation of the first stage of restoration of the Kran II tomb by the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Heritage, US Embassy, Sofia for the period 1.10.2008 -1.10.2009 worth $ 37 . (co-financing from the museum budget).
The project "The World of the Thracians" under the Operational Program "Growing Regions" 2014-2020 with a total budget of BGN 8, including: grant - BGN 657. , Financial intermediary - BGN 364,83.
The municipality of Kazanlak has preserved and is gradually developing its unique resources for cultural tourism. After the successful completion of the first stages for the socialization of the Thracian tombs and the preservation of the archaeological finds, the efforts for the overall construction of an attractive Thracian heritage complex continue. The main objective is to develop the potential in the area of Shipka, Sheinovo and Kran - to expose all the Thracian tombs discovered and explored and turn them into a large-scale tourist product "Valley of Thracian Kings"; with accessible infrastructure.
Potential for creating a completely new tourist product is the development of a megalithic complex near the village of Buzovgrad - project development, socialization and its transformation into a tourist and center of the Thracian ritual complexes in the Valley.
Also, the small settlements in the Municipality have the potential for development of natural resources in the region as a prerequisite for this are a favorable combination of mineral waters, temperate climate, diverse terrain and water areas, determining the sustainable development of tourism and recreation. There are favorable soil and climatic conditions for ecological agriculture with a wide profile (oil-bearing rose and other essential oil crops, cereals, perennials, berry crops). In the area of the village of Ovoshtnik there is a deposit of hot mineral water. There are reserves for new drilling and opening of investment fields for a modern balneological complex, as well as construction of drilling wells for exploitation of mineral waters. The construction of infrastructure for ecotourism is also promising - pedestrian and bicycle paths (Shipka, Enina, Kran, Ovoshtnik, Koprinka Dam, Buzovgrad), as well as in the area of Koprinka Dam, Ovoshtnik village and along the Tundzha River and Thracian city "Seuthopolis".
Municipality of Pirdop
FOCUS ON THE ELENA BASILICA
The good practice we want to highlight is related to the successful implementation of a project "Promoting tourist attractions through the interactive display of the cultural and historical heritage of the cross-border region" funded by Cross-border Co-operation Program Interreg-IPA Bulgaria-Serbia The good practice is associated with successful implementation of the project ‘Promotion of tourist attractions through the interactive display of the cultural heritage in the cross-border region’, funded under the Interreg-IPA Bulgaria-Serbia 2014-2020. The project is implemented in partnership between Pirdop municipality (as a partner) and Palilula municipality, Nis, Republic of Serbia. The concept of the project is related to the implementation of a new and innovative model for promotion of natural and cultural heritage of the two municipalities through a digital exhibition of natural, cultural and historical sites, located on their territory. Pirdop municipality consists of two settlements: the town of Pirdop which is a municipal centre with a population of XNUMX people and the village of Dushantsi with a population of XNUMX people. The main cultural and historical site on its territory is the Elena Basilica. It is a monument of national importance and is also included in the UNESCO list of protected cultural monuments. Along with the Elena Basilica, the municipality features dozens of cultural, historical and natural sites including the Lukanova house Museum, Nikola Pushkarov House Museum, the school of Todor Genchov Vlaykov, the Assumption of Mary church, Dushantsi dam, Paskal lodge. The main cultural event that takes place in the municipality of Pirdop is the Vlaykov days. The main problem is the lack of adequate and quality infrastructure to unfold the tourist potential - transport, service, information and promotion, which will attract more visitors. In connection with the above and in order to overcome some of the existing limitations, the municipality of Pirdop carried out a series of activities for: - Interactive display of the cultural and historical heritage, by putting video walls at public places; - Raising awareness of the tourist attractions available in the region, through the production and distribution of a film and information catalogue describing and promoting the tourist sites of the two municipalities; - Conducting joint events to promote local cultural heritage through joint information events and festivals. The upgrade plans are related to overcoming the other restrictions related to the improvement of the access to the local natural and cultural-historical heritage, namely the improvement of the transport and ecological tourist infrastructure with an emphasis on the monument of national importance – the Elena Basilica. The site has a large tourist and economic potential for the development of the municipality of Pirdop, but we need to carry out activities on conservation, restoration and socialisation, including: preparation of project documentation under the Territorial Development Act - working/ technical design; strengthening and restoration of the site; construction of an open-air museum; construction of a road for cars and pedestrian lanes for access to the site; construction of an information centre; landscaping of adjacent areas and construction of a parking lot.
Pirdop Municipality consists of two settlements: one town - the municipal center Pirdop with a population of 7 people and one village - Dushantsi, which has a population of 485 people. The main cultural and historical site on its territory is the Elena Basilica. It is a monument of national importance and is also included in the UNESCO list of protected cultural monuments. Along with the Elena Basilica on the territory of the municipality there are dozens of cultural, historical and natural sites, including Lukanov House Museum, Nikola Pushkarov House-Museum, School - monument "Todor Genchov Vlaykov", Church of the Holy Assumption of the Mother of God, Dushantsi Dam, Pascal Hut. The main cultural event that takes place in the municipality of Pirdop are "Vlaykovite days".
The main problem is the lack of adequate and high-quality infrastructure for securing the tourist potential - transport, service, information and publicity, which will attract more visitors. In connection with the above and in order to overcome some of the existing restrictions, the municipality of Pirdop carried out a series of activities for:
- Interactive display of cultural and historical heritage through the placement of public places on video walls;
- Raising the level of public awareness about the available tourist attractions in the region, through the production and distribution of a film and information catalog describing and promoting the tourist sites of the two municipalities;
- Conducting joint events to promote local cultural heritage through joint information events and festivals.
Upgrading plans are about overcoming other constraints related to improving access to local natural and cultural heritage, namely improving transport and environmental tourism infrastructure with a focus on Monument of national importance "Elena Basilica". The site has great tourist, and hence economic potential for the development of the municipality of Pirdop, as it needs to carry out activities for conservation, restoration and socialization, including: preparation of project documentation under the Spatial Development Act - working / technical design ; strengthening and restoration of the site; construction of an open-air museum; construction of a road for cars and pedestrian alleys for access to the site; construction of an information center; landscaping of adjacent territories and construction of a parking lot.
Municipality of Ruen
REDISCOVERING CULTURAL HERITAGE
The municipality can be proud of its successful projects for renovation of local infrastructure and basic services under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, OP Human Resources Development, and Cross-Border Cooperation Bulgaria-Turkey. The municipal administration actively works in the service of the residents, the local business and the investors who have shown interest in business development in the municipality. As an employer under national programmes and projects, the municipality contributes to promotion of employment and invests in human resources by improving the educational and qualification level of the unemployed. This has improved the cultural and environmental appearance of the municipal centre, which is on the way to the Sunny Beach resort. In partnership with the municipality of Kirklareli, Turkey, it implemented successfully project ‘Creating an ecological and cultural vision across borders. Presentation of two different practices for the environmental potential of the cross-border region’. The municipality of Ruen has the potential to develop eco-tourism. The trail at the village of Topchiysko crosses protected natural landmarks - rock formations the Professor, the Turtle, Pig's Head, etc. The other eco-trail connects the Luda Kamchia lodge along the river, which is natural area of local importance Aivajak Dere near the village of Lyulyakovo. The St. St. Joachim and Anna monastery and ethnographic collection, with clothing, lifestyle and customs of the descendants of Bulgarians resettled in Asia Minor are located in the village. There is a similar ethnographic collection in the village of Dobra Polyana, displaying the lifestyle, local customs and clothing of Turks over the years. Ruen has a Kukeri group in March, on the first Sunday before Lent, performs Kuker games, and the costumes were made under the project. This heritage must be combined into a recognizable product and properly promoted. Thus, the cultural and ecological appearance of the municipal center through which the Black Sea resort Sunny Beach is passed is improved. А In partnership with the Kırklareli Municipality, Turkey, a project was successfully implemented: “Creating an ecological-cultural vision beyond borders. Presentation of two different practices for the environmental potential of the cross-border region. "
The municipality of Rouen has the potential to develop eco-tourism. On the eco-trail "s. Topchiysko ”are the protected natural landmarks / rock formations“ Professor ”,“ Turtle ”,“ Pig's Head ”, and others. The other eco-trail connects the Luda Kamchia hut by running along the river, where there is a natural area of local importance "Aivajak Dere" near the village of Lyulyakovo. In the village of Lyulyakovo there is a monastery "St. St. Joachim and Anna ”and the ethnographic collection reflecting the clothing, life and customs of the descendants of the resettled Bulgarians from Asia Minor. There is a similar ethnographic collection in the village of Dobra Polyana, where you can see the way of life, local customs and clothing of the Turks over the years.
In the municipality of Ruen there is a mummer's group, which in March on Sirni Zagovezni as a precursor of the spring masquerade mummer games are played. The mummer's costumes are made according to a project. This heritage must be combined into a recognizable product and properly promoted.
Municipality of Rakitovo
SKILLFUL SOCIALISATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
A good practice project is: ‘Creation and promotion of the cultural and historical product in the municipality of Rakitovo through adaptation of the Paleontological site at the village of Dorkovo, as a tourist attraction and socialisation of the cultural monument - the Tsepina fortress’, financed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. The project has contributed to expanding the geography of tourism in the region. It has helped open jobs directly in the service of the two tourist attractions and in activities related to tourism - restaurants, hotels, retail, etc. The project has improved the condition of the natural landmark Paleontological site at the village of Dorkovo through conservation measures and its development as a tourist attraction. It has made the medieval fortress Tsepina more attractive through socialisation of the cultural and historical monument. It has enhanced tourist infrastructure necessary for both attractions and the access to them, including for people with reduced mobility. Additional small-scale infrastructure has been built to the attractions to improve the area around them. Staff has received training in animation and tour guide, to provide services at the attractions. The marketing and advertising of the two tourist attractions have improved. As a whole, the satisfaction of visitors to attractions and the area has increased. The project contributed is to diversifying the traditional spa and holiday product, typical of the region and the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Rakitovo municipality. The sustainability of the results is ensured financially, through its inclusion as a cost item of Rakitovo’s municipal budget, the regular maintenance of the renovated sites, in order to maintain their good condition for as long as possible. The results achieved by the project can be replicated in other regions which have potential for development of a specialised type of tourism based on local natural and cultural-historical heritage. Tourist resources include natural landmarks, preserved natural environment, cultural heritage sites, mineral springs, areas suitable for the development of winter sports, etc.: - Lepenitsa Cave with preserved natural formations, unusually beautiful cave forms such as stalactites, stalagmites, stalactites, draperies, cave ponds, pearls and roses; - Mantaritsa Biosphere Reserve - preserved as the abode of capercaillie. Declared a biosphere reserve in XNUMX, inscribed on the UNESCO list; - Ostrata Skala - located northeast of the village of Dorkovo; - Early Christian churches from the end of the V-VI century AD in Rakitovo, Kostandovo, Dorkovo; - Ruins of the walled city of Gradot in the area of Gradot near Rakitovo; - The clock tower in Rakitovo, built in XNUMX, proclaimed a cultural monument.
The project has improved the condition of the natural landmark "Paleontological site - the village of Dorkovo" through conservation measures and its development as a tourist attraction. Increases the attractiveness of the medieval fortress "Tsepina" through the socialization of a cultural and historical monument. The tourist infrastructure necessary for the needs of the two attractions and the access to them is being improved, incl. and for people with reduced mobility. Additional small-scale infrastructure has been built to the attractions for improvement of the area around them. The necessary staff has been trained in the categories "animation" and "tour guide", which serves the attractions. The marketing and advertising of the two tourist attractions have been improved. As a result of the project, the satisfaction of the visitors of the attractions and the region as a whole has increased.
The project has contributed to the diversification of the traditional spa and holiday product, typical for the whole region, as well as to the protection of the natural and cultural heritage of the municipality of Rakitovo. The sustainability of the results is ensured financially, through its inclusion as an expense in the municipal budget of Rakitovo, the regular maintenance of the renovated sites, in order to maintain their good condition for as long as possible..
The results of this project have the potential to be multiplied in other regions of the country where there is a potential for development of specialized tourism based on the local natural and cultural and historical heritage; of similar problems and needs. Tourist resources include natural landmarks, the preserved natural environment, cultural heritage sites, mineral springs, territories suitable for the development of winter sports and more. All these natural and anthropogenic resources are a resource for the development of various forms of tourism - cognitive, cultural, historical, rural, eco, mountain, cave, hunting, spa, winter ski tourism and more. The following may be noted:
Lepenitsa Cave - The unique natural formations of unusually beautiful cave forms such as stalactites, stalagmites, stalactons, draperies, cave ponds, pearls and roses have been preserved; Mantaritsa Biosphere Reserve - the reserve is preserved as a habitat for capercaillies and covers virgin coniferous forests. Declared a biosphere reserve in 1977, included in the UNESCO list; "Sharp Rock" - located northeast of the village of Dorkovo - a natural landmark; Early Christian churches from the end of the V-VI century AD. in Rakitovo, Kostandovo, Dorkovo. Remains of the fortress-town of Gradot - located in the Gradot area near the town of Rakitovo; The clock tower. It is located in the town of Rakitovo. It was built in 1872, declared a cultural monument.
Pravets municipality
SPORTS FOR ALL
With a modern infrastructure base and harmoniously organized living environment, the municipality seeks to establish the vision "Municipality of Pravets - attractive for living and working ecologically clean area, effectively using its potential to create new jobs, business and tourism, with preserved natural and cultural heritage . ” A strategic priority is the creation of preconditions for the attractiveness of the municipality as a preferred place to live with a focus on young people and families. Using the already created and well-maintained infrastructure, the local government needed a comprehensive concept - containing projects united under the motto "Sports for Everyone". It was caused by the lack of adequate organization and base, and opportunities for sports and active recreation. Thus, in the period 2013-2019, the construction of sports playgrounds for different age groups was started, with different plots, concentrated in close locations in an area with a predominant population of active age; construction of combined pedestrian and bicycle lanes with the possibility of forming routes of different length and complexity; building outdoor gyms; construction of a small athletics track with a long jump sector; construction of playgrounds for mini-football, volleyball and basketball; restoration of a swimming pool in Vasil Levski Primary School; and others.
The built facilities, in addition to creating an opportunity for a healthy pastime, are also a place for social communication, giving rise to a number of initiatives related to both sports events and educational activities aimed at protecting the urban environment and nature.
The tourist resources available to the municipality of Pravets have great potential. The environment is preserved and clean, with preserved diversity of flora and fauna, with rare and protected animal and plant species. There are more than 200 immovable cultural monuments on the territory of the municipality: Thracian tombs (over 120), fortresses; architectural monuments from the time of the Revival (in Pravets, Kalugerovo, Vidrare, Praveshka Lukavitsa, etc.), incl. 5 churches and 3 monasteries; historical museum in the town of Pravets and at museum collections in the village of Vidrare.
Despite the above, the tourist function of the municipality of Pravets is currently not well exposed and does not fully correspond to the tourism resources and potential available to the territory.
Municipality of Kyustendil
ENHANCED CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IN FAVOUR OF SMALL SETTLEMENTS
In a short period of time, the municipality of Kyustendil has implemented several projects aimed at small settlements on its territory: Project: Enhancing the tourist potential of the municipalities of Kyustendil and Konche - sustainable joint future, funded by Interreg - IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programme Bulgaria - Macedonia XNUMX-XNUMX. The project activities provided transport and pedestrian access to the natural landmark Polsko- Skakavishki waterfall - rehabilitation of a municipal road, construction of eco-trails and designation of recreation and observation areas; Project: Green cross-border settlements - for better learning, funded by the INTERREG-IPA Programme for Cross-Border Cooperation Bulgaria - Serbia XNUMX-XNUMX. The expected outcome of the project is a renovated and equipped eco-educational centre in the village of Slokoshtitsa; Project: Preservation of spiritual sanctuaries - sustainable tourist potential in Strumitsa and Kyustendil, funded by the Interreg-IPA Programme for Cross-Border Cooperation Bulgaria - Macedonia. The project will contribute to the improvement of the tourist infrastructure in the municipality of Kyustendil (the area of the medieval church Assumption in the village of Razhdavitsa) through improved access to the church, rehabilitated municipal road and eco-trail between the church and natural landmark Polsko- Skakavishki waterfall; Project: Turning lines of division into points of contact, financed by the Programme for Cross-Border Cooperation Bulgaria - Macedonia. The project restored the hiding place in the villa of Gen. Zhekov in the Hisarlaka Forest Park and landscaped the adjacent territory; a dirt road was asphalted and an existing road to the St. Trinity church with an ossuary of the victims in the village of Gueshevo was rehabilitated. The Kyustendil region is extremely rich in cultural and historical heritage from antiquity, the Middle Ages and the National Revival, as well as cultural monuments, hundreds of natural landmarks, mineral springs and significant areas with the status of protected area. This variety of resources is concentrated in a relatively small territory, allowing access to a wide variety of sites for a short time. The combination of the high number of protected areas, the large number and diversity of cultural sites, the richness of traditions and economic activities - this all gives the region a serious competitive advantage in the field of tourism. The rich movable and immovable, tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Kyustendil municipality, the calendar full of cultural events, together with the exceptional natural values, unique landscape, mineral waters and favourable climate are prerequisites to attract interest and investment, to activate social economic development and to improve the quality of life.
Project: "Increasing the tourism potential of the municipalities of Kyustendil and Konche - a sustainable joint future", funded through Interreg - IPA Cross-border Cooperation Program Bulgaria - Macedonia 2014-2020 Through the implementation of the project activities, transport and pedestrian access to the natural landmark "Polish-Skakavishki waterfall" (Kyustendil municipality) was provided - rehabilitation of a municipal road, construction of eco-trails and differentiation of recreation and monitoring areas;
Green Cross-Border Settlements - Better Learning Projectfunded under the INTERREG-IPA Cross-border Co-operation Program Bulgaria - Serbia 2014-2020. The expected results of the project implementation are a renovated and equipped eco-education center in the municipality of Kyustendil, located in the village of Skoloshtitsa;
Project "Preservation of spiritual sanctuaries - sustainable tourist potential in Strumica and Kyustendil", funded by the Interreg-IPA Cross-border Cooperation Program Bulgaria - Macedonia. The implementation of the project will contribute to the improvement of the tourist infrastructure in the municipality of Kyustendil (the area of the medieval church "Assumption" in the village of Rajdavitsa) through improved access to the church, rehabilitated municipal road access and improvement of access / eco-trail / between the church. and natural landmark Polsko - Skakavishki waterfall;
Project "Conversion of dividing lines into convergence points", financed under the Operational Program "Cross-border Cooperation Republic of Bulgaria - Republic of Macedonia". Through the implementation of the project activities the hiding place to the villa of Gen. is restored. Zhekov in the Hisarlaka Forest Park and the adjacent territory was landscaped; a dirt road is asphalted and an existing monument leading to the church “St. Trinity ”with an ossuary of the victims in the village of Gueshevo.
The Kyustendil region is extremely rich cultural and historical heritage from antiquity, The Middle Ages and the Renaissance. There are 569 people on the territory of Kyustendil Municipality the monument of culture.
With its cultural monuments, hundreds of natural landmarks, mineral springs, as well as large areas with protected status, the Kyustendil region has an attractive network of natural and cultural resources. Moreover, this diversity of resources is concentrated in a relatively small area, allowing access to a wide variety of sites in no time. The combination of the high percentage of protected areas, the large number and variety of cultural sites, the richness of traditions and business activities - all this gives the region a serious competitive advantage in the field of tourism.
The rich movable and immovable, tangible and intangible cultural heritage on the territory of the Municipality of Kyustendil, the calendar full of cultural holidays, along with its exceptional natural values, unique landscape, mineral waters and favorable climate are a prerequisite for attracting interest and investments, for activating social and cultural heritage. economic development and to improve the quality of life.
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