Bulgarian cultural tourism destinationations of excellence GRO/SME/16/C/071-Tourism. Welcome to CHAVDAR

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1 Bulgarian cultural tourism destinationations of excellence GRO/SME/16/C/071-Tourism Welcome to CHAVDAR

Welcome to CHAVDAR Only 70 km east of Sofia, travelling along the panoramic sub-balkan road and enjoying the beautiful natural sceneries, you can get to one of the most developed villages in

The beautiful southern slopes of the Balkan Mountains are to the north, and to the south the wooded hills of Sredna Gora Mountain.

The territory of Chavdar Municipality occupies the most picturesque part of the Zlatishko-Pirdop valley with an altitude of about 570 m.

Sredna Gora Mountain blocks the penetration of Mediterranean climate influences. Balkan Mountains are a barrier to the northern winds.

One of the things that make the destination interesting for tourists is the combination of diverse tourist services in many segments on a small area - attraction, cultural and historical,

2 Welcome to CHAVDAR Only 70 km east of Sofia, travelling along the panoramic sub-balkan road and enjoying the beautiful natural sceneries, you can get to one of the most developed villages in Bulgaria, with a modern, European appearance - the village of Chavdar. It is the only village in one of the smallest municipalities in Bulgaria. An amazing nature has surrounded the village. The beautiful southern slopes of the Balkan Mountains are to the north, and to the south the wooded hills of Sredna Gora Mountain. Topolnitsa river squeezes through them on its way to the Thracian valley, and acting and hospitable people has found their place among them in the lowland. The territory of Chavdar Municipality occupies the most picturesque part of the Zlatishko-Pirdop valley with an altitude of about 570 m. The relief is mostly flat, and in the southern part of the village it is semi-mountainous. The climate is moderate continental. Sredna Gora Mountain blocks the penetration of Mediterranean climate influences. Balkan Mountains are a barrier to the northern winds. The softer winter and the cooler summer are typical of the village compared to other regions in Bulgaria, as well as the temperature inversions, mainly in the winter. One of the things that make the destination interesting for tourists is the combination of diverse tourist services in many segments on a small area - attraction, cultural and historical, mountainous, religious and event types of tourism. Another advantage is the good geographic location and accessibility - 70 km away from Sofia and 120 km away from Plovdiv, with well-built incoming Republican and Municipal road infrastructure. The village of Chavdar is the successor of the oldest population inhabiting the Srednogorie region. During the excavation of the settlement mound, archaeologists has discovered here remnants of an active life for more than 7,000 years ago. The discovered finds are proof of the existence of one of the earliest civilizations on the Balkans. A unique settlement from the prehistoric age of the early Neolithic was found in the vicinity of Chavdar village. Going through all historical periods and reaching to the present day, the history of Chavdar village is full of many events. There are historical data from the Middle Ages about the existence of a Bulgarian settlement to the territory of the present village. The first written records of today s village of Chavdar date back to during the Ottoman rule, recorded under the name of Kolanlar in the Turkish register. During the government of the Liberal Party in 1899, the village was renamed Radoslavovo in honor of the Minister of Interior Dr. Vassil Radoslavov. The legend says that when Radoslavov had visited the village, he sat by the river Topolnitsa and, tapping with a cane on the river stones, exclaimed: If there is paradise on Earth - that is Bulgaria, if there is paradise in Bulgaria - it is here.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK TOPOLNITSA In its millennial development, the modern village of Chavdar has the full right to be called the birthplace of human civilization in the Sredna Gora Mountain.

From the Neolithic to the early Middle Ages - over 6,000 years ago there has been a human civilization that could be called Topolnitsa.

In the digging of an irrigation channel, ceramic pieces and stone objects had been found, apparently hand-processed.

The Early Neolithic Settlement Mound was located 3 km southeast of today s village of Chavdar, in a beautiful fertile valley on a low terrace by the Topolnitsa river.

3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK TOPOLNITSA In its millennial development, the modern village of Chavdar has the full right to be called the birthplace of human civilization in the Sredna Gora Mountain. In its vicinity there is a unique settlement from the time of the earliest prehistoric age, which shows that it has been a preferred place for habitation from ancient times to the present day. From the Neolithic to the early Middle Ages - over 6,000 years ago there has been a human civilization that could be called Topolnitsa. The settlement mound near the village of Chavdar was discovered accidentally in 1967, during the preparation of a plot for planting an orchard. In the digging of an irrigation channel, ceramic pieces and stone objects had been found, apparently hand-processed. It is these finds that serve as a basis for the construction of the Archaeological Park Topolnitsa decades later. The Early Neolithic Settlement Mound was located 3 km southeast of today s village of Chavdar, in a beautiful fertile valley on a low terrace by the Topolnitsa river. On a small area, very suitable living conditions are combined, which were appreciated during the early Neolithic period. Probably, the Neolithic people had come here from Thrace along Topolnitsa river and created their first settlement more than years ago. Two kilometers away from Chavdar there is a unique recreation area in the St. Petka locality. The view of the surrounding mountains is unique. At the highest point rises the chapel St. Petka, and in the lower one there is an open-air stage, with a covered guest area and a place for cooking, a restaurant and a sports and tourist attraction. Among them is the Archaeological Park Topolnitsa, built in 2012 under a project funded by EU funds. The park has an exposition hall with the presentation of the Chavdar Early Neolithic Settlement, 4 Neolithic dwellings and a workshop for stone and ceramic products. A unique experience is coming to you, returning back to human history 7200 years ago and giving you knowledge about Neolithic life. And those of you who would like to immerse themselves in the lives of our old ancestors can spend the night in one of the Neolithic dwellings. 3

SPORTS AND TOURIST ATTRACTION For those who have already met with the Neolithic culture of Chavdar, in the immediate

This opportunity is the sports and tourist attraction, which is also implemented by two EU projects.

view of Sredna Gora. Another attraction is the rope garden on two levels.

It has a height of 6 meters and offers the opportunity for sporting activity by crossing the obstacles with a graded

4 SPORTS AND TOURIST ATTRACTION For those who have already met with the Neolithic culture of Chavdar, in the immediate vicinity of the archaeological park is given the opportunity for more extreme experiences. This opportunity is the sports and tourist attraction, which is also implemented by two EU projects. There you can climb two climbing walls of 8 and 10 meters high and climb the observation tower, which opens a unique view of Sredna Gora. Another attraction is the rope garden on two levels. The above level is for children over 8 years of age, youngsters and adults. It has a height of 6 meters and offers the opportunity for sporting activity by crossing the obstacles with a graded difficulty and challenge. The low level is 60 cm high and is designed for smaller ones. Тhere are additional facilities for entertainment for them. A specialized equipment, instruction and assistance from certified personnel are also included into the service. 4

ST. PETKA CHAPEL The chapel on the hill in the area of the same name is built with donations and is named after Saint Petka

There is a legend, saying that the mortal remains of the saint have spent the night on the hill during their transfer to

The specific architecture of the chapel is complemented by lots of greenery and well-kept plant species. ST.

It was built in 1998 near an old and nonexistent temple of the same name, destroyed many years ago.

temple at the site of the old sacred Christian place.

5 ST. PETKA CHAPEL The chapel on the hill in the area of the same name is built with donations and is named after Saint Petka Bulgarian - patron of the village of Chavdar. There is a legend, saying that the mortal remains of the saint have spent the night on the hill during their transfer to Veliko Tarnovo in the 13th century, thanks to the will of Tsar Ivan Asen II. The specific architecture of the chapel is complemented by lots of greenery and well-kept plant species. ST. GEORGI МАРАТОН CHAPEL ДЯВОЛСКИ МОСТ- АРДИНО The chapel St. Georgi is located near the entrance of the village. It was built in 1998 near an old and nonexistent temple of the same name, destroyed many years ago. It is known, that the old temple has been built in the past by a woman who, during her sleep, had the command to build a temple at the site of the old sacred Christian place. Thus, by accepting the mission, she sold its cornfield, and with the funds she had gotten she began to build the temple of God, carrying the bricks herself. Every year, on May 6th, the feast of the temple is celebrated and many guests and residents of the village gather together. For this purpose there has been built covered sheds with benches, stage and a place for preparing food. 5

ST. ARCHANGEL MICHAEL CHURCH One of the oldest buildings is the church St.

The wood carvings are made of craftsmen of Samokov and the iconostasis is made by the master Filip Zograf from Koprivshtitsa.

KAZANITE Kazanite is located on the Bererei River, in Sredna Gora Mountain, in about 7 km from the village.

Each one is larger than the previous, with the river flowing from one to the other. It is like jacuzzi after jacuzzi.

6 ST. ARCHANGEL MICHAEL CHURCH One of the oldest buildings is the church St. Archangel Michael, built in 1883 by master Nikola Smolenov from the village of Smolsko with voluntary aids and donations. The wood carvings are made of craftsmen of Samokov and the iconostasis is made by the master Filip Zograf from Koprivshtitsa. Interesting are the frescoes and icons painted by Yoto Zografa (Ivan Nedelev) from the village of Makotsevo, who are in the spirit of the Samokov school. KAZANITE Kazanite is located on the Bererei River, in Sredna Gora Mountain, in about 7 km from the village. They are 5 small waterfalls, located between three huge rocks, chained by large holes with a diameter of 5 meters. Each one is larger than the previous, with the river flowing from one to the other. It is like jacuzzi after jacuzzi. The water has been falling over the rocks for thousands of years, and so rock boilers have formed. That s why the place is called Kazanite. This is the only site of the Sredna Gora Mountain included in the National Register of Natural Beauty and since 1970 has been declared a Natural landmark. The water splash drops about 15 m. A lush vegetation extends beyond this natural phenomenon, and a large shed with a barbecue is built for the leisure of tourists. After restoring their strengths, mountain hikers can go to the two huts - first to Sakarja and then to Bratia, which is located just below the eponymous peak at 1,240 m altitude. 6

CENTRAL SQUARE IN THE VILLAGE OF CHAVDAR The central square in the village of Chavdar is a very popular place for tourists.

garden, mini amphitheater and numerous plant species. The square is a pedestrian area, and parking lots for cars and buses are in the immediate vicinity.

village of Chavdar. The most famous are: Vaidudula, Singing the rings, Midsummer.

7 CENTRAL SQUARE IN THE VILLAGE OF CHAVDAR The central square in the village of Chavdar is a very popular place for tourists. It was built in 2014 and has an exceptionally interesting architecture, combining beautiful pedestrian alleys, wooden bridges and arches, fountains, rock garden, mini amphitheater and numerous plant species. The square is a pedestrian area, and parking lots for cars and buses are in the immediate vicinity. INTANGIBLE CULTURAL МАРАТОН HERITAGE ДЯВОЛСКИ МОСТ- АРДИНО Along with the listed attractions, important for the tourist profile of Chavdar Municipality is the intangible cultural heritage. The performers of The Community Center, called Nadezhda-1900, recreate in an authentic manner many folklore customs and festivals typical of the past of the village of Chavdar. The most famous are: Vaidudula, Singing the rings, Midsummer. In addition to the folklore customs that the performers at the The Community Center recreate, various festivals and holidays are held during the year, some of which are: Chavdar Municipality s feast, Folklore Festival Let s Sing The Songs of Srednogorie together, National festival of the old urban and popular song Love Comes From Heaven, Festival Sirnitca in Chavdar, Feast of Fertility, 7

PRAYER FOR RAIN VAIDUDULA Vaidudula - a kind of prayer for rain, which is poorly known in the other parts of Bulgaria. It is done in the summer with prolonged drought.

One girl must be the oldest, and the other - the youngest of her brothers and sisters.

Finally, they all go to the river, where the weeds of the Vaidudula are thrown, and three breads are kneaded with the flour.

8 PRAYER FOR RAIN VAIDUDULA Vaidudula - a kind of prayer for rain, which is poorly known in the other parts of Bulgaria. It is done in the summer with prolonged drought. Vaidudula symbolizes the Earth, clothed with withered branches, and the water that rushes her, symbolizes the rain. Only girls with live parents can participate in the ceremony. One girl must be the oldest, and the other - the youngest of her brothers and sisters. The Vaidudulas are crowned from head to toe with grasses and weeds and, accompanied by older women, sing and visit the houses of people where the people gift them with different products. Finally, they all go to the river, where the weeds of the Vaidudula are thrown, and three breads are kneaded with the flour. SINGING THE RINGS Singing the rings - this is a ritual that is recreated on December 31st and January 1st. The young men go to find a dogwood - the strongest tree, that has to keep the year healthy. Then the girls decorate the tree with colorful papers, popcorn, dried fruits, wool, dried peppers, apples. Once the tree is ready, the girls take a white boiler and fill it with fresh water that should not be touched or drunk. Each of them puts a ring or a bracelet in the boiler, and the next day, at the beginning of the new year, along with songs and dances, the objects are removed from the boiler from a woman who, according to the songs, guesses whom, the girl the object belongs, will be connected to. 8

MIDSUMMER Midsummer the ritual is being recreated on the feast of the same name on 24th of June.

Does it all reflect, the man will be healthy, and if it will be halved - he will be ill.

9 MIDSUMMER Midsummer the ritual is being recreated on the feast of the same name on 24th of June. It is believed that the morning of the feast when it rises, the sun flickers, plays and who can see this, will be healthy throughout the year. Just at the moment of sunrise everyone has to face the sun and to observe his own shadow over his shoulder. Does it all reflect, the man will be healthy, and if it will be halved - he will be ill. Young and old berry herbs in the morning and, before the sunrise comes, everyone should wash himself in running water or wallow in the dew. МАРАТОН CHAVDAR MUNICIPALITY S FEAST ДЯВОЛСКИ МОСТ- АРДИНО Chavdar Municipality s feast it is held on the first Saturday after Easter in the St. Petka locality. 9

FOLKLORE FESTIVAL LET S SING THE SONGS OF SREDNOGORIE TOGETHER Folklore

June on the stage in St. Petka s locality.

HEAVEN National festival of the old urban and popular song Love Comes

10 FOLKLORE FESTIVAL LET S SING THE SONGS OF SREDNOGORIE TOGETHER Folklore Festival Let s Sing The Songs of Srednogorie together it takes place in June on the stage in St. Petka s locality. The festival is not based on a competition and includes performers of folk songs from all over the country. NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE OLD URBAN AND POPULAR SONG LOVE COMES FROM HEAVEN National festival of the old urban and popular song Love Comes From Heaven - this is one of the biggest festivals of this theme in Bulgaria with many participants. It is held in May at the hall of The Community Center. 10

FESTIVAL SIRNITCA IN CHAVDAR Festival Sirnitca in

Zagovezi and includes participation of Kukeri clubs

the evil spirits away) from all over the country

Feast of Fertility - this is a special feast for

the guests of the village, who have the opportunity

11 FESTIVAL SIRNITCA IN CHAVDAR Festival Sirnitca in Chavdar it takes place in the days around Sirni Zagovezi and includes participation of Kukeri clubs (people, wearing specific masks and costumes to keep the evil spirits away) from all over the country МАРАТОН FEAST OF FERTILITY ДЯВОЛСКИ МОСТ- АРДИНО Feast of Fertility - this is a special feast for Chavdar, which is organized in the beginning of autumn when the crop is gathered. The feast is very interesting for the residents and the guests of the village, who have the opportunity to taste different hand-made local foods, some of which are prepared right now in front of their own eyes. 11

12 This document is part of the project Bulgarian cultural tourism destinations of excellence GRO/SME/16/C/071 Tourism which has received funding from the European Union`s COSME Programme ( )

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