The miracles of the Troyan Balkan

Kamelia Krumova, visitbulgaria.net

It was a sunny mid April Saturday morning when we headed to Troyan. The spring has already arrived in Bulgaria and trees and flowers were proudly showing their blossom garment.

The blue sky and the shimmering sun beams were cheerfully playing on the front window of the car.

There we were – me and my company full of energy, eager to dive in the beauty of the awakened nature. That is why we choose Troyan- one of the most beautiful and hospital Bulgarian towns right in the heart of the Balkan Mountain range.

The trip went fast as Troyan is just 180 kilometres away from Sofia and half the way goes along the highway. We barely could share a word during the whole journey, as the nature was so fascinating, that left us stunned and speechless.

The marvelous green grass, those trees thick with leaves and the beautiful spring flowers that variegated the whole land, brought a sweet scent in the air, which literary enchants every traveller. It definitely makes you feel free, alive and above all proud to be residents of this unique country Bulgaria.

Unnoticeably we found ourselves in the heart of Troyan, loitering around the narrow streets of the town. Charming two storey houses of the National Revival Period style bending over the streets, shiny people strolling around, always ready to help you find the way to your hotel, or the next tourism attraction. The crystal clear air with a scent of herbs and the cheerful birds, performing their love song exhilarated our company.
We left our car in front of the hotel and headed to the heart of this magnificent town, where a joyful river whispers the story of the beauties it has seen along its way. It was absolutely gorgeous.

Right before dusk we found that unique traditional style mehana, on the bank of the river, with huge panoramic windows, revealing the fast waters of the river crashing in the round boulders, proudly standing like guards of the river bottom. Twinkle little stars scattered on the dark sky like little pearls in the crown of a princess. This unforgettable atmosphere, combined with flawless service and delicious food completely delighted our senses.

Troyanska slivova rakia (national high spirit drink made of plums) is definitely a must. Don’t miss to combine it with some of the local fresh salads and you will never regret it. The locals also have an incredible way to prepare trout- which I can describe as absolutely delicious.

The local Starata Kashta (the Old house) Mehana also deserves your attention when visiting Troyan.

The next day we indulged in the pleasant atmosphere of the spa centre of our hotel - Park Hotel Troyan. The soft hands of the massage boy helped us completely relax.
What else could a person need? This town is such a magic place, that we were all sad to leave so soon.

However we had other plans for the day – The Saeva Dupka Cave, which is actually very easy to miss, if you don’t pay attention to the signs along the road. We got there along a relatively decent road, with no other cars on our way, to find out that many other tourists came here just like us. A wide and comfortable free parking lot, welcomed us in this beautiful natural site, in the heart of the Balkan Mountain range.

We found the entrance of the cave, which is actually very well kept and lighted, to discover, that we have to wait another 30 minutes before we are allowed to enter, as only small groups are allowed.

A young sporty lady smiled at us and explained that we can take a unique climbing tour in the brand new Via Ferrata route, which is specially prepared for inexperienced climbers. She explained to us that Via Ferrata is a mountain route which is equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and bridges. The use of these allows otherwise isolated routes to be joined to create longer routes which are accessible to people with a wide range of climbing abilities.

Walkers and climbers can follow via ferratas without needing to use their own ropes and belays, and without the risks associated with unprotected scrambling and climbing.
This conversation definitely provoked our interest and we started following the signs to reach the climbing site. The path went through a beautiful forest, with a lot of flowers and trees that were just opening their blossom, to show their beauty to the world. Finally we got to the site- a small wooden bridge was the first obstacle we should pass and there it was- the rocks, so steep and scary.

The view was absolutely fascinating and we decided that we will definitely come back here again to give it a try.

Time passed so fast and we had to go back to the entrance of the Saeva Dupka cave, if we wanted to be part of the next group to see it.

And there it was – so glorious and dark, with the proudly hanging stalactites, so divinely shaped, trying to meet the stalagmite below them and to create another miracle – strong and proud column. Words are not enough to describe this magical natural phenomenon, so powerful and stunning. We were all standing there listening to the inspirational story of our guide in rapture. Beautiful halls and divine corridors, shiny formations glittered by the light of the torches and this inspirational sound, I will never forget.

Recently a film company shot a movie in the cave, and a couple in love even got married in the large hall. Isn’t that exciting?

Again we felt so proud to live in this miraculous country Bulgaria – so small, but mystic and fascinating.


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