When in Haskovo,Bulgaria, a "must see" is the biggest statue of Virgin Mary in the world. It is located on the Hill of Youth in the city (see the map below). Erected in 2003, the statue representing the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, has quickly became one of the city’s symbols.

Virgin Mary’s statue weights 80 tons and its overall height exceeds 31 m. Because of its impressive height, the monument can be seen from all parts of the town. A small chapel called Nativity of the Virgin Mary is located in the foot of the monument.

The building of memorial of Virgin Mary was accomplished with donations of local citizens and the help of the municipality. Few local companies and many individuals took part in the construction of the monument.

The symbol of Virgin Mary wasn’t chosen accidentally. The Mother of God is considered to be the patroness of Haskovo and Virgin Mary’s day is kept in high honor as one of biggest holidays in the city.

The first church in Haskovo is also called Virgin Mary.

Perperikon was the name of the ancient Thracian city, located in the Eastern Rhodopes, 15 km northeast of the present-day city of Kardzhali in Bulgaria. Situated on a 470 m high rocky hill, it is thought to have been a sacred place. Perperikon is the largest megalith (large stone which has been used to construct a structure) ensemble in the Balkans.

The famous sanctuary and oracular and holy place dedicated to Sabazios (god of the Thracians) of the Bessi (Thracian tribes) was situated there.

Human activity in the area dates back 6000 years. The first evidence of civilization on the hill date from the Bronze Age, while the ceramics found on the place date from the Early Iron Age. There is also an impressive round altar, almost 2 m in diameter, cut out of the rocks.

At the time of the Roman Empire, a giant multi-story palace was erected according to archeological evidence, and an imposing with its size fortress was built around the hill, with walls as thick as 2.8 m. Temples and quarters of residential buildings were also constructed in the fortress.

The megalith complex had been laid in ruins and re-erected many times in history.

To visit you need to reach the village of Gorna Krepost  ("Upper Fortress") which is located at the foot of the hill. There is a large parking lot to leave your car and the journey to the top takes about 20 minutes. The sight is open every day  and currently (as of May 2010) it’s free of charge. There are experienced guides, some of which speak English, German or Russian, that could be hired for reasonable fee to accompany you on the tour to the holly place.  Allow at least 2 hours per visit.

This is a small (12 rooms), family run hotel, situated in the village of Gela, not far the more famous Shiroka Laka village and about 15 km. away from the Pamporovo ski resort.

What you find here is quite different from most accommodations around the region. The short describtion is that the hosts provede the best from the local traditions and culture, matched well with other typical  Bulgarian features, and most importantly with all the modern neccesities and extras (but well hidden) to make your stay comfortable. For example, there is a modern spa centre (just across the yard) operated by the hotel but this is one of the last things you learn about the place. The owners say this is so because no one come because of the spa. Most people come because of the nature, the ultra fresh air, the tranquility, surrounding everything. Others come because of the different activities, such as mountain horse ridding, fishing and skiing (in the winter). "Things like good food and ocasional tretment in the spa center are the nice and memorable touches that make us stay out of the rest" they say.

I have alredy been to Gela at all seasons and I really like each one of them. Gorgeous place!