Kardzhali is a regional center in southern Bulgaria, located on both banks of the Arda River. Many of the places in and around the city are enveloped in secrets and mysteries, but things are no different with the name of the city. According to legend, the city is named after the so-called Kurdja Ali – military leader who led the Ottomans in the attack on the city.
The Regional History Museum in Kardzhali is one of the most visited places. In it you can find cultural values that have been collected for more than half a century. The beautiful building of the museum is located in a fresh park, which is home to about 30 plant species, characteristic only for Bulgaria.
Find great offers for accommodation in the Kardzhali area here:
No less impressive is the "Stanka Dimitrova" Art Gallery, whose founding coincides with that of the museum. The gallery houses icons of indigenous masters from The Rhodopes and Thrace, and artistic works of three generations of Bulgarian artists, sculptors and graffiti artists. The work of some of the most famous Bulgarian artists, including Vladimir Dimitrov-Maistora, Stoyan Venev, Dechko Uzunov, can be found here. It is not by chance that the place has been declared a cultural monument.
Only 15 km from the city is one of the wonders of Bulgaria and the world - the rock city Perperikon. Hewn entirely into the rocks, Perperikon is one of the most ancient monumental megalithic monuments. The place is sacred and is unique in archaeological, historical, multi-religious and natural aspect. The view that opens from the ancient holy city is more than fascinating. The legends they tell about gods from Greek mythology and great personalities from world history who found refuge here - the god Dionysus, Alexander the Great, the Roman emperor Gaius Octavius, etc. In one of the parts of Perperikon, remains have been found, pointing to the earliest church discovered so far in the Rhodopes. The object, about which even the famous ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote, continues to be explored further. The excavations that take place every year lead to more and more new things, and with it the number of visitors is constantly growing.
See also: 5 unique Thracian places you must see
Kardzhali also has natural gifts. Two large ones are located not far from the city dam - "Studen Kladenets" and "Kardzhali", which attract fishing enthusiasts from all over the country. The mirror-clear waters of the dams are suitable for relaxation with a wonderful view, fresh air and tranquility.
The numerous sights attract thousands of tourists year-round. Apart from the fact that there is a lot to see culturally, in Kardzhali you will also come across the mutual coexistence of a population of Bulgarian and Turkish origin. You will have the opportunity to observe the existence shared by people of different nationalities. Kardzhali and the surrounding area is suitable for tourists at any time of the year!
