Bulgaria will spend 150 million euros for the castles

Bulgaria intends to start a large-scale reconstruction of its historic monuments. Today across the country there are hundreds of colorful historical sites that require serious restoration. Castles, churches, houses and villas in Bulgaria will receive state support this year. The country intends to invest about 300 million levs (150 villion Euros) in restoration of monuments. According to bTV channel, the largest part of this sum will be granted by the European Union.

The program of restoring architectural heritage includes at least 11 castles in different parts of Bulgaria. In addition to the castles numerous ancient attractions will receive support. The age of some cultural monuments is than one thousand years.

Among them, for example, is a fortress near the village of Belchin in the western part of Bulgaria, 15 km from the town of Samokov. This is a 1,700-year old building. The length of its walls is 350 m, while the total number of watchtowers is six. The country’s authorities plan to restore the fortress in the next two years. Archaeologists have recently found in the vicinity of the fortress three churches, which age is similar to the age of the fortress. This finding suggests that Christianity came to Bulgaria during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine.

The town of Samokov promises to receive the major part of financial support for the monument restoration in the city and around it. In total the city will spend on reconstruction about 3 million Euros.

Among the most prominent places in Bulgaria, which attractions are also planned to be restored, is Etura museum village, the former Bulgarian capital Pliska, rock carvings of the 7th century near the town of Shumen known as "Madara Rider", fortress in the town of Asenovgrad, famous caves of Magura and Ledenika in the Belogradchik mountain reserve.

In total the program of reconstruction includes monuments in 61 municipalities. In addition to restoration will be developed tourism infrastructure around the most famous attractions.