Melnik (pop. 800) is the smallest Bulgarian town,picturesquely situated amidst a fantastic scenery -
strangely shaped pyramids of sand and limestone.
During the 17th - 18th c. it become a flourishing
tobacco and wineproducing center, whose fame spread to many
European countries. The beautiful fortress-like houses with broad
wine-cellars cut in the limestone rocks date from this period. Worth visiting is the Rozhen Monastery (14th c.) located 6 km east of Melnik. The monastery church (built in 1600) is famous for its beatifully carved altar and fine murals and icons.
Treasures
Thracian tombs
World's oldest gold
The Madara horseman
Old Bulgarian Capitals
| Museum towns |
Koprivshtitza
Veliko Turnovo
l Melnik
Etara
Kovachevica
Old fortresses
The upper row is made of Vene-
