The Bulgarian town of Tran
Photo: Veneta Nikolova
Beautiful samples of the Bussintsi ceramic
school
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There is a place
in Bulgaria where life has not changed much in the past 50 years, globalization
is very distant, and people speak about development of tourism in the future
tense. But if you happen to be going to this town you will be surprised by the
magnificent views on both sides of the narrow road. The town of Tran is
situated some 70 kilometers in western direction from Sofia, close to the
Serbian border. Old villages and mountains around just wait to be found by
people with adventurous spirit.
The third
largest municipality in Bulgaria – that of Tran is also one of the poorest in
Europe. It is situated in a mountainous area with a beauty easily comparable to
the most visited tourist destinations in Bulgaria. After leaving Sofia to the
west one is surprised by the change in the landscape, which becomes mountainous
and green with flowers and herbs. One sees the peak of Rui (1705 meters), the
highest in the mountain. The road to the town of Tran passes through small
villages with a few old people living there. Their grandchildren have long ago
moved to the big cities.
© Photo: Veneta Nikolova
The statue of Master Guiga, a local builder, decorating the central square a
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The central
square of the town and the buildings around have recently been renovated. The
local St. Nikola church is also freshly painted in pink. The local
administration has been very active in accomplishing its goal to turn Tran into
a tourist destination. The town has been renovated with EU financing, More
tourists are coming to Tran and the new hotel downtown. There are a number of
tourist sites in Tran.
© Photo: Veneta Nikolova |
One of them is the museum of the Bulgarian sour milk in the village of Studen Kladenets. This is
the village of Bulgarian doctor Stamen Grigorov, founder of the Lactobacillus
Bulgaricus, the bacteria responsible for producing the famous Bulgarian yogurt.
In the museum one can see the first scientific article by doctor Grigorov
concerning the health benefits of the product, published in French in 1905. One
of the tourist’s sites in the region is the village of Busintsi, famous for its
unique pottery. In the past craftsmen had workshops in almost every house of
the village.
© Photo: Veneta Nikolova
The house of late Petar Guigov - a famous pottery master
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Even doctor
Stamen Grigorov used a pottery vessel from Busintsi to take the Bulgarian
yogurt to Geneva for more scientific studies. The characteristic colors of the
Busintsi pottery are green and yellow, decorations are mostly floral. The
vessels were carried attached to the wrist, which is very convenient. They were
used for storage of food and milk. In the museum one can see the so-called
devil’s jug – it has five spouts but only one is functional. In the past there
was a tradition of giving the bride a jug like this and she would try to find
out which was the correct spout otherwise she was unfit for marriage. Right
next to the museum there is an authentic house with a pottery oven and a
potter’s wheel.
© Photo: Veneta Nikolova |
In the region
one can also see the beautiful Erma gorge. An eco trail was constructed here
several years ago and now it is an attractive place for tourists who enjoy
great and sometimes scary views. The gorge offers
breath-taking sights, guide Mihail Mihov says and adds.
“From here one
can reach the village of Transka Bankya which is situated right on the border
with Serbia and the border even passes through one of the houses. Nearby is the
river of Yablanitsa but the eco trail there is not in a good condition.
Attractive bicycle routes will also be created in the region. “
© Photo: Veneta Nikolova |
Leaving the
region of Tran we paid a visit to the rock chapel St. Petka. According to the
legend, St. Petka lived in the cave above the town of Tran after fierce
persecution for her Christian fate. Later the cave was turned into a chapel and
the saint became the patroness of the town.
English version:
Alexander Markov
Radio Bulgaria
Veneta Nikolova . Neverending Journey
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