Exhibition "Europe Close to Me"

Photographer: Zdravko Zdravkov

The rocky peaks in Mezdra, overhanging the Iskar River, hide seven millennia of history that inspire the visitors to the “Kaleto” Archaeological Complex. The project is funded under the Regional Development Operational Programme 2007-2013 ad it aims to present this historical treasure by attracting tourists and researchers wishing to immerse themselves in Bulgaria's past. In the place where ancient civilizations left their mark, the project “History, culture and nature – the tourist attractions of the municipality of Mezdra” offers a journey from the Copper Age to the Middle Ages. 

Among the archaeological finds are fortified settlements destroyed by natural fires that date back to the transition to the Bronze Age, as well as an “Auroch sanctuary”, a discovery unique to Bulgaria, testament to the deep religious beliefs of the ancient people. The project is an ambitious step towards rediscovering and integrating this ancient cultural landscape into the modern world, offering a new perspective on understanding our historical heritage.

Project BG161PO001/3.1-03/2010/021-01 “History, culture and nature – The tourist attractions of Mezdra Municipality” – Archaeological Complex “Kaleto”, Regional Development Operational Programme 2007-2013

Photographer: Sirma Alexandrova-Sivilova

In search of a new look, Petrich transforms the old barracks in the central part of the city into a home of the city's historical museum and a modern park that meets the requirements for sustainability and public functionality. 

The new home of the Petrich Historical Museum is the result of the successful implementation of the joint project “Creation of a cultural dipole in a cross-border area Serres-Petrich”, co-financed under the cross-border cooperation programme INTERREG IV-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020. New expositions and concept, new spaces where the cultural and historical heritage of Petrich and the region is protected, preserved and exhibited according to modern standards and conditions with an accessible environment for disadvantaged people. The museum houses over 15 000 valuable objects, but also hosts interesting visiting expositions and exhibitions.

Funded under the "Regions in Growth" 2014-2020 Operational Programme, the project for the newly built urban park successfully combines the preservation of natural characteristics with the addition of new activities and spaces for sport and culture. 

The park has an active sports area with facilities for football, volleyball, basketball and climbing, with an amphitheater and an open stage, as well as an outdoor library. The well-designed promenade connects the entrances of the park with the adjacent parking areas, facilitating access to its diverse sectors. 

Historical Museum – Cross-border Cooperation Programme INTERREG IV-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020, project No 1893 with the acronym Cultural Dipole 

Project BG16RFOP001-1.035-0001-C03 – Improvement of urban environment in Land Plot XLIV, Lot 53, designated for “City Park”, Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020

Photographer: Karina Popova 

“Dondukova gradina” in Plovdiv, established after the Liberation in 1878, is the first urban garden in Bulgaria and is part of the cultural and historical heritage of the city. Located near important buildings such as the first city municipality, the Unification Museum and the homes of famous Plovdivians, the garden was the center of public and cultural life in Plovdiv. Despite the many changes around it, the garden has preserved its unique atmosphere and in 1992 was declared a monument of park art.

The urban regeneration project in Plovdiv (2020-2023), funded under the Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020, includes a comprehensive renovation of this historic garden. With modernized infrastructure and improved green areas, it continues to be a symbol of cultural wealth and a place for recreation and cultural events for the residents and guests of Plovdiv.

Reconstruction of Dondukova gradina - Fund for Sustainable Development, Operational Programme "Regions in Growth" 2014-2020

Photographer: Yavor Iliev

The indoor swimming pool in Pavlikeni is built as part of the project “Sport, leisure and entertainment on the territory of the municipality of Pavlikeni - SPORT Pavlikeni”, funded by the Rural Development Program.

The pool offers opportunities for training of professional athletes, as well as for activities with children and free visits by citizens. 

Thanks to the introduction of 90 solar collectors, gas boilers and the modernization of the heating and ventilation systems, with the support of the FLAG Fund, the facility significantly reduces its energy costs and saves up to BGN 100 000 in electricity per year, with which the Municipality makes a serious commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Project "Sports, leisure, and entertainment on the territory of Pavlikeni Municipality - SPORT Pavlikeni" - Rural development programme 2007-2013

Photographer: Genadi Gatev

The synagogue in Vidin is a building with a rich history and many transformations throughout the years. Thanks to the project “Restoration and adaptation of the Vidin Synagogue as the tourist site Jules Pascin Cultural Centre”, funded under the Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020, it has now been fully restored and modernised. 

Originally built by Jacob Gattegno and demolished in 1789, the building was rebuilt by Raphael Eshkenazi in 1839, but during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) it was damaged again by artillery fire. The synagogue is located in the historic triangle of the city, formed by the streets "Baba Vida", "Knyaz Boris I" and "Jules Pascin", and is an important part of the architectural heritage of Vidin.

After the transformation of the Synagogue into a cultural center, it combines the functions of a museum, an exhibition space and a multifunctional event hall. The Tourist Information Center offers visitors information about the sights of the city and upcoming cultural events. 

Project “Restoration and adaptation of the Vidin Synagogue as the tourist site Jules Pascin Cultural Centre”, Operational Programme "Regions in Growth" 2014-2020

Photographer: Ivan Stefanov

After its creation in 1959, for decades now, the summer theater in the park “Mitropolit Metodiy Kusev” in Stara Zagora has been attracting people with its unique atmosphere. Although the facility is a landmark for urban culture, over the years it has been left without significant improvements and repairs.

The project for the complete renovation of the summer theatre, funded under the Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020, restores the stage space while maintaining its symbiosis with the green areas around it. The renovation includes both repairing the amphitheater and improving the infrastructure for better accessibility and security for visitors.

Already completed, the renovated summer theater provides opportunities for holding various events, returning to Stara Zagora one of the symbols of cultural life in the city.

Project BG16RFOP001-1.006 ‘Renovation and reconstruction of the Summer Theatre in Mitropolit Metodiy Kusev Park’, Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020

Photographer: Ivan Kyuranov

The history of Sofia Central Mineral Bath is a history of inspiring transformation. Originally opened in 1913, it quickly established itself as a key treatment center in the capital thanks to its thermal springs.

This continued until 1986, when the Bath was closed for repairs. The renovation was not carried out and the building was left to crumble, which led to serious damage to its construction in subsequent years.

Hope for the revival of the iconic location returned in 2011, when after winning EU funding, Sofia Municipality began a significant project for the restoration and transformation of the Bath into a museum of Sofia. After the successful implementation of the project, the building is again open to visitors since 2015, offering a remarkable cultural experience for all who want to experience the history of the city.

Project BG161PO001/3.1-03/2010/009-02 “Adaptation of the Central Mineral Bath into Museum of Sofia”, Operational Programme "Regional Development" 2007-2013

Photographer: Yavor Iliev

In the “Knezhki lag” district of Troyan, at the place where the old Otets Paisiy School used to be, the greenhouses of the ‘Municipal organic farming facility’ project, funded by the municipality of Troyan, are now located. The initiative is inspired by the Biocanteens project of the European URBACT III programme and is part of the efforts for healthy nutrition for the children in the area. Two orchards, with plum and apple trees plantations, are located in the area of the Troyan field, while in the greenhouse in “Knezhki lag” district grow ecologically clean vegetables.

In 2019, the project also received significant support from a German investor, Mr Weil, who donated a modern prefabricated building to the garden. It hosts refrigerated rooms for fruits and vegetables, a preparation and storage room, as well as household space for the staff.

This project makes a significant contribution to the efforts of the Municipality of Troyan to provide healthy food and a pleasant environment for the youngest residents of the city.

Project ‘Municipal organic farming facility’, Troyan, financed by the municipality of Troyan

Photographer: Zdravko Zdravkov

Kyustendil transformed its cultural appearance with the renovation of the Municipal Theater and the adjacent recreation area in the Theater Park. The project, implemented with funding from the Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020, leads to significant improvements that enrich the cultural and social life in the city. 

The renovated Municipal Theatre in Kyustendil hosts numerous outdoor events and offers a rich cultural program that unites the community and continues to develop urban identity.

Kyustendil: Project BG16RFOP001-1.030-0009 – Renovation/reconstruction of the Municipal Theatre Kyustendil and the construction and restoration of the Theatre Park recreation zone, Operational Programme "Regions in Growth" 2014-2020

Photographer: Alexander Karczynski

Ruse is becoming a pioneer of green transport with the deployment of electric vehicles thanks to the Operational Programme “Environment” 2014-2020. The project includes the integration of 20 electric buses and 15 trolleybuses into the city’s public transport, as well as the construction of the corresponding charging infrastructure.

To ensure the efficient operation of the new vehicles, the project includes 20 charging stations in the trolleybus depot and 4 fast charging stations via pantographs. Transport communication systems have also been improved, including automatic positioning, video surveillance and real-time passenger information. 

The project achieves a significant reduction of the transport’s environmental impact. The phasing out of old diesel buses and their replacement by electric ones is expected to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by 14 527 tonnes and fine particulate matter by 0,78 tonnes per year. This not only improves the air quality in Ruse, but also provides an example of sustainable development of urban transport systems across the country.

Project BG16M1OP002-5.004-0012-C04 “Improving the air quality by purchasing and delivering electric vehicles for road transport – electric buses and trolleybuses for Ruse Municipality”, Operational Programme "Environment" 2014-2020

Photographer: Karina Popova 

The project for the development of part of the central area and Acad. Nikolay Haytov Square in Asenovgrad is an inspiring example of urban transformation. Launched within the framework of the Integrated Plan for Urban Regeneration and Development 2014-2020, this project transforms the city centre into an area of high public importance.

Initially, Acad. Nikolay Haytov is a simple urban space, but the project is making significant changes: dismantling and replacement of outdated pavements, as well as the construction of new amenities, including an amphitheater recreation area, a permanent open stage for events and rock gardens. The improvements also include raising level 2 of the square, adding new street and site lighting, comprehensive landscaping and upgrading infrastructure for better access for people with disabilities.

This ambitious project not only improves the look of the city, but also strengthens the construction of the square space, increasing its safety and functionality. After its completion, Acad. Nikolay Haytov Square is a center for cultural and social events and provides the residents and visitors of Asenovgrad with a space for art and leisure reflecting the spirit and ambitions of the modern city.

Project BG16RFOP001-1.025-0006-C02 “Development of part of the central zone and Acad. Nikolay Haytov Square in Asenovgrad – phase I”, Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020.

Photographer: Ivan Stefanov

At the intersection of the streets St. ST. Kiril i Metodiy’ and Oborishte in Burgas, the abandoned building of the former German Hospital has been transformed into a modern cultural and educational centre, including a museum for contemporary art and a new library.

The large-scale project was implemented with financial support from the Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020.

One of the main objectives behind the design of the centre is to provide new opportunities to stimulate creativity and education in the region. The museum part presents a variety of fine, applied and decorative art, fashion and design, and the library meets the educational needs of citizens. With this initiative Burgas once again established itself as a leader in cultural innovations and educational activities in Bulgaria. 

In 2023, the project received the highest recognition of the European Regiostars Awards, the Audience Award.

Project BG16RFOP001-1.004-0008-C01 “Reconstruction and conversion of an existing building into a cultural-educational centre (museum) for contemporary art and library”, Operational Programme "Regions in Growth" 2014-2020.

Photographer: Rosen Toshev

The heart of Veliko Tarnovo is pulsating again in the rhythm of history after the successful restoration of the emblematic for the city Samovodska Charshia. The project for its renovation, funded under the Operational Programme “Regions in Growth”, includes the restoration and modernization of key elements of the architectural and ethnographic complex. 

The Samovodska Charshia, established in the 60s and 70s of the 19th century, is still true to its rich trade and craft past. Here, where time stops, visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Bulgarian Renaissance and get acquainted with the life of the artisans from Tarnovo, walking between the shops and the inns, telling stories from the past.

Project BG16RFOP001-1.009-0003-C01 “Implementation of Integrated Urban Restoration and Development Plans 2014-2020 - Veliko Tarnovo”, Operational Programme "Regions in Growth" 2014-2020.

Photographer: Genadi Gatev

Through a project funded under the Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020, the Tsar Simeon Veliki Secondary School in Vidin underwent significant changes, including the conservation, restoration and modernisation of the building and its adjacent spaces.

The project includes the construction of an extension and a sports hall, thus improving the physical education infrastructure for students. The large-scale renovation not only restores the brilliance of the historic building, but also creates modern amenities for the next generations in the city.

Vidin: Project BG16RFOP001-1.010-0001-C03 "Improving the condition of the educational infrastructure in Vidin", Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020

Photographer: Ivan Stefanov

Funded under the Operational Programme Regional Development 2007-2013, the skate park in the residential complex Izgrev in Burgas is a favorite place for sports and recreation for many children and young people in the city.

The facility offers a variety of attractive riding spaces that are suitable for both beginners and more advanced skaters and roller skaters. The space is designed to allow for the rapid development of skills and provide pleasant moments for young people in the open.

Integrated project No BG161PO001/1.4-09/2012/019 for the renewal of significant spaces in Burgas, Izgrev, Operational Programme Regional Development 2007-2013

Photographer: Sirma Alexandrova-Sivilova

The Vajelandiya sports and tourist attraction in the village of Chavdar offers a dynamic combination of sports and outdoor adventures. The facility, built with funding from the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, attracts both locals and tourists with its unique offers for active recreation.

The complex has two climbing walls with a height of 8 and 10 meters, an observation tower and a rope garden on two levels, where visitors can enjoy the height and the challenges it offers. Additional facilities for the youngest provide opportunities for games and entertainment to stimulate their imagination and physical activity.

The attraction is located in close proximity to the Archaeological Park, Topolnitsa, a project funded under the same European programme. The park is a living museum that resurrects one of the oldest cultures of Southeastern Europe, dating back 7 000 years.

Photo of children on a rope: Project “Sports and tourist attraction in the municipality of Chavdar”, Rural Development Programme 2007-2013

Photographer: Alexander Karczynski

From the remains of an old school to a picturesque art centre, this is how the “Culture in Eternity” project, funded under the INTERREG V-A "Romania - Bulgaria 2014-2020" cross-border cooperation programme, can be described, transforming a destroyed school in the town of Elena into a modern urban art gallery. 

The old school, built in 1880, burned down in 1988, leaving only stone foundations. Thanks to an architectural photograph taken in the past, the building has now been restored, preserving its authentic size and appearance.

The reconstruction works carried out under the project include precise rehabilitation and restoration of the building. The new art gallery is home to a rich cultural heritage and serves as a magnet for art connoisseurs from all over the country and abroad.

Project ROBG – 423 “Culture in eternity” – restoration of a school for City Art Gallery, INTERREGV-A ‘Romania - Bulgaria 2014-2020’ cross-border cooperation programme

Photographer: Yavor Iliev

The renovation of 1 Primary School "Hristo Botev" is part of the efforts of the Municipality of Targovishte to improve the educational conditions and facilities in the city. Funded by the Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020, the project includes a major renovation of the roof, and a complete renovation and modernisation of the school building.

There are also new sports fields and recreation areas that make the school a modern and attractive place for learning and development.

Project BG16RFOP001-1.033-0001-C02 – Renewal and modernization of municipal educational infrastructure – 1 Primary School Hristo Botev, Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020