This southern Bulgarian city is home to Europe's tallest statue of the Virgin Mary and has deep roots in tobacco production. The local museum preserves Thracian artifacts from 4000 BCE.
Haskovo sits in southern Bulgaria, 225 km from Sofia and close to the Greek and Turkish borders. You'll find a 32-meter Monument of the Virgin Mary watching over the city streets, while century-old oak trees shade the paths of Kenana Park. In the surrounding area, the 4th-century Aleksandrovo Tomb contains well-preserved hunting scenes painted on its walls.
Getting to Haskovo
Buses depart every 2 hours from Sofia (4-hour journey) and hourly from Plovdiv (90-minute journey). The city's location puts you within 100 km of both the Greek and Turkish border crossings.
Weather and When to Visit
Summer temperatures reach 25-32°C (77-89°F) between June and September, with minimal cloud cover. May and March see the most rain, while July and August afternoons can get hot enough to limit outdoor activities. Visit in early morning or evening during peak summer months.
Monument of Virgin Mary Complex
The 32-meter monument stands on the Hill of Youth, with the Nativity of the Virgin chapel at its base. A bell tower added in 2010 contains eight bells that ring daily. Visit between 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM to climb to the viewing platform for views across the city and surrounding countryside.
Ancient Sites and Museums
The Aleksandrovo Tomb walls display 4th-century BCE frescoes showing hunters on horseback and religious ceremonies. Next door, the Thracian Art Museum exhibits gold jewelry and ceremonial objects from 4500 BCE. Adult admission: 4 Lv, students and seniors: 2 Lv.
Kenana Park
Walk or jog the 2.5-kilometer path through oak forests in northeastern Haskovo. The park includes tennis courts, a small zoo, and several cafes. Time your visit for the annual folk festival in June, when traditional dance groups perform on outdoor stages throughout the park.
Historical Religious Buildings
Built in 1395, the Old Mosque remains Bulgaria's earliest surviving mosque. Visit the Church of the Assumption in Uzundjovo village to see one of Bulgaria's largest carved iconostases. The building served as both church and mosque throughout its history, with architectural elements from both religions visible today.
Safety and Practical Information
The city center has minimal activity after dark, though crime rates remain low. Use bottled water for drinking. Local buses run every 20 minutes between main attractions (18-minute journey), while walking between central sites takes about 8 minutes. Tourist information office on Main Square opens Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
