Haskovo Province stretches from the Maritsa Valley across the Haskovo Hills and parts of the Upper Thracian Plain to the Sakar Mountains and the Eastern Rhodopes. The mountains are relatively low and separated by protected, fertile valleys. The region’s discoveries include Thracian monuments, museum collections and mineral springs—distinct themes that can also be explored individually.
Museums and Thracian History
The Regional History Museum in Haskovo preserves more than 120,000 movable cultural artifacts from prehistoric, ancient and medieval collections. A special focus is its collection of ancient and medieval coins, with more than 22,000 pieces. Almost 15,000 objects belong to the ethnographic collection, including copper vessels, clothing, textiles, jewelry, agricultural and craft tools, and folk art. These objects offer a glimpse into different aspects of material life, while the coins provide a separate historical focus.
The museum is located in the center of Haskovo and is open year-round for a fee, with guided tours available. Accommodation, dining and a tourist information center are nearby. Check current opening hours and visitor services before your visit.
One archaeological landmark is the Thracian Tomb of Alexandrovo. It was built in the second half of the 4th century BC and discovered in 2000. An exact replica is located at the Museum of Thracian Art in the Eastern Rhodopes. Unlike the original, the replica is open to tourists; check visitor arrangements again before your trip.
To find the tomb, take the road from Alexandrovo to Simeonovgrad. At the exit from Alexandrovo, follow the signs to the right. Check road signs and public transport options before setting out.
Fortresses, Sanctuaries and Architecture
The Hisarya Complex is near Angel Voyvoda in the municipality of Mineralni Bani, in Haskovo Province. The site is designated a cultural monument of national significance, and its ancient sanctuary is considered one of the largest in Bulgaria. The six surveyed areas include a fortress with a Thracian sanctuary, the well-preserved northern fortress wall, a rock tomb, 17 rock niches, a large rock altar and a Late Antique cistern. The complex also includes an early Christian single-nave church with high vaults and large windows.
Admission to the Hisarya Complex is free. A guided tour can be arranged by contacting the municipality of Mineralni Bani in advance. Access is via a paved road to Angel Voyvoda, followed by an unpaved road suitable for vehicles with high ground clearance. Alternatively, take an eco-trail from Sarnitsa via the Five Springs locality. Check road and trail conditions in advance. There are no accommodations or fast-food facilities near the complex; the nearest options are in Mineralni Bani, 15 km away.
Mezek Fortress is another historic attraction in the province. Built in the 11th century, it is considered one of Bulgaria’s best-preserved medieval fortresses. The Shishmanova House Museum offers a different architectural impression: the two-story house dates from 1854 and showcases a characteristic 19th-century Thracian architectural style from the Bulgarian National Revival. The exhibition covers domestic activities from the 19th and early 20th centuries; guided tours and accessibility for people with disabilities are available. Check visitor arrangements in advance.
Another site to visit is Uzundzhovo Church. It is considered Bulgaria’s largest village church, and its iconostasis bears carved Glagolitic characters. The region therefore brings together different forms of cultural heritage, from a Thracian tomb and a medieval fortification to 19th-century architecture.
Mineral Water, Activities and Wine
Mineralni Bani is 18 km from Haskovo. Its hyperthermal mineral water has a temperature of 54–59 °C and distinctive chemical and therapeutic properties. Mineralni Bani has facilities for water treatments and balneotherapy, including a public mineral bath and accommodations offering mineral-water relaxation treatments. As services and access can change, ask in advance about current options.
For physical activity, Haskovo’s Kenana Park has a tennis and squash complex with indoor courts, seven outdoor clay courts, coaching, a sauna and a pool. If you plan to use a facility or book coaching, check availability in advance. This lets you choose among cultural visits, mineral water and sports activities according to your interests, without needing to follow a set itinerary.
Wine is another regional discovery: small wineries around Ivaylovgrad, Tankovo and Popovets offer tastings. Other local wines include Stambolovo Merlot and grape varieties such as Tamjanka and Khelibar. If you plan to attend a tasting, confirm the date and availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Mineralni Bani, Stambolovo, Svilengrad, Lyubimetz, Haskovo, Topolovgrad, Harmanli, Dimitrovgrad, Ivaylovgrad, Madjarovo, Simeonovgrad.
For the broader travel overview: Bulgaria.
