In Isperih, Thracian archaeology, an important pilgrimage site and trails through forest and karst landscapes come together. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping the cultural sites and the different routes in mind: the hikes described range from three kilometres to a longer route between Isperih and the Ahinora Hut.
Thracian history in Sborianowo
The UNESCO-listed Thracian royal tomb of Sveshtari dates from the 3rd century BC and was discovered in 1982. Its colourful caryatids combine human and plant forms; the painted wall murals are associated with Getic culture. The Sborianowo Historical and Archaeological Reserve also contains more than 40 Thracian burial mounds, sanctuaries, ancient and medieval villages, buildings, a fortress, a mausoleum and an Ottoman-era minaret.
Helis is another place with a long history. The city was founded towards the end of the 4th century BC as the capital of a Getic dynasty under King Dromichaetes. After about a century, it was destroyed by a severe earthquake around 250 BC. The archaeological evidence also makes the area interesting to travellers who want to see historic sites not only as individual structures, but in the context of different eras.
Demir Baba Teke and its history
The seven-sided, domed Demir Baba Teke stands on the site of an ancient Thracian sanctuary dating from between the 6th century BC and the 2nd century AD. The present building was constructed at the beginning of the 17th century at a site regarded as sacred by different peoples for more than 2,000 years. Large stone blocks from the altars of the older sanctuary were incorporated into the walls, which are 1.2 to 1.5 metres thick.
Demir Baba Teke remains an important pilgrimage site for Alevi communities; visitors come from Bulgaria and abroad. The complex is open year-round during daylight hours. Nevertheless, check access conditions before your visit. From the car park near Ahinora Hut, a paved road, a landscaped path and steps lead to the Teke.
Hiking trails: plan your route and the season
Route 1 starts in the centre of Isperih and passes through the oak forest of the Sborianowo Archaeological Reserve. The easy circular route between Isperih and Ahinora Hut is intended for hiking and cycling; it is listed as nine kilometres and three hours each way. The seasonal restriction is important: sections may be difficult to pass in winter and after heavy rain.
Route 2 leads from the visitor centre to the southwestern quarter of Helis. It is three kilometres long, rated as an easy hike, and open year-round. The starting point can be reached by car, bicycle or on foot. The route provides access to the Caryatid Royal Tomb and to neighbouring graves beneath Mounds 12 and 13. The tomb lies beneath a protective dome and has been open to visitors since 2000. At three kilometres, Route 2 is the shorter of the two hikes described; Route 1 is listed as nine kilometres each way.
Route 4 has a different focus: it passes through a wooded river valley with rock formations and a small cave. In spring, wild cyclamen, a protected species listed in the Bulgarian Red Data Book, blooms there among other plants. Sborianowo is also home to 47 bird species, including species listed in the Red Data Book, as well as deer, wild boar and other wildlife.
Karst landscapes and museums
The municipality of Isperih occupies part of the southern slopes of the Ludogorie Plateau. The terrain is hilly and lies at an altitude of about 250 to 300 metres; the karst area includes caves, rock niches and hollows. Around 20 per cent of the municipality is forested. More than 40 tree species, over 20 shrub species and more than 100 herbaceous plant species grow there. In the river valley, rocky outcrops and ledges shape the landscape; 14 caves have been recorded.
Museums also offer ways to explore the area’s culture. The Historical Museum in Isperih comprises permanent and temporary exhibition halls, the Ethnographic House, archaeological sites in Sborianowo and a windmill in Belintsi. The Ethnographic House was formerly a Turkish konak and later the home of a wealthy Bulgarian. Today, it displays objects and tools from the daily and working lives of the local population; it also hosts monthly temporary exhibitions on past ways of life and contemporary crafts.
The Ethnographic House is also one of the venues for the Corn Festival, held in October. Check the current festival dates if you would like to plan your trip around it. The art gallery in Isperih has a collection of 412 paintings, prints and sculptures by Bulgarian artists and holds themed, archaeological and historical exhibitions, as well as activities for Museum Night.
Getting there and finding your way
Sborianowo can be reached via the E-72 and E-70 road corridors and the Silistra–Shumen road, with access via Razgrad or Dulovo. The nearest airports are Varna and Bucharest. A maintained paved road through the reserve leads to the Royal Tomb of Sveshtari from Sveshtari or Malak Porovets. A visitor centre in the municipality of Isperih offers parking, souvenirs and information materials for visitors to Sborianowo.
Discover more destinations: Isperih, Tzar Kaloyan.
For the regional travel overview: Razgrad Province.
