At the heart of Zlatograd lies the Ethnographic Area Complex, an open-air museum with an ethnographic museum, craft workshops and an exhibition on water technology. In the museum, you can see archaeological collections and evidence of former local trades, as well as traditional costumes, pieces of jewellery and ritual objects. This brings together different facets of the town’s history in one complex: archaeological finds, everyday culture and crafts.
Crafts and Technology in the Area Complex
Vuntsov’s Mill comprises three working water-powered installations. The fulling mill is used for washing, the wool-beating mill for processing woollen fabrics, and the watermill for grinding flour. Their different functions illustrate the kinds of work carried out using these installations. The same ethnographic complex also houses the Communications Museum: it covers 200 square metres and is housed in a restored building designated a cultural monument. The museum is described as the only one of its kind in Bulgaria.
Architecture is also part of Zlatograd’s cultural character. More than 100 architectural cultural monuments are registered in the town’s architectural reserve. In the Old Town stands the Chalakkova House, a landmark showcasing Bulgarian life and culture in the second half of the 19th century.
Schooling, Writing and Architectural History
Zlatograd has several specific points of interest relating to the history of education and writing. The Education Museum presents the mutual instruction method and historical teaching materials: sand trays, wax tablets, inkwells, maps and an abacus. Zlatograd is also home to the first cell school, associated with the beginnings of educational work in the Rhodopes.
The Zlatograd Pismovnik dates from 1852 and is the oldest written monument of the Rhodope Revival. The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was built in 1834 and is considered the oldest church in the Rhodopes. Together with the exhibitions in the Area Complex, these places offer different ways to explore the history of education, writing and religious architecture.
Hiking and Cycling Routes
The Sveta Nedelya Eco Trail starts in Zlatograd and is 12 kilometres long. The route is listed as taking around three hours and involving about 400 metres of elevation gain. Blue markings and wooden signs show the way; check the markings and conditions locally. The trail starts at Vodenitsa. The tavern next to it serves local specialities such as kachamak made from freshly ground flour, patatnik and klin.
Zlatograd has three established cycling routes; bicycles can be hired from the Tourist Information Centre in the Old Town. Check rental availability before you arrive. The Zlatograd–St. Atanas cycling and eco trail is three kilometres long, starts on Gorski Patnik Street and ends at the summit of St. Atanas. The cycling route at the Zlatograd Reservoir is two kilometres long. It starts on Belovidovo Street, near the Roman Bridge, and follows an asphalt-concrete road for its entire length. The reservoir route is therefore one kilometre shorter, while the route to the summit of St. Atanas has a specific endpoint.
Old Town and Local Cuisine
The Old Town has cafés and restaurants where you can try local dishes and Zlatograd coffee brewed in a sand pot. Alongside the craft traditions presented in the Area Complex, the cuisine offers another way to experience local culture. As the offerings of individual establishments may change, it is a good idea to check what is currently being served before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Mogilitsa, Chepelare, Pamporovo, Devin, Polkovnik Serafimovo, Smolyan, Gela, Bosilkovo
For the main travel overview: Smolyan Province.
