Popgrigorovo: Archaeology and St. Nicholas Church

Popgrigorovo offers a historical perspective on different periods: archaeological settlements and St. Nicholas Church are among the site’s points of interest. Those planning a trip to Popgrigorovo can use these two areas as a guide to the local history.

Archaeological settlements from different periods

Popgrigorovo is home to a 32-dekar archaeological settlement associated with the First Bulgarian Empire and classified as a cultural property of national significance. Another archaeological settlement covers 125 dekars. It is dated to the Late Iron Age and the Roman period and is also classified as a cultural property of national significance.

The two sites differ in their historical periods as well as their size. The 125-dekar settlement covers almost four times the area of the 32-dekar settlement. Together, these details offer a concise overview of two archaeological themes associated with Popgrigorovo: its place in the early history of the Bulgarian Empire, and the settlement periods of the Late Iron Age and the Roman period.

St. Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church was built in 1891 and consecrated in 1903. Historically, it served as a venue for weddings and baptisms for residents of 13 neighboring villages. Its role in the community life of the surrounding villages is therefore also part of the history of the church.

A report from December 2023 noted that the church was used for religious services on holidays; a local volunteer opened it to worshippers. This use may depend on local arrangements. If you are considering a visit, check the local arrangements in advance; the reported opening was for worshippers.

Landscape and culture in the wider destination of Dobrich-Selska

In the wider destination of Dobrich-Selska, the Sukhata Valley runs through the municipality from north to south. Dry valleys, terraced steps, rocks, and cliffs shape the landscape. The valley is home to more than 460 plant species, including 16 species on Bulgaria’s Red List, as well as numerous endangered animal species. Future surveys may change the species counts.

The region’s history also reflects different periods: the Sukhata Valley contains ruins of ancient Thracian, Roman, and medieval fortresses, as well as rock monasteries. A one-day hiking route runs through the Sukhata Canyon from Karapelit toward Zhitnitsa. Along the way, visitors may have the opportunity to visit the karst cave in the “Krali Markova stapka” area. Seasonal accessibility may vary. The Batovska Trail runs from the “Buzluka” area to the “Gubkite” area, close to the village of Batovo; Buzluka is in Odartsi.

Kaleto Fortress offers another regional point of reference for exploring Dobrich-Selska: it lies about 2 km southeast of the village of Odartsi on a hilly, rocky peninsula. The Batova Valley is described as Bulgaria’s only “mountain under a plain.” There, wooded mountain slopes rise abruptly from the Dobrudzha Plain.

Other regional details include the Botevo Hut, located at an altitude of 280 m, with 28 beds and a dining hall for 40 people. These capacities may change. In the village of Stefan Karadzha, the Karalezka Fountain is in a small park in the center of the village.

Honey house and regional visitor attractions

In Prilep, the “Mihovi” Honey House is a beekeeping operation and also a kind of museum that attracts tourist and educational groups. The various types of bee housing include a stone cave, hollow logs and tree cavities, a clay hive used in Egypt and Israel, and a woven beehive typical of the local area. Check before visiting whether these exhibits are currently on display.

The examples in Dobrich-Selska range from landscapes and biodiversity to archaeological remains, hiking trails, and insights into beekeeping. They add distinct regional themes to the picture of Popgrigorovo.

Discover more destinations: Stefanovo, Vladimirovo.

For the wider travel overview: Dobrich-Selska.