Ethnographic Area Complex – Zlatograd

Ethnographic Area Complex – Zlatograd About Us The greatest modern place of general interest in the Municipality of Zlatograd is the unique Ethnographic Area Complex – Zlatograd (EAC). The idea of creating it was realised by the owner of the BULTEX Ltd. Company, Eng. Alexander Mitushev, who ensures the necessary material funds and organisation. This is the first in Bulgaria (and for the time being, the only!) private ethnographic area complex. The complex was opened with the cooperation of the Municipality of Zlatograd on May 24, 2001 – the festive day devoted to the Bulgarian culture and education and the Slavonic script. The numerous sites, some of which have been reconstructed with the assistance of the PHARE and SAPARD programmes, disclose and reflect the natural-geographical specifics and the wealth of the millenniums-long history of the Zlatograd ethnocultural area, and above all, those of Zlatograd and the settlements in the municipality.Its unique nature is determined by: the dynamic presentation of the museum exhibition and the demonstration of traditional labour skills; the innovation exhibition approach at the handicraft workshops; the location of the sites in buildings – architectural monuments of culture, included in an architectural reserve (the biggest one in a town in the Rhodopes!), inhabited the year round by its keepers. About Us The main tendencies in the development of EAC are: the increasing number of its sites, the enrichment of the content and the improving quality of the services. Its structure covers: cultural-historical sites places of accommodation food and entertainment outlets wherever possible, the approaches of tourist animation and attraction are implemented. In 2004 EAC was included on the list of the 100 national tourist sites in the Republic of Bulgaria. In early 2006 it was declared “the best unique ethnographic complex in Bulgaria in 2005”. Now EAC has the possibility, through its numerous sites, to offer its visitors both types of tourist services – (accommodation, food and transportation) and basic auxiliary (complementary), combined into various tourist packages (one-day and several-days). Water works The most attractive site in the Complex is Vuntsov’s water-mill with three different water works – fulling-mill (dashta), felting-mill and primitive water-mill. They are included in a common water-operated system and are located together in one building. The fulling-mill is the traditional “washing-machine” – economical and effective, sought for and used to this day. The felting-mill performs the main role in the production of frieze and homespun – materials for traditional men’s and women’s costumes (clothes). The huge wooden hammers produce an impression beyond description. The primitive water-mill grinds to this day – just as in the distant past. Its maize flour is broadly used to make delicious specialties typical of Zlatograd. Places of Accommodation The total capacity of the hotel base of Etnographic Area Complex is 170 beds – disposed into four guest houses, one hostel (tourist house) and the newest hotel – SPA complex “Aleksandar”. Tourists could make a choice between the comforts of 3-star “Pachilov’s house”, “Alexandrov’s houses” and “Sivrieva house” and the coziness of 2-star “Korucheva house”. All of the houses have a perfect opportunity for rest in the pure atmosphere of the times gone by. “Pachilov’s house” and “Korucheva house” are restored monuments of culture preserved their revival fascination and adapted to the modern requirements of places for accommodation. In “Alexandrov’s houses” and “Sivrieva house” are successfully combined the revival vision with modern conveniences. For big and organized tourist groups Etnographic Area Complex offers accommodation in “Grebenci” hostel – with hotel’s part and dormitory. Ethnographic Area Complex – Zlatograd