History

Petrich is a town in southwestern Bulgaria, with a rich history dating back to ancient times. The first signs of settlement in the area date back to the Neolithic period (around 6000-4000 BC). In antiquity, the lands around Petrich were inhabited by Thracian tribes and later became part of the Macedonian Kingdom under Philip II and Alexander the Great. Subsequently, the area came under the control of the Roman Empire.

During the Middle Ages, Petrich was part of the First and Second Bulgarian Empires. After the Ottoman conquest in the late 14th century, the town remained under Ottoman rule until the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), when it was liberated and incorporated into Bulgaria.

During the First and Second World Wars, Petrich played a significant strategic role for Bulgaria. In modern times, the town is known for its archaeological findings, historical monuments, and natural attractions such as Belasitsa National Park and the Rupite area. Today, Petrich is a modern town and an important economic and cultural center in the region.

Museums

Petrich History Museum

The Historical Museum of Petrich was established on September 8, 1966, as a museum collection affiliated with the "Bratya Miladinovi" Community Center. Initially, it was housed in a private building owned by the Angovi family, and since 1974 it has been located on the ground floor of a state-owned building, which also houses the "Bratya Miladinovi-1914" Community Center. In 2005, it officially changed its status to a Historical Museum.

The sites affiliated with the Historical Museum of Petrich are:

  • The ancient city of Heraclea Sintica;
  • National Park-Museum "Samuil's Fortress";
  • The Vanga House.

The Vanga house 

The museum was opened on May 5, 2008. There are shown more than 3,000 objects - clothes, personal belongings, photos, gifts from people who Vanga had helped with predictions and more. The house was restored as it was when the prophet was live.

Baba Vanga (January 31, 1911 - August 11, 1996) is phenomenal Bulgarian prophetess, known worldwide for its possibility to predict the future and to help people in difficult for them times. In order of her explicit will all of her movable and immovable property was bequeathed to the Bulgarian state, and her house in town of Petrich was turned into a museum.

 

Entertainment

Hotels and restaurants

Hotel City Petrich - for more information visit the official site 

Hotel Elena - for more information visit the official site 

The Pearl

Ragazzi Bar and Dinner

*please keep in mind that these are only some of the options available in Petrich. 

*photo credits: https://images.app.goo.gl/36y2hcSFB7xaj9Jc8, https://images.app.goo.gl/2f4JAsAoKW7C9kGD6, https://images.app.goo.gl/PMkPAmNunysPHXLp7, https://images.app.goo.gl/BNwsXjiRDsTMzJBZ8,