Fun Facts About Bulgaria: Europe's Oldest Hidden Gem
Bulgaria might not always be on your European travel list—but it should be! This small but mighty country on the Balkan Peninsula is one of the most historically rich and culturally layered nations on the continent, and the inspiration for our distillery.
From ancient gold to fruit-based spirits, here are some fascinating facts that reveal why Bulgaria is truly fascinating to read about and visit!
Bulgaria Is Europe’s Oldest Country With the Same Name
Let’s start with a bragging right no other country in Europe can claim: Bulgaria is the oldest country on the continent that has never changed its name. Established in 681 AD, it has existed continuously under the name "Bulgaria" for over 1,300 years.
Plovdiv: Europe’s Oldest Continuously Inhabited City
Think Athens or Rome are old? Bulgaria’s Plovdiv predates them both. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe—and the fifth oldest in the world, with over 8,000 years of human settlement, according to bnr.bg.
Old Gold: The World’s Oldest Gold Was Found in Varna
The oldest known processed gold in the world was unearthed in Bulgaria. At the Varna Necropolis, a burial site dating back to 4,500 BC, archaeologists discovered gold jewelry, scepters, and ceremonial items from a prehistoric culture.
Rakia: A Really Old Liqueur
Bulgarians don’t just drink rakia—they celebrate, toast, and eat. The fruit brandy known as rakia (or rakiya) traces back to the 11th century, long before modern distilling became widespread in Europe. Brandy didn’t come along until the 14th century!
Typically distilled from grapes, plums, peach, or even figs, rakia is often homemade with local ingredients like fruit grown on the owner’s property, and served at every Bulgarian celebration—especially when paired with Bulgarian drinking snacks.
Bulgaria’s Ancient Roots: From Thracians to Slavs and Bulgars
The story of Bulgaria doesn’t begin with the founding of the First Bulgarian Empire—it stretches back much further to the Thracians, Slavs, and Bulgars.
This fusion of cultures of these cultures are the unique foundation of the Bulgarian nation and identity.
Other Fun Facts
Cyrillic Alphabet Was Invented Here: The Cyrillic script used in Russia, Serbia, and many Slavic countries was developed by Bulgarian scholars in the 9th century.
Bulgaria Has Never Lost Its National Language: Despite 500 years of Ottoman rule, Bulgaria retained its native language, customs, and Orthodox Christian faith.
The Bulgarian Rose Valley produces over 70% of the world’s rose oil, used in perfumes around the globe.
Bulgaria is a land of deep roots and bold flavors just like our craft spirits at Vetus Distillery. View our shop (launching in August 2024 here). Prost! Or better yet, Nazdrave! 🇧🇬
