Melnik - Bulgaria

Before reaching Melnik, our next destination, we stopped at Kresna for some refreshments at a charming roadside inn by a fast running creek.  There, under some shady trees and the relaxing sound of the creek, we ordered some sheep’s milk yogurt, an assortment of jams and candied figs and some local mineral water to wash it all down.



The creek at Kresna

Dining by the creek, 

A dining room by the creek

Yogurt is a very popular and widely used product in Bulgaria and after trying it, I quickly realised why.  It was deliciously creamy and unlike anything I had previously eaten.

Yogurt and candied figs

Delicious Bulgarian Yogurt,

Yogurt and Strawberry Jam

We made it to Melnik a while before sundown, giving us time to explore the place.  I was instantly taken by the unique architectural style of the houses there – most of them dating from earlier centuries.  There were of course a large number of hotels, restaurants and the usual souvenir shops for the many tourists who come to visit this amazing place.  Quite a few local wine tasting outlets as well and one in particular which caught my eye.

Melnik architecture

Melnik...

Hospitality Melnik style

Melnik is a town in southwest Bulgaria located at about 440 m above sea level and only 30 km from the borderline with Greece.  This explains the Greek influence in the region.  The town nestles among sand pyramids; a natural formation in the area which attracts tourists from around the world.  The shapes of these formations have been caused by wind, rain and the erosion of the limestone cliffs.

Melnik Sand Pyramids

The amazing Sand Pyramids of Melnik

Sand Pyramids around Melnik

The town counts no less than 96 buildings classified as cultural monuments.  Melnik today has an estimated population of between two and three hundred inhabitants.  It is the smallest town in Bulgaria, retaining its city status today for historical reasons.

Melnik Building



Magnificent Tree

According to archaeological evidence, the first to settle in the area were the Thracian tribe and more particularly the Thracian tribe Maedi to which the legendary rebel Spartacus belonged.  Centuries later, the Romans left the town with one of its famous landmarks; the Ancient Roman Bridge, which is still preserved.  The Slavs who later came to this territory named the settlement Melnik after the sand formations surrounding it on all sides.

The Ottoman conquest of the Balkans in 1395 resulted in a long period of decline.  Melnik was once again a thriving city in the 17th and 18th centuries, due to the tobacco and wine production being exported abroad, mainly to England and Austria.  Many schools and churches were built in Melnik in that period.

Historical remains

In the late 18th century, the town had 1300 houses, seventy churches and a population of some 20, 000 people, but a fire largely destroyed it.  Since then, it has been restored and rebuilt.  Melnik remained within the borders of the Ottoman Empire until 1912. 
The town has also been famous for producing a strong wine since around 1346.  This wine was reportedly a favourite of Winston Churchill’s.  Lately, the area of Melnik is enjoying a revival of vine growing and wine-making.  One can sample the wines in the many wineries and cellars in the town.  The combination of good wine and wonderful local cuisine makes Melnik an excellent destination for gourmet tourism.  Accommodation is plentiful and most affordable.  There are many shops, where you can find delicious homemade forest berry jam, wine and more.  Melnik is definitely worth a visit.



Melnik Winery

Love the bright colours...

Degustation Table at the Winery

Once settled in a hotel just outside Melnik, it was off to the restaurant for dinner. 

Our hotel for two nights



The hotel dining room

There, we feasted on a selection of dips and salads with some of the Rakia that Nasko and Vania had so generously provided for the evening.  Rakia is mainly a grape spirit which is traditionally drunk at the start of the meal with salads.  Rakia is also made with plums, pears or apricots.

Eggplant and Tomato Dip



Tomato Dip named Liutenitza

Fresh Salad



Salad Bulgarian Style

An assortment of grilled meats, hot dishes and some local red wine followed the salads.

Kebabcheta

Kiufteta



Fried Eggplant

Chicken and Potato Bake

A Crème Caramel which I would rank among one of the better ones I have eaten completed the meal.  This dinner for 5 people came to 65 leva - including the wine.  Approximately 35 euros or 7 euros per person.  Amazing!!!

Crème Caramel

It had been quite hot throughout the day but a cool evening breeze was beginning to blow, promising a comfortable night’s sleep ahead.  In the morning, the plan was to visit the Rozhen Monastery.