Our next Bulgaria driving video is out, and you can watch it here. We set out to explore beyond Sofia for the first time as we head towards Plovdiv. Along the way, we decided to visit Stenos Fortress, also known as Trajan Gate, our destination for this video. We start to see some of the gorgeous scenery of Bulgaria, as well.
Before we leave Hotel Atlantic, though, I want to tell you about the glorious included breakfast. We went up to the restaurant, and we discovered a small buffet. Coffee, tea, juice, a few types of pastries and breads, boiled eggs, vegetables, fish, and fruit. We thought it was small, but plentiful, especially since it was free. We made a plate, sat down…and the waitress arrived to ask what meal we would like for breakfast. The small buffet was simply an appetizer while you wait on your real breakfast. We ordered, and they brought us huge plates of food. And do yourself a favor, if you’re in Bulgaria, try the tomatoes. Yum, yum!
We left the hotel and once again saw a doggy on the side of the road. I knew cats and dogs roamed around, but it was unusual for me to see dogs hanging out wherever they please. In Massachusetts, we do not see roaming dogs. If they’re unattended, they’ve escaped from their owners usually. As we drove by, I wondered if this was the dog I heard barking the entire night! We learned that in Bulgarian, dogs say “bau bau” or “djaff /jaff.”
Easter egg: There’s also a man urinating on the side of the road. See if you can notice him. (Don’t worry, we made sure no body parts are actually visible).
One thing to note about driving outside of the metropolitan area is that the roads are toll roads. I didn’t know how the vignette system worked before we went (cameras located throughout Bulgaria capture your car’s info), and I neglected to ask the rental car company at the desk. I was nervous every time we saw one of the toll road signs, but I guess our rental car included the vignette because we never got fined. Be sure to inquire with your own rental car company if you’re driving in Bulgaria.
In addition, you’ll see some of the lane changes and closures we encountered on the highway in Bulgaria. You’ll also catch a glimpse of some unique vehicles we don’t see in the United States very often!
The fortress is along a very winding back road located in the Sredna Gora mountain range. We drive through trees, winding up and curving back. Then, suddenly, the fortress appears ahead of us. This was my first time seeing a Roman ruin just out in the world. The Stenos Fortress (known as Succi in antiquity) was built on a Thracian Settlement. The mountain pass known as Trajan’s Gate was named after Roman Emperor Trajan. The fortress now includes an information center and museum and ample parking, as well as outdoor restrooms.
Signs along the path tell the incredible story of this area and the battles at Trajan’s Gate. You can wander around the ruins and step into them in places. The smooth gravel walkway around the fortress made this destination very accessible for me, too.
The fortress is located on top of a hill, also, so the view on a crisp October day was beautiful. We spent quite awhile exploring the area. I loved the plant life in Bulgaria. We don’t have all of the same plants here in New England. Check out the grapes growing at our hotel as we depart.
Next time, we continue on our journey to Plovdiv with some changes in our itinerary due to a closed highway. Happy adventuring!