BRESTOVITSA, THRACIAN LOW-LANDS
Brestovitsa is a famous wine-growing village and a symbol of the Bulgarian red wine. Two local varieties – Rubin and Mavrud – have found the most suitable soil to thrive here. This is a unique micro-region, marked on the map of Bulgaria with its specific natural features.
The village is cuddled at the north foot of the West Rhodopi Mountains, at an altitude of 297 m. The climate is transitional continental. The most common soils are cinnamonic forest, light brown forest, and mountain meadow soils.
There are many vineyards in this area, which have provided the main source of livelihood for the local residents for ages. From September to the end of October, the atmosphere is elated and you can smell the sweet aroma of grape juice. Grape-harvest attract visitors who are more than willing to become part of the magic of wine-making.
With its 5 wineries, the village is especially attractive for wine tourism. Since 2015, Brestovitsa has been the wine capital of Bulgaria.
A Museum of wine is planned to be opened soon in the refurbished Vlahov’s house.
For ages, the 14th February is celebrated as the day of St. Trifon – the patron saint of wine-growers – the biggest holiday in the village. It is really worth taking part in this exciting ritual – pruning the vines, pouring some wine on the ground next to it, tasting the wine made in the wineries of the village of Brestovitsa.
ANCIENT PAST
Brestovitsa is an old Bulgarian village on the lands of which there are ruins of a pre-historic settlement from the chalcolitic period (4900 – 3800 BC). The mounds located in the immediate proximity of the village, as well as the interesting findings in some of them, serve as evidence of the Thracian and Roman presence on these lands.
The first artifacts on the territory of the village date back to circa 2400 BC – stone plates and tiles, coins, etc. In the ‘St. Iliya’ area, about 3 km away from the village, on a 651m-high mountain top are the ruins of a domed tomb. Its building is associated with the Odrys kings who, in the period 4th – 3rd century BC ruled the Thracian city of Philipopolis (Odryssa).
In the summer of 2013, six graves with amazing historical valuables from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD were excavated from Pamuk mound. One of them is believed to be the grave of the Thracian ruler Remetal II, who ruled Philipopolis in 26 BC. The most unique object is a bronze war ceremonial helmet which belonged to a chief of a very high rank. Also of interest are bronze and silver rings and coins from the time of Marc Anthony and Nero.
There are written records evidencing of the existence of a village called Brestuviche of 1576.
There are also well-preserved ruins of St. Nikola monastery built during the Tarnovo kingdom, where writers and bookmen worked.