Melnik Bulgaria virtual tour (2015)

Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria, located in the southwestern part of the country, at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains. The town is known for its rich history, unique architecture, and renowned Melnik wine.

History and Origin The first written records of the Melnik fortress date back to the early 11th century. The first settlers in the area of modern-day Melnik were the Thracians, specifically the Thracian tribe of the Medi, from which the legendary rebel Spartacus is believed to have descended. A few centuries later, the Romans inhabited this land, as evidenced by the preserved ancient Roman bridge in the town. The Slavs, who later settled in the area, named the settlement Melnik due to the surrounding sand pyramids. The name comes from the Slavic word “mel,” meaning white clay or chalk.

In 1215, the town became the capital of an independent feudal principality, ruled by despot Alexius Slav. The ruins of his fortress can still be seen near the town. In 1395, Melnik fell under Ottoman rule for almost five centuries. At the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century, the town experienced an economic boom thanks to wine production and trade.

360° virtual tour:

Landmarks

Kordopulov House: The largest Revival-period house in Bulgaria, built in 1754. It impresses with its unique architecture and an enormous wine cellar carved into the sandstone.
Pashova House: Built in 1815, today it functions as a town historical museum showcasing the rich history of the region.
Boliar House: Considered the oldest preserved building in Melnik, dating back to the 13th century. Although only ruins remain today, the place retains the spirit of medieval architecture.
Church of Saint Anthony: Known for housing relics of the saint, believed to have healing properties.
Melnik Pyramids: A natural phenomenon – sand formations with peculiar shapes, declared a natural landmark. They offer impressive views and are a favorite spot for tourists and photographers.
Rozhen Monastery: Located about 5 km from Melnik, the monastery is one of the oldest and best-preserved in Bulgaria, known for its architecture and frescoes.
The “Shestaka” Winery: This landmark deserves to be included among the must-visit places. I first crossed the threshold of this stunning, earth-dug winery in 2002. The winery preserves the spirit of bygone times. Inside, there is a cozy tasting area, and if it is full or cold, you can step out onto the terrace or sit under the nearby shelter. My memory of red wine at the end of March, under the pleasantly cool spring sun, remains vivid. I sat on the terrace with a friend from my hometown, enjoying the view – the village spread out below, with snow still on some roofs and chimney smoke rising straight up. “Shestaka,” as the owner’s nickname suggests (due to a genetic trait of six fingers on one hand), brought us a glass of wine with a smile and home-cooked appetizers. This experience left an indelible mark on my memory and heart.

I recommend everyone visiting Melnik to go up to the “Shestaka” winery. I haven’t been there since 2019, but until then, it remained the same – a warm place with the cheerful and welcoming host.

Wine Production Melnik is famous for its wine, made from the local grape variety “Shiroka Melnishka Loza.” In the town and its surroundings, there are many wineries offering tastings and the chance to learn about the region’s winemaking traditions.

A visit to Melnik offers a unique combination of history, culture, nature, and culinary delights, making it an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world.