Bulgaria Inside

Shiroka Luka is a very old village. Its authentic preserved houses from the Bulgarian revival period make the village one of the most beautiful in the country. It is situated between the towns of Devin and Smolyan, in the very heart of the Rhodope Mountain.

The village has over 100 monuments of culture. All these treasures have granted the village the status of architectural and ethnographic preserve.

Houses line the steep paved streets. Many owners still live in these dwellings, despite their age. Most houses have two floors and massive stone foundations. Roofs are covered with stone tiles, as well. Internal wooden staircases lead from the first floor to the second.

Local architecture follows the style and safety tips of the Ottoman period. Most houses have hidden rooms, where the inhabitants could hide in case of sudden danger.

Apart from the houses, Shiroka Luka has various other attractions. St. Bogoroditsa church is one such, a construction built in only 3 days.

Shiroka Luka has its folk singing and performance school that was founded in 1972. It is hosted in Shiroka Luka, since the village was seen as a symbol of Bulgarian folk music. Rhodope bagpipes probably originated there and some of the finest musicians were born in Shiroka Luka.

The sounds that bagpipes produce make each Bulgarian shiver with excitement. This music is often sad, telling stories of torture and poverty, of foreign reign over the Bulgarian lands. Shiroka Luka has many skilled musicians. One person in almost every household has the talent. This turns the village into one of a kind folklore preserve.

Beautiful Rhodope nature, the proximity of the village to important historic landmarks and its folklore traditions have turned Shiroka Luka into a favorite spot for tourists. The village has several hotels and guest-houses. There, you can enjoy Rhodope hospitality, as well as the traditional cuisine.