Bulgaria Inside

Hidden amidst dense forests in the heart of Strandzha Mountain lies the village of Brushlian. The village is situated 14 km away from Malko Turnovo and 64 km away from the coastal city of Bourgas.

Brushlian’s history dates back to the 17th century when its first residents settled in the mountain valley and called their village Surmashik. Its name was changed in 1934.

Surmashik’s residents participated actively in revolutionary activities and created plots before the Preobrazhensko uprising. During the uprising itself, a revolutionary group was surrounded by Ottoman soldiers in the village. A number of well-known Bulgarian revolutionaries were killed.

Since 1982, the village is an architecture and history preserve. Of its houses, 76 have been named monuments of culture. The oldest house that is still inhabited dates back to the 17th century.

St. Dimitur Church is one of Brushlian’s landmarks. The church was constructed in the end of the 17th century over a Thracian sanctuary. St. Dimitur was dug into the ground and surrounded by a big stone wall in the past. A sacrifice tray, carrying writings in old Greek, is protected inside the church. The church bell is also unique. It dates back to the 19th century and was made in Russia. In 1975, St. Dimitur church was named a monument of culture of national importance.

The church school was set up after Bulgaria won its religious independence in 1871. It has been entirely renovated and shows visitors the manner in which students were instructed back in time.

Baliuva house is another Brushlian landmark. The house features the typical Strandzha Mountain architecture style. On April 2 1903, revolutionaries Pano Angelov and Nikola Ravashola were killed there.

If you want to learn what utensils were used in crop processing in the past, visit the agriculture museum in the village. There, you can see old tools used in agriculture and traditional crafts.

The ethnographic museum is situated in a 150-year old house preserved in its authentic state. The ground floor hosts the ethnographic exhibition, where visitors can explore tools and can try using them.

Several chapels are situated in the vicinities of the village. St. Pantaleimon chapel has a chapel and a well, which according to locals has healing power. The clay in the region of St. Petka chapel can be used in spa procedures. People visit the place in an attempt to heal mainly skin diseases.

A number of mountain paths start in the village. From Brushlian, you can reach the regions of Diva Vrisa, Stoianova Chouka, Boriloto and Kovach. The village is located inside Strandzha nature park.

Brushlian offers accommodation. Locals will welcome you warmly and will give you the chance to explore local culture and traditions.