Baba Vida - the only authentic castle in Bulgaria

Baba Vida is a medieval fortress in Vidin, northwestern Bulgaria. The name of the castle means "Granny Vida".

A common view

The construction of the fortress began in the 10th century over the foundations of the Roman fortification „Bononia”. It was finalized in the 14th century during the rule of tsar Ivan Sratsimir when it was the most important fortress and the tsar’s dwelling in the capital Vidin. The main parts of the structures are preserved to this day.

The moat surrounding the fortress.
When necessary, the moat was filled with water from the Danube river

The single entrance to the fotress

The court
(The reconstructed entrance and exhibited stone cannon-balls /bottom-left/)

Inside door

Part of the museum exhibit

Night photo

Link: Unique Bulgaria: Баба Вида - най-добре запазената крепост в България (Bulgarian).

The Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

In the year of 865 prince Boris I (baptismal name Michail) converted the Bulgarians to Christianity. In the begining of X c. hermit Saint John of Rila, The Miracleworker, established a great confraternity of his disciples and followers, not far from the today’s monastery's location. Through the ages The Holy Rila Monastery became the Bulgarian Jerusalem. It was a seat of spiritual learning for monks, bookmen, teachers, painters, wood-carves, icon-painters. The Monastery has been a lighthouse and a place of wonderworking power and spiritual support to the Christian people of Bulgaria, especially during the time of slavery under the Turks (XIV-XIX centuries).

The main church of the Rila Monastery

The Tower of Hrelyu (the oldest surviving structure in the monastery)

An exhibit in the monastery’s museum

A monk’s chamber in the monastery

Here are some of the frescoes in the main church of the monastery:

Last Judgement

The Holy Virgin surraunded by 32 saints

The dormition of Saint Ivan Rilski

Archangel Michael

Link: Unique Bulgaria: Rila Monastery (Bulgarian).

Pyramids of the Sun and Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico

If you happen to visit Mexico, do not miss to visit Teotihuacan, one of the largest cities of its era. It is a relatively short bus ride from Mexico city and is a common destination to meditate and explore. Do not forget to try some of the traditional food and cactus drinks.

The Sun Pyramid

Climbing the Sun Pyramid to touch the top

From the top of the Sun Pyramid

The Moon Pyramid ("Piramide de la Luna") from the top of The Sun Pyramid

From the top of The Sun Pyramid

Walking on the Avenue of the Dead, one can see the Puma Murial.
The background symbolizes the aquatic atmosphere and green screen on the molding represent are precious stones.

The Sun Pyramid from the top of The Moon Pyramid

The columsn in the Quetzalpapalotl Palace

The middle of the floor

Eyes