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Zlatni Piasatsi Nature Park, Bylgaria, Bulgaria

Monica Kochman

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The forests in the Zlatni Piasatsi Nature Park follow the coastal line, surround the famous resort Golden Sands and link with the garland of defence and resort forests around the city of Varna. The park is situated 17 km north of the city and covers an area of 1,320.7 hectares, with average length of 9.2 km and average width of 1.2 km. A walk in the park is always very pleasant for tourists and nature lovers. The lay is hilly, with typical land sliding, terrace-like character. The highest spot in the park is called Chiplak tepe (269.3 m). Lovers of extreme tourism are given the chance to reach the sea climbing up steep hills followed by deep dry ravines.

Forests cover 90% of the area of Zlatni Piasatsi Nature Park. The variegated mosaic of trees is formed by species which are typical for the lower parts of Bulgaria ? turkey oak, Hungarian oak Pubescens oak, hornbeam camon maple, lime, etc. In the wet zones numerous lianas grow between the trees ?Ivy, Traveller?s Joy Along the steep rocky hills in the northeast part of the park grow thermophilic types of species ? lilac, jasmine, Christ?s horn etc. In the southern part of the park, having survived the trials of the time a two hundred-year-old oriental plane tree grows. The size of the ancient tree is impressive ? it is 23 meters high and its trunk is 4 meters in diameter. Natural habitats of numerous wild animals can be found in the park. The woods are a quiet shelter for typical forest inhabitants ? wild-boar, deer, squirrels, foxes etc. Among the reptiles inhabiting the park 5 species are protected ? the European pond turtle, Hermann?s and green tortoise and two species of snake. The birds? kingdom is represented by 80 species. The park is one of the few places where pheasant can be seen. During the spring and autumn migration of birds in the sky above the park large flocks of birds pass as the park is situated at the birds? migration route called Via pontica.

The historical and cultural heritage of the territory of the park dates back to late Medieval times, which defines its significance and attracts the interest of many Bulgarian and foreign tourists. Not far away from the sea shore in the southwest part of the park is situated the medieval lime stone monastery ? Aladja Monastery. It was built in 13th and 14th centuries and was named by the local population ?aladja? ? meaning colourful. This name comes from the rock it is dug into. Even nowadays the visitors at the foot of the monastery?s remnants can enjoy the wonderful sight as a result of the sunlight playing over the lime rock.