Melnik page 1
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Situated just 20 miles north of the Greek border, Melnik doesn't seem to be influenced at all by its famous neighbor, and is wholly Bulgarian. Dramatic sandstone landscapes, cozy Mehanas and most importantly wine is what people visit Melnik for.
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Nestled in between rugged sandstone ridges, and
bisected by a dry riverbed, Melnik's dry climate is ideal for growing the
all important wine grapes |
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Morning sun greets a cafe in the town's main
square. |
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As with other Bulgarian towns, accommodation is
easy to find. The sign on this balcony says "rooms for rent" in
Cyrillic and English. |
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| Chimneys rise behind the ruins of century old
ruins. |
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Rising dramatically out of the valley, this
sandstone formation is one of 3 similar formations together known as the
"Pyramids" |
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Smaller but no less picturesque is this cone
perched high on a ridge. |
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Orthodox churches are sprinkled around town. |
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| White wash and brick tiles lend a Mediterranean
air to this land-locked town. |
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Smaller and less impressive than Rila Monastery,
the monastery just outside Melnik is still a quiet place perfect for whiling
away a few lazy summer hours. Better to not smoke in here as this
monastery features extensive wood construction, which differs it from Rila. |
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A quiet courtyard is always half in cool shadows
thanks to high fortified walls used to protect the monastery in more rowdy
times. |
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