Rose valley

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Location 

The Rose Valley is a region in Bulgaria located just south of the Balkan Mountains, between them and the eastern part of the lower Sredna Gora chain to the south. Geologically, it consists of two river valleys, those of the Stryama to the west and the Tundzha to the east.

Rose industry


The valley is famous for its rose growing industry which have been cultivated here for centuries, and which produces 70% of the world's rose oil. The sort of the rose is Rosa damascena. For the production of 1 kg rose-water is needed 1 kg of rose blossom, for the production of 1 kg rose-oil is needed approximately 3500 kg of rose-blossom. The process of rose picking starts early in the morning and finishes at noon. This is necessary for maximum protection of the aromatic rose scent and rose moisture. The extracts are used by perfumeries all over the world.
The picking season lasts from May to June. During this period, the area gives off a pleasant scent and is covered with multi-coloured flowers. The gathering process, traditionally a woman's task, requires great dexterity and patience. The flowers are carefully cut one by one and laid in willow-baskets which are then sent to the distilleries.
The centre of the rose oil industry is Kazanlak, while other towns of importance include Karlovo, Sopot and Kalofer. 

Rose museum

In 1969 was opened the first exposition 'Kazanluk rose' in the Institute of roses. A separate department is opened to Iskra museum. This is the only museum by its kind in Bulgaria that shows the development of the traditional and contemporary rose industry in Bulgaria from its beginning to nowadays. In the attractive historical-ethnographic Kulata museum /town of Kazanluk/ the tourists can watch the primitive rose boiling and can try the products of the oil-bearing rose - jam and liqueur. There are more than 10 000 rose sorts, but only 200 of them are oil-bearing.

Rose - the symbol of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is famous with its beautiful nature and unique traditions. The popular oil-bearing rose has become into inseverable part of the history and culture of Bulgaria.
Many writers, artists and singers write, draw or sing about it. As a significant symbol of the country the rose has its own celebration - The Festival of the rose which takes place every year in June. The celebration is on the first Sunday of June.

15.07.2008, Bulgarian sights