In Bulgarian writer Victoria Beshliyska’s popular novel Heart, readers journey back to Bulgaria’s turbulent 13th century — a time of political instability and invasions, when people turned to faith for answers. In the Loms area, near the fortress town of Cherven, 40 km south of nowadays Ruse, we meet the enigmatic hesychasts — monks seeking to restore the broken connection between man and God and preaching love and unity with nature. The novel explains why the heart is considered the organ of faith and how hesychasm profoundly influenced the cultural and spiritual life of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
Fans of Ms. Beshliyska’s can follow in the hesychasts’ footsteps thanks to Mihail Mihov and his colleagues from the Ruse-based Prista Tourist Society, one of Bulgaria’s oldest tourism-promoting clubs. Prista’s avid globetrotters cleaned, secured, and marked the Path of the Hesychasts — an adventure route that takes visitors to the remains of a rock monastery of hesychast monks and offers stunning views of the Loms’ canyons. Experiencing the Path with a guide is recommended!
Like his colleagues, Mihail loves nature and everything related to exploring and preserving it. His deep love for his hometown of Ruse brought him back 11 years ago, after a few years away, to work towards its regeneration.
“The Danube coast has great potential for tourism development. With the Prista Tourist Society of Ruse, we have been working for years to highlight its potential, create friendships, and foster adventures,” Mihail says.
The events organized by Mihail and Prista are always rich and diverse, blending nature, history, culture, and a touch of imagination for a truly unforgettable experience. These include hikes along the Path of the Hesychasts and events like “A Day in the Life of Prehistoric Humans on the Danube.” Participants learn how prehistoric humans built shelter and protected their territory, hunted and fished, and prepared their food. They also find out what the ancients believed in and how their art reflected those beliefs.
Water adventures with Prista on the Yantra and Danube Rivers are a must in July and August. Also, don’t miss the chess tournaments, creative workshops, and gardening lessons (with tastings included) at the Minzuhar Traveler Shelter throughout the summer. The shelter, managed by the society, is located 10 km east of Ruse. Additionally, the Traveler’s Club at Prista, chaired by Mihail, organizes numerous training sessions and hikes.
A key part of the Prista experience involves volunteer efforts to maintain the routes and landmarks they pass through. This year’s biggest project is the restoration of the Alpinist Traveler Shelter and the cleaning of the surrounding area. Located on a bend of the Rusenski Lom River about 10 km south of Ruse, the shelter is in the nearest climbing area to the cities of Ruse and Bucharest and close to the UNESCO-protected Ivanovo Rock Churches, a popular tourist site. The area is also perfect for bird watching, picnicking, and walks in nature.
Prista’s initiatives extend beyond the Loms area. Mihail and his colleagues help organize the annual National Hike from Mount Botev to Mount Shipka on March 3. Moreover, between July 18 and 21 this year, they will lead a national caving expedition in the Steneto Reserve in Central Balkan National Park. Additionally, on August 31 and September 1, Prista is partnering with the Balkanka tourism club to organize a nature camp on the Rositsa River.
If you want to join an event, volunteer, or help with the restoration of the Alpinist Traveler Shelter, check out the Prista website or join its Facebook group.
Support for Prista Tourist Society is part of the America for Bulgaria Foundation’s long-term efforts to promote economic development in the Bulgarian North through entrepreneurship and tourism.
