Razlog: Museums, Kukeri Traditions and Golak

Razlog brings together themes of the town’s history and traditional customs with a distinctive look at Golak Hill. To help you plan your visit, you can explore the museum collections, Kukeri traditions and walks with views over the Razlog Valley.

Museums and Razlog’s History

More than 5,000 exhibits are held at the Historical Museum – Razlog. Its exhibitions cover archaeology, ethnography and the town’s history over the past century. Movable cultural heritage items also reflect the past of Razlog and the settlements in its municipality. The museum’s focus therefore extends beyond the town’s history to the wider local area.

The museum is near the town centre, in a Bulgarian National Revival house built in the Razlog-Chepino style. The building dates from the late 19th century and was rebuilt in 1905 according to its original plan. The architecture and collection offer different perspectives: one tells the story of the museum building’s architectural history, while the other explores the past of Razlog and the settlements in its municipality.

The Museum of Razlog Chaush is housed in Patokova House and is part of the Historical Museum – Razlog. Its exhibits illustrate local folklore and ways of life, as well as customs associated with Babinden, Easter and St George’s Day. The region’s Kukeri and Survakari traditions are also presented there. The museum’s themes thus include both everyday life and festivals and inherited customs.

Kukeri and Festival Traditions

Starchevata takes place in Razlog every year on January 1. Bells, drums and zurnas mark the start of the New Year Kukeri festival. At Starchevata, groups from the town’s seven neighbourhoods take part: Chaushi, Kukeri, young women and men in costume, Survakari, bear handlers and entertainers, as well as musicians playing zurnas and drums.

Razlog also hosts an international Kukeri carnival every two years, with masked and Kukeri groups from around the world taking part. Starchevata’s annual date and the international carnival’s biennial schedule are separate points to consider when planning. Check the specific event dates and programme before travelling.

If you’re interested in local customs, the museums and festival traditions offer different perspectives: the museum exhibits cover folklore, ways of life and customs, while Starchevata showcases the Kukeri tradition through its groups and musical elements.

Golak: Walks and Views

Golak Hill, above Razlog, is popular with locals and visitors for walks and relaxation. It offers views over the Razlog Valley. The Steps Eco Trail on Golak has 54 rest areas and 30 viewpoints. These figures refer to different features along the trail: places to rest and viewpoints.

There is also a 12-metre-high observation tower on Golak Ridge, along with benches, swings and wooden loungers. These facilities may change over time, so check their current condition before visiting. In Razlog, the choice is clear: museums and Kukeri traditions offer history and customs, while Golak is for walks, relaxation and valley views.

Places in the Town Centre

Razlog’s central park is home to the “Ancient Solar Calendar.” It consists of 12 marble moraines with carved animal figures arranged in a circle. Its number, material, arrangement and motifs give the calendar its distinctive form.

The St. Annunciation Church stands in the heart of Razlog, and its bell tower is 26 metres high. The church’s interior was completely covered with frescoes from 2000 to 2008. Razlog’s Water Alley is also in the town centre. Together, these centrally located sights include a distinctive feature in the park, the church with its tower and frescoes, and Water Alley.

Discover more destinations: Bachevo, Banya, Eleshnitsa, Dolno Draglishte.

For the wider travel overview: Razlog.