Mandriza: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Mandritsa was founded in 1636 by Albanian settlers who came mainly from the Korca region. The village preserves an Albanian linguistic tradition as well as traditional songs and rituals that have been passed down through generations. Those wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Mandriza can then continue their accommodation search.

Culture and History

Mandritsa’s traditional houses were designed for silkworm breeding and built to maintain a constant temperature and provide natural ventilation. Mandritsa was a leading centre of silk production, with the cocoons being raised in the living rooms of its houses.

St. Nedelya Church is one of the oldest churches in the Eastern Rhodopes and was built in 1708. St. Dimitar Church was built in the centre of Mandritsa, more than a century after St. Nedelya Church. The narrow streets and old stone houses are also associated with stories that reflect Mandritsa’s Albanian heritage.

Landscape

“The Meanders of the Byala River” is a 1,532-hectare protected area in the municipality of Ivaylovgrad. Mandritsa lies between two rivers and is described as suitable for fishing. The Bukor Shtepi Eco Complex is located in Mandritsa, 19 kilometres from Ivaylovgrad.

Activities

Mandritsa has been included in a series of cycling routes. The Byala River corridor is associated with opportunities for cycling and seasonal swimming in the river.

Cuisine

Older dishes from Mandritsa are described as kaykana, rosnitsa, pumpkin porridge, bread with tahini and bulgur porridge.

For further location selection, the navigation also leads to Ivaylovgrad.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ivaylovgrad.