Programme: Rural Development Programme

The expert assessments foresee that 20-25% of tourism in Bulgaria will involve the cultural heritage of the country. This is a significant potential that is not currently being used. It is particularly significant for Dragoman municipality, which territory does not include sea or mountain resorts. Because of that the municipality has to compensate with other attractions related to the existing cultural traditions, manners and customs that have survived over the centuries. In this light, it is extremely important to reflect and preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the area. The “St. Stephen” church in Dragoman is an important part of this heritage. It was built in 1943. Since then the church has been a cultural and spiritual centre for the local population. It is part of “The Little Mount Athos” - a place of temple architecture and iconography, spiritual peace, natural beauty and rich history. As a part of Dragoman municipality's strategy to preserve the authenticity and cultural heritage and to promote the role of the church as a spiritual centre in the city, the church board has developed this project. Its main objectives are:
- Preservation of the spiritual and cultural life of the population;
- Promoting the cultural identity and traditions;
- Improving the cultural and historical heritage in the region.
Main activities:
- Iconostasis renovation in the church "St. Stefan" - Dragoman;
- Making an art plaster in the church "St. Stefan" - Dragoman.