Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Spreading tourism myths is not a new thing, thracologist Prof. Vanya Lozanova says

Image of the mythical Thracian bard and musician Orpheus on an ancient Greek vase.
Photo: library

In the search for scientific facts, researchers of ancient civilizations and cultures also come across fake news created by people in the past. The most interesting thing is that the ancient people often did it in the name of cultural tourism.

One of these fake news was discovered by thracologist Prof. Vanya Lozanova, who is a researcher of Orpheus and Orphism. The information is related to the so-called oracle of Orpheus on the island of Lesbos, mentioned only by one ancient author - Philostratus. He wrote that the head of Orpheus reached the island by sea and gave rise to prophecies.

"This is a fiction created by Philostratus. The head of Orpheus and its sacred space is in Thrace. By creating his legends, Philostratus tried to attract the attention of tourists who would visit his island," Lozanova told BNR. "We should not demythologize myths. They exist on another plane. It is good to construct the information that could intrigue tourists," the specialist said.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Iva Taralezhkova in front of the Old Mill, now a cultural and educational centre.

Karpachevo, the center of the universe

In a small village hidden in the heart of the Devetashko Plateau, life pulses with admirable energy. Karpachevo has become a symbol of how a community, united by a shared purpose, can defy demographic decline and breathe new life into a fading region...

published on 11/23/25 9:15 AM

Iconic glass platform “The Peak” in the Rhodope Mountains has been renovated

The panoramic platform “The Peak,” a beloved spot among tourists in the Rhodope Mountains, has been renovated. On the initiative of the “Krepostta – Mogilitsa” Tourist Association, the facility - located at 1,351 meters above sea level - was repaired..

published on 11/23/25 7:05 AM

Cultural calendar to boost summer and winter tourism

The National Tourism Board will create a cultural tourism calendar for the country, announced Martin Zahariev, Deputy Chairman of the Board, during the "Destination Bulgaria in Focus for 2026" conference, as reported by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA)...

published on 11/18/25 1:44 PM