Municipality of Stambolovo

The territory of the municipality of Stambolovo has been inhabited since ancient times. The region is rich in archeological monuments of all epochs: there are artifacts from Thracian, pre-Roman and Roman times as well as proto-Bulgarian settlements from the Middle Ages. Among the most notable are the Thracian rock niches and rock tombs near the village of Dolno Cherkovishte and the Thracian cult complex Chala in the village of Kralevo. Also interesting are the remains of Thracian wine-stones near the village of Dolno Botevo. In the municipality there are also two protected areas, Oreshari and Golemiat Sipei, where the favorable living conditions have provided a home to 87 species of birds, 21 of which are listed in the Bulgarian Red Book of endangered species. These include the Black Stork, the Griffon and Egyptian vultures, the long-legged buzzard and the Imperial Eagle. The main livelihoods of local people are tobacco and vineyard cultivation. Indeed, the region is famous for its vineyards, which cover an area of 8 376 decares, mainly concentrated around the villages of Stambolovo, Tsareva polyana, Popovets, Tankovo and Malak Izvor. Here the famous wine Stambolovo Merlot is produced.