site.btaPreparations for Expedition Into Subterranean Bolhrad Are Underway

Preparations for an expedition, titled "Subterranean Bolhrad and the Living Stories of Its Homes" have begun in Ukraine, the Bolhrad Tourist Information Centre (TIC) announced on Facebook.

The project is aimed at researching, preserving, and promoting the historical and architectural heritage of Bolhrad. During the first half of 2026, major preparatory activities have already been undertaken, the Tourist Centre added.

A working group has been formed, including architects, archaeologists, and representatives of the centre. The collection of archival, cartographic, and literary materials has begun, along with coordination with local authorities on the research routes and the list of sites to be studied, they said.

The centre noted that the project offers a new perspective on Bolhrad as a city with a layered history, where underground spaces preserve valuable testimony of the past, and every building carries its own story.

Expeditionary research, the creation of an interactive map, the development of tourist routes, and new cultural products for the local community are planned.

The city of Bolhrad was founded in 1821 by Bulgarian settlers. It is considered the unofficial capital of the Bessarabian Bulgarians. On October 29, 1838, through the efforts and resources of the Bulgarian settlers, the Bolhrad Cathedral Holy Transfiguration of the Lord was consecrated.

Twenty years later, in 1858, the historic Bolhrad High School Sts. Cyril and Methodius opened in the city (today known as Bolhrad High School Georgi Rakovski).

In modern Ukraine, Bolhrad is the administrative center of the Bolhrad district following the administrative-territorial reform of July 17, 2020. The district includes 10 municipalities, in which over 60% of the population is Bulgarian.