I'm sure you've heard of Staro Zhelezare!

Staro Zhelezare is an inspiring open-air museum where the walls of houses and fences come to life in colorful murals.

These works, created by artists Ventsislav and Katarzyna Pirjankov and their students, transform the village into a deeply emotional place, bringing together world celebrities and local residents in a unique dialogue between the global and the local.

The meeting of art with the lifestyle of the Srednogorie is very impactful and gives new life to the small Bulgarian village.

I tell and show you in detail about this unique open-air gallery HERE.

Have you heard of the centuries-old oak tree over 500 years old, located near the western entrance to the village of Staro Zhelezare?

Did you know that in September 2025 the oak tree was declared a protected centuries-old tree?

You, like me, have probably passed by this silent grandfather hundreds (even thousands) of times. You have stared at his amazing gigantic stature, deeply impressed by the giant and said to yourself Oh, this tree is very old!

The oak tree is truly simply majestic! And now – in autumn, it is picturesquely powerful, taut and slender, adorned with countless colorful leaves, winking cheerfully and playfully at every visitor, sheltering under its incredible, so vast, huge and immense crown!

Stop for a moment! There – at the western entrance to Staro Zhelezare. Look up – at the crown of natural perfection, towering 30 meters high and see it! A true titan – a summer oak tree over 500 years old. This is not just a tree, but a living chronicle, a breathing monument that has seen so much that none of us will be able to see in our lifetime.

Just imagine – while the Age of Great Geographical Discoveries was raging in Europe, while in Plovdiv and Hisarya, located nearby, the Roman infrastructure was still being used, this oak tree was already taking root.

The village of Staro Zhelezare arose only in the 17th century, which makes this oak tree literally older than the settlement near which it welcomes visitors. It is the first and most ancient inhabitant, the guardian of the road, meeting and sending off generations.

Its sheer scale is captivating! With a trunk circumference of up to 5.5 meters, it takes a whole group of people to hug it. When you stand next to it, you feel not just the grandeur of nature, but a flow of life-giving energy and resilience. It has withstood storms, wars, droughts and snows, proving the power of life.

What is most impressive is that despite its immense age, the environmental inspection in Plovdiv confirms that the oak is in excellent phytosanitary condition.

It doesn’t just survive – it thrives!

Declaring it a protected century-old tree is an act of deep respect for our natural and cultural heritage. This initiative, undertaken by the Association of Parks in Bulgaria, ensures that this giant will be preserved for future generations.

When you visit it, you are not just looking at a tree, but participating in the preservation of history. Soon, in addition to the information sign, there will also be a fence around it that will honor and protect it. Let us be part of the people who tell its story and remind us how important it is to preserve these living treasures.

Staro Zhelezare is also known for its murals and street art – the village-open-air gallery. While you are looking at the graffiti of modern heroes and historical figures, do not forget to visit this oldest exhibit in the village.

The oak tree is like the root of everything. It is a symbol of resilience, memory and the eternal connection between man and nature. Visit it, touch its bark (with respect!) and imagine what it would tell if it could talk. It is an experience that will leave a lasting mark on your journey.

Welcome to Staro Zhelezare – the open-air gallery village – one of the most unusual and colorful villages in Bulgaria, located in the municipality of Hisarya. Known as the Art Village of Bulgaria or the Village of Personalities, Staro Zhelezare has become a huge open-air gallery thanks to the annual Street Art Festival.

Staro Zhelezare is located:

• 179 kilometers (about 2 hours and 20 minutes by car) from the capital

• 39 kilometers (about 55 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv

• 395 kilometers (about 5 hours and 20 minutes by car) from the city of Varna

• 273 kilometers (about 3 hours and 16 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas

Here, on the whitewashed walls and walls of the houses, you will find a surreal and fun combination of portraits of local residents in the company of world celebrities - from Queen Elizabeth II and Freddie Mercury, to Donald Trump and Karl Lagerfeld. This unique street art is the work of artists Ventsislav Piryankov and Katarzyna Piryankova, together with their students, and brings a modern, artistic spirit to the authentic village atmosphere.

In addition to modern art, in the village you can visit the Ethnographic Museum "House of Traditions" and explore the nearby Thracian cromlech in Cholakova Mogila - an ancient facility known as the Thracian Observatory.

Staro Zhelezare is a must-see for anyone looking for inspiration, color and unexpected encounters with art and history.

The century-old tree is located right by the road at the western entrance to the village.

You can leave your car nearby by the roadside.

And finally, my dear friends,

you shouldn't miss checking out

the special photo album with moments –

discovered, experienced, filmed and shared with you!