The Bulgarian Rose Valley

Located between the Balkan range and Sredna Gora mountains, the Bulgarian Rose Valley is the home of the exquisite Bulgarian rose oil, also known as 'attar of roses' or 'rose otto', and world center for rose otto production. There are over 7000 varieties of roses worldwide, yet only few are known as oil producing. The Bulgarian Rosa Damascena, cultivated for over 300 years, is considered to be the best oil-bearing rose renowned worldwide.

Unique climatic and soil conditions make the Rose Valley, also known as the Kazanlak Valley, one of the biggest producers of rose otto in the world. The air humidity, cloudiness and precipitation in May and June contribute to the cultivation of roses that yield very high percentage of oil.

The Rose Valley has also always been the center stage for the colorful age-old Festival of Roses. This traditional festival is a symbol of the rose industry and its influence on the culture, spirit and lifestyle of the Kazanlak Region. The rose festival is celebrated with folk songs and dances at Kazanlak and Karlovo on the first Sunday in June, at the start of the rose harvest in the Valley.

The Bulgarian Rose Valley is also the home of Alteya's rose plantations.

Bulgarian Rose Oil vs. Bulgarian Rose Absolute

Both Bulgarian Rose Otto (Rose Oil) and Bulgarian Rose Absolute are produced from the flower petals of Bulgarian Rosa Damascena.

Bulgarian Rose Oil (Rose Otto) is produced through Steam Distillation of fresh rose flowers. Our rose oil is a 100% pure and natural product that is used in creams, lotions and soaps for its mild anti-viral and bactericidal properties, as well as for its fragrance. Rose water, recovered from the distillation of rose oil, is mildly astringent and beneficial for cleansing and refreshing dry, sensitive skin. Besides being used as a medicine in history, the rose oil has a long history as one of the most important ingredients in most luxury products.

Bulgarian Rose Absolute is produced through a refined, liquid Chemical