Baikushev's Pine

Baikushev's Pine is one of the oldest trees in Bulgaria and is considered the country's oldest conifer. According to studies of its growth rings, the pine is more than 1,300 years old. This makes it a witness to significant historical events, including the establishment of the Bulgarian state and the reigns of great medieval rulers such as Khan Krum, Simeon the Great and Tsar Ivan Asen, as well as the times of Ottoman bondage and Bulgaria's more recent history. Baikushev's Pine, more than 26 metres tall, has grown over the years and is named after its discoverer, Konstantin Baikushev. As well as discovering this tree, he was a distinguished forester and a pioneer of forestry in Bulgaria. His work inspired and supported efforts to preserve forests and our natural wealth. Baikushev's Pine thus becomes a symbol not only of longevity and antiquity, but also of the importance of preserving Bulgaria's forests and natural resources.