The municipalities of Gabrovo, Tryavna and Sevlievo have recently joined efforts for the implementation of a cultural development project. Common routes have been created, revealing not only the natural wealth of the Central Balkan Range, but also the beautiful architecture, lifestyle and traditions from the era of the Bulgarian National Revival /18 – 19 c./ when the region was a prosperous cultural and economic centre. Let’s Meet Downtown is the appeal of the hosts to anyone, willing to experience this unique atmosphere…

The three municipalities are among the best developed tourist zones in Bulgaria and local hotels and guesthouses are pretty busy, especially on weekends. Indeed, one can hardly resist the romantic aura of the neat mountainous towns, which have preserved the Revival spirit, with their old bazaars, craft workshops, taverns with local cuisine and the calendar, packed with many festivals and folklore events. “This is a marvellous destination! One can escape from traffic jams and the crazy, noisy and polluted cities, entering the mountain – and finding a cozy village house and sensing a different type of atmosphere,” says Yonka Agalova from the Gabrovo municipality, adding that:

“This is one of the most important centres from the National Revival period here. Our municipalities have well-preserved monuments from that time – houses from the 18 – 19 c., old bridges, clock towers, the first Bulgarian secular school – named after benefactor Vassil Aprilov, unveiled in 1835 in Gabrovo… However, the most precious thing is that the region has preserved its old Revival spirit. One can feel it while walking down the bazaar street with the workshops of the Etara architectural and ethnographic complex, or when crossing the bridge with the tower of Tryavna, known for the oldest Revival schools in this country in iconography, wood carving and architecture. Gabrovo is the capital of humour and satire, and the town of Sevlievo is the capital of pumpkin. The Hotalich medieval fortress has been recently restored there, with remains revealing houses and three ancient churches. The Bozhentsi architectural and historical reserve is a magnificent place, with 200-year-old houses. Some of those are monuments of culture, while others have been turned into nice family hotels. Whenever you visit us, you can find some cultural event to attend or a folklore festival to enjoy – we have those throughout the year."

The virtual Museum of Industry is the latest attraction in Gabrovo, which used to be famous as the Bulgarian Manchester at the dawn of industrialization and modernity in this country. The three municipalities have the ambition to attract more guests by offering thematic routes, related not only to history, but also to the preserved nature of the Central Balkan Range. A whole series of well-marked trails tempt tourists to show them the beauty of the mountain. In the meantime, rural tourism has been attracting an increasing number of fans, while owners of local guesthouses offer attractions, such as horse riding, cow milking, mushroom picking, etc. Those activities, untypical of a city person, turn a vacation at the heart of the Balkan Range into an unforgettable experience.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev