Less than two hours drive northwest of Sofia, one finds oneself in the timeless nature of Vrachanski Balkan. Lush greenery, picturesque rocky crags, and a lot of history can be found in the piece of land "locked" between the Cherepish Monastery and the "Seven Thrones" monastery.

The patriarch of Bulgarian literature himself was inspired by the captivating views of the Balkan near Vratsa. It is said that Ivan Vazov wanted to see with his own eyes the battlefield of the detachment of Botev in the Balkan and set off along the trails from Lyuti Brod to Okolchitsa Peak (Vola Peak). Today, tourist routes are marked along the path of Botev for both hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.

Many of the area's landmarks are also easily accessible by car - these include the two monasteries, the house-museum of Baba Iliitsa (a characted in Vazov's novel "A Bulgarian Woman"), the natural landmark "Ritlite".

The trail to the place where revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev was killed is well marked and wonderful landscapes unfold in front of your eyes.

From here you can also see the Memorial Cross - a 35-meter monument that immortalizes the feat of Botev and his detachment.

The view from here is enchanting.

Weary tourists find rest in the comfort of the Cherepish Monastery and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in the Bulgarian style from the period of the National Revival. Ivan Vazov visited the place twice, as evidenced by a special museum corner

Returning back to Sofia, we also stop at the "Nativity of the Virgin Mary" Monastery, known as the "Seven Thrones"

Read also:

• Near Gara Bov- splendour in the embrace of the Balkan Mountains

• Retro train rides are turning into an undisputed tourist hit in Bulgaria

Text and photos: E.Karkalanova

Publication in English: Al. Markov