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:
Text and photos: E.Karkalanova
Publication in English: Al. Markov
The lights of Christmas decorations are brightening up many streets, squares and urban places in towns and cities across Bulgaria. The park in front of the National Palace of Culture in central Sofia has become a Christmas bazaar. Many decorated..
The Bulgarian capital woke up to heavy snowfall and a blanket of snow. Sofia Airport is functioning normally in winter conditions, the press centre of the airport told the Bulgarian news agency BTA. De-icing procedures of the airplanes are..
Autumn gives a special charm to the village of Leshten, hidden in the slopes of the western Rhodopes. Its stone walls stand out at the backdrop of the feast of colors in nature around and preserve the cosiness of the Bulgarian..
Clear