Blagoevgrad
The region of Blagoevgrad is located in South-Western Bulgaria and borders on Greece, Macedonia and four other districts – Smolyan, Pazardzhik, Kyustendil and Sofia. It embraces parts of the Rhodopes and the Rila Mountain with the highest summit on the Balkans – Mount Musala (2925 m). It also covers the Pirin, Ograzhden, Vlahina, and Belasitza mountains.
Two large rivers - Struma and Mesta, flow through the region forming picturesque valleys. The beautiful nature of Blagoevgrad region is considered a big resource that will have in future bigger meaning for the development of the region.
The climate in the most southern regions ranges from continental and alpine to mediterranean.
The nature resources of the region of Blagoevgrad are wood, coals, ore, mineral springs (40 percent from the general capacity of the country), building materials - granite, marble. The agricultural land is 38.8 percent and the forests - 52 percent.
The age structure in the Blagoevgrad region is younger than the average in the country. Due to the developed infrastructure and clean nature and the favorable economic development as well, it is considered one of the best areas to live in and ranked third position in the context of quality life style.
Blagoevgrad region comprises of 14 municipalities (Bansko, Blagoevgrad, Belitza, Gotze Delchev, Garmen, Kresna, Petrich, Razlog, Sandanski, Satovcha, Simitli, Strumiani, Hadzhidimovo, Yakoruda), including 280 towns with administrative center the city of Blagoevgrad.
There are two centers for higher education in the area - the ‘Neofit Rilski’ South-Western University and the American University in Bulgaria both located in Blagoevgrad.
The advanced educational network in the area is an important priority. The number of schools in the region is 182. Annually, Blagoevgrad attracts approximately 10 000 college students from the all across the country and abroad.
On the north-western slopes of Rila mountain, 35 km away from Blagoevgrad is situated the oldest Park - reserve with coniferous vegetation - Parangalitza. 16 km to the northwest is located the village of Stob, also popular for the Stob pyramids - exceptionally beautiful rock formations. In Blagoevgrad, there is a big stadium, swimming pools, a sport complex with a hostel and tennis courts.
The sport infrastructure in the region is relatively well developed. In Blagoevgrad area is located one of the best ski - resorts in Bulgaria - Bansko.
Except for its new tracks and hotels, the city is known as an ethnographic central city as well, it has allowed in the years its authentic appearance. Bansko offers all amenities for year-round tourism and a relaxation.
Bourgas
Burgas Province (also transliterated Bourgas) is located in Southeastern Bulgaria, on the southern Black Sea coast. Its capital is the city of Burgas. It is the largest province by area and fourth by population. It comprises of 11 municipalities: Aitos, Burgas, Kameno, Karnobat, Malko Tarnovo, Nesebar (Nessebar), Pomorie, Primorsko, Ruen, Sozopol, Sredets, Sungurlare and Tsarevo.
The geo-strategical situation of the region is a factor of national importance well acknowledged by several countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Here goes the crossing of both traditional and newbuilt axes of economical and political interests as follows: Europe-Near East-Asia; Europe-Middle East-Asia; Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Western Europe.
Burgas region is an important "Entrance/Exit" area. Around 74 % of the annual import/export of the country runs exlusively through the Port of Burgas. Main factors influencing the territorial localizations are: availabale nature key-factors of economic importance such as ores and minerals used as a raw material for the industrial development and in the construction industry; a wide ground variety considered to be an important precondition for agriculture development; Black Sea coastal zones, thermal mineral springs, conditions for recreation and rural tourism in the regional uplands, evaluated as a developing factor of tourism and health resort work; availability of highly skilled labour experienced in main production branches of the regional economy; good level of technical, social and market infrastructure.
Burgas is a successor of the Ancient Greek city of Pyrgos, founded by colonists from Apolonia as a military and observational post against the other important settlement in the region — Mesembria.
Later on, during the rule of the Ancient Romans, Burgas was known as Deultum, and was established as a military colony for veterans by Vespasian. In the Middle Ages, a small fortress called Pirgos was erected on the place and was most probably used as a watchtower. It was only in the 17th century that a settlement named Ahelo-Pirgas grew in the modern area of the city. It was later renamed to Bourgas and had only about 3,000 inhabitants, most of them Greeks at the time of the Liberation.
Later, it became a major centre on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and a city of well-developed industry and trade.
Burgas, unlike many other Bulgarian cities, was not much affected by Communist-type urbanization and has kept many of its 19th and early 20th century architecture. Today Burgas also holds annual national exhibitions and international festivals and has a vibrant student population of over 6,000 that add to the city's appeal.
Dobrich
Gabrovo
Haskovo
The region is situated in the central part of Southern Bulgaria and extends on more than 5 000 sq.km and with a population of more than 270 000 people. Haskovo region includes a total of 11 municipalities - Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Svilengrad, Lyubimetz, Harmanli, Simeonovgrad, Mineralni Bani, Madzharovo, Ivailovgrad, Toplovgrad and Stambolovo. The region is of significant importance to the entire economy of the country because of the proximity to the national border with Turkey and Greece. The district is crossed by a transcontinental road (E80) connecting Europe with Asia and the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Haskovo is close to Plovdiv Airport (75 km) but is also within relatively easy reach to the Sofia International Airport (225 km) via the Trakia highway.
The territory of Haskovo district includes parts of the southwestern ridges of the Sakar Mountain and the eastern slopes of the Rhodopes, with the Maritza River flowing through the lowlands. The region favors a mild climate influenced strongly by the Mediterranean, which along with the fertile soil are prerequisites to successful agricultural development. Lyubimetz municipality, for example, is famous for growing the best water-melons in Bulgaria and most of the municipalities across Haskovo district have longstanding traditions in growing vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc.) and tobacco.
Haskovo has a rich history dating back since ancient times. Remains from the Neolithic period have been found near the villages of Bulgarin, Dinevo, Pyasachevo and Bolyarski Izvor. The numerous gravestone mounds, sanctuaries, fortresses and dolmens which have been found in the Sakar Mountain and the Eastern Rhodope ridges speak for the strong presence of the Thracian culture across the region. Several Thracian tombs have been discovered in the region. Two of them are the monumental tomb near the village of Mezek and the Thracian tomb near Aleksandrovo, renowned for the exceptional wall paintings. Furthermore, remains of road networks, bridges, sanctuaries and fortresses from the Roman Empire can be seen across the whole region. The area also keeps the memory of one of the most eminent battles in Bulgarian history. In 1230 near the village of Klokotnitsa the Bulgarian troops led by Tsar Ivan Asen II defeated the Byzantine army of despot Theodore Comnin. The strong influence of the Ottoman Empire has additionally diversified the cultural characteristics of the region. Orthodox rock churches dating back to the dawn of Christianity can be seen in this region along with mosques from the early ages of the Ottoman occupancy.
Nowadays, the region has a modern look and infrastructure. During the years the locals have developed good economic relations and long-standing market traditions with Turkey and Greece. Agriculture and trading with agricultural products have been a major source of income for centuries. Later, during the 1970s when the government started major industrialization, the region explored and developed chemistry and textile industry and expanded the tobacco production. Despite the economic crisis in 1990s, Haskovo managed to overcome the collapse relatively fast and currently has modern working and profitable industry. The town of Dimitrovgrad is also well-known for the production of artificial fertilizers and chemical products. It is also popular for its flea market – the biggest in Bulgaria. The specific location of the region also influences the economy – logistics, transport services (some of Bulgaria’s biggest international transport companies operate from Haskovo), wholesale and retail companies.
Kardzhali
Kyustendil
Kyustendil region occupies parts of South-western Bulgaria and extends on area of more than 3 000 sq.km. The population is approximately 170 000 people organized in 9 municipalities – Kyustendil, Sapareva Banya, Dupnitza, Bobov Dol, Rila, Kocherinovo, Nevestino, Boboshevo and Treklyano.
It borders on the regions of Sofia and Pernik to the east, on Blagoevgrad district to the south, while to the west, its limits coincide with the state borders between Bulgaria and Macedonia, and Bulgaria and Serbia. The district includes parts of several cross-border mountains, which altogether form the so-called “Kyustendilsko kraishte” (Kyustendil Corner-land). To the south, the territory of the region reaches the ridges of the Osogovo, Vlahina and Rila Mountains. The Kyustendil province also includes the Dragovishtitsa and Bistritsa river valleys, which additionally diversifies the terrain.
Kyustendil region is most popular for its fertile valleys and the Bobov Dol coal mines. Mild climate and favorable soil composition are the key prerequisites which have enabled this area to develop a successful agriculture in the context of Bulgaria's economy. Kyustendil has deep traditions in growing various vegetables, but is most famous for the considerable fruit growing.
The region has also exceptional nature resources. There are numerous thermal mineral springs in the towns of Kyustendil, Nevestino and Sapareva Banya. The mineral water of Sapareva Banya reaches up to 103 °C and is among the hottest in Europe. The Stob pyramids and the 70-meter-high waterfall of the Golemi Dol River near the village of Kamenichka Skakavitsa attract many adventurous hikers and tourists who have the desire to explore and conquer the heights of the Rila Mountain and the frozen waterfalls of Skakavitsa.
As far as the economy is concerned, the region falls into cross-border relations with the Republic of Macedonia and Serbia. Dupnitza is often referred to as the business capital of the region. It is popular for the pharmaceutical production outlet which is one of the biggest in Bulgaria.
One of the greatest symbols of Bulgarian faith and religious devotion is situated in Kyustendil province. The Rila Monastery, nestling in the heart of the Rila Mountain only 120 km south from Sofia, is the most impressive monuments from the Bulgarian Renaissance period. Internationally renowned for its unique architecture, mountainous setting and legendary history, the monastery is a must-see for every Bulgarian and foreign tourist. Situated 1147 meters above sea level on the steep slopes of the narrow Rilska river valley, the monastery has sustained the wear and tear of time becoming an important centre of Bulgarian language, culture, education and spiritual growth. The monastery is believed to have been built by the disciples of Ivan Rilski shortly after his death. Ivan Rilski was a hermit who lived in the tenth century (during the reign of Tsar Petar) in a cave just 2 km from today's monastery. The cave is considered to have been St. Ivan Rilski's original hermitage. Since its establishment, the monastery has been one of the most respected centres of Christianity – generous donations were made by Bulgarian tsars from 1210s to 1380s. Later, despite the destructions done by the Ottoman invasions, the monastery started its revival in the beginning of the fifteenth century thanks to donations provided by the Russian Orthodox Church. In the XVII and XIX century, the recovery and renovation of the monastery was done with donations from wealthy Bulgarians from all over the country.
As an architectural monument, it has the outward appearance of a fortress, but the inside reveals splendid black-and-white patterns and bold red stripes of the graceful arches and balconies. The monastery's church has a solid iconostasis which is almost 10 m wide and has massive gold carvings most of which made by Zahari Zograf.
Nowadays, the monastery has a museum with a rich collection of manuscripts, documents, jewelry and a library with more than 16 000 books and is included on the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage.
The monastery is a starting point for hiking routes to Mount Mayovitsa (2975 m) and Mount Mousala (2925 m), which is also the highest peak on the Balkans.
Lovech
Lovech region is situated in the central part of Northern Bulgaria and includes a total of 8 municipalities – Lovech, Troyan, Teteven, Lukovit, Ugarchin, Yablanitsa, Letnitsa and Apriltsy. It covers the northern slopes of the Central Balkan Mountain, the Devetashko plateau, several hill areas and river valleys and covers more than 4000 sq.km area of land. The population of the region is approximately 170 000 people. The administrative centre of the district is Lovech - a town located along the river banks of Osam River.
The region has good transport connections with the southern Bulgarian regions through the Troyan Pass.
Lovech was established as a settlement during IV-III century BC by the Thracian tribe ‘Meldi’ who called the town Melta. Later, during the Roman rule, the region was of great significance to the empire because of the ‘Via Trayana’ route connecting the Aegean Sea and the Danube River. During the Ottoman rule, Lovech suffered two burn-downs but despite all, it managed to be one of the richest Bulgarian towns, as well as an important commercial and cultural center. Furthermore, it was also home of revolutionary impulses and free spirits. For example, the head commandment of the Bulgarian Secret Revolutionary Committee operated in the town of Lovech. One of the greatest misfortunate events in Bulgarian history – the capture of Vasil Levski by the Turkish police, took place at the Kukrinsko Hanche, near Lovech. Nowadays, the biggest museum in honour of Vasil Levski is open for everyone in the old part of Lovech – the “Varosha” architectural and historical protected area.
Lovech is also renowned for the exceptional ‘Covered bridge’ built across the Osam River by the self-taught builder Kolyu Ficheto. The bridge is an exceptional part of the Bulgarian Architectural heritage, because of the unique features – it was constructed with no nails and joints, theoretical calculations and no cement. The bridge was built for two years, from 1872 to 1874, bringing together the two parts of Lovech, but was burned down in 1925. In 1931 it was rebuilt according to the original plans. Today its floors are still the primary connection between the two parts of Lovech and one can walk through the small souvenir and craftsmen shops.
The town of Lovech and its adjacent area offer many sport and leisure opportunities. The Lovech zoo is the second biggest zoo in Bulgaria. Just outside the town one can find the Stratesh Park, also known as the Park of Lilies. Several hiking routes start near Lovech. The ‘Krushuna’ eco-path with a starting point near the village of Krushuna leads the hikers through the Devetashko plateau to one of the marvelous waterfalls of the Balkan Mountain.
In addition, several caves attract hikers and tourists – the ‘Devetashka cave”, which is among the biggest in Europe – more than 1 500 meters long with 11 underground lakes. “Saeva Dupka” cave, despite only 400 m long, attracts people because of its unique phenomenal cave forms and species.
The Lovech region also includes parts of the Central Balkan National Park, which are full of karst springs (for example the Glavna Panega near the village of Zlatna Panega), caves (the Tabashka cave, the Vassil Levski cave, and the Prohodna cave near Karlukovo).
Montana
Pazardzhik
The region is located in the central part of Southern Bulgaria and borders on the regions of Sofia, Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad and Smolyan. Covering more than 4500 sq.km, the lands are mainly forests, and only approximately 30 % agricultural. The population is about 290 000 people. Pazardzhik district includes a total of 11 municipalities – Batak, Belovo, Bratsigovo, Lesichovo, Panagyurishte, Pazardzhik, Peshtera, Rakitovo, Septemvri, Strelcha and Velingrad.
The infrastructure of the province is just as diverse as its land surface – the Trakia highway (part of the E-80 route) and the international CE-70 railway run through the plains of the district. On the other hand, roads to numerous towns and villages become more curved and narrow when entering the mountain ridges. Similar variety can be observed also in regards to the climate can also be made for the climate - mild continental (warm winters and hot summers) in the valleys, and sub-zero winter temperatures in the mountains.
The whole region includes parts of the Western Rhodopes, Rila and Sredna Gora Mountains and benefits of the water resources. Several water dams have been built along the Batak River, the Maritza River crosses the Pazardzhik fields and provides perfect agricultural conditions, the thermal mineral springs of Velingrad, Bratzigovo Banya and Rakitovo make the region one of the best places for spa and balneological treatments. There are 78 mineral water springs in Velingrad and the adjacent area. Also the biggest karst spring and lake are situated within the town limits of Velingrad. This, together with the numerous marble mines, make the Chepino valley (where Velingrad is located) simply an exceptional part of Bulgaria’s natural treasures.
Some 40 km to the east from Velingrad one can visit cave Snezhanka, located only 5 km away from the town of Peshtera. The cave is one of the most picturesque places in Bulgaria. Although it is only 145 m long, there are several chambers in the cave. There is a stone figure reminding of Snow White formed out of the white sinter in the center of one of the chambers. That is why, when it was discovered, cave was named after the fairy-tale character.
The history of Pazardzhik district is just as rich as its natural resources. Proofs that the Rhodope Mountain and especially the land around Batak have been inhabited since the Old Stone Age were found by several archeologists. It is also a well-known fact that the Rhodope Mounatain was considered sacred by the Thracians. Remains of Thracian, Roman, Byzantium and Slav fortresses, mines and bridges have been found all across the Western Rhodopes. Several Thracian burial sights have been found in the area around Sredna Gora Mountain. One of Bulgaria’s most iportant and impressive historical discovery - the Panagyurishte Gold Treasure, was made here in 1449. It is a ceremonial and religiously related set of 4 rhytons (ancient cups, shaped as a bull's horn), 3 magnificent decanters in the form of a female head, a vial (shallow dish plate) decorated with small human heads and acorns, and an amphora (similar to a vase), decorated with characters of the Greek mythology and handles, shaped as centaurs. It is believed that this set of gold vessels has been created upon request of a Thracian leader by the craftsmen of Lampsak. That was a Black Sea coastal town, a Hellenic colony (Ancient Greece), which nowadays is part of Turkey. The unique treasure is one of the most important discoveries. It reveals so much about the Thracians and its relations with the rest of the Ancient cultures, and yet it leaves many unresolved issues and even brings more questions to a new level of understanding. Today, an exact replica of the treasure can be seen in the Panagyurishte Historical Museum.
Furthermore, Panagyurishte has also played essential part in the fights for Bulgaria’s liberty. The decision for strating the April Uprising has been made during the Revolutionary Committee’s meeting in the Oborishte area, outside the town Panagyurishte. The very start of the Uprising was also announced on April 20th in Panagyurishte.
Another town in Pazardzhik region is also subject of historical interest. During the Ottoman slavery the Batak village was one of the places which managed to captivate Christians’ faith and traditions. In the past that area was renowned for the wood-processing workshops which even supplied the Ottoman ship construction industry. However, nowadays Batak is associated mainly with the April Uprising of 1876. In that time Batak gained dark and blooded popularity among the western nationalities because of the defeat which the locals had to bear. What came after the April Uprising was a reckless slaughter of more than 5 thousand people not including the 2000 people killed in the St. Nedelya Church, which was supposed to be their last fortresses of hope and faith, but turned out to be their tomb. Nowadays, the church has been established as a museum where anyone interested can learn more about the April Uprising of 1876.
Another town in Pazardzhik district has also played essential part in the fights for Bulgaria’s liberty. The decision for strating the April Uprising has been made during the Revolutionary Committee’s meeting in the Oborishte area, outside the town Panagyurishte. The very start of the Uprising was also announced on April 20th in Panagyurishte.
In the context of modern understanding, Pazardzhik region has not only historical importance. Although there is not much agricultural land in the province, it is used the best way possible. Most of the towns have well modernized industrial outlets. From the production of spirits in Peshtera through the textile workshops in Panagyurishte to the marble mines in Velingrad, the region has a working economy and supports comprehensive business relations with companies in Bulgaria and abroad.
Pernik
Pleven
Plovdiv
Razgrad
Rousse
Rousse Province (also literated Ruse) is situated in the northeastern part of Bulgaria. The province includes a total of eight municipalities – Rousse, Byala, Ivanovo, Tzenovo, Borovo, Slivovo Pole, Dve Mogili and Vyatovo, and has the regions of Silistra and Razgrad neighboring on the east, Targovishte on the southeast and Veliko Tarnovo on the west. Its northern border reaches the Danube’s riverside and merges with the national border with Romania. The district's administrative centre is the city of Rousse, the largest Bulgarian city along the river banks of the Danube River. Rousse is also most popular for its bridge across the Danube River since it is the only cross-over point between Bulgaria and Romania.
The Rousse region is an important Bulgarian and European transport junction. It combines all means of transport available. Two of the Pan-European transport corridors cross the district. The port of Rousse is Bulgaria's biggest river port and represents both river and marine transportation. The Danube Bridge, which as of January 2007 is free of customs control at Gyurgevo's and Rousse's border checkpoints facilitates all means of land transportation. And last but not least the crossroad of the E-70 road and several national roads and railways extend across the region. The closest international airport is Bucharest (Romania), which is approximately 100 km from the city of Rousse. Varna Airport is also a convenient option (200 km), though smaller. Bulgaria's capital city, Sofia, is around 320 km from Rousse.
The region favors the benefits of the Yantra and Rusenski Lom rivers flowing through the region, providing very good conditions for agriculture.
There are several protected nature areas across the Rousse region – the Rusenski Lom Nature Park (a marvelous valley of the Rusenski Lom River), the exceptional rock formations near the villages of Pisanets and Mechka, and the 'Orlova Chuka' cave near the town of Dve Mogili. The latter is the second longest cave in Bulgaria and believed to have been inhabited by humans thousands of years ago.
There are also about 250 Thracian grave mounds dating back to the IV century BC. A fascinating silver treasure was found in 1974 in one of the graves near the village of Borovo.
Ancient remains of Roman fortresses along Danube's river bank were found near the villages of Krivina, Marten, and Rousse and add up to the historical value of the region.
The region's list of historical sights also includes the Ivanovo cliff churches, which are part of UNESCO's List of World Cultural Heritage.
The history of the Rousse region has been strongly related to transport. Back in 1886, Bulgaria's first railroad was built, connecting the ports of Rousse and Varna.
The city of Rousse is also popular for its architecture. Being border town during the 18th and 19th centuries, it not only gained wealth and developed long-standing trade relations, but was also strongly influenced by the European culture and lifestyle. A present example for this cultural interaction is the city's architecture reminding of Vienna. Unlike many other Bulgarian cities, Rousse has managed to preserve many of those distinctive buildings, most of them located downtown on Alexandrovska Street.
Shoumen
The beautiful and modern county of Shoumen (also spelled Shumen) is situated in the central part of North-Eastern Bulgaria. There are numerous interesting places that are worth visiting. The beautiful nature can turn into a perfect place for you to take a rest from the hustle and bustle of the town. There are also a lot of prerequisites for the development of the economy in the region.
The administrative center of the district lies in the middle of the Shumen province. It borders to the south with the municipality of Veliki Preslav and Smyadovo, and to the north – with the municipalities of Caspichan and Hitrino. The town of Shumen itself is sited on an important transport junction. The whole region is renowned for its rich historic and cultural heritage, a factor of significant importance for the development of cultural tourism.
The largest city in the region is Shoumen – a town of rich history, where you can visit interesting cultural and architectural monuments, among them the exceptionally beautiful houses – museum of influential Bulgarians from the period of National Revival, many other museums and galleries. Near the town is the impressive monument complex, called “The Fathers of the Bulgarian State”, and the Shumen fortress. The remnants of the second capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom – Veliki Preslav, which are now to the south of the modern town and the Preslav's gold treasure, now exhibited in the historical and cultural museum “Veliki Preslav”, are of particular interest to the tourists. The imposing remains of the old city were discovered only 2 kilometres away from the modern town of Veliki Preslav. The old city was the capital of Bulgaria for almost a century in the times of its supremacy and the Golden Era of the Bulgarian culture. The capital city sprung up systematically. It has the same construction of the gates, the towers and the walls like the ones in Pliska, the first capital city. As with the town of Veliki Preslav, the modern town of Pliska is very close to the remains and the imposing construction of the first-ever Bulgarian capital city. The capital had three concentric defences all around it. The capital city of Veliki Preslav is forever linked with the flowering of the medieval Bulgarian culture, the so called Golden Age.
The vicinity of Madara is under the protection of UNESCO - this is a place full of mysticism and secrets. Long ago it was the main sanctuary of the ancient pagan Bulgarians, living in the times of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. The world-famous Madara rider is situated in the archaeological reserve of “Madara”, just 1.5 km to the east of the town of Madara, in the Shumen region.
The unique rock relief is carved as a symbol of the might of the Bulgarian State during its khan's period. Around the figure of the rider numerous inscriptions were carved too. Some 17 kilometres to the east of the town of Shumen along the highway Sofia – Varna beautiful and grand rocks attract the attention. They enclose the plateau over the village of Madara and give its unapproachable look.
Silistra
Sliven
Smolyan
Sofia
Sofia region
Stara Zagora
Targovishte
Varna
Veliko Tarnovo
Vidin
Vidin is one of the smallest regions in Bulgaria and is situated in the north-western part of the country. To the north its limits meet the banks of Danube River and coincide with the state border between Bulgaria and Romania, while to the west they coincide with the national border with Serbia. The district encompasses the Vidin lowland from the Danube's curve and stretches to the northern slopes of the Western Balkan Mountain. Its location is of major importance for the region's economical growth. The international route E-79 connecting the Baltic and the Mediterranean passes through the region. The river port of Vidin is the second biggest after Rousse and is a very important transport junction. It is located approximately 200 km north from Sofia, 43 km from the Serbian border and approximately 100 km north from Montana. The whole province includes a total of 11 municipalities – Vidin, Belogradchik, Kula, Boynitsa, Bregovo, Chuprene, Dimovo, Gramada, Makresh, Novo selo and Ruzhintsi. Vidin is the biggest town in the province and is also the administrative centre. In the past, the medieval fortresses 'Baba Vida' and 'Kaleto' near Vidin were used for defense because of their key strategic location. They are still well preserved and turned into open museums for tourists from all across the country and abroad.
In the opposite part of Vidin region is located the beautiful and peaceful town of Belogradchik. Situated some 50 km south from Vidin along the mountain ridges 'Ventza' and 'Vedernik', the town is most popular for the exceptional phenomenon called the Belogradchik Rocks. There is also a medieval fortress near the town. It is believed to have been built by the Romans as part of their warning and intruder prevention system. What is most peculiar about the place is that only two walls were constructed. To the north-east and to the south-west two 90-meter stone massifs secured the fort and protected it from invaders.
Another fascinating place to visit in Vidin region is the Magoura (also spelled Magura) cave. It is located in the area of Rabisha Dam near the villages of Rabisha and Tolovitsa. Although the cave is relatively small it should not be underestimated as a tourist sight. It is most famous for the fact that there have been found many wall paintings dating back to the IX-VIII century B.C.
Furthermore, the ‘Chuprene’ National Park is located on the territory of the province. It is situated just outside the village of Chuprene (75 km south from Vidin) and its balanced biosphere spreads on more than 15 hectares of land. ‘Chuprene’ National park is also under the protection of UNESCO.
Nowadays, the regional administration of Vidin district has started numerous initiatives to improve the local economy along with highlighting the exceptional sightseeing places and natural resources. Vidin is one of the very few regions that have remarkably well-developed infrastructure. Duty-free zones along the border between Bulgaria and Serbia provide a living for many people in the area. And soon, with the construction of the second bridge over the Danube River, the province will gain even further importance to the national economy.
Vratsa
Yambol
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