Gabrovo
Presentation
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How do we get to
Service
Practical information
Information Center
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Gabrovo — the Hospitable Capital of Humour and Traditional Crafts Welcome to Gabrovo — a place of majestic nature, fascinating history and legends of the past. Here you will discover one-of-a-kind museums and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the local people. Gabrovo is a city that will make you smile, inspire you, and fall in love with the authentic Bulgarian spirit. Gabrovo — the Geographic Heart of Bulgaria Gabrovo is situated on the northern slopes of the Central Balkan Mountain and the Central Pre-Balkans, along the picturesque Yantra River, at an altitude of 392 metres. The city is conveniently located in the geographic centre of Bulgaria — 220 km east of Sofia, 150 km from Plovdiv and Rousse, 274 km from Varna and 234 km from Bourgas. Gabrovo is a crossroads of important transport links connecting north and south along the Trans-European Transport Corridor No. 9. The Legend of Racho the Blacksmith Legend has it that at the end of the 11th century, a young blacksmith named Racho settled by the Yantra River. He shod the horses of travelling caravans and border guards. Gradually, other craftsmen gathered around his forge — tailors, tanners and cartmakers. A majestic hornbeam tree grew beside the blacksmith’s fire, and so the settlement took its name — Gabrovo (from ‘gabar’, the Bulgarian word for hornbeam). From Crafts to Industry After the Liberation, Gabrovo became one of the leading industrial centres of Bulgaria. The textile, knitwear and leather industries flourished here, and local intellectuals contributed many members to the new state administration. The people of Gabrovo became a symbol of industriousness, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. Gabrovo — a Centre of Culture, History and Living Traditions Gabrovo is a city with a rich cultural heritage and diverse opportunities for cultural tourism. Laughter and satire are the calling card of Gabrovo, which rightly bears the title ‘Capital of Humour and Satire’. The city is home to the one-of-a-kind Museum of Humour and Satire. The iconic symbol of Gabrovo — the tailless Gabrovo cat — embodies the thriftiness and resourcefulness of the locals. As a UNESCO Creative City in the category of ‘Crafts and Folk Art’, Gabrovo transforms centuries-old traditions and craftsmanship into an inspiring experience for every visitor. The heart of these living crafts is the largest open-air ethnographic museum in Bulgaria — AERO Etar. Here, on the National Revival-era bazaar, the famous workshops of the old masters come to life, and the inventive spirit of Gabrovo’s people is revealed in their clever use of water power instead of electricity. Among the spiritual treasures of Gabrovo, you will find peace and inspiration at Sokolski Monastery, nestled amid the picturesque nature of the Balkan Mountains. In the heart of the city, the churches of the Assumption of the Virgin, St. John the Baptist, the Holy Trinity and St. Onuphrius Damascene await you. Experience the Magic of the Balkans 25 km south-west of Gabrovo, amid unique nature and characteristic mountain terrain, lies the largest alpine meadow in the Balkan Range — Uzana. Uzana is also the geographic centre of Bulgaria, situated at an average altitude of 1,120 m. The area offers a wide choice of hotels and mountain huts, as well as a ski zone with 8 runs of varying difficulty. The natural trails around Gabrovo offer diverse hiking opportunities — from the scenic eco-trail to Ivanilovo Waterfall and the historic route Source – Bozhentsi (Roman Road), to the panoramic trails Debel Dyal – Lyulyatsite and Gradishte. Rural Tourism with a Taste of Tradition and Nature In the Gabrovo region, guest houses with a cosy atmosphere in traditional style await their visitors. Guests can enjoy tranquillity, home-cooked food and the hospitality of the locals. Some farms offer tastings of local products — cheese, kashkaval, honey, homemade wine and rakia. Gabrovo is a city that impresses with its spirit, culture and genuine sense of humour. Treat yourself to an unforgettable journey to the heart of Bulgaria and share this story with your loved ones!
Presentation
Gabrovo — the Hospitable Capital of Humour and Traditional Crafts Welcome to Gabrovo — a place of majestic nature, fascinating history and legends of the past. Here you will discover one-of-a-kind museums and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the local people. Gabrovo is a city that will make you smile, inspire you, and fall in love with the authentic Bulgarian spirit. Gabrovo — the Geographic Heart of Bulgaria Gabrovo is situated on the northern slopes of the Central Balkan Mountain and the Central Pre-Balkans, along the picturesque Yantra River, at an altitude of 392 metres. The city is conveniently located in the geographic centre of Bulgaria — 220 km east of Sofia, 150 km from Plovdiv and Rousse, 274 km from Varna and 234 km from Bourgas. Gabrovo is a crossroads of important transport links connecting north and south along the Trans-European Transport Corridor No. 9. The Legend of Racho the Blacksmith Legend has it that at the end of the 11th century, a young blacksmith named Racho settled by the Yantra River. He shod the horses of travelling caravans and border guards. Gradually, other craftsmen gathered around his forge — tailors, tanners and cartmakers. A majestic hornbeam tree grew beside the blacksmith’s fire, and so the settlement took its name — Gabrovo (from ‘gabar’, the Bulgarian word for hornbeam). From Crafts to Industry After the Liberation, Gabrovo became one of the leading industrial centres of Bulgaria. The textile, knitwear and leather industries flourished here, and local intellectuals contributed many members to the new state administration. The people of Gabrovo became a symbol of industriousness, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. Gabrovo — a Centre of Culture, History and Living Traditions Gabrovo is a city with a rich cultural heritage and diverse opportunities for cultural tourism. Laughter and satire are the calling card of Gabrovo, which rightly bears the title ‘Capital of Humour and Satire’. The city is home to the one-of-a-kind Museum of Humour and Satire. The iconic symbol of Gabrovo — the tailless Gabrovo cat — embodies the thriftiness and resourcefulness of the locals. As a UNESCO Creative City in the category of ‘Crafts and Folk Art’, Gabrovo transforms centuries-old traditions and craftsmanship into an inspiring experience for every visitor. The heart of these living crafts is the largest open-air ethnographic museum in Bulgaria — AERO Etar. Here, on the National Revival-era bazaar, the famous workshops of the old masters come to life, and the inventive spirit of Gabrovo’s people is revealed in their clever use of water power instead of electricity. Among the spiritual treasures of Gabrovo, you will find peace and inspiration at Sokolski Monastery, nestled amid the picturesque nature of the Balkan Mountains. In the heart of the city, the churches of the Assumption of the Virgin, St. John the Baptist, the Holy Trinity and St. Onuphrius Damascene await you. Experience the Magic of the Balkans 25 km south-west of Gabrovo, amid unique nature and characteristic mountain terrain, lies the largest alpine meadow in the Balkan Range — Uzana. Uzana is also the geographic centre of Bulgaria, situated at an average altitude of 1,120 m. The area offers a wide choice of hotels and mountain huts, as well as a ski zone with 8 runs of varying difficulty. The natural trails around Gabrovo offer diverse hiking opportunities — from the scenic eco-trail to Ivanilovo Waterfall and the historic route Source – Bozhentsi (Roman Road), to the panoramic trails Debel Dyal – Lyulyatsite and Gradishte. Rural Tourism with a Taste of Tradition and Nature In the Gabrovo region, guest houses with a cosy atmosphere in traditional style await their visitors. Guests can enjoy tranquillity, home-cooked food and the hospitality of the locals. Some farms offer tastings of local products — cheese, kashkaval, honey, homemade wine and rakia. Gabrovo is a city that impresses with its spirit, culture and genuine sense of humour. Treat yourself to an unforgettable journey to the heart of Bulgaria and share this story with your loved ones!
Work time
Tourist Information Centre — Gabrovo 5300 Gabrovo, 3 Vazrazhdane Square Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 18:00 Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00 Phone: +359 66 800 226 E-mail: [email protected] Website: visit.gabrovo.bg
How to get there
Gabrovo is located in the geographic centre of Bulgaria: – 220 km from Sofia via Hemus Motorway and Road I-5 – 150 km from Plovdiv via Road I-6 – 150 km from Rousse via Road II-55 – 274 km from Varna – 234 km from Bourgas By bus: regular services from Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo and Rousse By train: the nearest railway station is Dabovo (18 km away), with a bus connection to Gabrovo By car: along the route of Trans-European Transport Corridor No. 9
Servising
All museums and tourist sites in Gabrovo have staff available to assist visitors. Guided tours are offered in Bulgarian, English, Russian and German.
Practical information
When hiking the mountain trails around Gabrovo (Uzana, Vita Stena eco-trail, Gradishte), check the weather forecast in advance, wear comfortable low shoes and bring warm clothing. It is also recommended to carry food, water and a mobile phone. For visits to AERO Etar open-air museum and the Bozhentsi Architectural Reserve, early arrival is recommended during the peak tourist season (July–August).
Tourist information center
Tourist Information Centre — Gabrovo 5300 Gabrovo, 3 Vazrazhdane Square Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 18:00 Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00 Phone: +359 66 800 226 E-mail: [email protected] Website: visit.gabrovo.bg
Contacts
Municipality of Gabrovo 3 Vazrazhdane Square, 5300 Gabrovo Phone: +359 66 818 181 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gabrovo.bg
Virtual map
Photos
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