The poorest and least developed region in the EU- this is the bad fame the northwest region of Bulgaria has acquired. Although its recovery, to the help of the European funds, is among the state’s priorities, the unemployment, poverty and the lack of any perspective caused a mass depopulation of this region. Apart form that, everyone who travels across these lands becomes amazed by the original culture of the local population as well as by the beautiful sights, the old churches and monasteries, nestled at the foot of the Balkan Mountain Range.

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

The town of Belogradchik spreading at the foot of the famous Belogradchik Rocks

Northwestern Bulgaria comprises of some of the most picturesque parts of the Balkan Mountain Range which, to the joy of the environmentalists, are not covered with hotels, ski slopes, sports centers, gambling halls, etc. The highest mount in this region is Mount Midzhur (2168 above sea level) and is situated close to the towns of Chiprovtsi and Berkovitsa which are among the most visited places in this region. However, the local settlements lack a well- developed tourism. The heavy economic situation in this region was the main reason for this to happen. The region is extremely favorable for tourism, starting from the magnificent nature. The picturesque gorge of River Iskar makes its way through the high mountain range. The area around the town of Vratsa is rich in karst formations and beautiful caves, the most popular and most visited of which is the Ledenika Cave. In fact the Iskar Gorge is the longest one in Bulgaria-around 100 kilometers. An asphalt road and a railway line pass along it. The idea of boosting the tourism made some municipalities join their efforts around the preparation of a project under the heading “A weekend in the Northwest”. “The municipalities of Chiprovtsi, Ruzhentsi and Chuprene joined us in the project to make a common market research of the Northwest Bulgaria destination”, says Neli Vasileva from the Municipality of Montana. In her view, along with the Bulgarians, people from neighboring countries such as Greece, Serbia, Macedonia and Romania also show interest in this picturesque region. What the tourists can see there if they choose to spend a weekend in the Bulgarian Northwest?

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

Folklore fest in the town of Montana

“They can travel back in time if they for example go to the ancient Montana fortress”, says Neli Vasileva. “By the way, many people wonder where the name of Montana comes from. It is named after the ancient fortress Montanesium, founded by the Sugambri tribe. This was a German tribe which populated these territories during the Roman period. People can also visit the historical museum which has many emblematic exponents, including the Yakimovsko Golden treasure from the 1st century which has 50 unique golden and silver ornaments. The town of Chiprovtsi can also offer them thrilling experience where, to the background of the Western Balkan Mountain Range, they could touch the art of the Chiprovtsi goldsmith school which dates back to the National Revival Period. People can also learn about the famous carpet industry. We all know that the carpets made in Chiprovtsi are unique, because they are made of natural paints and pure wool. They have specific figures and patterns. Each one keeps its own message.”

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

The church of Klisurski Monastery near Berkovitsa

In fact the town of Chiprovtsi, once a highly populated mining settlement, is an interesting destination to all history fans. During the 14th century Saxon miners called Latini settled here. The catholic religion became very popular in this town due to these people. For many years, the town of Chiprovtsi was the main office of the Bulgarian Catholic Custody which included settlements which are now within the state borders of Hungary and Romania. Nowadays the remains of the Assumption of Virgin Mary cathedral built in 1371 can be seen there. In Chiprovtsi, you can visit the Resurrection of Christ church which dates back to 1857. Nearby is the Saint John of Rila monastery which was built in the 10th century and is one of the oldest ones in Bulgaria. This place is charged with huge energy, probably because the bone-vault of the victims of the Chiprovtsi Uprising is also placed there. Besides, there are many consecrated grounds which are typical of this region, says Neli Vasileva. In her view, the old churches and monasteries provide perfect opportunity for the development of religious tourism in this place. The unique rocky formations near the town of Belogradchik and the Magura Cave, which has drawings from the prehistoric age, are also enlisted in the tourist route of this region. The Spa town of Varshets with its wonderful spa centers and the second biggest artificial lake Ogosta near the town of Montana, which provides conditions for water sports, are also there. If people decide to spend their weekend in the Bulgarian Northwest, they can stay at the local guest houses or small family hotels. The number of these places was reduced significantly due to the economic crisis. However, there are still many offers on the Internet about weekend packages in this region. What the local hotel owners can offer the tourists?

“They can introduce the tourists to the authentic environment of this region and offer them an unforgettable experience”, says Neli Vasileva. “They can surprise them with delicious and traditional meals and show them how to pick herbs, how to milk the goats, to hoe the maize and collect the crops. All these activities are great attraction for the tourists, especially for the foreign ones”, concludes Neli Vasileva,

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

Prehistorical drowings in the Magurata Cave

It is impossible and unnecessary to mention all sights and landmarks of this amazing region in order to convince ourselves in its unique color. On the analogy of the 100 tourist sites program, a social group which joined the efforts of the local enthusiasts, managed to systematize the most interesting places of this blessed by nature region. So, people can now see on the Internet the list of the 100 tourist sites of Northwestern Bulgaria.

English version: Kostadin Atanasov