Gabrovo, found in the central part of the country, is one of Bulgaria's 28 integral provinces. It is surrounded by the regions of Lovech, Veliko Turnovo, and Stara Zagora, covering 2,023 square kilometers, which accounts for 1.8% of Bulgaria's total area.[4] Its capital city, also called Gabrovo, bears signs of habitation dating back to the Neolithic era.[1] Over the course of history, the city's industry developed, leading to it being known as "the Bulgarian Manchester" today.[2] Local tourist attractions of the city include the House of Humour and Satire and Aprilov National High School.[1] However, throughout the province, several more historical and cultural landmarks can be found, including the architectural reserve Bozhentsi and the Ethnographic Complex Etara.[1] The ethnographic complex is found in the Balgarka Natural Park, attracting visitors with its hiking trails and other outdoor activities.[9] However, Balgarka isn't the only protected natural area in Gabrovo. In the southwestern part of the province is located the Singing Rocks Reserve, which is part of the Central Balkan National Park.[5] Generally, Gabrovo Province's geography features hilly and mountainous landscapes.[4]
Gabrovo, Bulgaria, features a tapestry of attractions reflecting its history and culture.
The House of Humour and Satire, found by the Yantra River, encompasses Bulgarian culture.
To the east of the city, visitors can discover Bozhentsi, a village and UNESCO-recognized architectural reserve, offering a glimpse into Bulgaria's past. Shipka Memorial, in the southeast, stands as a tribute to those who fought in the Russo-Turkish War, providing views from its tower.
In the northeast of the city is the Dryanovo Monastery, a spiritual site with ties to the April Uprising of 1876.
Another historical site near Grabovo City is Gradishte, found to the east, a historic fortress site amidst pine groves. To the southwest in Bulgarka Nature Park is located the Sokolski Monastery, founded in 1833. Furthermore, tourists can learn about Gabrovo's history at the Regional Historical Museum, which houses a diverse collection spanning eras.
The Hristo Tsekov Gallery, named after a Bulgarian artist, showcases icons from Tryavna's school of icon painting.[7]
One of the UNESCO-protected attractions in Gabrovo is the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum (ETAR), which showcases Gabrovo's craft culture. The International Crafts Fair at ETAR is an event drawing artisans from across Bulgaria and abroad to display their works and exchange skills. Gabrovo also hosts a carnival with traditional Balkan songs and folklore choreography. Thus, the city reportedly stands as a hub for young artists, creative residencies, and international collaborations, emphasizing cultural and creative industries for local and regional development. The city has also been designated as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art due to its commitment to cultural preservation and creative development.[8]
For people who prefer the outdoors and nature, there's the Balgarka Natural Park, nestled on the northern slopes of the central Balkan Mountain. The diverse terrain is characterized by a wide range of flora and fauna, with around 70% of Bulgaria's recognized medicinal plants found there. For tourists, Balgarka offers eco paths and bicycle routes, including the Uzana area, which marks Bulgaria's geographic center. The Forest School, an outdoor classroom in the woods, is one of the local attractions for children. The park also accommodates horseback riding, rock climbing, mountaineering, caving, and paragliding, making it a destination for adventure seekers.
In addition to its natural attractions, Balgarka is home to cultural sites such as the aforementioned Etara architectural and ethnographic complex and the Sokolski Monastery, connected by marked tourist paths. Moreover, the European hiking route Kom–Emine crosses through the park.[9]
The Gabrovo landscape is primarily characterized by rolling hills and mountains, with valleys such as the Sevlievo Valley providing conditions for agriculture. The region's natural resources include black coal, marble, limestone, and clay. In terms of waterways, the rivers traversing the area include the Yantra, Rossitsa, Vidima, and Dryanovska, with the Alexander Stamboliyski Dam being one of the largest dams on the Yantra River. While the hilly areas of the Balkan mountain range have less fertile soil, they feature extensive pastures used for livestock farming. The province comprises four municipal centers, one non-municipal town, 74 villages, and numerous hamlets. This is reportedly a common settlement pattern for this part of the country, particularly along the southern Balkan slopes. Gabrovo, as the regional center, is "the largest town in the region, followed by Sevlievo."[4]
The Central Balkan National Park, found in the heart of Bulgaria, stretches into the territory of Gabrovo Province. Within the province's borders is found the Singing Rocks Reserve, one of the nine reserves comprising the national park. The Singing Rocks Reserve is named for the sounds produced by rock formations when the wind weaves through them. Landscapes protected by the reserve include high mountain areas, beech forests, and a variety of fauna.
Sycamore, ash, and hornbeam trees, along with plant life such as red and black cranberries, Siberian juniper, and blue and yellow spotted gentian, are some of the species protected by the reserve. Local wildlife includes wild goats, bears, deer, roe deer, goldfinches, wild cats, and weasels.
The area also features mountains, such as Mount Zelenikovets and Mount Rossovatets, while being crisscrossed by the Bagareshsetsa and Tsarvulshtitsa rivers, offering green valleys. To the south, the Triglav massif can be spotted on the horizon.[5]
The climate within Gabrovo Province's borders is moderately continental, with temperature inversions occurring in the valleys.[4] The warmest time of the year in Gabrovo tends to be August, with an average temperature reaching 28°C. January is usually the coldest, with 5°C being the average maximum temperature. The most precipitation typically falls in May, with circa 118 millimeters of rainfall.[6]
Gabrovo's significance grew in the 12th century when Veliko Tarnovo became the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, leading to economic development due to its proximity to the capital and Balkan trade routes. Initially, Gabrovo was a village with around 100 houses.
However, the Ottoman invasion in the 14th century changed Gabrovo's demographics, as it became a refuge for Bulgarians fleeing from conquered areas. It evolved from a village into a small town, becoming an economic, cultural, and spiritual hub.
During Ottoman rule, traders invested in the town's development, including the founding of the first Bulgarian secular school, the Aprilov National High School, in 1835. Gabrovo gained official town status in 1860 and was known for its utilization of water power.[1]
During the Russian-Turkish War of Liberation, Gabrovo played a considerable role, ranking among the top ten Bulgarian towns contributing to the war effort. In the newly established state, Gabrovo's industrial prowess grew, with factories implementing innovations such as electricity in production. The town became known as "the Bulgarian Manchester" due to its industrial development.[2] Presently, the city is known as a significant industrial hub, attracting a substantial influx of people from the nearby regions. Often referred to as the "Bulgarian Manchester," Gabrovo houses a textile industry, producing clothing, leather products, and accessories. Additionally, the town manufactures a range of products, including machine tools, footwear, electrical machinery, and textile machinery.[3]
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