What Montana is known for

Montana, the capital city of the Montana Province has a population of approximately 40,000 people. Despite the removal of several Communist-era monuments in Bulgaria since the 1990s, Montana's central square still features a statue commemorating the September Uprising. A fairly short walk south-southwest of the city center leads to the ruins of the ancient Roman fortress Castra ad Montanesium. Nearby, the partially submerged Holy Ascension church in the drowned village of Zhivovtsi, constructed in 1885, serves as a tourist attraction that emerges or submerges with the Ogosta Reservoir's water levels. Montana also hosts cultural events such as the Montana International Folk Festival, celebrating folk traditions since 2006, and the International Festival of Wind Orchestras, named after Diko Iliev.[9]

In the city of Montana is located the Montana Museum of History, originally founded in 1951 to commemorate the September Uprising. However, over the years, the museum evolved into a comprehensive museum of history. Today, it is divided into several sections, including archaeology, ethnography, the history of Bulgaria from the 14th-19th centuries, contemporary history, and cultural landmarks. Diverse collections of artifacts, starting with some of the city's oldest items from the Neolithic Age, such as flint tools and bone implements, can be observed in the museum. There are also artifacts from Montana's Thracian period, including pottery and Thracian soldier accouterments. Additionally, the museum showcases a replica of the Yakimovo Treasure, an ensemble of silver objects dating from the 2nd-1st century BCE. The Roman Empire era is represented in the museum as well. Furthermore, the museum includes a Lapidarium in the city's Priest's Park, preserving 56 monuments from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, including inscribed marble tablets providing historical insights. The Mihailov House, which is part of the museum, showcases an ethnographic collection of over 350 items from the Bulgarian Awakening period. Traditional crafts from the 19th century, such as carpet weaving and pottery, are also displayed.[10]

In the southeastern corner of the Montana Province lies the Vratsa Balkan Nature Reserve, established as a national park in 1989. This reserve spans 28,344 hectares and is home to an array of plant and animal species, including 57 plant species protected by Bulgaria's Red Book. From May to June, the park offers over 170 waterfalls, with Skaklya Falls, the highest seasonal falls in Bulgaria at 141 meters, being noted as a considerable tourist attraction. The Vratsa Cliffs, resting at 400 meters high, feature the remains of the Medieval Vratitsa Fortress and offer hiking opportunities, while rock climbers can explore around 140 routes on the cliffs. The Vratsa Balkan Nature Reserve is a destination for ecological and alpine tourism, with numerous trails, including the Cart Rails, Rashov Ravine, and Lakatnishki Cliffs. Visitors can also explore historical sites, including the Holy Mother of God Monastery and the stone cross honoring revolutionary Hristo Botev on Okolchitsa Heights. The park provides 16 tourist routes, 3 cycling routes, guided tours, and various outdoor activities, making it a destination for nature enthusiasts.[11]

Geography

The Montana region's topography varies, encompassing parts of the Danube Plain, the lower Balkans, and the Balkan mountain range from north to south. Its natural resources include low-calorific lignite coal in Lom, iron ore near Chiprovtsi in the Balkan mountains, as well as deposits of marble and clay. The major rivers crossing Montana Province, such as Ogosta, Tsibritsa, and Lom, have reportedly low water levels and limited importance for irrigation. Considering Montana's inhabitation, in 2002, the region had a population of 176,963 people, accounting for 2.3% of the national population. Its population density stood at 48.7 inhabitants per square kilometer, below the national average of 70.7 inhabitants per square kilometer. About 58.6% of the population resided in urban areas.[4]

In the southeastern corner of the Montana province is found the "Vrachanski Balkan" Nature Park, declared a protected area in 1989. The park covers 28,803.9 hectares, making it Bulgaria's second-largest nature park. Apart from Montana, the nature park also stretches into two other districts: Vratsa and Sofia. The park encompasses the entire Vrachan mountain massif, divided into Stresherski, Bazov, and Beglichki parts, with the highest peak, Beglichka Mogila, at 1,456 meters above sea level. Vrachanski Balkan's landscape features the mountain's karst nature with over 500 caves. Protecting several endangered species, the park also is part of the "Natura 2000" European ecological network.[5] The "Vrachanski Balkan" National Park features flora, hosting around 1,100 higher plant species, representing 28% of Bulgaria's flora. This diversity results from the region's geographical, geological, and climatic conditions, housing both Bulgarian and Balkan endemic species. Notably, Bulgarian endemics such as Jordan Bell, Keller's Centranthus, Chamaecytisus Kovacevii, and Silene Velcevii are unique to the area. Additionally, 35 protected species, including orchids, pink peonies, and common yew, can be found in the park as well, with 13 of them listed in the Red Book of Bulgaria.[6] In terms of animal species, the local fauna is supported by varied habitats, including forests, meadows, and riverbanks. Of the mammal species located in the area, 9 are nationally protected, 20 at the European level, and 9 globally. Additionally, the park houses a considerable number of bat caves, with 22 bat species being identified out of 33 in Bulgaria.[7]

The climate of Montana Province is moderately continental, characterized by cold winters and hot summers.[4] July and August tend to be the warmest months of the year in Montana, with August average temperatures peaking at 30°C. The coldest month is January, with temperatures residing around 5°C.[8]

History

The Montana region, originally part of the Roman province of Upper Moesia in 29 BC, saw development during Roman times. Around 160 AD, a military camp evolved into the city of Civitas Montanensium, following Roman urbanization. Allegedly, Montana became the second most important city in the province after Raciaria, featuring a fortress, public buildings, temples, baths, and theaters. The economy was based on Italic landowners with villas and local laborers engaged in agriculture and gold mining. In the Middle Ages, the Montana area faced attacks from Huns, Goths, Slavs, and Avars, leading to a decline in Greco-Roman influence. Slavs settled in the area and named the town Kutlovitsa. During the First and Second Bulgarian Empires, the area regained its significance as an eparchy center. Under Ottoman rule, Kutlovitsa was renamed Kutlofça and was resettled due to its relatively strategic location. It experienced an Oriental revival with mosques, fountains, and new buildings, preserving remnants such as a Roman Bath from the Middle Ages.[1]

Following World War II, the town of Montana was initially named after Khristo Mikhaylov, a local leader associated with an unsuccessful communist uprising in 1923. However, in 1993, after the end of communist rule in Bulgaria, the town was renamed Montana. Situated along the Ogosta River, Montana is located in a fertile agricultural area. Thus, today it is known for its production of grains, fruits, vines, market-garden produce, and livestock breeding. In the surrounding region, there are forests and game reserves where hunting for deer, pheasants, and rabbits is practiced.[2]

One of the historical sights near the town of Montana is Castra ad Montanesium, a fortress situated on Kaleto Hill. It has been a site of archaeological research, shedding light on Montana's history. In the 3rd century AD, Gothic raids prompted the construction of Castra ad Montanesium Fortress, with barracks, a basilica, and fortified walls. Nearby, a stone sanctuary dedicated to Diana and Apollo gained significance during the Roman Empire. However, the Roman town and fortress met their demise in the 6th century during the Avar and Slav raids. Today, the partially restored fortress on Kaleto Hill preserves the heritage of these civilizations, contributing to Montana's history. No admission fees are required to explore the fortress, with guided tours available through the Montana Museum of History.[3]