Lovech
Lovech is a province in central Bulgaria. Its main city is Lovech, while other towns include Troyan, Yablanitsa, Teteven.
Lovech
Lovech (Bulgarian: Ловеч, Turkish Lofça) is a town in north-central Bulgaria with a population of about 50,000. Lovech is the administrative centre of Lovech Province and of the subordinate Lovech municipality, and is located 150 km from the capital city of Sofia. Near Lovech are the towns of Pleven, Troyan and Teteven.
Location
The municipality of Lovech occupies 946 sq. m. of land in the north-eastern part of Lovech county. It covers 22.89 % of the territory of the county and it is at the first place for its size compared to the other seven municipalities. There are 35 towns and villages - 34 villages and 1 town and most of them offer villas for rent Bulgaria. In administrative respect, it is bounded to the north by Pleven and Pordim municipality, to the north-east by Letnik, to the east by Sevlievo, to the west by Troyan municipality, and to the west by Ugarchina municipality.
The town of Lovech is located on the borderline between the Danube Plain and the northern foothills of the Balkan and it covers the river terraces of the Osam River. The town is surrounded by a 250 m high plateau, with almost vertical slope toward the East industrial zone. The plateau hill and the slopes are occupied by a forest park Stratesh, the South -west part of which is known under the name of "Varosha". Along its steep slopes the architectural and historical Reserve of the same name is situated, nestled between the hills of Hisarya and Bash Bunar. This is the most beautiful and picturesque part of the town. Lovech is located:
150 км away from the capital of the Republic of Bulgaria – Sofia; 100 км away from Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport; 100 км away from River-port Svishtov; 300 км away from Sea-port Varna; 150 км away from border checkpoint Ruse and 40 км away from railway centre Levski.
History
Lovech is one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Its territory and surroundings have been inhabited ever since the remote past, a prerequisite for which is the favourable geographic situation between the mountain and the plain. Remains of the Old Stone Age, the New Stone Age, the Bronze and the Iron epoch have been found in the caves Tabashka and Vasil Levski in the town of Lovech. There is a great number of evidences for the life of the first citizens of Lovech – The Thracians, during ІV–ІІІ century BC.
The ancient town has been built up on the ruins of the Thracian town Melta, which has probably been the capital of the Thracian tribe meldi and has played the role of an exchange road station between the Thracian tribes that inhabited the today Romania, the Maritza valley and the Rhodopes. Later when the Romans colonize the Balkan Peninsula, they establish a Roman station and name it Prezidium. It has a huge strategic importance along of the biggest Roman roads - “Via Trayana”, which connects the White Sea with the Danube river. Even nowadays the citizens of Lovech and the visitors of the town can have a walk along the old Roman route “Varosh”, along which Roman soldiers used to pass. During the Dark Ages Lovech is an important military strategic centre. The first notice for Lovech fortress in our history is from the time of the invasions of the pechenegs in Northern Bulgaria - the middle of XI century. During the rebellion of the brothers Asen and Petar in 1185 it bravely defends the attacks towards the Bulgarian capital Tarnovo. The historical remains here attract tourists who use the services of villas for rent Bulgaria.
In 1187 in front of its walls a peaceful contract has been signed, according to which Byzantium admits the independence of Bulgaria. The foundations of the Second Bulgarian country have been settled through it. The important location of Lovech facilitates its economic progress. In the beginning of XII century it has already become a big commercial centre, famous all over Bulgaria. In XIV century it has been a lineal possession of Tsar Ivan Alexandar and has become one of the first trading posts of Dubrovnik dealers.
According to some authors Lovech fortress is one of the last fortresses which have fallen under Turkish yoke - in1446, but even then it has preserved significant rights - not to provide shelter to Turkish people in the town, not to give children to the janissary corpus, it also keeps its right to collect taxes for the goods, passing through the town. Towards the end of XVI century due to the participation of the citizens of Lovech in Tarnovo rebellion these privileges have been deprived. During the same time the entire valley of Osam river has been colonized by the Turks. The town has declined for about 50 years.
After the straits have been closed in the middle of XVII century the centre of the economic life in Bulgaria has been transferred to Plovdiv. Once again Lovech has become a centre connecting South and North Bulgaria. During that time a lot of inns and eating-houses appear. The crafts which service the passing caravans develop. The trade which stimulates the crafts progresses as well, Lovech dealers reach Tzarigrad, Odrin, Thessalonike, Vienna, Budapest, Brashov and Bucharest. The companies which deal with villas for rent Bulgaria also offer trips to these foreign sites.
Due to its possessions the town has been named Altan (golden) in 1520. From 1780 till 1784 Lovech develops rapidly. According to some data during that time it had 20 000 citizens. Approximately such number of population (19 575 citizens) it reaches in 1959. In 1872-1874 the distinctive Revival master Kolyu Ficheto constructs the only at the Balkans covered bridge, which has been reconstructed in 1931 and till today it is one of the symbols of the town. In1784 it is besieged and burnt by the invaders. Its population decreases as well due to the establishment of the Danube shipping association. In 1877 its citizens are 4600. By this way the centre of trade is transferred from Plovdiv to Ruse and Svishtov and Lovech loses its privileged position.
During the years the town develops not only as a commercial, but as an important educational and cultural centre as well. The people of Lovech participate actively in the struggles for an independent Bulgarian church. During the most difficult years of the ottoman yoke in “Varosha” the churches “St. Nedelya” and “St.Virgin Mary,” have been built, and during 1839 Dionisii Lovchanski has been elected for a Bulgarian bishop. In the beginning of the70s The Apostle of freedom Vasil Levski, while establishing the bases of the Internal Revolutionary organization, elects Lovech committee for a centre and denominates it Temporary government of Bulgaria. The museum relics of that heroic time are objects of interest by the tourists who also use villas for rent Bulgaria. Beyond the name of the Apostle its Lovech adherents subscribe their names on the pages of our national history: Hristo Ivanov-The Big (Bookbinder) - a national representative in the Constituent assembly from 1879. He dies in 1898 in Veliko Tarnovo; Marin Poplukanov (25.05.1845-13.05.1913) - a member of Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee, an eminent public figure; a national representative in the Constituent assembly from 1879; mayor of Lovech in 1883-1884 and 1888-1890; Ivan Drasov (15.03.1848-27.09.1901) - a member of Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee and its secretary; a national representative in the Constituent assembly from 1879; the first mayor of Lovech after the Liberation; regional director of Berkovitza, Troyan, Sevlievo, Svishtov, Tarnovo and Varna; Dimitar Pashkov - a member of Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee, an eminent public figure after the Liberation; several times a national representative, including in the Constituent assembly from 1879. He dies in 1926. During the time of April rebellion, the brave leader Todor Kirkov is hanged at Tabashki square.
During the Russian-Turkish war Lovech has been liberated twice thanks to the Russian armies. The final victory over the conquerors is gained on 22 August 1877. The heroism of Vasil Kolev and Tzacho Shishkov, who devoted their lives in a brave, but unequal struggle with Turkish armies, is unforgettable. After the Liberation the Turkish people deport themselves and some of the Bulgarians as well. Liberated Lovech counts roughly 4600 people. A significant part of the craftsmen leave the town, because they have no markets for their goods. The Liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish yoke plays the role of the bourgeois democratic revolution. Foreign goods start to appear in our country, local industry is established, which leads to bankruptcy of the wide people's masses.
During the first 22 years of liberated Bulgaria Lovech is a regional centre of the following counties Lovech, Troyan and Teteven. During the period from 1901 to 1959 it is a county centre, after which it becomes a regional town. From 1987 it is a regional centre. Today Lovech is a beautiful and modern town, which carefully keeps the atmosphere of the previous century. Besides industries it develops also tourism the main branch of which is letting out the villas for rent Bulgaria.
Natural Resources
Earth formations
Lovech municipality is situated in the middle part of the Danube hilly plain (lower lay-by of Osam river), it includes the most northern spur of the middle parts of Fore-Balkan to the south, crosses Devetashko plateau and part of Lovech high lands to the east, the eastern part of Begleshko-Radyuvenski plain and a hilly region to the west. The earth formation is mainly a hilly one, to the north east part – hilly and plain one. The town of Lovech is located in the Middle Fore-Balkan. It is located in a valley, formed by Lovech high lands and it is widely opened to the north. Lovech high lands resemble long rising grounds and hills with predominantly plain ridges and steep on the top slopes along the Osam valley.
The town is of a compact shape and it occupies the river terraces of Osam river. The average above sea level is 200 m. A variety to the landscape is Akbair hill (450 above sea level), which bounds the town from the south and which east and south slopes come down the Osam valley with beautiful rock formations. The main part of the town of Lovech is located in its lower part of 150-190 m. above sea level with terrain inclination 3-8%.
The climate in Lovech municipality is temperately continental, with cool winter and hot summer which is favor of villas for rent Bulgaria and the tourists’ branch at all.
Soil and mineral resources
The soil cover on the territory of the municipality is a various one. Grey forest soils are predominant and along the river valleys - alluvial-meadow ones. The grey and dark gray soils occupy most of the area and they are the main soil type on the territory of the municipality. They are deeply carbonic ones. The strength of the humus horizon is average 30-35 cm. among the dark grey ones and 65 cm. among the grey ones. Their mechanical structure is loamy one and it is difficult for cultivation. They are suitable for cultivation of wheat, barley, oats, corn, sunflower, fodder peas and at favourable climatic conditions vine yards and orchards types - plums, pears, strawberries, and peaches are well grown on them. There are local soils as well. They have well developed humus horizon and they are suitable for growing of almost all types of grain and fodder cultures and sugar beet.
Alluvial-meadow soils are mainly developed along the river valleys in the municipalities. They have light mechanical structure - sandy to a loamy one. The regime of their under soil water depends on those of the rivers. The strength of the humus horizon is from 20 to 40 cm, and the humus content varies from 2 to 5%. The presence of carbonates on the whole soil layer makes them crumbly and easy for cultivation after steady rainfalls and watering. When they are fertilized and watered high yields are achieved. They are most suitable for growing of vegetable and fodder cultures which promote the activities of the companies in villas for rent Bulgaria branch.
Considering the geological structure the territory of Lovech municipality is constructed of sediments of the lower Cretaceous layer - apt and quaternary formations. The apt complex is represented by three horizons - sandy -marl one, urgonic and terrigenic one. The sandy-marl horizon is constructed of marls among which layers of limestone and sandstone seam. The urgonic horizon is represented by limestones, with seams of sandy marls at places as well as limestone sandstone and marls. The terrierian horizon is represented by sandstone and marls, which are of smaller strength and consecutive.
The Quaternary formation is represented by alluvial and delluvial deposits. The alluvial deposits form the river-bed and the over bay terrace of Osam river. Break- tones, big fragments with loamy content and clay are spread. Delluvial deposits cover the slopes and their thickness at places reaches 10 m. Different form fragments with loamy and clay content, mixed with loess clay at places are spread. The geologic and the lithologic structure and the terrain peculiarities are premises for the presence of specific physical and geological processes - soil creeps, landslides, Karst formations in the carbonic massifs, etc.
Water resources
The town of Lovech is located on the both banks of Osam river, which is the right feeder of Danube river. It is formed by the confluence of the two rivers Cherni and Beli Osam. Its length is 314 km, and the water collective area - 2820 sq. km. The water collective area in the upper part is well afforestated - beech-tree and oak-tree. The length of the river to the town of Lovech is 74.12 km, the water collective area - 907 sq. km. The water flow is not evenly distributed in the year. Feeding of the river is carried out by snows and rainfalls.
The highest water index of the river is registered in 1964. - 400 cm and the lowest one - 12 cm in 1993. The average twenty-four-hour water volume is 314 m3/sec, and the maximum - 885 m3/sec. On the territory of Lovech, Osam River meets its left feeder Goznishka bara and several ravines. Osam river flow is disturbed by the built up on Cherni Osam river two water collectors, which together with the reservoir Steneto spring form the so called group "Cherni Osam", which provides water for the residential places in Lovech county, including the town of Lovech. The villas for rent Bulgaria also receive water form the same sources.
On the territory of Lovech municipality the underground waters are spread as crack, Karst and pore ones. Crack waters are formed by rock formations of marls, sandstone and limestone. Their circulation is carried out by the cracks in the rocks and usually they are deposited quite deeply. This water feeding is carried out by the infiltration of the atmospheric rainfalls / snowfalls. Karst waters are formed in the limestone. Their feeding is carried out by the atmospheric rainfalls / snowfalls as well as by the crack waters.
Pore waters are formed in the alluvial sandy fragmented deposits of Osam River which are in direct hydraulic connection. Their level is indicated from 0.50 to 3.00 m. from the surface. At high stands of the river waters the level of the underground waters rises as well.
The presence of consecutive Karst limestone formations with marl and sandy ones, in combination with number of corrugations provides possibilities for concentration of the underground waters and the formation of Karst springs near by Lovech - Gurkovoto(1.5-10 l/sec) and Vladishkoto (0.4-27 l/sec). The underground waters in the region are used for domestic needs and for industrial water supply.
Flora and Fauna
The green vegetation is a various one, mixed - mainly coniferous, with representation of deciduous types and quite rich bush variety. Here, there are spread: Centaurea atropuvpuvala - dark purple corn-flower; Melica altissima – visoka biserka; Crocus tomasinianus -tomasiniev crocus, Balkan endemite; Aesculus hippcastanum - Balkan endemite and terciary relict;
Ramonda serbica - Balkan endemite and terciary relict; Vegetation sensitive to water, air and soil pollution: - family camomile (Athemuis); - family lime (Tilia); - family birch (Letula); - family elder (Sambucus); - family pine (Pinus); - family hornbeam (Corpinus); - family beech (Fagus); - family oak (Quercus); - family briar (Rosa); - family hawthorn (Cratoegus); - family hazel bush (Corylus); - family cornel-tree (Cornus); - family acacia (Alalia); - family raspberry (Rubus); - family sgrabiche (Astragalus)
Agricultural crops: - Tradescantia paludosa; - Zea mays; - Hordeum vulgare; - Clicine max; - Vicia faba; - Allium cera. The last six plants have been used as a base of the so called plant test-systems for research of the mutagens in the environment.
Plants indicators: They show certain quality of the environment. For an example plants from family violet witness the presence of zinc and copper in the soil, some wheat plants - the presence of surface waters, leeches are indicators of air pollution and nettle and Aaron's rod - the presence of nitrogen in the soil.
Protected natural sights
Near by the residential territory of the town of Lovech, which is approximately 1394 ha, Suburban Park of 18ha and forestry parks on an area of 659 ha are situated. Within the borders of the residential territory there are not protected territories, but as a whole in Lovech county one of the most interesting reserves, included in National park "Central Balkan" – Boatin, Tsarichina, Steneto, Kozya stena, Kashka, Zelenikovets are enclosed.
The reserve Steneto is in the beginning of the water supply system "Cherni Osam". It is located in the spring area of Cherni osam river and it occupies an area of 3578.8 ha. In 1983 the spring county is proclaimed a buffer zone of the reserve. Steneto is one of the largest reserves in our country. It is entirely rich, with not changed flora and fauna. It is characterized with very fragmented land formations, at some places steep - to precipice one, corrugated with queer forms. Due to the predominant Karst formations in the reserve there are numerous caves, as the most significant ones are Кumanitsa and Ptichta dupka. The unique landscape, flora and fauna (97 protected animal types and 3 vegetation types) define the reserve as a shelter for the nature of national and international importance. It is included in the list of biosphere reserves of UNESCO. The protected sites are permanent object of visiting by foreign citizens who are being accommodated in the local villas for rent Bulgaria.
Ecology
Air
The municipality climate is characterized with cool spring, hot summer, mild and long autumn. The average annual relative humidity of the air is low; winds from west, south and south-east prevail. Strong and cool wind osamna commonly unfavourable conditions for disperse of the harmful atmospheric substances are characteristic climatic phenomena. The valley character of the region favours temperature inversions, which appear in the winter and in the summer period of the year. In the winter regarding the average twenty four hour temporaries as well as the maximal temperatures 50-60% of the days or each second day, are with temperature inversions. The thickness of the inversion layer reaches 100-200 and sometimes 300 m. In the summer the temperature inversions reach 70% regarding minimal temperatures. Usually they appear only in the morning with small vertical currency and stability - to 2-3 o'clock. The presence of temperature inversions is utterly unfavorable for disperse of the harmful atmospheric substances.
Another major factor for the air condition in the region is the wind. The calm weather (with wind speed under 1 m/sec) is characteristic for more than half of the time of the year. There are not observatories to the National net for monitoring of of air pollution. Data for the air pollution according to atlas “Environment of the Republic of Bulgaria”: Annual emissions of dust from the industrial enterprises - under 0.1 t/sq. km.; Annual emissions of sulfa dioxide from the industrial enterprises - 0.4-0.999 t/sq. km.; Annual emissions of nitric dioxide from the industrial enterprises – 0.1-0.399 t/sq. km.; Lack of places of overcoming the Safe Norm Coefficient. Lovech region is not among the problematic ones.
The enterprises on the territory of the town of Lovech use natural gas as power supply source during the winter months for heating the public buildings, schools, kindergartens. The regional hospital uses natural gas as well, which eases the loading of the atmosphere with pollutants. All these circumstances promote the tourists’ branch and the letting out of villas for rent Bulgaria.
Waters
The collected on the territory of Lovech municipality domestic refuse waters are mouthed unpurified in Osam River and its feeders. Osam River is the main drainage artery in the region. Daily quality and content of the domestic refuse waters, generated on the territory of Lovech municipality: Q average-daily. = 11 000 cub. m.; BPC5 = 226 mg/l; НВ = 272 mg/l. The industrial refuse waters, purified to a degree to be included in the town collector, are mouthed in the town sewerage net and from there directly into Osam River. There are 248 enterprises, but only 35 of them are working with a staff more than 10 people. They have real production and collect industrial refuse waters. Pleven Regional Inspectorate of Protecting Waters controls the content of the refuse waters after the exit of the purifying station on 10 of the enterprises. Quantity and quality of the collected on the territory of the town industrial refuse waters: Q average-daily = 16 000 cubs. M; BPC5 = 120 mg/l; НВ = 1.30 mg/l.
Water condition is controlled by Pleven Regional Inspectorate of Protecting Waters, since the measurements are indicated in the bulletins of Ministry of Protecting waters - national Center of Purifying Refuse Waters. Of the data for 1999 it is obvious, that considering the dispersed oxygen indicator BPC5, Permanganate oxygen, ammonia. The condition of the river waters is worse during the dry months when the prevailing part of the flow id formed by the non purified refuse waters of the town of Troyan and the town of Lovech.
According to the programme for a priority construction of a town purifying station for refuse waters in the residential places with over 10 000 citizens in 2003 the construction of a town purifying station will start and the domestic and industrial refuse waters, accumulated on the territory of the town of Lovech will be drained. This will improve significantly the condition of the waters in Osam River and the conditions for tourism development that will use the services of villas for rent Bulgaria companies.
Pollution with solid scraps
The surveys of the quality of the scraps of the population of the town of Lovech show that the daily average quantity of generated scraps is 26 824 kg/day, where the norm per a citizen per a year varies from 199 to 211. The solid domestic scraps, generated on the territory of the town of Lovech and its adjoining residential areas are deposited in a dung-hill, located at about 6 km away from the town in the north-eastern direction. The total volume of deposited for one year scraps in the town dung-hill is calculated approximately to 75 000 cub. m at average volume density 0.338 t/cub m, or for one year 25 350 tones are depoted for a year. Except domestic scraps in the dung-hills construction scraps are depoted as well - about 5509 kg/day, and production scraps as well, which quantity amounts to about 3846 kg/day.
The town dung-hill that is active in the moment is in exploitation since1960 and it occupies about 35.8 decares. Its capacity is spent and in 2001 its new re-cultivation together with the construction of the new depot for solid scraps with daily earth heaping in accordance with the contemporary demands for nature protection will be processed.
With the construction of the new depot for solid scraps in the system for garbage collection and garbage transportation it is forecasted all the residential places in the municipality to be consecutively included and in this way the depot statute is changed - from a town one it will be turned into a municipal one for solid scraps. Presently in the system of the coordinated garbage collection and transportation only the town of Lovech and its suburban districts of "Gznitsa" and "Prodimchets" are included. The activity is granted to Bulgarian-German joint-venture company “REB-Sheele". Garbage collection and transportation on the territory of Lovech municipality is well organized with new dustbins and means of transport. In the region of the depot for solid scraps of Lovech municipality, in the region Dalgiya bair, at the lands to the village of Presyaka, there are not protected territories.
Fellowship towns and international cooperation
1. ERFURT, Germany – a capital of Tyuringiya. The beginning of the contacts has been put on 7.10.1971. They have become very intensive after 1996. Today Lovech and Erfurt have exclusively active business connections in a number of directions. The more significant among them are: the local authorities of the two towns; educational establishment; young people and societies from Lovech and Erfurt; public health establishments; anti-fire and trouble security departments; the departments Cleanness; the authorities of the public peace; sport teams from all age groups; painters, folklore groups and other amateur ensembles; economic structures in the two countries; a great number of families from Lovech and Erfurt; the two zoo parks; specialists from the two towns. The German visitors usually turn to the services of the companies that deal with villas for rent Bulgaria.
2. RYAZAN, Russia – since 1964
3. SIKTIVKAR, the Republic of Komi, Russia – since 1984
A contract for cooperation between Lovech and Palermo and Albano Laziale, Italy, Chateau Gontier - France, Kalisz - Poland is about to be signed. The communications with other towns in Europe are in progress. Lovech municipality welcomes any future contacts with other societies and non-government organizations – “Pharamaceutists with no limits”, international organizations for activity with people, deprived from freedom and others.
Culture and arts
Historical Museum – Lovech
The museum activity in the town of Lovech leads its beginning from 28 of February 1895. Then in Lovech cultural club “Nauka” a museum collection of 570 exponents is opened - a donation from the citizens. As a result of the strenuous collective work of several generations of museum workers today in the book depositories there are more than 60 thousand exponents. Chronologically and thematically they are distributed in 4 departments: “Archeology”, “History of Bulgaria ХV-ХІХ century”, “Ethnography” and “New and the newest history of Bulgaria”. There are two laboratories in the museum - for restoration and conservation and photo laboratory.
Acr “Varosha”
In 1969 “Varosha” residential area is pronounced for an architectural and historic reserve. With its peculiar people's architecture from the Revival epoch it is a preferred place for recreation by the citizens and the visitors of the town of Lovech.
Vasil Levski’s Monument
The 14-meters monument is erected on 27 May 1965 in “Varosha” residential area, next to
“Vasil Levski” Museum
Established on 19 of February 1954. A backbone of the exposition is the richest in the country collection of Levski's personal belongings - fake Turkish stamps, receipts, a sword, a dagger and an original portrait from 1870.
Ethnographic Museum
1. Exposition “Drasova house”. Established in 1973. It presents the life style of a rich commercial family from the end of ХІХ - the beginning of ХХ century. The West-European influence is represented.
2. Exposition “Rashova house”. Established in 1983. It presents the organization of a house of an intelligent person from the town of Lovech from the 30s and the 40s of ХХ century.
Architectural Reserve – The Village of Staro Stefanovo
Museum Building and Art Gallery in “Varosha” Residental Area
The building is located in the old part of the town of Lovech – in the architectural and historic reserve “Varosha” residential area. The residential area is in a proximity to the centre of the town, which is on the other side of Osam River, connected with a monumental pedestrian bridge. The sight is right beyond Stratesh hill, at the historical square “Todor Kirkov” and to the only covered bridge on the Balkan Peninsula. The construction of the site has started in 1984 and has been ceased in 1990 due to the shortage of finances. All-out construction area of the building – 14 400 sq. m, constructed area – 48 432 cub. m. Part of the residential building is being served by the villas for rent Bulgaria companies.
Art, traditions
Cultural traditions, ceremonies and customs
Galleries Theatres Clubs and associations Formations: Palm Sunday - a traditional people's holiday for the town of Lovech. It is held each year according to the ecclesiastical calendar;
Lyulyakovi musical feasts “Panayot and Lyubomir Pipkovi”. The tradition starts in 1937 as “Hospitable Lyulyakova week”, restored and enriched in 1965. It is held in May in two years' interval; Day of Lovech. The celebration of the town is connected with the name of the two enlighteners Kiril and Metodii. It is held annually on 11 of May; National children's drawings exhibition "Let's go in for sports with "Queen's" juices"; National celebration of the brass orchestra - it is organized every second year in May; International folklore festival “Let's be friends” - held each year according to the annual calendar of the Ministry of Education and Sciences; National Plein-air of Painting - held every second year; Liberation of Lovech from The Turkish yoke - it is celebrated on 22 August 1877; National Symposium on Park Sculpture - held every second year; Autumn saloon - a traditional autumn exposition of the creations of Lovech people of art (November); Lovech International Bard Fest - held every year about 1-st November - Day of Bulgarian People Enlighteners; Radyuvene National Folk Singing Competition of Young Folk Song Singers - 14-th October, every year. The old cultural traditions of Lovech are very attractive for the guests of the town who are also guests of the villas for rent Bulgaria.
Art Galleriy - 2377 creations - paintings, graphics, sculpture and applied art. It possesses creations from the 30s till the end of ХХ century of Atanas Mihov, Ivan Hristov, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, Elisaveta Konsulova-Vazova, Iliya Petrov, Dechko Uzunov, Svetlin Rusev, Atanas Yaranov, Suli Seferov, Teofan Sokerov, Tzvyatko Dochev, Petar Dochev, Gredi Assa, Vezhdi Rashidov, Angel Stanev, Valentin Starchev, Emil Popov, Petar Chuklev and others. The expositional area of the gallery - 640 sq. m, is located at four levels with a supple transition and ideal possibility for any kind of exhibitions with an artistic character.
Gallery “Darenie Kazakov” - The exposition includes 285 creations - paintings, graphics and ceramic items, granted to Lovech by Dimitar Kazakov - Neron. It is located in a separate house in “Varosha” residential area.
Drama Theatre - Founded on 1 of August 1965. Its performances are familiar to all admirers of the theater art of Lovech county. In it eminent figures of the stage production work - Yuliya Ognyanova, Vili Tzankov, Ivan Dobchev, Nikolay Polyakov, Bina Haralampieva, Ivan Stanev, Boyko Bogdanov. Lovech theater is the beginning of the artistic career of the actors Ivan Petrushinov, Zhorzheta Nikolova, Hristo Garbov. It is an owner of national awards, among which is the award “Konstantin Kisimov” for 1994. The hall is with 460 seats.
Musical Theatre - It exists since1971 as a successor of the musical traditions in Lovech. Its repertoire includes musical compositions from the classical repertoire of the opera art.
Puppet Theatre - Established in 1973. It works with professional groups. Mobile and accessible for all children in the region. The preferable repertoire are the classical fairy tails.
Club of the Cultural Figures - Established in1962 as a tribune for performance of people of art from the town of Lovech, the country and abroad in different spheres of art. It disposes with a club hall (60 seats).
Association of the Scientists in Bulgaria – Lovech Branch Office.
Association of the Journalists - Its members are 33 journalists in different media in the town. For an honest and professional presence in the complicated social situation, reflected in the media in 1999, The Association of the Bulgarian Journalists adjudged the first award to the Journalist Association - Lovech.
Municipal Folklore Eensemble (MFE) “Lovech” - It exists since 1996. It reproduces songs and dances of all folklore counties in Bulgaria. It has participated in many folklore festivals in Europe, Asia and Africa. The ensemble includes in its group 40 dancers, 4 singers and 8 musicians.
Troyan
Troyan (also spelled Troian, Bulgarian: Троян) is a town in central Bulgaria with population of about 30,000 and territory of 888,850 m². It is located 160km from Sofia. The nearest civilian airport is Gorna Oryahovitsa, 105 km away. The river of Beli Osam passes through the heart of the town.
History
The town was officially established about 130 yars ago, but its territory has been inhabited for tousands of years.
Culture
The Troyan region is home to the cultural and historcal site of the Troyan Monastery. The town is famous for its traditional pottery, probably developed partly as a result of the qualities of the local clay soil. Pottery was a main source of income for the local craftsmen during the Bulgarian Renaissance age. Now handmade pottery items are sold as souveniers to tourists. The production of premium quality plum brandy has become a part of local curture. In connection to this the town holds the annual Festival of the Plum in the autumn. Both factories brewed and homemade plum brandy has gained national and international acclaim at major showcases. Troyan is among the most attractive towns for mountain vacation and it promotes the business of letting out villas for rent Bulgaria.
The official day of Troyan is October 14, the day of the town's patron saint St. Petka Paraskeva.
Industry
Troyan is the home of the large Actavis pharmaceutical plant as well as the light machinery factories Elma and Mashstroi. Another major industry is the famous plum brandy (slivova rakia) production brewery Vinprom-Troyan.
Famous People: Ivan Hadjiiski (Psychologist); Dr. Nikola Shipkovenski (Psychiatrist);
Dr. Angel Balevski; Minko Nikolov (Literature Critic); Dr. Marko Semov; Ania Pencheva (Actress); Docho Bodjakov (Film Director)
Teteven
Geography
"Teteven Valley is marvelous, its beauty beyond comparison " (Felix Kanitz).
Teteven Municipality is situated in Lovech Region – Central-north region. The Municipality borders 10 other municipalities from Lovech, Sofia and Plovdiv Regions to include the following municipalities: Yablanitza, Lukovit, Ugarchin and Troyan from Lovech region; Karlovo from Plovdiv Region and Anton, Pirdop, Zlatitza, Etropole. There are no direct roads connecting all the regions for the exchange of goods. The territory of the Teteven municipality is 696 sq. km. This represents 16,86 % of the territory of the Lovech Region (4132 sq. km).
Teteven municipality is situated in the Vit valley, surrounded by the beautiful peaks - Petrahilja, Cherven, Treskavetz and others from the Zlatitza-Teteven area of the mountain, which lies East of the Zlatitza Pass the low Ribaritza Pass. Above sea level the highest elevations vary from 340 m to 2100 m. Teteven is 415 m. The typography varies from the highest elevations to the lowest elevations. The ridge of the mountain is bare, while the south slopes are steep and treeless, the north slopes in the highest part are heavily eroded, while in the middle the mountains are slanting, well-wooded with nice beech trees and a great number of villas for rent Bulgaria.
The tallest mountain above sea-level is Zlatitza - Teteven Mountain area distinguished by Vejen Mount 2198 m, from its east part. Other beautiful peaks, in which tourists take special interest are Pascal 2029 m; Teteven Baba 2071 m; Kartal 2014 m; Bolovan 2019 m, Bratanitza 1980 m and others. Municipality owned forests offer nice surroundings for tourism and recreation that include walking, hiking, and hunting, collecting of wild berries, herbs and mushrooms. There are good skiing conditions in winter in the area of the following mountain hostels: Vejen, Benkovski, Vasiljov and Haidushka Pesen. There is perfect fishing and sunbathing conditions along the Beli Vit River and its tributaries during the summer months. The beautiful cliff formations around Teteven offer good climbing conditions.
History
A single visit of Teteven is not enough to get to know it and love it. Beautiful and mysterious is Teteven. Following each visit it will be disclosed to you new beauty, memories of past days, and promises of unexpected experiences. Hidden in the bosom of the mountain, afar from the main roads it is difficult to define the time of the first settlers. Accidentally unearthed, historical recordings of the past are testimony of the fact that this area was inhabited long ago. Ancient forests, high water rivers that provided food and created caves, abounded in this region as it was where the ancient settlers’ made their homes. The caves of Morovitza, Bajovitza and Draganchovitza are evidence of this.
Numerous grave markings are quiet witness of Thracians lives. They are to be found in Vasiljov and Teteven mountain area, as well as along the Vit River and its tributaries. Circumstantial evidence has established that the Thracians inhabiting this area belonged to the Serdi Tribe. Yet, who is to say if this is so or not? What can be stated for sure is that Mountain Thracians shared same social organization, style of living, burial customs and beliefs as the rest of the Thracians. Numismatic finds indicate that there was a Roman settlement here. Bronze and silver coins from the Roman emperors Trayan and Comodius, and other emperors of the II - IV centuries are not the only witnesses of Roman rule. Roman roads and watchtowers can be seen high in the mountains, as well as remains of Roman bridges over rivers.
When the Romans were gone, Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians followed them. Names of fortresses and residential areas bare witness that Teteven region was a part of this history.
Pouring over the Bulgarian landscape is testimony to the fanatic and merciless Black avalanche of the Turkish invasions, the chronicle of the yoke. The small mountain settlement Tetjuvene would not surrender. Following this, four Turkish Sulkans decreed privileges for Tetevenians returning a degree of freedom to the people.
16 and 17 centuries were periods of prosperity for Teteven. The town grew with houses so close to each other that one could go from one end of the town to the other just walking on the roofs of the houses. Twenty-seven crafts developed during this period. Teteven merchants went as far as Asia to the East and to Vienna to the West. There were 60 hadjias in the town (Jerusalem pilgrims). The town was called "Altan Teteven" – Golden Teteven.
1801 is marked with tragedy for Teteven. Kardjalias start plundering and destroying rich Bulgarian towns. After Kalofer, Koprivshtitza, Arbanasi it was Golden Teteven’s turn. Rivers of blood ran down the cobbled stone streets, where screams could be heard and ashes from the fires seen. Only 2 to 3 houses and a monastery survived. Teteven came to life out of the ashes like the Phoenix bird. The legend is being told to most of the visitors in the town who usually stay in the villas for rent Bulgaria.
Landmarks of time and remnants from a past life are known through broken pottery, stone carvings, remains, burnt books, myths and legends...
Lovech
Lovech (Bulgarian: Ловеч, Turkish Lofça) is a town in north-central Bulgaria with a population of about 50,000. Lovech is the administrative centre of Lovech Province and of the subordinate Lovech municipality, and is located 150 km from the capital city of Sofia. Near Lovech are the towns of Pleven, Troyan and Teteven.
Location
The municipality of Lovech occupies 946 sq. m. of land in the north-eastern part of Lovech county. It covers 22.89 % of the territory of the county and it is at the first place for its size compared to the other seven municipalities. There are 35 towns and villages - 34 villages and 1 town and most of them offer villas for rent Bulgaria. In administrative respect, it is bounded to the north by Pleven and Pordim municipality, to the north-east by Letnik, to the east by Sevlievo, to the west by Troyan municipality, and to the west by Ugarchina municipality.
The town of Lovech is located on the borderline between the Danube Plain and the northern foothills of the Balkan and it covers the river terraces of the Osam River. The town is surrounded by a 250 m high plateau, with almost vertical slope toward the East industrial zone. The plateau hill and the slopes are occupied by a forest park Stratesh, the South -west part of which is known under the name of "Varosha". Along its steep slopes the architectural and historical Reserve of the same name is situated, nestled between the hills of Hisarya and Bash Bunar. This is the most beautiful and picturesque part of the town. Lovech is located:
150 км away from the capital of the Republic of Bulgaria – Sofia; 100 км away from Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport; 100 км away from River-port Svishtov; 300 км away from Sea-port Varna; 150 км away from border checkpoint Ruse and 40 км away from railway centre Levski.
History
Lovech is one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Its territory and surroundings have been inhabited ever since the remote past, a prerequisite for which is the favourable geographic situation between the mountain and the plain. Remains of the Old Stone Age, the New Stone Age, the Bronze and the Iron epoch have been found in the caves Tabashka and Vasil Levski in the town of Lovech. There is a great number of evidences for the life of the first citizens of Lovech – The Thracians, during ІV–ІІІ century BC.
The ancient town has been built up on the ruins of the Thracian town Melta, which has probably been the capital of the Thracian tribe meldi and has played the role of an exchange road station between the Thracian tribes that inhabited the today Romania, the Maritza valley and the Rhodopes. Later when the Romans colonize the Balkan Peninsula, they establish a Roman station and name it Prezidium. It has a huge strategic importance along of the biggest Roman roads - “Via Trayana”, which connects the White Sea with the Danube river. Even nowadays the citizens of Lovech and the visitors of the town can have a walk along the old Roman route “Varosh”, along which Roman soldiers used to pass. During the Dark Ages Lovech is an important military strategic centre. The first notice for Lovech fortress in our history is from the time of the invasions of the pechenegs in Northern Bulgaria - the middle of XI century. During the rebellion of the brothers Asen and Petar in 1185 it bravely defends the attacks towards the Bulgarian capital Tarnovo. The historical remains here attract tourists who use the services of villas for rent Bulgaria.
In 1187 in front of its walls a peaceful contract has been signed, according to which Byzantium admits the independence of Bulgaria. The foundations of the Second Bulgarian country have been settled through it. The important location of Lovech facilitates its economic progress. In the beginning of XII century it has already become a big commercial centre, famous all over Bulgaria. In XIV century it has been a lineal possession of Tsar Ivan Alexandar and has become one of the first trading posts of Dubrovnik dealers.
According to some authors Lovech fortress is one of the last fortresses which have fallen under Turkish yoke - in1446, but even then it has preserved significant rights - not to provide shelter to Turkish people in the town, not to give children to the janissary corpus, it also keeps its right to collect taxes for the goods, passing through the town. Towards the end of XVI century due to the participation of the citizens of Lovech in Tarnovo rebellion these privileges have been deprived. During the same time the entire valley of Osam river has been colonized by the Turks. The town has declined for about 50 years.
After the straits have been closed in the middle of XVII century the centre of the economic life in Bulgaria has been transferred to Plovdiv. Once again Lovech has become a centre connecting South and North Bulgaria. During that time a lot of inns and eating-houses appear. The crafts which service the passing caravans develop. The trade which stimulates the crafts progresses as well, Lovech dealers reach Tzarigrad, Odrin, Thessalonike, Vienna, Budapest, Brashov and Bucharest. The companies which deal with villas for rent Bulgaria also offer trips to these foreign sites.
Due to its possessions the town has been named Altan (golden) in 1520. From 1780 till 1784 Lovech develops rapidly. According to some data during that time it had 20 000 citizens. Approximately such number of population (19 575 citizens) it reaches in 1959. In 1872-1874 the distinctive Revival master Kolyu Ficheto constructs the only at the Balkans covered bridge, which has been reconstructed in 1931 and till today it is one of the symbols of the town. In1784 it is besieged and burnt by the invaders. Its population decreases as well due to the establishment of the Danube shipping association. In 1877 its citizens are 4600. By this way the centre of trade is transferred from Plovdiv to Ruse and Svishtov and Lovech loses its privileged position.
During the years the town develops not only as a commercial, but as an important educational and cultural centre as well. The people of Lovech participate actively in the struggles for an independent Bulgarian church. During the most difficult years of the ottoman yoke in “Varosha” the churches “St. Nedelya” and “St.Virgin Mary,” have been built, and during 1839 Dionisii Lovchanski has been elected for a Bulgarian bishop. In the beginning of the70s The Apostle of freedom Vasil Levski, while establishing the bases of the Internal Revolutionary organization, elects Lovech committee for a centre and denominates it Temporary government of Bulgaria. The museum relics of that heroic time are objects of interest by the tourists who also use villas for rent Bulgaria. Beyond the name of the Apostle its Lovech adherents subscribe their names on the pages of our national history: Hristo Ivanov-The Big (Bookbinder) - a national representative in the Constituent assembly from 1879. He dies in 1898 in Veliko Tarnovo; Marin Poplukanov (25.05.1845-13.05.1913) - a member of Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee, an eminent public figure; a national representative in the Constituent assembly from 1879; mayor of Lovech in 1883-1884 and 1888-1890; Ivan Drasov (15.03.1848-27.09.1901) - a member of Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee and its secretary; a national representative in the Constituent assembly from 1879; the first mayor of Lovech after the Liberation; regional director of Berkovitza, Troyan, Sevlievo, Svishtov, Tarnovo and Varna; Dimitar Pashkov - a member of Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee, an eminent public figure after the Liberation; several times a national representative, including in the Constituent assembly from 1879. He dies in 1926. During the time of April rebellion, the brave leader Todor Kirkov is hanged at Tabashki square.
During the Russian-Turkish war Lovech has been liberated twice thanks to the Russian armies. The final victory over the conquerors is gained on 22 August 1877. The heroism of Vasil Kolev and Tzacho Shishkov, who devoted their lives in a brave, but unequal struggle with Turkish armies, is unforgettable. After the Liberation the Turkish people deport themselves and some of the Bulgarians as well. Liberated Lovech counts roughly 4600 people. A significant part of the craftsmen leave the town, because they have no markets for their goods. The Liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish yoke plays the role of the bourgeois democratic revolution. Foreign goods start to appear in our country, local industry is established, which leads to bankruptcy of the wide people's masses.
During the first 22 years of liberated Bulgaria Lovech is a regional centre of the following counties Lovech, Troyan and Teteven. During the period from 1901 to 1959 it is a county centre, after which it becomes a regional town. From 1987 it is a regional centre. Today Lovech is a beautiful and modern town, which carefully keeps the atmosphere of the previous century. Besides industries it develops also tourism the main branch of which is letting out the villas for rent Bulgaria.
Natural Resources
Earth formations
Lovech municipality is situated in the middle part of the Danube hilly plain (lower lay-by of Osam river), it includes the most northern spur of the middle parts of Fore-Balkan to the south, crosses Devetashko plateau and part of Lovech high lands to the east, the eastern part of Begleshko-Radyuvenski plain and a hilly region to the west. The earth formation is mainly a hilly one, to the north east part – hilly and plain one. The town of Lovech is located in the Middle Fore-Balkan. It is located in a valley, formed by Lovech high lands and it is widely opened to the north. Lovech high lands resemble long rising grounds and hills with predominantly plain ridges and steep on the top slopes along the Osam valley.
The town is of a compact shape and it occupies the river terraces of Osam river. The average above sea level is 200 m. A variety to the landscape is Akbair hill (450 above sea level), which bounds the town from the south and which east and south slopes come down the Osam valley with beautiful rock formations. The main part of the town of Lovech is located in its lower part of 150-190 m. above sea level with terrain inclination 3-8%.
The climate in Lovech municipality is temperately continental, with cool winter and hot summer which is favor of villas for rent Bulgaria and the tourists’ branch at all.
Soil and mineral resources
The soil cover on the territory of the municipality is a various one. Grey forest soils are predominant and along the river valleys - alluvial-meadow ones. The grey and dark gray soils occupy most of the area and they are the main soil type on the territory of the municipality. They are deeply carbonic ones. The strength of the humus horizon is average 30-35 cm. among the dark grey ones and 65 cm. among the grey ones. Their mechanical structure is loamy one and it is difficult for cultivation. They are suitable for cultivation of wheat, barley, oats, corn, sunflower, fodder peas and at favourable climatic conditions vine yards and orchards types - plums, pears, strawberries, and peaches are well grown on them. There are local soils as well. They have well developed humus horizon and they are suitable for growing of almost all types of grain and fodder cultures and sugar beet.
Alluvial-meadow soils are mainly developed along the river valleys in the municipalities. They have light mechanical structure - sandy to a loamy one. The regime of their under soil water depends on those of the rivers. The strength of the humus horizon is from 20 to 40 cm, and the humus content varies from 2 to 5%. The presence of carbonates on the whole soil layer makes them crumbly and easy for cultivation after steady rainfalls and watering. When they are fertilized and watered high yields are achieved. They are most suitable for growing of vegetable and fodder cultures which promote the activities of the companies in villas for rent Bulgaria branch.
Considering the geological structure the territory of Lovech municipality is constructed of sediments of the lower Cretaceous layer - apt and quaternary formations. The apt complex is represented by three horizons - sandy -marl one, urgonic and terrigenic one. The sandy-marl horizon is constructed of marls among which layers of limestone and sandstone seam. The urgonic horizon is represented by limestones, with seams of sandy marls at places as well as limestone sandstone and marls. The terrierian horizon is represented by sandstone and marls, which are of smaller strength and consecutive.
The Quaternary formation is represented by alluvial and delluvial deposits. The alluvial deposits form the river-bed and the over bay terrace of Osam river. Break- tones, big fragments with loamy content and clay are spread. Delluvial deposits cover the slopes and their thickness at places reaches 10 m. Different form fragments with loamy and clay content, mixed with loess clay at places are spread. The geologic and the lithologic structure and the terrain peculiarities are premises for the presence of specific physical and geological processes - soil creeps, landslides, Karst formations in the carbonic massifs, etc.
Water resources
The town of Lovech is located on the both banks of Osam river, which is the right feeder of Danube river. It is formed by the confluence of the two rivers Cherni and Beli Osam. Its length is 314 km, and the water collective area - 2820 sq. km. The water collective area in the upper part is well afforestated - beech-tree and oak-tree. The length of the river to the town of Lovech is 74.12 km, the water collective area - 907 sq. km. The water flow is not evenly distributed in the year. Feeding of the river is carried out by snows and rainfalls.
The highest water index of the river is registered in 1964. - 400 cm and the lowest one - 12 cm in 1993. The average twenty-four-hour water volume is 314 m3/sec, and the maximum - 885 m3/sec. On the territory of Lovech, Osam River meets its left feeder Goznishka bara and several ravines. Osam river flow is disturbed by the built up on Cherni Osam river two water collectors, which together with the reservoir Steneto spring form the so called group "Cherni Osam", which provides water for the residential places in Lovech county, including the town of Lovech. The villas for rent Bulgaria also receive water form the same sources.
On the territory of Lovech municipality the underground waters are spread as crack, Karst and pore ones. Crack waters are formed by rock formations of marls, sandstone and limestone. Their circulation is carried out by the cracks in the rocks and usually they are deposited quite deeply. This water feeding is carried out by the infiltration of the atmospheric rainfalls / snowfalls. Karst waters are formed in the limestone. Their feeding is carried out by the atmospheric rainfalls / snowfalls as well as by the crack waters.
Pore waters are formed in the alluvial sandy fragmented deposits of Osam River which are in direct hydraulic connection. Their level is indicated from 0.50 to 3.00 m. from the surface. At high stands of the river waters the level of the underground waters rises as well.
The presence of consecutive Karst limestone formations with marl and sandy ones, in combination with number of corrugations provides possibilities for concentration of the underground waters and the formation of Karst springs near by Lovech - Gurkovoto(1.5-10 l/sec) and Vladishkoto (0.4-27 l/sec). The underground waters in the region are used for domestic needs and for industrial water supply.
Flora and Fauna
The green vegetation is a various one, mixed - mainly coniferous, with representation of deciduous types and quite rich bush variety. Here, there are spread: Centaurea atropuvpuvala - dark purple corn-flower; Melica altissima – visoka biserka; Crocus tomasinianus -tomasiniev crocus, Balkan endemite; Aesculus hippcastanum - Balkan endemite and terciary relict;
Ramonda serbica - Balkan endemite and terciary relict; Vegetation sensitive to water, air and soil pollution: - family camomile (Athemuis); - family lime (Tilia); - family birch (Letula); - family elder (Sambucus); - family pine (Pinus); - family hornbeam (Corpinus); - family beech (Fagus); - family oak (Quercus); - family briar (Rosa); - family hawthorn (Cratoegus); - family hazel bush (Corylus); - family cornel-tree (Cornus); - family acacia (Alalia); - family raspberry (Rubus); - family sgrabiche (Astragalus)
Agricultural crops: - Tradescantia paludosa; - Zea mays; - Hordeum vulgare; - Clicine max; - Vicia faba; - Allium cera. The last six plants have been used as a base of the so called plant test-systems for research of the mutagens in the environment.
Plants indicators: They show certain quality of the environment. For an example plants from family violet witness the presence of zinc and copper in the soil, some wheat plants - the presence of surface waters, leeches are indicators of air pollution and nettle and Aaron's rod - the presence of nitrogen in the soil.
Protected natural sights
Near by the residential territory of the town of Lovech, which is approximately 1394 ha, Suburban Park of 18ha and forestry parks on an area of 659 ha are situated. Within the borders of the residential territory there are not protected territories, but as a whole in Lovech county one of the most interesting reserves, included in National park "Central Balkan" – Boatin, Tsarichina, Steneto, Kozya stena, Kashka, Zelenikovets are enclosed.
The reserve Steneto is in the beginning of the water supply system "Cherni Osam". It is located in the spring area of Cherni osam river and it occupies an area of 3578.8 ha. In 1983 the spring county is proclaimed a buffer zone of the reserve. Steneto is one of the largest reserves in our country. It is entirely rich, with not changed flora and fauna. It is characterized with very fragmented land formations, at some places steep - to precipice one, corrugated with queer forms. Due to the predominant Karst formations in the reserve there are numerous caves, as the most significant ones are Кumanitsa and Ptichta dupka. The unique landscape, flora and fauna (97 protected animal types and 3 vegetation types) define the reserve as a shelter for the nature of national and international importance. It is included in the list of biosphere reserves of UNESCO. The protected sites are permanent object of visiting by foreign citizens who are being accommodated in the local villas for rent Bulgaria.
Ecology
Air
The municipality climate is characterized with cool spring, hot summer, mild and long autumn. The average annual relative humidity of the air is low; winds from west, south and south-east prevail. Strong and cool wind osamna commonly unfavourable conditions for disperse of the harmful atmospheric substances are characteristic climatic phenomena. The valley character of the region favours temperature inversions, which appear in the winter and in the summer period of the year. In the winter regarding the average twenty four hour temporaries as well as the maximal temperatures 50-60% of the days or each second day, are with temperature inversions. The thickness of the inversion layer reaches 100-200 and sometimes 300 m. In the summer the temperature inversions reach 70% regarding minimal temperatures. Usually they appear only in the morning with small vertical currency and stability - to 2-3 o'clock. The presence of temperature inversions is utterly unfavorable for disperse of the harmful atmospheric substances.
Another major factor for the air condition in the region is the wind. The calm weather (with wind speed under 1 m/sec) is characteristic for more than half of the time of the year. There are not observatories to the National net for monitoring of of air pollution. Data for the air pollution according to atlas “Environment of the Republic of Bulgaria”: Annual emissions of dust from the industrial enterprises - under 0.1 t/sq. km.; Annual emissions of sulfa dioxide from the industrial enterprises - 0.4-0.999 t/sq. km.; Annual emissions of nitric dioxide from the industrial enterprises – 0.1-0.399 t/sq. km.; Lack of places of overcoming the Safe Norm Coefficient. Lovech region is not among the problematic ones.
The enterprises on the territory of the town of Lovech use natural gas as power supply source during the winter months for heating the public buildings, schools, kindergartens. The regional hospital uses natural gas as well, which eases the loading of the atmosphere with pollutants. All these circumstances promote the tourists’ branch and the letting out of villas for rent Bulgaria.
Waters
The collected on the territory of Lovech municipality domestic refuse waters are mouthed unpurified in Osam River and its feeders. Osam River is the main drainage artery in the region. Daily quality and content of the domestic refuse waters, generated on the territory of Lovech municipality: Q average-daily. = 11 000 cub. m.; BPC5 = 226 mg/l; НВ = 272 mg/l. The industrial refuse waters, purified to a degree to be included in the town collector, are mouthed in the town sewerage net and from there directly into Osam River. There are 248 enterprises, but only 35 of them are working with a staff more than 10 people. They have real production and collect industrial refuse waters. Pleven Regional Inspectorate of Protecting Waters controls the content of the refuse waters after the exit of the purifying station on 10 of the enterprises. Quantity and quality of the collected on the territory of the town industrial refuse waters: Q average-daily = 16 000 cubs. M; BPC5 = 120 mg/l; НВ = 1.30 mg/l.
Water condition is controlled by Pleven Regional Inspectorate of Protecting Waters, since the measurements are indicated in the bulletins of Ministry of Protecting waters - national Center of Purifying Refuse Waters. Of the data for 1999 it is obvious, that considering the dispersed oxygen indicator BPC5, Permanganate oxygen, ammonia. The condition of the river waters is worse during the dry months when the prevailing part of the flow id formed by the non purified refuse waters of the town of Troyan and the town of Lovech.
According to the programme for a priority construction of a town purifying station for refuse waters in the residential places with over 10 000 citizens in 2003 the construction of a town purifying station will start and the domestic and industrial refuse waters, accumulated on the territory of the town of Lovech will be drained. This will improve significantly the condition of the waters in Osam River and the conditions for tourism development that will use the services of villas for rent Bulgaria companies.
Pollution with solid scraps
The surveys of the quality of the scraps of the population of the town of Lovech show that the daily average quantity of generated scraps is 26 824 kg/day, where the norm per a citizen per a year varies from 199 to 211. The solid domestic scraps, generated on the territory of the town of Lovech and its adjoining residential areas are deposited in a dung-hill, located at about 6 km away from the town in the north-eastern direction. The total volume of deposited for one year scraps in the town dung-hill is calculated approximately to 75 000 cub. m at average volume density 0.338 t/cub m, or for one year 25 350 tones are depoted for a year. Except domestic scraps in the dung-hills construction scraps are depoted as well - about 5509 kg/day, and production scraps as well, which quantity amounts to about 3846 kg/day.
The town dung-hill that is active in the moment is in exploitation since1960 and it occupies about 35.8 decares. Its capacity is spent and in 2001 its new re-cultivation together with the construction of the new depot for solid scraps with daily earth heaping in accordance with the contemporary demands for nature protection will be processed.
With the construction of the new depot for solid scraps in the system for garbage collection and garbage transportation it is forecasted all the residential places in the municipality to be consecutively included and in this way the depot statute is changed - from a town one it will be turned into a municipal one for solid scraps. Presently in the system of the coordinated garbage collection and transportation only the town of Lovech and its suburban districts of "Gznitsa" and "Prodimchets" are included. The activity is granted to Bulgarian-German joint-venture company “REB-Sheele". Garbage collection and transportation on the territory of Lovech municipality is well organized with new dustbins and means of transport. In the region of the depot for solid scraps of Lovech municipality, in the region Dalgiya bair, at the lands to the village of Presyaka, there are not protected territories.
Fellowship towns and international cooperation
1. ERFURT, Germany – a capital of Tyuringiya. The beginning of the contacts has been put on 7.10.1971. They have become very intensive after 1996. Today Lovech and Erfurt have exclusively active business connections in a number of directions. The more significant among them are: the local authorities of the two towns; educational establishment; young people and societies from Lovech and Erfurt; public health establishments; anti-fire and trouble security departments; the departments Cleanness; the authorities of the public peace; sport teams from all age groups; painters, folklore groups and other amateur ensembles; economic structures in the two countries; a great number of families from Lovech and Erfurt; the two zoo parks; specialists from the two towns. The German visitors usually turn to the services of the companies that deal with villas for rent Bulgaria.
2. RYAZAN, Russia – since 1964
3. SIKTIVKAR, the Republic of Komi, Russia – since 1984
A contract for cooperation between Lovech and Palermo and Albano Laziale, Italy, Chateau Gontier - France, Kalisz - Poland is about to be signed. The communications with other towns in Europe are in progress. Lovech municipality welcomes any future contacts with other societies and non-government organizations – “Pharamaceutists with no limits”, international organizations for activity with people, deprived from freedom and others.
Culture and arts
Historical Museum – Lovech
The museum activity in the town of Lovech leads its beginning from 28 of February 1895. Then in Lovech cultural club “Nauka” a museum collection of 570 exponents is opened - a donation from the citizens. As a result of the strenuous collective work of several generations of museum workers today in the book depositories there are more than 60 thousand exponents. Chronologically and thematically they are distributed in 4 departments: “Archeology”, “History of Bulgaria ХV-ХІХ century”, “Ethnography” and “New and the newest history of Bulgaria”. There are two laboratories in the museum - for restoration and conservation and photo laboratory.
Acr “Varosha”
In 1969 “Varosha” residential area is pronounced for an architectural and historic reserve. With its peculiar people's architecture from the Revival epoch it is a preferred place for recreation by the citizens and the visitors of the town of Lovech.
Vasil Levski’s Monument
The 14-meters monument is erected on 27 May 1965 in “Varosha” residential area, next to
“Vasil Levski” Museum
Established on 19 of February 1954. A backbone of the exposition is the richest in the country collection of Levski's personal belongings - fake Turkish stamps, receipts, a sword, a dagger and an original portrait from 1870.
Ethnographic Museum
1. Exposition “Drasova house”. Established in 1973. It presents the life style of a rich commercial family from the end of ХІХ - the beginning of ХХ century. The West-European influence is represented.
2. Exposition “Rashova house”. Established in 1983. It presents the organization of a house of an intelligent person from the town of Lovech from the 30s and the 40s of ХХ century.
Architectural Reserve – The Village of Staro Stefanovo
Museum Building and Art Gallery in “Varosha” Residental Area
The building is located in the old part of the town of Lovech – in the architectural and historic reserve “Varosha” residential area. The residential area is in a proximity to the centre of the town, which is on the other side of Osam River, connected with a monumental pedestrian bridge. The sight is right beyond Stratesh hill, at the historical square “Todor Kirkov” and to the only covered bridge on the Balkan Peninsula. The construction of the site has started in 1984 and has been ceased in 1990 due to the shortage of finances. All-out construction area of the building – 14 400 sq. m, constructed area – 48 432 cub. m. Part of the residential building is being served by the villas for rent Bulgaria companies.
Art, traditions
Cultural traditions, ceremonies and customs
Galleries Theatres Clubs and associations Formations: Palm Sunday - a traditional people's holiday for the town of Lovech. It is held each year according to the ecclesiastical calendar;
Lyulyakovi musical feasts “Panayot and Lyubomir Pipkovi”. The tradition starts in 1937 as “Hospitable Lyulyakova week”, restored and enriched in 1965. It is held in May in two years' interval; Day of Lovech. The celebration of the town is connected with the name of the two enlighteners Kiril and Metodii. It is held annually on 11 of May; National children's drawings exhibition "Let's go in for sports with "Queen's" juices"; National celebration of the brass orchestra - it is organized every second year in May; International folklore festival “Let's be friends” - held each year according to the annual calendar of the Ministry of Education and Sciences; National Plein-air of Painting - held every second year; Liberation of Lovech from The Turkish yoke - it is celebrated on 22 August 1877; National Symposium on Park Sculpture - held every second year; Autumn saloon - a traditional autumn exposition of the creations of Lovech people of art (November); Lovech International Bard Fest - held every year about 1-st November - Day of Bulgarian People Enlighteners; Radyuvene National Folk Singing Competition of Young Folk Song Singers - 14-th October, every year. The old cultural traditions of Lovech are very attractive for the guests of the town who are also guests of the villas for rent Bulgaria.
Art Galleriy - 2377 creations - paintings, graphics, sculpture and applied art. It possesses creations from the 30s till the end of ХХ century of Atanas Mihov, Ivan Hristov, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, Elisaveta Konsulova-Vazova, Iliya Petrov, Dechko Uzunov, Svetlin Rusev, Atanas Yaranov, Suli Seferov, Teofan Sokerov, Tzvyatko Dochev, Petar Dochev, Gredi Assa, Vezhdi Rashidov, Angel Stanev, Valentin Starchev, Emil Popov, Petar Chuklev and others. The expositional area of the gallery - 640 sq. m, is located at four levels with a supple transition and ideal possibility for any kind of exhibitions with an artistic character.
Gallery “Darenie Kazakov” - The exposition includes 285 creations - paintings, graphics and ceramic items, granted to Lovech by Dimitar Kazakov - Neron. It is located in a separate house in “Varosha” residential area.
Drama Theatre - Founded on 1 of August 1965. Its performances are familiar to all admirers of the theater art of Lovech county. In it eminent figures of the stage production work - Yuliya Ognyanova, Vili Tzankov, Ivan Dobchev, Nikolay Polyakov, Bina Haralampieva, Ivan Stanev, Boyko Bogdanov. Lovech theater is the beginning of the artistic career of the actors Ivan Petrushinov, Zhorzheta Nikolova, Hristo Garbov. It is an owner of national awards, among which is the award “Konstantin Kisimov” for 1994. The hall is with 460 seats.
Musical Theatre - It exists since1971 as a successor of the musical traditions in Lovech. Its repertoire includes musical compositions from the classical repertoire of the opera art.
Puppet Theatre - Established in 1973. It works with professional groups. Mobile and accessible for all children in the region. The preferable repertoire are the classical fairy tails.
Club of the Cultural Figures - Established in1962 as a tribune for performance of people of art from the town of Lovech, the country and abroad in different spheres of art. It disposes with a club hall (60 seats).
Association of the Scientists in Bulgaria – Lovech Branch Office.
Association of the Journalists - Its members are 33 journalists in different media in the town. For an honest and professional presence in the complicated social situation, reflected in the media in 1999, The Association of the Bulgarian Journalists adjudged the first award to the Journalist Association - Lovech.
Municipal Folklore Eensemble (MFE) “Lovech” - It exists since 1996. It reproduces songs and dances of all folklore counties in Bulgaria. It has participated in many folklore festivals in Europe, Asia and Africa. The ensemble includes in its group 40 dancers, 4 singers and 8 musicians.
Troyan
Troyan (also spelled Troian, Bulgarian: Троян) is a town in central Bulgaria with population of about 30,000 and territory of 888,850 m². It is located 160km from Sofia. The nearest civilian airport is Gorna Oryahovitsa, 105 km away. The river of Beli Osam passes through the heart of the town.
History
The town was officially established about 130 yars ago, but its territory has been inhabited for tousands of years.
Culture
The Troyan region is home to the cultural and historcal site of the Troyan Monastery. The town is famous for its traditional pottery, probably developed partly as a result of the qualities of the local clay soil. Pottery was a main source of income for the local craftsmen during the Bulgarian Renaissance age. Now handmade pottery items are sold as souveniers to tourists. The production of premium quality plum brandy has become a part of local curture. In connection to this the town holds the annual Festival of the Plum in the autumn. Both factories brewed and homemade plum brandy has gained national and international acclaim at major showcases. Troyan is among the most attractive towns for mountain vacation and it promotes the business of letting out villas for rent Bulgaria.
The official day of Troyan is October 14, the day of the town's patron saint St. Petka Paraskeva.
Industry
Troyan is the home of the large Actavis pharmaceutical plant as well as the light machinery factories Elma and Mashstroi. Another major industry is the famous plum brandy (slivova rakia) production brewery Vinprom-Troyan.
Famous People: Ivan Hadjiiski (Psychologist); Dr. Nikola Shipkovenski (Psychiatrist);
Dr. Angel Balevski; Minko Nikolov (Literature Critic); Dr. Marko Semov; Ania Pencheva (Actress); Docho Bodjakov (Film Director)
Teteven
Geography
"Teteven Valley is marvelous, its beauty beyond comparison " (Felix Kanitz).
Teteven Municipality is situated in Lovech Region – Central-north region. The Municipality borders 10 other municipalities from Lovech, Sofia and Plovdiv Regions to include the following municipalities: Yablanitza, Lukovit, Ugarchin and Troyan from Lovech region; Karlovo from Plovdiv Region and Anton, Pirdop, Zlatitza, Etropole. There are no direct roads connecting all the regions for the exchange of goods. The territory of the Teteven municipality is 696 sq. km. This represents 16,86 % of the territory of the Lovech Region (4132 sq. km).
Teteven municipality is situated in the Vit valley, surrounded by the beautiful peaks - Petrahilja, Cherven, Treskavetz and others from the Zlatitza-Teteven area of the mountain, which lies East of the Zlatitza Pass the low Ribaritza Pass. Above sea level the highest elevations vary from 340 m to 2100 m. Teteven is 415 m. The typography varies from the highest elevations to the lowest elevations. The ridge of the mountain is bare, while the south slopes are steep and treeless, the north slopes in the highest part are heavily eroded, while in the middle the mountains are slanting, well-wooded with nice beech trees and a great number of villas for rent Bulgaria.
The tallest mountain above sea-level is Zlatitza - Teteven Mountain area distinguished by Vejen Mount 2198 m, from its east part. Other beautiful peaks, in which tourists take special interest are Pascal 2029 m; Teteven Baba 2071 m; Kartal 2014 m; Bolovan 2019 m, Bratanitza 1980 m and others. Municipality owned forests offer nice surroundings for tourism and recreation that include walking, hiking, and hunting, collecting of wild berries, herbs and mushrooms. There are good skiing conditions in winter in the area of the following mountain hostels: Vejen, Benkovski, Vasiljov and Haidushka Pesen. There is perfect fishing and sunbathing conditions along the Beli Vit River and its tributaries during the summer months. The beautiful cliff formations around Teteven offer good climbing conditions.
History
A single visit of Teteven is not enough to get to know it and love it. Beautiful and mysterious is Teteven. Following each visit it will be disclosed to you new beauty, memories of past days, and promises of unexpected experiences. Hidden in the bosom of the mountain, afar from the main roads it is difficult to define the time of the first settlers. Accidentally unearthed, historical recordings of the past are testimony of the fact that this area was inhabited long ago. Ancient forests, high water rivers that provided food and created caves, abounded in this region as it was where the ancient settlers’ made their homes. The caves of Morovitza, Bajovitza and Draganchovitza are evidence of this.
Numerous grave markings are quiet witness of Thracians lives. They are to be found in Vasiljov and Teteven mountain area, as well as along the Vit River and its tributaries. Circumstantial evidence has established that the Thracians inhabiting this area belonged to the Serdi Tribe. Yet, who is to say if this is so or not? What can be stated for sure is that Mountain Thracians shared same social organization, style of living, burial customs and beliefs as the rest of the Thracians. Numismatic finds indicate that there was a Roman settlement here. Bronze and silver coins from the Roman emperors Trayan and Comodius, and other emperors of the II - IV centuries are not the only witnesses of Roman rule. Roman roads and watchtowers can be seen high in the mountains, as well as remains of Roman bridges over rivers.
When the Romans were gone, Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians followed them. Names of fortresses and residential areas bare witness that Teteven region was a part of this history.
Pouring over the Bulgarian landscape is testimony to the fanatic and merciless Black avalanche of the Turkish invasions, the chronicle of the yoke. The small mountain settlement Tetjuvene would not surrender. Following this, four Turkish Sulkans decreed privileges for Tetevenians returning a degree of freedom to the people.
16 and 17 centuries were periods of prosperity for Teteven. The town grew with houses so close to each other that one could go from one end of the town to the other just walking on the roofs of the houses. Twenty-seven crafts developed during this period. Teteven merchants went as far as Asia to the East and to Vienna to the West. There were 60 hadjias in the town (Jerusalem pilgrims). The town was called "Altan Teteven" – Golden Teteven.
1801 is marked with tragedy for Teteven. Kardjalias start plundering and destroying rich Bulgarian towns. After Kalofer, Koprivshtitza, Arbanasi it was Golden Teteven’s turn. Rivers of blood ran down the cobbled stone streets, where screams could be heard and ashes from the fires seen. Only 2 to 3 houses and a monastery survived. Teteven came to life out of the ashes like the Phoenix bird. The legend is being told to most of the visitors in the town who usually stay in the villas for rent Bulgaria.
Landmarks of time and remnants from a past life are known through broken pottery, stone carvings, remains, burnt books, myths and legends...
