Captivating views in Vrachanski Balkan

Radio Bulgaria in English

Thursday 3 July 2025 10:15

Thursday, 3 July 2025, 10:15

PHOTO Elena Karkalanova

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Less than two hours drive northwest of Sofia, one finds oneself in the timeless nature of Vrachanski Balkan. Lush greenery, picturesque rocky crags, and a lot of history can be found in the piece of land "locked" between the Cherepish Monastery and the "Seven Thrones" monastery.

PHOTO Елена Каркаланова

The patriarch of Bulgarian literature himself was inspired by the captivating views of the Balkan near Vratsa. It is said that Ivan Vazov wanted to see with his own eyes the battlefield of the detachment of Botev in the Balkan and set off along the trails from Lyuti Brod to Okolchitsa Peak (Vola Peak). Today, tourist routes are marked along the path of Botev for both hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.

PHOTO Елена Каркаланова

Many of the area's landmarks are also easily accessible by car - these include the two monasteries, the house-museum of Baba Iliitsa (a characted in Vazov's novel "A Bulgarian Woman"), the natural landmark "Ritlite".

PHOTO Елена Каркаланова

The trail to the place where revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev was killed is well marked and wonderful landscapes unfold in front of your eyes.

PHOTO Елена Каркаланова

From here you can also see the Memorial Cross - a 35-meter monument that immortalizes the feat of Botev and his detachment.

PHOTO Елена Каркаланова

The view from here is enchanting.

PHOTO Елена Каркаланова

Weary tourists find rest in the comfort of the Cherepish Monastery and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in the Bulgarian style from the period of the National Revival. Ivan Vazov visited the place twice, as evidenced by a special museum corner

PHOTO Елена Каркаланова

The old ossuary of freedom fighters in on the hill

PHOTO Елена Каркаланова

Returning back to Sofia, we also stop at the "Nativity of the Virgin Mary" Monastery, known as the "Seven Thrones"

PHOTO Елена Каркаланова