Eco, rural and cultural tourism in Montana, Chiprovtsi, Ruzhintsi and Chuprene

The vivid experience

www.weekend-northwest.montana.bg

Welcome to the Northwest!

In search of ancient history, stunning natural scenery and entertainment, you by all means will find the tourist region of Montana – Chiprovtsi – Chuprene – Ruzhintsi. Whether you enjoy long walks in ancient forests, exciting encounters with past times and relaxation in the cool of the Balkan mountain or extreme sports - you are at the right place. The region is rich in historical and cultural sites, in great natural wealth, in inspiring ethnographic heritage, and all this combined with a warm welcome will give you wonderful memories of a colorful experience.

Come and be our guest!

1CONTENTS

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

Where I am going

Welcome to Montana

Welcome to Chiprovtsi

Welcome to Chuprene

Welcome to Ruzhintsi

Tourist Map

Weekend in search of local history

Weekend dedicated to Christian heritage

Weekend dedicated to the ethnographic heritage of the region

Weekend among the beautiful nature of the Northwest

Weekend of hospitality and adventures

Useful information

2

4

2 WHERE I AM GOING

WHERE I AM GOING

Hidden within the Bulgarian Northwest, the still not sufficiently familiar richness of the tourist region Montana – Chiprovtsi – Chuprene – Ruzhintsi expects its discoverers. Surprisingly pleasant destination for well-deserved rest at the end of the week, away from the rush of the big city, back to nature. Each of the four municipalities provides a variety of interesting activities and attractions for its guests.

Montana is the first stop in the region when traveling from Sofia. The town with a long history is located 110 km from the capital in the northern direction. 35 km west of Montana, within the hills of the Balkan Mountain, is the pretty town Chiprovtsi – an

ancient mining and craft center, glorified beyond the borders of Bulgaria during the Middle Ages. The Chuprene village with the famous Clock Tower and the eponymous biosphere reserve is the third destination in the region, lying 66 km from Montana and 40 km from Chiprovtsi. The fourth destination – the village of Ruzhintsi, existing from the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, is situated on the main road between Montana and Vidin, at a distance of 49 km from the district center and 45 km from Chiprovtsi.

The location of the region in close proximity of the Balkan Mountains determines the specific climate with mild winters and cool summers - particularly in Chiprovtsi and Chuprene and their surroundings. The landscape of Montana

determines a harsher climate – hot summers are followed by cold winters, often accompanied by fog in some of the surrounding valleys.

The road network within the tourist area is in relatively good condition with well developed transport. Rail transportation serves the municipalities of Montana and Ruzhintsi and regular buses provide connection of the four municipalities with the whole country.

The tourist information centers in Chiprovtsi, the village of Chuprene and the village of Gorni Lom are a useful source of information both for places of interest in the region and for hotels and lodging, for restaurants and opportunities for travel between the locations. There you will also be provided information about tourist attractions, ecotrails, local cultural events, etc.

3

4 WELCOME TO MONTANA

WELCOME TO MONTANA

Welcome to Montana - a town marked by a glorious historical past, preserving the priceless monuments of Ancient and Medieval culture!

The reason for the present name of the town, the ancient fortress Castra ad Montanenzium towers over Montana, revealing a spectacular view of the countryside. The remains of the fortress walls keep the memory of the attacks of the Goths, Avars and Slavs. The ancient

sanctuary of the goddess Diana, who is the patroness of the city to this day, can still be seen at the foot of the walls.

In the cool of the Popska garden, Antiquity meets the Bulgarian Revival. The stone library of Montana – the Lapidarium – tells fascinating stories about the golden years of economic and cultural progress as a part of the Roman Empire while the restored Late-Revival Mihailova House introduces guests to the typical urban home of the late XIX and the early XX century – the time in which the town awoke

to new life under the name Ferdinand, in honor of the Bulgarian prince.

The nearby Orthodox church „St. St. Cyril and Methodius“ was opened to meet the longing for spiritual support local people after the Liberation. Its iconostasis – a monument of culture – inspired by its living masterfully painted images.

50,000 museum exhibits dating from the Copper Age to the XX century illustrate the course of the history of the town in different exhibitions of the Regional History Museum. Undoubtedly the most

5

impressive exponents are the exceptional examples of the goldsmith school of Chiprovtsi and the copy of the Yakimovsko silver treasure from the II-I century BC.

Spirituality and aesthetics will mark the visit to the local art gallery „Kiril Petrov“ which houses prominent works of the classical masters of Bulgarian fine and applied arts.

The diversity of the cultural calendar of the town guarantees unforgettable experiences amid the magical Bulgarian folklore.

Montana tempts not only with history and culture. It is a center of attraction for lovers of extreme experiences and nature. Paragliding and hang gliding, mountain biking trails and fishing in the waters of the impressive for its size Ogosta dam or the eponymous river are just a part of the entertainment for the more active tourists.

A walk amidst the beautifully landscaped downtown and the wonderfully maintained town gardens can be a worthy conclusion to a weekend rich in impressions.

6 WELCOME TO CHIPROVTSI

WELCOME TO CHIPROVTSI

Welcome to Chiprovtsi - a town nestled in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, surrounded by legends of hidden treasures, exalted and destroyed by rebellious spirit, a cradle of spirituality and enlightenment, an inspiration for the colourful motifs of the Chiprovtsi carpets!

The destination Chiprovtsi is a colourful palette of beautiful scenery, ancient history and fine art. The mild climate provides opportunities for long walks along scenic mountain routes

without limitations imposed by the seasons. History lurks around every corner in this small mountain town. Works of art tempt the aesthetic taste of every lover of fine art.

The golden past of the town has laid the foundations for the development of the famous Chiprovtsi goldsmith school, the jewelry pieces of which are stored in the historical museum of the town along with exhibits and documents tracing the long and full of vicissitudes history of Chiprovtsi. The museum also preserves the memory of the glorious Chiprovtsi families who were

the elite of Bulgarian Medieval aristocracy. The outbreak and the subsequent bloody suppression of the Chiprovtsi Uprising of 1688 were the reason for their migration to the north and west, all the way to the courtyard of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Chiprovtsi was deprived not only of its noble citizens after the uprising of 1688, but also from the temples, a symbol of the peaceful coexistence of Catholic and Orthodox Christianity. While only ruins have remained from the Catholic cathedral „Sancta Maria“ today, the Orthodox church „St. Ascension

7

of Christ“ was restored and still exists. The famous Chiprovtsi monastery „St. Ivan Rilski“ continues to attract thousands of laics with its holiness and the majesty of nature in the area.

Carpet weaving, the crafts which has regained the glory of Chiprovtsi, is practiced today, drawing magnificent pictures from cotton and wool in yellow, brown, red, blue and green. In the Katerinina House, visitors can learn about the methods of ecological dyeing of materials with plants. The magnificence of the torlak national costumes can be seen on the second floor of the house in the ethnographic

collection illustrating the lifestyle of the locals.Nature has created its works of art in the

splendour of the Chiprovtsi waterfall and in the numerous natural phenomena located near Chiprovtsi.

The hospitality of the Chiprovtsi people and the delicious local dishes prepared with organic products will make you gladly come back often in this picturesque town in the Balkan Mountain. The beauty of nature will make you fall in love with it and its colorful history will enchant you with fascinating legends and stories about real events.

8 ДОБРЕ ДОШЛИ В ЧУПРЕНЕ

9

WELCOME TO CHUPRENE

Welcome to Chuprene - where paintings drawn with the bright colors of nature reveal an abundance of natural beauty and biodiversity!

The vast beech and coniferous forests on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains lure for long mountain hikes exploring the infinite natural wealth of the region. Ten ecotrails await adventurous travelers to whom to reveal the beauty of the flora and fauna in

the area.The reserve „Chuprene“ included in the

list of biosphere reserves of UNESCO is a wonderful place where you can become part of nature, admire the power and intransience of its creations and forget for a day the hectic city life.

The local people who have preserved the memory of their ancestors alive today will tell you fascinating stories about the ancient history. Family gatherings and folklore events reminiscent of the

collective memory and of the eternal values of the ages-old traditions. The diversity of the language, the songs and the dances of Chuprene and the region will make everyone long to get back into this charming, hospitable village.

The hours until their return will be counted down by the clock tower built in 1899, a symbol and pride of Chuprene, the architecture of which impresses with the four identical facades and its skillful craftsmanship.

10 WELCOME TO RUZHINTSI

WELCOME TO RUZHINTSI

Welcome to Ruzhintsi – a lovely village with ancient history that captivates you with natural beauty, picturesque folklore and various opportunities for recreation!

Living legends and tales about the origin of its name tell the story of a village which has proudly asserted its right to independence with a huge will to be. The ruins of an ancient Roman fortress found nearby add a touch in the annals

of Ruzhintsi and reveal events that have accompanied its development.

In the meadows full of the scent of flowers and herbs, a traveler hungry for some fresh air will be able to admire the old trees, some of which have been here for over two hundred years.

The church „Assumption of Mary“, located in the center of the village, and the Dobridol monastery „St. Trinity“ which is located near Ruzhintsi, are an integral part of the route for anyone fascinated by

the sanctity and peace of the guardians of spirituality.

For fishing lovers, the deep river Lom passing by Ruzhintsi and the three dams in the villages Gyurgich, Drazhintsi and Drenovets offer excellent conditions for practicing your favorite hobby amid unforgettable landscapes.

Ruzhintsi has a lot to offer to tourists who dare to explore the village and its surroundings. And it is guaranteed – no one will leave disappointed.

11

N

S

EW

Chuprene43°31‘4.51“N22°39‘54.06“E

Ruzhintsi43°37‘20.23“N22°49‘54.01“E

Drenovets43°41‘22.65“N22°57‘54.06“E

Belo Pole43°39‘07.55“N22°54‘10.29“E

Pleshivets43°35‘38.85“N22°49‘47.10“E

Chiprovtsi43°23‘04.15“N22°52‘51.15“E

Montana43°24‘30.91“N23°13‘32.51“E

Mitrovtsi43°26‘17.24“N22°55‘59.45“E

Gorna Luka43°26‘58.57“N22°53‘54.43“E

Gorni Lom43°28‘39.12“N22°54428.78“E

Dolni Lom43°30‘23.29“N22°46‘45.13“E

Е79

1

112

112

81

81

1

13

TOURIST MAP12

city/town

village

Municipal border

LEGEND

rural tourism

natural landmark

cultural landmark

Vidin

Montana

Vratsa

SOFIA

PlevenTargovishte

Ruse

Shumen

Varna

Silistra

Dobrich

Lovech

Gabrovo

Stara Zagora

PazardzhikKyustendil

Pernik

Blagoevgrad Plovdiv

Smolyan

Sliven

Yambol

Haskovo

Kardzhali

Burgas

Veliko Tarnovo

1st class road

2nd class/3rd class road

This map was created within the project „Weekend Northwest Bulgaria“ which is implemented with the

financial support of the Operational Programme „Regional Development“ 2007-2013, co-funded by the European

Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

14 WEEKEND IN SEARCH OF LOCAL HISTORY

WEEKEND IN SEARCH OF LOCAL HISTORY

History lovers will find their paradise in the region of Montana and Chiprovtsi. These places inhabited since ancient times still keep the marks of time and valuable monuments from different historical eras.

To capture the region‘s history, visit the historical museums in both towns. The museum in Montana traces the history of the town from the eneolithic age to the XX century. Special attention is paid to the Yakimovo Thracian silver treasure. A subject of interest are also the exposures dedicated to the Roman era

when Montana was a prosperous Roman city as well as the lapidarium located in the so-called Popska garden with exposure of epigraphic monuments found during archaeological excavations. Other interesting objects are also exposed in the museum, among which are magnificent examples of Berkovitsa pottery and Chiprovtsi carpets.

If Chiprovtsi carpets have captivated you with their colours and patterns, you should visit the Historical Museum of Chiprovtsi. There, in a special room, an attractive exposition presenting the craft is arranged. The Chiprovtsi Museum is not dedicated solely to carpets.

15

Chiprovtsi is a town with rich history and much like Montana, it was founded in ancient times. The museum keeps coins, pottery and other items from the time of the Thracians. A special place in the exhibition is devoted to mining and ore processing as well as to the specific events in town resulting from these crafts – the settling of miners from Saxony, the strong Catholic church in the region, the exquisite craftsmanship of local goldsmiths, etc.

The Chiprovtsi Uprising in 1688 put an end to the prosperous town. Documents and objects in the exhibition tell the tragic story of the rebellion, of its bloody suppression and the

subsequent displacement of local people.In the Katerinina House, you will become

familiar with the lifestyle and customs of the Torlak people – an interesting ethnic group inhabiting the region.

The monasteries in the region also preserve valuable history. The Chiprovtsi Monastery is still active and has been a scene of action during the Chiprovtsi uprising. The ruins of the Catholic monastery and the cathedral destroyed during the uprising can still be seen in the town to this day. Another monastery destroyed during the rebellion is the Gushovski Monastery, the ruins of which are located near the town.

16 WEEKEND DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

WEEKEND DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

Northwestern Bulgaria was famous in the past for its numerous monasteries. Many of them have withstood the tribulations of centuries and are still active. For pilgrims seeking comfort and space for prayer and reflection or for tourists keen on Christian monuments, the tourist region offers a great variety.

The Chiprovtsi Monastery „St. Ivan Rilski“ is undoubtedly the most visited monastery in the area. The cloister bears the scars of its uneasy history – even today, the tower ossuary holds the bones of the rebels who died during various

local uprisings.Another popular destination for pilgrims is

the favorite monastery of the writer Ivan Vazov – the Lopushanski. It impresses with its beautiful garden and the tranquility it offers its guests.

The third monastery which draws attention to the region is the Dobridol Monastery. In addition to the place of prayer and solitude there, you will find something curious – the old temple with the strange figures on the facade. These figures evoke the curiosity of anyone who has seen them, and they are subject to different interpretations.

The remains of the Catholic Monastery Cathedral „Sancta Maria“, which was razed to

17

the ground during fire Chiprovtsi Uprising of 1688, can also be seen in Chiprovtsi. The medieval church „Ascension of Christ“ located near the Catholic Cathedral is also interesting for tourists. Not much is known For its history, but it is known that it was damaged during the Chiprovtsi uprising.

If you have decided to dedicate your weekend to exploration of the Christian churches in the region, be sure to also visit the church in the village of Varbovo from the XVI century, which impresses with its old frescoes; the church in the village of Targovishte, the architecture of which is very interesting; the churches in the villages of Dolna and Gorna Verenitsa, both

bearing the name „St. Nicholas“ and dating from the XVI - XVII century; and temples in the villages Chuprene, Gorni Lom, Sredogriv, Replyana, Dolni Lom.

There are two churches in Montana that also attract the attention with their beautiful architecture - „St. Dimitriy Mirotochovi“ and „St. St. Cyril and Methodius“.

As you will see, the temples in the area are really interesting. Many of them were built in the Middle Ages and elements borrowed from Catholicism can be seen in the decoration of some of them. Others, like the figures of people and animals, are often associated with various heresies.

18 WEEKEND DEDICATED TO THE ETHNOGRAPHIC HERITAGE OF THE REGION

WEEKEND DEDICATED TO THE ETHNOGRAPHIC HERITAGE OF THE REGION

There is no doubt that the greatest wealth of the tourist destination Montana – Chiprovtsi – Chuprene – Ruzhintsi is the unique ethnographic heritage, especially the colourful and world known Chiprovtsi carpets. There is no Bulgarian who does not know their specific pattern and who has not heard of the mastery of Chiprovtsi carpet-weavers. This art, originating in the Middle Ages as a profession and livelihood, is considered today something extremely

valuable and unique.Soon after the suppression of the

Chiprovtsi Uprising of 1688, the town rose with new forces and started looking for a new manifestation of local ingenuity and craftsmanship. The first Chiprovtsi carpets were made by order of the Ottomans in the region and served as prayer rugs. The decoration was of simple geometric shapes in the main colours. Over the centuries, the techniques evolved, along with the quality and the demand of Chiprovtsi carpets. More complex shapes appeared as well as brighter and more beautiful colours.

Today Chiprovtsi carpets are the symbol of the region and an integral part of its cultural heritage. An entire room in the Chiprovtsi Museum and a part of the exposition in the Montana Museum are dedicated to them. Intriguing details of the methods for dyeing yarn and fabrics with natural dyes can be learnt in an interesting exposure in the house of the carpet-weaver in Chiprovtsi (the Katerinina House).

The Katerinina House will show you another treasure of the ethnographic image of the Northwest – the lifestyle and the customs of the Torlaks. This is an ethnographic

19

group inhabiting the region, which has a very specific clothing, dialect, customs and folklore.

Upon exploration of the local ethnic specificities, you will encounter other exhibitions dedicated to the Torlaks – such as the one in the village of Dolni Lom, the population of which is believed to be Torlak. There is another interesting collection in Gorni Lom that can be found in the House of Crafts. It is dedicated to local crafts such as woodworking, pitchfork making (making of wooden pitchforks for hay) basketry – making of baskets of hazel and willow, making of

wooded products for the home (wooden bowls, mortars, etc.).

There also is an interesting ethnographic collection in the village of Dolni Lom, representing the local customs and culture.

If you want to complete your idea of the ethnographic character of the area, be sure to visit the Mihailova House in Montana – it is the only restored and preserved house from the period of the Late Revival in the town. It houses the ethnographic exhibition „In the World of Your Grandparents“ comprising over 350 items from the traditional rural and urban life of the late XIX and the early XX century.

20 WEEKEND AMONG THE BEAUTIFUL NATURE OF THE NORTHWEST

WEEKEND AMONG THE BEAUTIFUL NATURE OF THE NORTHWEST

It has been proven that contact with nature brings peace and tranquility - emotions that are difficult to feel in the busy urban environment. That‘s why more people choose, during their vacation – short or long, to indulge themselves in the world of nature and draw inspiration and strength from its beauty and tranquility.

In the region of Montana, Chiprovtsi, Chuprene and Ruzhintsi, nature is blessed with exceptional richness and diversity. The

Mountainous and hilly terrain alternates with fertile valleys and fields, ancient forests stand as sentinels and keep their priceless treasures of rare plants and animals. Moreover, the region it takes pride in its magnificent natural phenomena, attracting the attention of amateurs and professionals.

Very near to Chiprovtsi is located one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country – the Chiprovtsi waterfall that with its height of 18 m is ranked first among the waterfalls in this part of Bulgaria.

Not far from Chiprovtsi is one of the most

interesting caves in the region – Mishin kamak, which will amaze you with its strange shapes and intertwined galleries. There are many more interesting caves in the area of this tourism destination. Levi and Desni Suhi Pech, located side by side near the village of Dolni Lom, are the most distinguished among them. Both caves are interesting not only because of the bizarre formations sculptured by nature but also because precious finds from Roman times were discovered there as well as other objects and artifacts proving that they have been used by people since ancient times.

21

Wonders of nature do not end there. Between the villages of Smolyanovtsi and Prevala, a rock split in two has been a source of legends and mysteries. The locals call is Razchepati kamak or Stovtsi. Its shape and colour are very similar to those of the natural phenomena Belogradchik Rocks which are located not far from here. The rock can also be reached on foot.

The beauty of nature in the region is accessible to people thanks to the established ecotrails, walking and cycling routes. The greatest number of them is near the village of Chuprene and the closely located biosphere

reserve of the same name, which is under the auspices of UNESCO as well as the protected area „Midzhur“.

There are over 20 trails around Chiprovtsi and many of them pass by beautiful landscapes and attractions such as the Chiprovtsi waterfall, the areas „Deyanitsa“, „Vishkata“, „Martinova chuka“, the Mishin kamak cave and others. Some of the trails are also suitable for cycling. The different length of the trails allows tourists to choose how much time to spend on outdoor activities and which places to visit during their trip.

22 WEEKEND OF HOSPITALITY AND ADVENTURES

WEEKEND OF HOSPITALITY AND ADVENTURES

If you want to get to know the region Montana – Chiprovtsi – Chuprene – Ruzhintsi, you should meet local people, ask them about their history and descent, try their dishes and feel the atmosphere of their homes. Hospitable and kind, the people here have countless stories to tell, a soul for celebration and paths to show.

The unique pleasure to create something with your own two hands that will remain after you in time is the goal of every person

who has realized the transience of modern life. To learn to weave, to create your own picture on the loom on which tireless masters of Chiprovtsi carpets have done their magic for centuries, to prepare your first peppers stuffed with beans as they have been made in the past, to pick aromatic herbs at dawn or the first mushrooms after the rain - this can become a part of the memories of everyone visiting the region.

Chiprovtsi is the ideal start for a weekend in the depths of rural life.

The surrounding area offers not only impressive natural scenery, but also delicious

cuisine, preserved traditions and crafts from the past. The ethnographic collections in the villages of Gorni and Dolni Lom and the House of Crafts in Dolni Lom will take every visitor to a walk through the years so that they become familiar with the customs and the livelihoods of local people.

The dream to be a farmer for a day can become reality for anyone visiting the farm for local breed of sheep Replyanka in the village of Replyana and the inhabitants of the ostrich farm in the village of Protopopintsi brings the needed exotics in pastoral landscape.

23

The complex of eco houses in the village of Bistrilitsa near Montana offers authentic experience back in time within peace and tranquility.

The famous hospitality of the local people can be found in local family hotels and guest houses that will welcome you as dear guests in a cozy atmosphere with the spirit of home. The hosts will tell you about the ancient history of the region, the unique and impressive customs, the national memory that they keep alive through annual national gatherings. They will show you the secret corners in the mountain; they will organize

trips and cook delicious meals for you.If you enjoy long walks in the mountain or

you prefer hunting, you can stay in one of the tourist huts, dormitories or hunting lodges in the four municipalities.

The hunting lodges and the variety of water basins and rivers in the four municipalities make the region becoming a favorite destination for keen hunters and fishermen who appreciate the beauty of nature.

For those who aspire to the sky, Montana offers paragliding and hang gliding. It is a memorable experience that gives you wings to reach higher and bolder goals.

24 USEFUL INFORMATION

Chiprovtsi Tourist Information Center

Address: Town of Chiprovtsi, 57 Petar Parchevich Blvd.

Phone: +359 95542910

The center provides information about attractions, places of accommodation and catering, it helps with the selection and booking of hotels, it provides tour guides and drivers in case of interest.

Chuprene Tourist Information Center

Address: Village of Chuprene, 70 Asen Balkanski Str.

Phone: +359 9327 254

The center provides information on tourist sites and routes in the municipality as well as on places of accommodation.

Gorni Lom Tourist Information Center

Address: Village of Gorni Lom, Chuprene Municipality

Phone: +359 879 265885, +359 885 244862

The center provides information on tourist sites and routes in the municipality, accommodation, it organizes visits to local artisans-woodworkers and others.

Montana bus station

Address: 71 Hristo Botev Blvd.

Telephone for inquiries: +359 96 306 770

Montana railway station

Address: Hristo Botev Blvd.

Telephone for inquiries: +359 96 305 846

OPRD

Operational Programme “Regional Development” 2007 - 2013Investing in your future!

www.bgregio.eu

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fundand the state budget of the Republic of Bulgaria

EUROPEAN UNIONEuropean Regional Development Fund

This brochure was created under contract № BG161PO001/3.2-02/2011/0021 for a grant within the project “Weekend Northwest Bulgaria” under the

scheme for provision of grants BG161 PO001/3.2-02/2011 “Support for the development of regional tourism product and destination marketing” which

is implemented with the financial support of the Operational Programme “Regional Development” 2007-2013, co-funded by the European Union

through the European Regional Development Fund. The full responsibility for the content of the brochure lies with the Municipality of Montana and

under no circumstances it can be considered that this document reflects the official position of the European Union and the Managing Body.