TROYAN

TROYAN - A PIECE OF HEAVEN IN THE HEART OF BULGARIA Breath-taking mountain landscapes, you can’t take your eyes off. Cristal clear air and a scent of wild herbs which enchants you. Its rich cultural and historical legacy takes you back in time on an unforgettable journey. All this is offered by the Troyan region – a piece of heaven in the heart of Bulgaria.

Troyan is a small town, situated at the foot of the Balkan Mountain along the banks of the Osam River. It has a population of about 21 000 people. It is regarded as an European and Bulgarian capital of the plum and pottery.

The town was founded during the 5th century as a roadside settlement near the Troyan Passage. It was named after the ancient Roman road Via Trayana, built at the time of emperor Trayanus during the first century. The road crossed the Balkan and connected Mizia with Trace and the White Sea. According to the experts it has the most preserved stone road in Bulgaria.

THE TROYAN MONASTERY "ASSUMPTION OF MARY" The Troyan Monastery is one of the most precious Christian monuments in Bulgaria . It was constructed in the 16th century and it is the third biggest in the country. Its ancient history makes a significant contribution to the preservation of the Bulgarian spirit. The church is decorated by the famous artist Zahari Zograf in 1847-1848.Here is the miraculous icon of the Three-handed Virgin Mary, which has got three hands made of silver.

ROMAN MILITARY FORTRESS SOSTRA Sostra is a Roman military camp, built the middle of the 2nd century, which was preserved to the end of the 5th century. It served as an outpost of Via Trayana. The fortress itself was rather impressive with its size. The fortified walls were 130m long. Today it is partly renovated and it attracts many tourists. During the Revival period Troyan developed as a blooming crafts centre. Pottery took central part and it gradually created the unique Troyan Pottery School, which is still one of the best in Bulgaria.

THE MUSEUM OF NATIONAL CRAFTS AND APPLIED ARTS The museum is located in the center of Troyan and it is unique because it is the only museum in Bulgaria that preserves the richness of the masters of folk arts and crafts and applied arts. It is the only museum in Bulgaria, which not only preserves, but also develops the distinctive artistic folk art. Fascinating collections of pottery, textile, folk costumes and pieces of fine and applied art are gathered and renovated at the museum.

THE NATIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION The exhibition is situated in the village of Oreshak. It is one of a kind. Every year mastersof all over the world display their art- objects made from ceramics, metal, wood and textile as well as necklaces and arms.

THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM One of the most attractive sights in the village Cherni Osam is the Natural History Museum. You can have a glimpse of the Balkan’s spirit in its three halls. Now famous throughout the country, the museum provides a unique attraction for the visitors. There are over 700 exhibits in the museum; one can see samples of all species native to the Central Balkan Range. Moving animals, birds and animal sounds help to generate the excitement of the natural world in the museum’s galleries.

NATURAL SIGHTS There are several natural reserves in the region of Troyan. They are a part of the national park known as Central Balkan, which is famous for its unique vegetation and wild life. The virgin nature there can take your breath away with its incredibly beautiful landscapes.

BEKLEMETO AREA In the Beklemeto area, under the ridge of the Balkan Mountain, 1350m above the sea level, there is a tourist resort complex. It provides its guests with cosy rooms, ski tracks with a tow-lift and the best track for biathlon in Bulgaria.

WIND TURBINES Two wind turbines are placed near Vasilyov Peak, which is 1490 meters above the sea level. The installed windpower capacity of the wind generators is 1300 kW. The wind turbines towers are 42 meters high and the rotor blades are 25 meters long.

MINERAL SPRINGS The area of Troyan is also famous for its mineral springs. The most popular of which are the balneological centres in the nearby villages of Shipkovo and Chiflik. There are a lot of spa hotels with mineral hot water swimming pools where you can not only enjoy your holiday but also treat some health problems

THE FEAST OF THE PLUM The feast of the plum and the plum brandy is one of the most attractive holidays in the area. It is held annually at the end of September and attracts many visitors, who taste the famous drink.

LOCAL CUISINE One of the reasons for the fast tourism development in Troyan is the cuisine of the region –skillful and exceptionally delicious combination of traditional and modern recipes, seasoned by the mastery of the Troyan cooks. You can start from the beans, the nettle and the bacon and even try the difficult sach – and shish-meals, flavoured with aromatic herbs and spices from the Balkan.

WELCOME TO TROYAN