Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Vratsa
092 / POP 74,700
With its striking location just below a steep, narrow gorge in the Vrachanska Mountains,
Vratsa makes a handy base for exploring the Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park, as well as
Lopushanski and Cherepish Monasteries. It's a quiet, well-kept little town with plenty of
laid-back pavement cafes, and there are a couple of worthwhile museums to visit too.
The centre of Vratsa is pl Hristo Botev, named in honour of the 19th-century revolu-
tionary whose giant statue stands here. Cafes and civic buildings congregate around this
square, though most of the action is further east along the pedestrian street of bul Nikola
Voyvodov, which finishes at the market near the train station. Numerous banks here have
ATMs.
South of the town centre on the way to the gorge, the
Natura Information Centre
(
660 318; naturacenter@abv.bg; ul Pop Sava Katralfilov 26-29; 9am-noon & 1-5pm
Apr-Oct, closed Sat & Sun Nov-Mar)
, located in a former mosque, provides information
on walking routes and more general tourism information. For information, maps and ad-
vice, visit the Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park headquarters (
Click here
)
.
Sights & Activities
Historical Museum
(pl Hristo Botev; admission 3 lv; 9am-12.30pm & 1-6pm)
The star of the show at
Vratsa's museum is the
Rogozen Treasure
, a shining collection of Thracian silver jugs
and plates, many featuring mythological scenes. Also here are neolithic clay idols, Roman
pottery and displays relating to local hero Hristo Botev. The 17th-century tower outside
doubles as the museum's souvenir shop.
MUSEUM
Sveti Sofronii Vrachanski Ethnographical & Revival Complex
(ul Gen Leonov; adult/student 2/1 lv, free Fri; 9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri)
This interesting
museum complex consists of four National Revival era buildings displaying traditional
costumes, instruments, toys, domestic interiors and silk-weaving apparatus. There's also a
collection of vintage vehicles, including a sleigh and 19th-century carriages. The gardens
are free to wander round; buy a ticket at the Vaznesenie School building and ask them to
open the other houses for you.
MUSEUM
