The Danube & Northern Plains - Romania and Bulgaria - page 916

Chiprovtsi
POP 2000
Famous for its traditional carpets and quaint monastery, Chiprovtsi ( Chip -rov-tsi) is little
more than a rather quiet village tucked into the foothills of the Stara Planina (Balkan
Range) mountains, but there are a few places to stay if you fancy resting up.

Sights

MONASTERY

Chiprovtsi Monastery
(admission free; dawn-dusk) Founded in the 10th century, this monastery, dedicated to
Sveti Ivan Rilski (St John of Rila) was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the years -
what you see today dates largely from the early 19th century. It's roughly 6km northeast
of Chiprovtsi village; take any bus between Montana and Chiprovtsi.

History Museum
(ul Vitosha 2; admission 2 lv, free Thursday; 8am-noon & 1-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
Sat-Sun) This small museum displays traditional costumes and colourful examples of the
local Chiprovtsi carpets. Medieval ceramics, Roman coins and icons are also on show.

MUSEUM

Sleeping & Eating
The guesthouse restaurants are the best places to eat. Chiprovtsi's few cafes are on the
main square.

Torlacite Kâshta $
( 0887892790; www.torlacite.com ; ul Pavleto 31; d 30 lv; ) This attractive National
Revival house has simple rooms set around a little courtyard garden, as well as a tradition-
al mehana (tavern). If you have several days to spare, the owners offer carpet-weaving
courses (65 lv per day, including accommodation and meals).

GUESTHOUSE

Pavlova Kâshta $

GUESTHOUSE