Bulgaria Inside

The town of Etropole has given its name to a mountain region for a reason. Etropole hides in the northern folds of Stara Planina Mountain, 80 km away from Sofia and 15 km away from the town of Pravets.

Thracians settled in the region long time ago, according to historians in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. An important road passed there and connected the Danube to Thrace and Macedonia.

Etropole’s name is explained in several ways. Some believe that it originated from the Thracian Etropara meaning water town. Another theory connects the name to the old Bulgarian Untropole, meaning closed valley.

In the middle ages, the town developed as a center for the production of gold, silver, copper and iron. Many crafts made use of these natural resources.

Crafts and the proximity to major roads made Etropole grow. Locals had contacts with merchants from various parts of Europe. Documents from the 19th century show that 42 crafts were practiced there.

Contacts with European cities turned Etropole into a culture and progress center. The town’s school came into existence in 1811. Its high school was among the first to be set up in the country and appeared in the period from 1828 to 1830.

Etropole has several major landmarks. An administrative Ottoman building hosts its history museum. The building was constructed in 1853 to 1870.

The clock tower is 20-m high and was set up in 1710. It used to act as a watch tower and the clock was added in 1821.

Arnaoudova house still carries its revival-time spirit. The house was constructed in the mid 19th century and today hosts and ethnographic collection.

Another old building with its history is St. Arhangel Mihail church. Its existence was mentioned in 17th century documents. Its current looks were created in 1873.

Etropole’s monastery Sveta Troitsa is one of the most interesting landmarks in the vicinities of the town. A paved road leads there, yet you can walk from the town making use of a forest path.

Etropolska Ribaritsa is a resort village situated several km away from Etropole. The village has developed rural tourism opportunities.

The proximity to Sofia turns Etropole into an attractive tourism and rest destination. If you plan to visit the region, spend there at least one weekend, since the landmarks to see are numerous.