Bulgaria Inside

Popovo is a town situated in northeastern Bulgaria, on both banks of Popovska River. The distance to Turgovishte is 36 km, to Rousse – 75 km and to Sofia – 300 km.

Locals are very proud of their town and the legend about its establishment, full of romanticism. According to the legend, Popovo was established by a priest who settled there with his numerous children. One winter, snow started falling too soon and a division of the Ottoman army was stranded in the area. The priest offered the soldiers shelter. When spring came, the sultan decided to find out how the priest managed to feed so many people. He was impressed with the priest’s diligence and allowed him to settle wherever he wanted. That was how Popovo came into existence.

The first written evidence concerning the existence of the town dates back to 1555. According to Ottoman registers, Popovo was known as Pop Alagioz meaning priest with greenish-brown eyes. It was also named Popkioi and Popovo village. The settlement received the status of a town in 1883.

One of the landmarks that locals are proud of is the city garden. It was established in 1907.

Another landmark that you should see is St. Archangel Michael church, also known as the old church. It was built in 1863 and its yard preserves the tombs of Russian soldiers who died in a battle near the village Svetlen.

Popovo’s museum of history appeared initially as a single collection in 1957. It gained the status of a museum in 1991. Nowadays, the museum preserves 23 000 exhibits organized in several divisions. You can see one of the richest collections of icons in the country, Roman bronze plastics, lifestyle objects and many others.

The roman fortress of Kovachevsko Kale is situated six km away from Popovo. Excavations started in 1990 and archaeologists have uncovered fortress walls, gates the remains of a pagan sanctuary and underground sewerage system. All artifacts discovered during the excavations can be seen in the Popovo museum.

If you are keen on fishing, you should know that Kavatsite dam is situated nearby. There, you can take a break while fishing in this beautiful area. Bungalows near the dam are suitable for accommodation, if you feel like staying away from Popovo.

Svetlen village also situated six km away from Popovo. During the Russo-Turkish war, major battles took place there. St. Boris-Michael Baptizer church is located there and is also known as the Russian church. The sanctuary features paintings carried out entirely in Russian style.

Popovo will offer to you good options for accommodation and pretty little restaurants.