Bulgaria Inside

The town of Pravets is situated 60 km from Sofia and 15 km away from respectively Botevgrad and Etropole.

Situated in Stara Planina Mountain, Pravets is easily accessible via Hemous highway. Depending on the traffic, getting there from Sofia takes no more than one hour. The proximity to Sofia turns Pravets into one preferred trip destinations.

The town’s population is 5000 people.

According to historians, Pravets appeared as a protective settlement in the mountain region. Many important roads passed there. Thracian mounds and tombs, as well as Roman roads remain as evidence of this period.

Its name is mentioned for the first time in 15th century Ottoman documents and Pravets is supposedly an old Bulgarian word meaning straight road.

Etropole was known in medieval times as a mining center and its proximity affected the town of Pravets. Many crafts, related to Etropole’s production developed there.

Poor harvest, earthquakes and assaults caused the decline of the town in the 18th century. Crafts were abandoned and its residents moved to other parts of the country.

A major road from Sofia to Vidin, passing through Pravets, was constructed in the 19th century.

During the Bulgarian revival, Pravets was also affected by new culture and education movements in the country. The town’s first school appeared in 1820. In mid 19th century, it saw the renovation of churches and monasteries.

After the liberation, Pravets stayed aside from modernization and progress. It saw revival during socialist time, since Bulgarian president Todor Zhivkov was born there. Major construction took place during that time.

Pravets was named a town in 1981. A modern, one of a kind factory opened there in the 70s. The Pravets language high school has 25 years of history and features among the best in the country.

Today, Pravets has turned into a tourism town. Most visitors like to take a look at Zhivkov’s home. The house has typical revival-time architecture. In the 70s of the 20th century, it underwent renovation.

A small park, the place where Zhivkov’s monument is placed, is another Pravets landmark. St. Teodor Tiron monastery is situated a few km away from the town.

Many monuments, honoring the acts of famous Bulgarians, can be seen in the vicinities of the town.

The town’s history museum has a rich collection, telling the story of the region. It is situated in a modern building, on the town’s main square. Yet, the museum is open for visitors only during the weekdays.

A modern sports center functions in Pravets since several years. Pravets dam is suitable for fishing and the region features several other dams.

Etropole is also situated nearby. Its most impressive landmark is Sveta Troitsa monastery.