Bulgaria Inside

If you love small, picturesque towns that feature unique nature and old history, Sevlievo is your place.

Sevlievo is situated in central Northern Bulgaria, close to the geographic center of the country. Its territory is 1070 sq m and the municipality’s population is said to be 49 980. Of them, 25 000 people live in Sevlievo and the rest inhabit the 35 villages in the region. Part of the municipality falls on the territory of Central Balkan national park.

The town’s history goes back in time. A settlement appeared in the region five km away from present-time Sevlievo thousands of years ago. It carried the name of Hotalich and acted as a medieval fortress. The fortification existed until the end of the 17th century after which its administrative, economic and cultural functions were transferred to present-day Sevlievo.

During the revival period, Sevlievo turned into a craftsmen center. Silk production was one of its most famed crafts. Locals were involved in breeding and manufacturing, as well.

Today, Sevlievo continues prospering because of the major foreign investment that provides work places in the region. At the same time, Sevlievo is one of the calmest places in Bulgaria, well known for its historic and cultural landmarks.

Sevlievo’s symbol is its Freedom Monument, situated in the center of the town. The monument appeared in 1984 to honor Bulgarians who died in the April Uprising and the Russo-Turkish War. Eight revolutionaries from Sevlievo were hanged at the location of the monument.

The famous clock tower is another town symbol. It is situated next to Razvitie community center. Tower construction took place in 1777 and the edifice was one of the 10 clock towers in the Bulgarian part of the Ottoman empire. The clock is still functioning today.

Tabahanata is a restored leather workshop dating back to the 18th century. This is the only such workshop preserved in the country.

Skilled Bulgarian construction craftsman Kolio Ficheto left his mark in Sevlievo among many other Bulgarian places. The stone bridge over Rositsa River appeared in the period between 1856 and 1859.

Wealthy Sevlievo residents constructed Dandolovi houses in the mid 70s of the 19th century. Today, the complex features ethnographic exhibitions.

Next to the municipality is a small garden. Hadzhistoyanovo school is situated there. The school was the first education center in the town. It was constructed in 1844 and today the renovated building hosts Sevlievo’s history museum.

Sevlievo has many other landmarks and the region near the town is rich in tourism sites. Batoshevski Monastery Ouspenie Presvetaia Bogoroditsi is stiated 20 km away from the town. The monastery was established in the 13th century. The Batoshevski Convent Vuvedenie Bogorodichno was connected to the preparations for the April Uprising. Both monasteries are still active and the convent offers accommodation.


Leisure spots abound, as well. Lugut region is situated several kilometers away from the town. It is the starting point of routes leading to Botev peak. The region is also known as an international hunting center and its proximity to the national park makes it great for picnics.

Peeshti Skali preserve includes the high regions of the municipality. Century-old forests cover most of the preserve’s area. Nearly 100 types of healing plants grow there and mushroom collection is possible.

Lovers of fishing will also enjoy Sevlievo. Al. Stamboliiski dam is situated near the village of Mladen, 20 km away from Sevlievo. Bogatovski and Doushevski dams also offer good fishing conditions.

The village of Sennik is situated nine km away from Sevlievo and is the birth place of famous Bulgarian wrestler Dan Kolov. A memorial house is dedicated to him and the village features a paintball site.

Gorna Rositsa’s moto range near Sevlievo meets all international standards and hosts phases of international motocross competitions.

If you plan to spend more time in Sevlievo, book accommodation in one of the town’s numerous hotels. Opportunities vary from motels and villas to four-star hotels.

Sevlievo restaurants offer diverse culinary temptations. If you want to try something typical for the region, order fish soup, lamb cooked in a pot, koprivnik or trienitsa.