Bulgaria Inside

Svishtov is one of Bulgaria's major Danube River towns. It is situated on the southernmost bank of the river, 230 km away from Sofia, 70 km away from the town of Rousse and 270 km away from Plovdiv. The town is part of Veliko Turnovo municipality and its population is 45 000 people.

Researchers put the beginning of the town's history in Thracian times. In the 45th year AD, the region became part of the Roman Empire. Two decades later, Italian troops settled there and a settlement began forming nearby. Civilians, merchants and war veterans established the town under the name of Nove. In the 3rd and 4th centuries, administrative reforms turned the settlement into a fortified town.

In that period, Christianity became the official religion of the empire. Further administrative reforms changed even more the looks of the town. Nove gradually turned into a major trade, religious and military center.

Svishtov became a center of even greater importance during the late Middle Ages. It got its current name, probably after the fire of a tower used to guide ships. The proximity of the river contributed to town development. Merchants used the Danube to travel to various parts of Europe. The river also provided fish and locals traded in the entire Ottoman Empire.

Russian soldiers liberated Svishtov in 1877, making it the first Bulgarian town to gain its independence. A monument honors this act.

After the liberation, Svishtov lost some of its importance. New Danube harbors made it lose its strategic position. It turned into a smaller town that to some extent preserved the importance of its harbor.

The house of Bulgarian writer Aleko Konstantinov is one of the town's landmarks. Konstantinov donated his property to the Svishtov municipality and the house was used to aid culture development in the town. Today it hosts a museum, where Konstantinov's heart is still preserved.

Dimitur-Nachova house is a historic monument that hosts an exhibition about Nove. A collection of over 5000 coins can be seen there.

An ethnographic collection has been placed in Sladkarova house. All items date back to the revival period and tell visitors about Svishtov's prosperity and the skill of its craftsmen.

Over 120 monuments can be seen in the town. Make sure to visit St. Peter and Pavel monastery, St. Prorok Ilia church, Sveta Troitsa church and the town's clock tower. The tower was set up in 1760 and has turned into one of the most famous Svishtov symbols.