Bulgaria Inside

Architecture and history preserve Varosha is situated in the town of Lovech. The complex includes the old part of town on the right bank of Osum River.

In 1969, the old Lovech district of Varosha was named a preserve. Nearly 200 monuments of history and archaeology can be seen there today. Beautiful revival houses constructed in the 70s of the 19th century dominate the landscape. Most of these houses have two floors and massive wooden gates. Small, cobblestone streets meander between the buildings, often ending in front of a gate or a fence.

Varosha has so many landmarks. One of the Lovech symbols, the covered bridge over Osum is a unique construction for the Balkan region. Data shows that it appeared in 1838. Nature destroyed it several times. In 1872, after yet another bridge devastation, Lovech residents asked craftsman Koliu Ficheto to construct a covered bridge having numerous small shops.

The bridge is 84 m long and 10 m wide. Its construction ended in 1876. Unfortunately, the bridge was burned down in 1925. A new facility was set up, acting as a tourism attraction today. Tourists can explore the small shops, buy souvenirs or taste the incredible jam locals make.

Vassil Levski museum was founded in February 1954 and preserves the richest collection of personal belongings of revolutionary Vassil Levski. A photocopy of his notebook, false stamps, authentic weapons and revolutionary flags can be examined. The museum protects the only original Levski portrait from 1870.

Two of the Lovech churches are situated in Varosha. Sveta Nedelia is the oldest church of the town, constructed in 1535. During the Ottoman rule, it acted as a cathedral and today brags a big collection of authentic old books.

Ouspenie Bogorodichno church was constructed in 1984 but was burned down. The church was renewed in 1834 and preserves icons from the 18th and 19th centuries and old books.

The ethnographic complex is one of the most beautiful Varosha parts. Drasova and Rashova houses hold collections presenting lifestyle from the 19th century and from the 30s and 40s of the 20th century.

Hissarya fortress protects Varosha, standing high above it on a hill. The setting up of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was marked there in 1187 after the signing of a treaty between Bulgaria and the Byzantine empire.