Montana guidebook

Sightseeing

Lopushanski klooster "St. Johannes de Doper"

The Lopushna Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner is a picturesque Bulgarian Orthodox monastery located in the scenic western Balkan Mountains only 15-20 min by car from Montana. Founded in the Middle Ages and rebuilt in the 1850s, the monastery is renowned for its stunning complex main church, which is a masterpiece of the Slavine Architectural School and features unique Gothic decorative elements. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the rich cultural and religious history of the area.

Lopushanski klooster "St. Johannes de Doper"

The Lopushna Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner is a picturesque Bulgarian Orthodox monastery located in the scenic western Balkan Mountains only 15-20 min by car from Montana. Founded in the Middle Ages and rebuilt in the 1850s, the monastery is renowned for its stunning complex main church, which is a masterpiece of the Slavine Architectural School and features unique Gothic decorative elements. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the rich cultural and religious history of the area.

Ogosta Reservoir

The Ogosta Reservoir is the second largest artificial lake in Bulgaria, collecting the waters of three rivers. Its construction took 20 years and was completed in 1986. Although originally intended for irrigation, it now generates electricity through two hydro-electric power-stations. The lake is also designated for commercial fishing and is home to various fish species such as carp, perch, and rudd. With an area of 2,360 hectares, it is a popular destination for fishing and water sports. Visitors can take a stroll along the lake's serene shores, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Ogosta Reservoir

The Ogosta Reservoir is the second largest artificial lake in Bulgaria, collecting the waters of three rivers. Its construction took 20 years and was completed in 1986. Although originally intended for irrigation, it now generates electricity through two hydro-electric power-stations. The lake is also designated for commercial fishing and is home to various fish species such as carp, perch, and rudd. With an area of 2,360 hectares, it is a popular destination for fishing and water sports. Visitors can take a stroll along the lake's serene shores, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Maguragrot

Explore the ancient wonders of Bulgaria with a visit to Magura Cave, located in the north-western region near the village of Rabisha. This 15 million-year-old cave boasts an impressive 2.5 km length and features breathtaking natural formations such as speleothems, stalactites, and stalagmites. Marvel at the prehistoric wall paintings that date back over 8,000 years, depicting religious ceremonies, hunting scenes, and unique depictions of deities. The Fertility Dance and the Hunting Ceremony are among the most notable works of art. While exploring the cave, you may also spot some of its current inhabitants such as bats and collembola. Guided tours are available throughout the year, and the spacious site even offers the opportunity to host music concerts during the holidays. The Magura Cave was inducted into UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage in 1984, so be sure not to miss this incredible piece of history.

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Maguragrot

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Explore the ancient wonders of Bulgaria with a visit to Magura Cave, located in the north-western region near the village of Rabisha. This 15 million-year-old cave boasts an impressive 2.5 km length and features breathtaking natural formations such as speleothems, stalactites, and stalagmites. Marvel at the prehistoric wall paintings that date back over 8,000 years, depicting religious ceremonies, hunting scenes, and unique depictions of deities. The Fertility Dance and the Hunting Ceremony are among the most notable works of art. While exploring the cave, you may also spot some of its current inhabitants such as bats and collembola. Guided tours are available throughout the year, and the spacious site even offers the opportunity to host music concerts during the holidays. The Magura Cave was inducted into UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage in 1984, so be sure not to miss this incredible piece of history.

Ledenika-grot

Ledenika Cave, located 16 km from Vratsa in the Northwestern Balkan Mountains, is a stunning natural wonder. The cave features 10 halls filled with impressive karst formations, including icicles in the winter months, which inspired its name meaning "icy or glacial." Visitors can explore galleries such as the Great Temple, with its 15 m ceiling, and the Concert Hall, filled with a wide variety of stalactites and stalagmites. The limestone formations date back to the Pliocene era. Since opening to tourists in 1961, Ledenika Cave has been a popular attraction, earning a spot on the Bulgarian Tourist Union's list of 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.

Ledenika-grot

Ledenika Cave, located 16 km from Vratsa in the Northwestern Balkan Mountains, is a stunning natural wonder. The cave features 10 halls filled with impressive karst formations, including icicles in the winter months, which inspired its name meaning "icy or glacial." Visitors can explore galleries such as the Great Temple, with its 15 m ceiling, and the Concert Hall, filled with a wide variety of stalactites and stalagmites. The limestone formations date back to the Pliocene era. Since opening to tourists in 1961, Ledenika Cave has been a popular attraction, earning a spot on the Bulgarian Tourist Union's list of 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.

Venetsa-grot

Located near the village of Oreshets in the North-West region of the mountain, not far from the Belogradchik Rocks, lies a newly discovered gem - the Oreshets Cave. Discovered in 1973 at a stone quarry, it was only opened to visitors in 2015 after being fully researched, mapped and equipped with special rails, stairs and colorful LED lighting. The cave boasts five huge halls with over 300 meters of corridors, showcasing stunning formations such as corals, crystals, stalactones, stalagmites and stalactites. Visitors are mesmerized by the beauty, including the semi-precious onyx stone formations. Each hall is unique, offering a different experience to the enchanted visitors.

Venetsa-grot

Located near the village of Oreshets in the North-West region of the mountain, not far from the Belogradchik Rocks, lies a newly discovered gem - the Oreshets Cave. Discovered in 1973 at a stone quarry, it was only opened to visitors in 2015 after being fully researched, mapped and equipped with special rails, stairs and colorful LED lighting. The cave boasts five huge halls with over 300 meters of corridors, showcasing stunning formations such as corals, crystals, stalactones, stalagmites and stalactites. Visitors are mesmerized by the beauty, including the semi-precious onyx stone formations. Each hall is unique, offering a different experience to the enchanted visitors.

Belogradchishki Skali

Discover the Belogradchik Rocks - an incredible natural landmark located on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains near the town of Belogradchik in northwest Bulgaria. These sandstone and conglomerate rock formations come in a range of striking colors and bizarre shapes, some reaching up to 200 m in height. Legend has it that many of the rocks resemble people or objects, and they have been declared a must-see tourist attraction by the Bulgarian government. Don't miss the chance to explore this unique wonder and spot the critically endangered Bulgarian endemic plant Hieracium belogradcense, which can only be found here.

Belogradchishki Skali

Discover the Belogradchik Rocks - an incredible natural landmark located on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains near the town of Belogradchik in northwest Bulgaria. These sandstone and conglomerate rock formations come in a range of striking colors and bizarre shapes, some reaching up to 200 m in height. Legend has it that many of the rocks resemble people or objects, and they have been declared a must-see tourist attraction by the Bulgarian government. Don't miss the chance to explore this unique wonder and spot the critically endangered Bulgarian endemic plant Hieracium belogradcense, which can only be found here.

Klisurski Monastery

Experience the rich history of the Klisurski Monastery, located at the foot of the northern slopes of Todorini Kukla peak in the western Balkan Mountains. Founded in 1240, the monastery was repeatedly destroyed during Ottoman rule, including a tragic incident in 1862 where it was burned down and many were killed. But the monastery was reconstructed in 1869, and the church was officially consecrated in 1891. Today, it stands as a separate settlement in the Varshets Municipality of the Montana Province and is just 9 km from Berkovitsa and 85 km from Sofia. Don't miss this opportunity to explore this fascinating piece of Bulgarian history.

Klisurski Monastery

Experience the rich history of the Klisurski Monastery, located at the foot of the northern slopes of Todorini Kukla peak in the western Balkan Mountains. Founded in 1240, the monastery was repeatedly destroyed during Ottoman rule, including a tragic incident in 1862 where it was burned down and many were killed. But the monastery was reconstructed in 1869, and the church was officially consecrated in 1891. Today, it stands as a separate settlement in the Varshets Municipality of the Montana Province and is just 9 km from Berkovitsa and 85 km from Sofia. Don't miss this opportunity to explore this fascinating piece of Bulgarian history.

Petrohan Pass

Explore the stunning Petrohan Pass - a mountain pass that connects Sofia and Montana through the majestic Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in Bulgaria. This pass is a vital part of Pan-European Corridor IV and offers the shortest route between Sofia and north-western Bulgaria. You can even continue your journey to Romania, thanks to the Vidin-Calafat Bridge. The road passing through the pass is narrow, so there have been suggestions for expansion, including the construction of a tunnel. Don't miss the chance to take in the breathtaking scenery and make your way through this important pass.

Petrohan Pass

Explore the stunning Petrohan Pass - a mountain pass that connects Sofia and Montana through the majestic Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in Bulgaria. This pass is a vital part of Pan-European Corridor IV and offers the shortest route between Sofia and north-western Bulgaria. You can even continue your journey to Romania, thanks to the Vidin-Calafat Bridge. The road passing through the pass is narrow, so there have been suggestions for expansion, including the construction of a tunnel. Don't miss the chance to take in the breathtaking scenery and make your way through this important pass.

Връх Ком

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kom Peak - a majestic peak in the western Balkan Mountains, located in western Bulgaria, not far from the Serbian border. This peak, standing at 2,016 metres, offers a spectacular view of the surrounding fields, Berkovitsa, and Montana, including the Ogosta Reservoir, which is 30 kilometres away. Ivan Vazov's famous poem "On Kom" was inspired by this peak, and in his honor, a bas-relief plaque bearing his image and excerpts from the poem has been installed at the top. The peak marks the beginning of the Bulgarian section of the European walking route E3, also known as the Kom-Emine path, and is home to several climbing routes to the summit. You can even enjoy skiing on the pistes descending from the peak. Don't miss the chance to explore one of the highest and most renowned peaks in the western Balkan Mountains.

Връх Ком

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kom Peak - a majestic peak in the western Balkan Mountains, located in western Bulgaria, not far from the Serbian border. This peak, standing at 2,016 metres, offers a spectacular view of the surrounding fields, Berkovitsa, and Montana, including the Ogosta Reservoir, which is 30 kilometres away. Ivan Vazov's famous poem "On Kom" was inspired by this peak, and in his honor, a bas-relief plaque bearing his image and excerpts from the poem has been installed at the top. The peak marks the beginning of the Bulgarian section of the European walking route E3, also known as the Kom-Emine path, and is home to several climbing routes to the summit. You can even enjoy skiing on the pistes descending from the peak. Don't miss the chance to explore one of the highest and most renowned peaks in the western Balkan Mountains.

“Baba Vida” Fortress

Baba Vida is a well-preserved medieval castle located in the town of Vidin in northwestern Bulgaria. Its two concentric walls and nine towers, three of which are still fully preserved, make it a unique landmark in the country. According to legend, the castle was built by Vida, the eldest daughter of a Bulgarian king, and was a key defensive installation during the Middle Ages. Baba Vida withstood an eight-month siege by Byzantine forces and played a role during the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria as a warehouse, prison, and residence. Nowadays, Baba Vida castle is a popular museum and tourist attraction that is being kept in repair.

“Baba Vida” Fortress

Baba Vida is a well-preserved medieval castle located in the town of Vidin in northwestern Bulgaria. Its two concentric walls and nine towers, three of which are still fully preserved, make it a unique landmark in the country. According to legend, the castle was built by Vida, the eldest daughter of a Bulgarian king, and was a key defensive installation during the Middle Ages. Baba Vida withstood an eight-month siege by Byzantine forces and played a role during the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria as a warehouse, prison, and residence. Nowadays, Baba Vida castle is a popular museum and tourist attraction that is being kept in repair.

Градешки Манастир

Castra Martis

Visit Castra Martis, a Roman fortress turned town and bishopric, located in Kula, Bulgaria. This historic site served as a fortified garrison to protect the Vrashka Chuka pass through the western Balkan mountains. Castra Martis was a suffragan of the provincial capital's Metropolitan Archdiocese of Ratiaria in the Roman province of Dacia ripensis. Its only recorded bishop was Calvus, who participated in the Council of Serdica in 343. The fortress fell to the Huns in 408 during an attack on the Eastern Roman Empire. Today, Castra Martis remains a Latin Catholic titular see, and its ruins are open to visitors.

Castra Martis

Visit Castra Martis, a Roman fortress turned town and bishopric, located in Kula, Bulgaria. This historic site served as a fortified garrison to protect the Vrashka Chuka pass through the western Balkan mountains. Castra Martis was a suffragan of the provincial capital's Metropolitan Archdiocese of Ratiaria in the Roman province of Dacia ripensis. Its only recorded bishop was Calvus, who participated in the Council of Serdica in 343. The fortress fell to the Huns in 408 during an attack on the Eastern Roman Empire. Today, Castra Martis remains a Latin Catholic titular see, and its ruins are open to visitors.

Lakatnik-rotsen

Welcome to Lakatnik Rocks, a stunning natural landmark located in Lakatnik, Bulgaria. Explore the majestic rock formations that rise high above the Iskar River and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Hike through the area's scenic trails and discover hidden caves and waterfalls along the way. Lakatnik Rocks is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as rock climbing, camping, and picnicking.

Lakatnik-rotsen

Welcome to Lakatnik Rocks, a stunning natural landmark located in Lakatnik, Bulgaria. Explore the majestic rock formations that rise high above the Iskar River and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Hike through the area's scenic trails and discover hidden caves and waterfalls along the way. Lakatnik Rocks is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as rock climbing, camping, and picnicking.

Colonia Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria | Римски град "Рациария"

Welcome to Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria, an ancient Roman city located in modern-day Archar, Bulgaria. Founded in the 1st century AD, the city played an important role in the Roman Empire as a major administrative and commercial center. Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria, including the Roman amphitheater, the impressive city walls, and the remains of several temples and public buildings. Visit the archaeological museum to see artifacts and exhibits showcasing the city's rich history.

Colonia Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria | Римски град "Рациария"

Welcome to Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria, an ancient Roman city located in modern-day Archar, Bulgaria. Founded in the 1st century AD, the city played an important role in the Roman Empire as a major administrative and commercial center. Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria, including the Roman amphitheater, the impressive city walls, and the remains of several temples and public buildings. Visit the archaeological museum to see artifacts and exhibits showcasing the city's rich history.