Gabrovo (Габрово), Bulgaria

Gabrovo, Bulgaria
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Street_scene_in_Gabrovo.jpg
Author: Todor Bozhinov


Gabrovo (Bulgarian: Габрово) is a city in central Bulgaria. The provincial capital of Gobrovo Province, it has a population of 60,000 people (2011 estimate). The city is located in the valley of the Yantra River, at the foot of the Balkan Mountains. Strung over a distance of 28 km from end to end, Gabrovo is the longest city in the country.

Although the Gabrovo area has been inhabited since the Stone Age, it remained a small village in the Yantra Valley until the 12th century, when Veliko Tarnovo became the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Gabrovo benefited from its proximity to the new capital, as craftsmen and trades pass through it.

In the 14th century, the Ottomans invaded the Balkans, sending an influx of refugees into Gabrovo, which grew from a village into a small town. The Ottomans were to rule Bulgaria until 1878. During this period, Gabrovo developed as an industrial center for the surrounding region.

Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God Church, Gabrovo
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dormition_of_the_Most_Holy_Mother_of_God_Church,_Gabrovo_2011.jpg
Author: Спасимир


Today Gabrovo is known for, of all things, humor. The people of Gabrovo is renowned among Bulgarians for their sense of humor, and the city itself celebrates this by having a House of Humor and Satire. Gabrovo itself is also a butt of jokes among Bulgarians for being exceedingly thrifty. According to a national survey, the city was however voted the most ecologically friendly in Bulgaria.

Visiting Gabrovo

There are bus services connecting Gabrovo with all the major cities of Bulgaria. To go to Gabrovo by train, you take one to Veliko Turnovo in the north, and change to the train heading for Gabrovo. If you're coming from the south, change trains in Stara Zagora.

Gabrovo City Hall
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TownHall_Gabrovo.jpg
Author: MrPanyGoff

Places of Interest in Gabrovo

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