TOURIST REGION RUSE – IVANOVO – BOROVO www.ruse-bg.eu/reki_na_vremeto
Operational Programme “Regional Development” 2007 - 2013 Investing in your future! www.bgregio.eu EUROPE AN UNION European Regional Development Fund
The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the state budget of the Republic of Bulgaria
OPRD
Welcome to the valley of Lom rivers! You are looking for diversity, combination of active fun and enjoyable outdoor activities or you are fond of cultural and eco-tourism? In all these cases the tourist destination RuseIvanovo-Borovo is the place for your holiday. Amid breathtaking scenery are situated historical monuments, which have kept the memories of past glorious days. The rich historical heritage, the marvelous nature and the cultural diversity of the region guarantee you a restful atmosphere and unforgettable memories, which will take you back to the valley of Lom rivers. We’d like to invite you on a trip to the rivers of times!
2 Where you are headed to 4 Welcome to Ruse! 6 Welcome to Ivanovo! 7 Welcome to Borovo! 8 Tourist Map 10 Sights of the region: Ancient Treasures 11 Sights of the region: Strongholds of the empires 13 Sights of the region: „Little Vienna“ 14 Sights of the region: The museums – guardians of history and culture 17 Sights of the region: The faith keepers 19 Natural resources 21 Hobby – hunting and fishing 22 Adventure and fun 23 Flavors and fragrances 24 Useful information
Where you are headed to The tourist destination Ruse-IvanovoBorovo is a fascinating story incorporating innovative spirit, European culture, marvelous scenery and intriguing history. An interesting combination of adventures amidst the nature and emotionally loaded experience in the heart of the city, the region lures its guests into a joyful journey where the modern man explores the majestic nature scenery, and
Where you are headed to
the nature lover enjoys the achievements of urban culture. Probably the most popular place in the region is the town of Ruse – a meeting point for the Balkan and European spirits, the pride of post-liberation Bulgaria, the ambassador of new architectural, artistic and industrial influences in the young Bulgarian state from the end of the XIX and the beginning of the XX centuries. Ruse is 324 km away from the capital city Sofia and only 60 km from Bucharest. The
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Danube runs along Ruse while connecting it with major European capitals such as Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna. 20 km to the southwest of Ruse is the village of Ivanovo – administrative center of the eponymous municipality, which includes some of the most remarkable examples of the ancient history of the region – the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo and the Medieval town of Cherven. Most of Rusenski Lom Nature Park is also part of Ivanovo Municipality.
50 km to the west of Ruse lays the town of Borovo. The town is proud of its long history, testified to by the Thracian silver treasure found on its territory, dated back to the IV century BC and the tomb of a Getae noble, exhibited in Borovo’s center. The complex features of the climate in the region are defined by the proximity of the rivers Danube and Rusenski Lom. It is characterized by hot and dry summers. The transport infrastructure of the region is more
than well developed. Through the territory of the municipalities Ruse, Ivanovo and Borovo pass Pan-European transport corridors 7 and 9 that provide the link between the Baltic and the North Sea on one side and the Mediterranean and Black Sea on the other. The bridge over the Danube River between the towns of Ruse and Giurgiu provides convenient connection to the northern neighbor of Bulgaria Romania. The first railway line in Bulgaria Ruse-Varna, whose official
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opening in 1866 marked the beginning of the railway transport in Bulgaria, passes through the three municipalities. The tourist information centers in Ruse and Ivanovo are a useful source of information on nature and cultural sights in the region, as well as hotels, lodging, restaurants and transport links between settlements. There you will also be provided with information about tourist attractions, local cultural events, tourist routes in the region, etc.
Welcome to Ruse! The Danube pearl of Bulgaria – Ruse is a town of thousands of years of history and cosmopolitan spirit. Ruse is the townpioneer of modern Bulgaria. The first urban plan in the country was made for Ruse. In Ruse was built the first metal ship, the first Bulgarian brewery was established in Ruse, the first weather station in Bulgaria was built on the Levent Tabia hill. The first railway line in Bulgaria started in Ruse. And that‘s just part of a long list of successful beginnings.
Welcome to Ruse!
Within the Roman Empire Ruse was a major military settlement, known as Sexaginta Prista (Latin for “The port of sixty ships”). Today the remains of the fortress are to be seen in an open-air exposition in the northwestern part of the town. Ruse’s long history can be traced in details in the Regional Museum of History, which has one of the largest collections in the country. The most distinctive items to be seen are the exhibits, found in the Danubian Roman strongholds and the Medieval town of Cherven. Nevertheless the pearl in the
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museum’s crown is the copy of the stunning Thracian treasure of Borovo. The unique National Museum of Transport and Communications is also located in Ruse, The museum is housed in the building of the first railway station in Bulgaria. It has an impressive collection, revealing the splendor of the vehicles that served the needs of sultans and kings in the late XIX and early XX centuries. Due to its extremely favorable location Ruse has always enjoyed economic and cultural prosperity. At the end of the XIX
and early XX centuries, the city was a multicultural center, whose population was a colorful palette of Bulgarians, Austrians, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Jews, Armenians, etc. The contacts established thanks to the Danube River had an important impact on the architectural appearance of the town. Among the magnificent examples of European architecture in Ruse are Dohodno zdanie, Battenberg Palace, The house of Elias Canetti and many more. The unique buildings are namely the reason why in the early XX century Ruse was
dubbed “The little Vienna”. The diversity of nationalities and cultures that inhabited the town of Ruse in recent past determined its religious diversity. The Armenian church „Surp Astvadzadzin“, the Catholic cathedral „Saint Paul of the Cross“ and the numerous Orthodox churches, one of the most remarkable among them being the „St. Petka“ church – perhaps the only successful attempt to recreate the medieval Golden Church of Tsar Simeon the Great, attract everyone’s attention. Ruse’s cultural calendar full of musical,
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theatrical, dance, poetical and art festivals and events is a must-see for every dedicated art lover. Nowadays Ruse impresses its guests not only with exciting rendezvous with history, but with numerous entertainment options in all forms – relaxing walks along the Danube, full of emotions nightlife, restaurants and bars with great cuisine and unique atmosphere, shopping tours, sport adventures, trips through the wilderness not far away from town, and many other attractive options.
Welcome to Ivanovo! A visit to the village of Ivanovo and its surroundings takes you back to the glorious past of Bulgaria from the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Amidst magnificent landscapes revealed by Rusenski Lom Nature Park, the secrets of the past centuries are waiting to be discovered in the unique rock-hewn monastery „St. Archangel Michael�, dated back to the 20s of the XIII century and founded by the devoted monk Yoakim, who later became
Welcome to Ivanovo!
Bulgarian Patriarch. The complex of rockhewn churches has earned Bulgaria a worldwide fame as it was included in the World Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO. In six of the temples, hewn in the rocks, are preserved unique murals, marvelous examples of Paleologus Art on the Balkan Peninsula, which impress with the elegance of the forms and the artistic expression. The greatness of a true medieval fortified town can not leave anyone indifferent, even when the heydays are to be seen only in its ruins. The heir of a Byzantine
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fortress, the Medieval town of Cherven was one of the most significant military, administrative, economic, religious and cultural centers of the Second Bulgarian Empire, where crafts and trade flourished before the invasion of the Ottoman army that destroyed it in 1388. Various adventure trails through the wild nature in Rusenski Lom Nature Park show spectacular scenery and cultural sights, which you can enjoy thanks to the wide range of entertainment options offered.
Welcome to Borovo! Heir to ancient civilizations, keeping the spirit of past times, the town of Borovo welcomes proudly its guests in front of the tomb of a Getae noble from the IV century BC, exposed in the heart of the town – a convincing evidence of the thousand years long history of the settlement. The park around the tomb is a smooth transition between past and present – a collection of sculptures from Ruse limestone, inspired by the Thracian culture and art, forms effortlessly the area, dedicated to town’s history. Borovo’s fame though is connected to a great
extent to the unique Thracian silver treasure, found in 1974 and dated back to the IV century BC – the time of the rule of the Odris king Kotis I. The five silver gilt items – three rhyta, with bases formed as the fronts of a horse, a bull and a sphynx, a rhyta jug and a large silver bowl are preserved in the National Museum of History. Copies of the items can be seen at the Regional Museum of History in Ruse. The intriguing history is only part of the many attractions that are to be found in Borovo and the region. The Cultural calendar of the town, full of various cultural activities arises the interest
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of the art fans. Every year Borovo welcomes fans of authentic folklore during the festival „From Danube to the Balkan“. A sculptural workshop gathers the best artists in the field, and every last Sunday of August a gathering of people who were born in Borovo, still live in the town or are connected to it in some way takes place. The proximity of the rivers Danube and Rusenski Lom and its feeders is a perfect opportunity for the dedicated anglers. Borovo is a pleasant surprise for everyone, who dares to leave the well-known routes and to discover the multilayered charm of the region.
Ruse
43°50’59.93’’N 25°58’47.71’’E
Basarbovo 43°45’38.18’’N 25°57’10.11’’E
Legend 1st class road
Ivanovo
2nd class road
43°41’12.23’’N 25°57’24.15’’E
railway line Municipal border city/town village
Cherven
Ekzarh Yosif
43°36’47.19’’N 26°1’23.09’’E
43°36’59.27’’N 25°47’9.28’’E
N
cultural landmark
Brestovitsa 43°32’1.04“N 25°45’1.19“E
W
natural landmark
Tourist Map
E
Borovo
43°29’23.80’’N 25°48’35.95’’E
S
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MAP OF BULGARIA Silistra Vidin Ruse Pleven
Montana
Dobrich Targovishte
Shumen Varna
Lovech
Vratsa
Veliko Tarnovo Gabrovo
Sliven
Pernik SOFIA Kyustendil
Stara Zagora
Yambol
Burgas
Pazardzhik
Blagoevgrad
Plovdiv Haskovo Smolyan
Kardzhali
highway 1st class road administrative center city/town
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airport TOURIST REGION RUSE – IVANOVO – BOROVO
Sights of the region: Ancient Treasures The valley of Rusenski Lom river and its feeders has always been a meeting point of cultures and civilizations, which have left a sign of their existence throughout the region. Antiquity reminds of itself in the silver gilt items of the Thracian treasure of Borovo from the IV century BC, in the triangular pediment over the front façade
Sights of the region
of the Thracian tomb, exhibited in the center of Borovo, in the Thracian remains found in the Medieval town of Cherven and in the remains of the Roman naval base Sexaginta Prista. In the silver treasure of Borovo the Thracians who didn’t have an alphabet have left their message to the future generations in the cult scenes and zoomorphic figures that embellish the magnificent silverware, a true work of art. The silver treasure of Borovo features
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three unique rhyta, symbols of royal power in Thrace. Copies of the valuable items are part of the rich collection of the Regional Museum of History – Ruse. The “Macedonian” style Thracian tomb expects its visitors in Borovo’s center, amidst limestone sculptures. The tomb was built for a Getae noble in the IV century BC and is part of a Thracian necropolis, situated on the territory of the town of Borovo. The tomb has been re-exhibited in the center of the town so that more
people can enjoy its unique structure, characterized by a chamber, pointing in direction east, covered with a semicylindrical vault and with an entrance with a trapezoidal shape. A visit to the famous Medieval town of Cherven is an integral part of every route in the region Ruse-Ivanovo-Borovo. Nevertheless it is interesting to know that centuries before it became an economic and cultural center of the Second Bulgarian Empire Cherven had been a
Thracian settlement, remains of which are preserved in the Regional Museum of History in Ruse. The banks of the Danube within Bulgaria were part of major coastal fortifications, serving for the protection of the northern border of the Roman Empire against the invasion of barbarian tribes. Remains of the Danube Limes (border) can be seen in the northwestern part of Ruse in the ruins of the once famous Roman fortress Sexaginta Prista. Wandering around the preserved
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parts of the northern fortified wall, the northeastern tower and the storage of the castle, visitors can get an idea of the glory days when the fort used to accommodate 60 ships. For those interested in the life in a typical Roman fortress, the open-space exposition Sexaginta Prista presents a reconstruction of a Roman soldier’s room, and a model of a potter‘s wheel, where enthusiasts can learn how to work with clay as the ancient Romans did.
Sights of the region: Strongholds of the empires A trip to the rivers of time of the glorious empires does not end by visiting Sexaginta Prista. A glimpse at the past offer also the ruins of the Medieval town of Cherven, which was strategically situated on a rocky plateau in close vicinity to the present village with the same name. The stronghold of the Second Bulgarian Empire, located in the heart of the valley of Rusenski Lom River
Sights of the region
attracts visitors with well-preserved remains of internal walls reinforced with towers and bastions, walls of a boyar castle, remains of an Episcopal church, as well as an impressive 12 m high guard tower, which is the only remaining Medieval tower in Bulgaria. It was used as a model during the restoration of the Baldwin Tower in Tsarevets. The ruins of the Medieval town still keep the memory of the economic and cultural progress of the settlement before it fell into the hands of the Ottoman army in the XIV century.
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As a part of the Ottoman Empire Ruse, then called Ruschuk, had a privileged status. The town was turned into a major fortress in the XVIII century, as part of the fortified quadrangle RuseShumen-Varna-Silistra. After the defeat of the Ottoman army in 1878 and the subsequent liberation of Bulgaria the Ruschuk fortress was destroyed under the Treaty of Berlin (1878). Its only remains, preserved to that day are the gate Kuntu Kapu and its iron door and the only remaining fort Levent Tabia, situated on Leventa hill, known as Sarabair.
Sights of the region: „Little Vienna“ Ruse with its stunningly good looking downtown, with its impressive neoclassical buildings, a fine combination of Secession, Baroque, Gothic and Empire, is not without reason dubbed „Little Vienna“. The real apogee of the architectural improvement of the town happened in the late XIX and early XX centuries, when the foreign experts – architects and engineers, who had come to Ruse from all over Europe, created the most modern and
imposing town in post-liberation Bulgaria. The buildings on ”Alexandrovska”, “Nikolaevska”, “Knyazheska” and “Slavyanska” streets tell fascinating stories about balls, soirees, dynamic culture life and urban mysteries amid the economic boom Ruse experienced in the late XIX and early XX centuries. Anyone visiting the town must walk these streets and see the artistic details in the architecture of the buildings, which have perfectly captured the spirit of their time. Among the exemplary achievements of European architecture in Ruse are the Regional Administration building, known as
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the Battenberg Palace, today housing the main exhibition of the Regional Museum of History – Ruse and the building named Dohodno zdanie, which catches the eye from apart with the seven stone figures, placed on its roof, symbolizing art, science, agriculture, crafts, trade, defense and free spirit. The private homes of Andrea Turio and the Canetti family, whose heir was the Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Elias Canetti, the building of the first naval observation tower and weather station in Bulgaria, as well as the bank of the famous brothers Simeonovi also attract the attention and arouse the admiration of the tourists, visiting Ruse.
Sights of the region: The museums – guardians of history and culture In order to get acquainted with the many-sided history of the region RuseIvanovo-Borovo one needs at least a few days to visit the numerous cultural and historical monuments around. The Regional Museum of History in Ruse can be the guide on the long trip back in time, where detailed information on what was
Sights of the region
happening in these lands centuries ago can be found. The museum is housed in the beautiful building of the Regional Administration, once designed for a residence of the Bulgarian monarch Alexander Battenberg. The museum features seven expositions, three of them situated outdoors – Sexaginta Prista, Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo and Medieval town of Cherven. In the main building of the museum visitors can see unique items and jewellery from Thracian and early Roman era, late Antiquity and the
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period of the First Bulgarian Empire, found during excavations in the region. The oldest Cyrillic writing and the bones of prehistoric mammals, including a unique lower jaw of Mamutus Romanos – the only one in the world are also preserved in the museum. A unique late Roman cavalry helmet is also a part of the exhibition. Undoubtedly the most impressive museum item is the replica of the silver gilt items, part of the Thracian treasure of Borovo, dated back to the IV century BC. The museum also shows artefacts,
testifying to the development of Ruse’s music culture – the exhibition „Music Box“ includes parts of the interior of a home music room and personal belongings of Ruse musicians. Exquisite jewellery, fine examples of the jewellery art in Bulgaria, found near the village of Baniska, add a touch of exquisiteness to the colorful history of the region. The exposition “Museum of urban lifestyle”, commonly known among locals as “Calliope house” is a must-see during a museum trip. The building tells the urban
legend of a love story between a beautiful woman from Ruse and Midhat Pasha – the grand vizier of Ruschuk, known for his reforms. Today the exposition presents the emerging urban culture in Bulgaria at the end of the XIX and the beginning of the XX centuries. The heroic deeds and the legacy of the proud Revival Bulgarians are represented in the exhibition, dedicated to the Obretenovi family and their participation in the National Liberation Movement in Bulgaria. The exhibition is situated in the House
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Museum “Zahari Stoyanov”. Different items, depicting the life of Ruse’s famous family and their followers are shown in four rooms. The spirit of the Bulgarian Revival is presented in yet another historic sight in Ruse – the Pantheon of National Revival Heroes. The ossuary commemorates 453 revolutionaries and cultural-enlightenment figures, who lived in the time of the Bulgarian Revival. Visitors are given the opportunity to pay their respect to the remains of 39 famous Bulgarians, among which stand out the names of Lyuben
Karavelov, Zahari Stoyanov, Stefan Karadzha and Nikola Obretenov. Paving the way to modernization in Bulgaria, Ruse became popular as “the town of the first things”. One of the most important among them remains the construction of the first railway line and the first railway station in Bulgaria. Today the building of the railway station houses the unique National Museum of Transport and Communications. Documents, pictures and other items, depicting the rapid development of railway transport, river
Sights of the region
shipping and communications in Bulgaria, form the museum’s three departments. The park area around the museum reveals to the tourist a world of technological progress and royal luxury. Literally! The notorious car № 1, commonly known as „Sultanie“ was specially commissioned in 1866 for Sultan Abdul Azis. The Bulgarian monarchical dynasty has left its mark in the museum with locomotive № 148 – one of the first steam locomotives delivered from England and car – № 5, manufactured in 1894 for King Ferdinand, who was an avid
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traveler and quite fond of railways. The car impresses with its equipment, which was considered very modern for its time. The kitchen was even equipped with a refrigerator. King Ferdinand’s heir King Boris III, inherited his father’s passion for railway transport. His personal car № 17, commissioned in 1911 in Germany can also be seen in the Museum of Transport and Communications. The functional division of the wagon space, its lavish decoration and mahogany pearl elements are an impressive example of royal splendor.
Sights of the region: The faith keepers The religious temples in the region Ruse-Ivanovo-Borovo have not only kept its traditions and culture but also attract attention with their extraordinary stories, the works of art and the spirit of tolerance and understanding they inspire. Known for its cosmopolitan cultural diversity, Ruse also impresses with the tolerant coexistence of several religions
within the town. The oldest cathedral temple in Ruse “St. Trinity” has been declared a national monument of culture. The church impresses with its 19 m high hexagonal bell tower. The visitors may be interested in the miraculous icon of Holy Mother of God Tenderness, painted in the late XVII century and kept in the church and by the church’s extensive collection of old icons and church plate. Known as the only successful replica of the Golden Church of Simeon The Great in Preslav the Orthodox temple „St. Petka „is
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the newest one in Ruse, located near the gate Kuntu Kapu. The Roman Catholic Cathedral „Saint Paul of the Cross“ is a shining example of Neo-Gothic architecture. The oldest organ in Bulgaria is kept in the church. It was produced in Germany by the company “Voit” in Karlsruhe specialized in the produce of organs and is among the few products of the company, that have survived the World War II. The first Armenian church in Bulgaria was built in Ruse back in 1610. The temple
„Surp Astvadzadzin“ („Holy Mother of God“) has a unique architecture distinguished by three apses of the central altar and a small alter, which is believed to have miraculous power. Within Rusenski Lom Nature Park are located the remarkable rock-hewn monasteries “St. Dimitar of Basarbovo” in the village of Basarbovo, dated back to the time of the Second Bulgarian Empire and “St. Archangel Michael” in the “Pismata” (writings) area near the village of Ivanovo, founded in the early XIII century. The rock-
Sights of the region
hewn monastery in Basarbovo is the only functioning rock monastery in Bulgaria. The National archaeological reserve “Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo” enjoys a worldwide fame thanks to its inclusion to the World Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO. The remarkable frescoes in the main church „Holy Mother of God”, depicting biblical and gospel scenes are considered representative models of Paleologus Art on the Balkan Peninsula In the village of Brestovitsa in Borovo Municipality is situated a church, that
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aroused the interest of the Russian Imperial Family. After it was built the temple received five richly decorated church bells as a gift on behalf of the Imperial Family, which are to be seen in it to the present day. The church is a monument of art and architecture. Each one of the temples in the region offers a different point of view on the part played by religion in the course of the history of the Bulgarian lands and can show tourists amazing works of religious art, some of which have enjoyed a worldwide fame.
Natural resources Rusenski Lom Nature Park offers something for everyone – for the nature lovers, for the ones interested in history, for those who seek extreme adventures or relaxing holiday amidst ancient trees on the river banks. Located in the eastern part of the Danubian Plain the park is easily accessible, socialized and welcomes guests from near and far. The nature park is a successful combination of eco and cultural tourism.
The splendid natural scenery is in pefect harmony with the attractive ancient cultural-historical monuments – witnesses of the long history of the region.The remarkable diversity of flora and fauna in Rusenski Lom Nature Park makes it one of the most visited destinations in the region. The number of plant species in the park is 902. The fauna consists of 10 amphibians (5 of which are protected), 19 reptiles, 22 types of fish, crayfish, snails and river mussels, and 66 mammals. Rusenski Lom Nature Park is a real heaven for the keen
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ornithologists. 190 bird species inhabit the park, 110 of which nest there. Walking around you can see rock-nesting birds, such as the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the Long-Legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), the Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), etc. Bearing in mind the concentration of water resources in the area it is easy to assume that the region is a perfect place for fishing trips. Here you can fish for carp, catfish, perch etc. Specially developed routes and
infrastructure in the nature park make the walk around it a pleasant experience even without a guide. Thematic routes, targeting both the experienced tourists and the beginners, give a perfect opportunity for getting to know the history of the region amid landscapes of wilderness. The routes include walking and cycling, extreme sports such as kayaking along the Rusenski Lom River, a visit to some of the cultural sights and a lunch outdoors, etc. Other options for spending good time in the park are the
Natural resources
ornithological and botanical tours. The second longest cave in Bulgaria Orlova Chuka is also a popular destination within Rusenski Lom Nature Park. The most interesting things in the cave are the singing dripstone, which chimes like a music instrument, and a small water spring, which is believed to have miraculous power. The protected areas Fish-Breeding Ponds “Mechka� (Bear) and Doychov Island are the ideal starting point for observing endangered bird species in the region. The
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areas are habitat for several endangered species. The extraordinary nature forms in the region raise the admiration of everyone who sees them. The natural phenomenon Dikilitash – a rock formation, situated near Stalpishte on the Danube bank is a perfect example of that. The biodiversity of the tourist region Ruse-Ivanovo-Borovo could not leave indifferent or bored even the most demanding tourist.
Hobby – hunting and fishing The deep rivers and the favourable location of the tourist destination RuseIvanovo-Borovo offer the dedicated hunters and anglers excellent opportunities to practice their favorite hobbies. A short walk to the interesting historical sites around could be a nice addition to every hunting or fishing trip. River fishing is practiced on the rivers Danube, Rusenski Lom and its feeders Beli, Cherni and Malki
Lom and Yantra. Here you can fish for carp, chub, perc, etc. The dams in Baniska, Bosilkovtsi, Nikolovo and Teketo also offer good fishing conditions. Here you can fish for white fish, catfish, carp, bream, pike etc. The game-breeding farm Dunav satisfies the needs of the keen hunters, who visit the region. The farm spreads over an area of 5,627 hectares. The area is perfect for hunting deer, roe deer, wild boar, hares, pheasants and partridges, wolf, jackal and fox. In the game-breeding farm Dunav
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there are also pheasants and guinea fowl and wild ducks. The ones who are fond of hunting down small game will be pleased to see that in the farm there are wood pigeons, doves, quails and some waterfowl. Keeping in track with the current trends in hunting the game-breeding farm Dunav offers its guests perfect conditions for eco-tourism, organizes photo safaris and activities related to hunting tourism. Two well-equipped hunting lodges offer accommodation within the farm.
Adventure and fun Leaving the comfortable established tourist routes, in order to reach the boundaries of your own abilities, to get to know new inaccessible places – this is a real challenge for everyone and is worth trying at least once. The numerous water resources, the flora and fauna diversity and the specific relief are among the reasons why the region Ruse-Ivanovo-Borovo is an ideal destination for practicing alternative tourism. Whether you choose to kayak down the valley of Lom Rivers or explore Rusenski Lom Nature
Adventure and fun
Park by bicycle or on horseback, whether you are a rock climbing fan or you need a strong dose of adrenalin and prefer bungee jumping, the valley of Lom Rivers is certainly the place for you. The ones that prefer the not so exciting activities could take long hikes around Rusenski Lom Nature Park, which they could combine with observing rare bird species or visiting important cultural sights, connected to the history of the region. The sport events held annually in Ruse that feature mountain biking and water attractions attract fans of extreme experiences.
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The diversity of the cultural calendar, in which the cultural events in Ruse prevail, featuring events like March Music Days, Autumn Salon of Arts and Culture and the festival for contemporary urban culture “I, the city�, makes the region a top destination for the art lovers. The various musical, dance, theatrical, vocal, poetical and art festivals gather every year thousands of participants from Bulgaria and abroad. The cultural events in Ivanovo and Borovo municipalities may not impress with world fame, but still are highly interesting, offering a new look at the traditions and folklore of the local population.
Flavors and fragrances A blend of local traditions and European influences distinguishes the cuisine of the tourist destination Ruse-IvanovoBorovo. The centuries-old connection between Ruse and other European cities, provided by the Danube, is the reason for the exquisite flavors that dominate the culinary traditions of the town. The Danube River is also the reason for the predominance of fish in the local menu. The restaurants along the river banks
offer various fish dishes amid a splendid scenery. Rusenski Lom River and its feeders are also a source of various fish types. The adventurous ones could catch their own fish and cook it outdoors. The old recipes passed from one generation to another can be tasted in the smaller settlements in the region, where the traditions are still alive. Meals like echenitsa, fried piperenitsa and kukulaza are just some of the traditional local specialties. For the wine lovers the region RuseIvanovo-Borovo offers an exciting variety
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of quality wines from regional sorts such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Muscat, Ottonel and Sauvignon Blanc. The wine tastings, organized by most of the wineries in the region are a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the winery traditions of the Danubian Plain. It is highly recommended to reserve beforehand, in case wine tasting is part of your program. A bottle of boutique wine as a souvenir from the Lom Rivers Valley would be a perfect present, that you can make yourself when leaving the region.
Ruse Tourist Information Center The center provides information about tourist sites and routes in the municipality, and places of accommodation and catering. Address: 61 Alexandrovska Str. Phone/Fax: +359 82/82 47 04 E-mail: ruse.tic@gmail.com Ruse Railway Station Address: 1 Stambolyiski Square Phone: +359 82/828016
Useful information
Ivanovo Tourist Information Center The center provides up to date information on tourist attractions, infrastructure and services on the territory of the municipality, and organizes tourist trips. Address: village of Ivanovo, 75 Olimpiyiska Str. Phone: +359 8116/22 85 Fax: +359 8116/22 53; +359 8116/22 55
Ruse Bus Station Address: 156 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. Phone: +359 82/828151
Ivanovo Railway Station Phone: +359 8116/2222
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This brochure was created within the project “Rivers of time” under contract №BG161PO001/3.2-02/2011/003 which is implemented with the financial support of the Operational Programme “Regional Development” 2007-2013, co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The full responsibility for the content of the brochure lies with the Municipality of Ruse and under no circumstances it can be considered that this document reflects the official position of the European Union and the Managing Body.