Geography and population

Vraza is a province of north western Bulgaria. Its main city is Vratsa. It is situated only 116 km away from Sofia, at an altitude of 370 m. Leva river calmly crossing the town

- Vraza territory: 3622 sq. km;

- Inhabitants: 235 189;

- Municipalities: 10.

Throughout the historical periods Vraza developed as a significant social, market and cultural centre. The vestiges of past human activities in these areas date back to the Stone Age. The first inhabitants, the Thracian tribal, had a highly developed material civilization, remains of which can still be found nowadays on the territory of the district.

The Romans immediately assessed the geographical and strategic location of the lands around the defile and turned them into an impregnable stronghold which, in fact, controlled, the shortest way southwards and westwards from the Danube, as well as to the rich ore deposits, situated, high in the mountains, Over the ruins of the fortress the Slavs` built up a settlement, which they called "Vratitza" - a citadel that played a very important role during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.

- Bus schedule Sofia-Vraca

Places to visit and tourist information

Ethnographic Complex of the Bulgarian National Revival

The Nikola Voivodov Ethnographic and Revival Complex comprises the house where Nikola Voivodov was born and the so-called Captain`s House.

The Captain`s House recreates the urban interior that a relatively well-to-do family in Vraza could afford in the beginning of the century.

Here, on a vast area, are situated the Ascension Church, a school and beautiful houses of the Bulgarian National Revival period - historical and architectural monuments of culture. A great variety of objects, typical of the traditional way of life, customs and occupation of Vraza people are displayed here: sericulture, goldsmith’s trade, pottery making, wine producing and phaeton making.  

The Natural Park Vrachanski Balkan

The nature park Vrachanski Balkan gives wonderful opportunities for hiking. Here is the richest cave region in the country: more than 500 caves and karst precipices. Within the limits of the park lies the Vrachanski Karst reserve. It situated along the northern stone cliff slopes of Varchanska Mountain and covers an area of 1453. The territory of the reserve is inhabited by the rare and endangered species of Egyptian vulture, peregrine falcon, short-toed eagle, long-legged buzzard, 8 species of bats etc.

Ledenika cave

Ledenika cave is located 16 km west of Vraza. The entrance of cave is being at 830 m above sea level. The temperature varies with the seasons from +5°C to -20°C; air humidity is 92%. It is guessed to be around 2,000,000 years old.

Kurtpashova tower

It is located in the natural park “Vrachanski Balkan” in the western part of the main town square of Vraza. Its interesting shape gives the impression that it is being an ancient fortress, in spite of its small size. It was originally a secured home of a local feudal land owner. It was built during the 17th century, but its elements and the way it was built show influence by the Bulgarian manner of building forts and towers during the 16th century.

Mountaineering

The large place for Rock climbing in Bulgaria is the Vraza area called Vrazata. The climbing area Vrazata is situated in the western part of Stara Planina Mountain.