What to visit

Aprilov- Palauzov Regional Library

Regional Library “Aprilov–Palauzov” – Gabrovo is the largest public library in the region and an important cultural and educational center with a long-standing history. With its rich collection, modern information services, online access to catalogs, and awards recognizing its contribution, it continues to be a significant center of knowledge and literary heritage in Gabrovo.

Astronomical observatory and planetarium

The Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium – Gabrovo is a unique place in central Bulgaria that combines science, education, and inspiration for all lovers of the starry sky. With its star hall, telescopes, and observations of celestial objects, it is an attractive center for visitors who want to discover the mysteries of the Universe.

Racho Stoyanov Drama Theatre

Racho Stoyanov Drama Theatre in Gabrovo is a leading cultural institution with a rich history connected to the city’s theatrical traditions dating back to 1923. With a strong focus on Bulgarian drama and comedy, international appearances, prestigious awards, and established festivals, the theatre holds an important place in the cultural life of Gabrovo and Bulgaria.

Art Gallery “Hristo Tsokev”

Hristo Tsokev Art Gallery in Gabrovo preserves valuable works by some of the most significant Bulgarian painters and sculptors. With its rich permanent exhibition, traditional shows, and prestigious forums such as the “Bozhentsi” plein air and the “Bridges” painting triennial, the gallery is an important cultural center in the city.

Hiking trail Vitata stena

The Wita Wall is an arched rock crown in the northwestern part of the karst plateau "Strazhata", located between Sevlievo, Dryanovo and Gabrovo. The place has a rich history - it has been used since ancient times as a refuge, fortification and strategic point. Traces of habitation have been found in the caves and on the rock massif, associated with prehistory, the Thracians, the Roman era and the Middle Ages.

Regional Historical Museum

The Regional Historical Museum – Gabrovo presents the rich history of Gabrovo and the region from the Paleolithic era to the present day. Housed in a beautiful building of national cultural significance, built in 1904, the museum preserves over 100,000 items, including the first Bulgarian 20-lev banknote, traditional clothing and accessories, numismatic collections, weapons from the Ottoman period and the flag of the first factory in the Principality of Bulgaria after the Liberation.

Dechkova House

Dechkov House in Gabrovo presents urban life from the late 19th century to the 1940s in the town’s only preserved representative Revival-period home.

Interactive Museum of Industry

The building of the Interactive Museum of Industry in Gabrovo is an immovable cultural property of local importance and preserves a history of more than 120 years. Today, it is home to Bulgaria's first interactive museum of industry, which presents the development of Gabrovo as an industrial centre through modern technology, holograms and audio-visual effects. On three floors, visitors pass through the eras of "The Birth of Industry", "Socialism" and "Modern Times", and the experience is complemented by a Formula 1 simulator and a bird's-eye film of Gabrovo and the surrounding area.

Church of St. John the Precursor

Temple "St. John the Baptist Church in Gabrovo is the oldest preserved church in the town, built in the XV-XVI centuries. Over the years, it has been rebuilt many times, and in the 19th century, master Gencho Kanev added a narthex and two domes. The church preserves a valuable iconostasis from 1814 and icons made by Trevno zoographers. The church feast is celebrated on 7 January - Ivanov Day.

Lyulyatsite

The locality of Lyulyatsite is located 15 km west of Gabrovo and is famous for its clean air, beech forests and beautiful nature. The area is a protected area and offers good conditions for recreation, balneology and treatment of respiratory, allergic and other diseases. Lulyatsite is a suitable starting point for hiking trails to Uzana, Gabrovo and nearby villages and neighborhoods.

Monument of Racho Kovacha (“Racho the Blacksmith”)

The symbol of the enterprising spirit – the monument of Racho Kovacha, was erected on the rock next to the bridge “Igoto” (“The Yoke”) designed by the sculptor Lyubomir Dalchev in 1935.

Gradishte fortress

Gradishte is a popular recreation spot just 3 km from Gabrovo, with a wide meadow, a children’s playground, restaurants and plenty of picnic areas. An eco-trail leads to the Late Antique fortress of Gradishte, where you can see preserved wall remains, early Christian churches and enjoy panoramic views toward Gabrovo, the Shipka Pass area and Botev Peak.