Bridges with soul: a walk along the Gabrovo bridges
Gabrovo is not just a city on the Yantra River – it is a city where the river connects not only shores, but also destinies, moments and smiles. Unlike many other places, here the bridges are not just structures – they are characters in stories that are passed down through generations. We invite you to take a walk across Gabrovo’s most iconic bridges, where you will hear the echoes of legends and feel the pulse of the city!
Bridge “The Igo”
The Bridge with the Lions
behind the Drama Theatre
Baev Bridge
The Double Bridge
Shivarov Bridge
Kamensky, Bridge of Sports
Borovsky Bridge
The Bridge of Arts
The Bridge of Crafts
in front of the Drama Theatre
The Pedestrian Bridge
The Curly Bridge
The Bridge of Humour
Padalski Bridge
Source: article “Gabrovo Bridges”, author Rumiana Dencheva
The magic of street art in Gabrovo
Gabrovo, besides being the “capital of humor and satire” and a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, is also a place where street art comes to life in the most unexpected forms. Over the years, local and international artists have transformed the urban environment into a unique stage for street art—a place where walls tell stories and the urban environment is rediscovered as increasingly colorful and vibrant.
Suitable for all ages, this route combines walking, sightseeing, and great photo opportunities.
We invite you to take a walk and see the most impressive examples.
The Eastern Side Street
Tiago Furtado
Tiago Furtado came from Brazil and brought with him some of the temperament of this exotic, hot, and passionate country. He brought the intense blue of the ocean, but mixed it with the colors of Bulgaria and, inspired by the beauty of our country, began to paint. The artist, better known as Valdi, not only gifted Gabrovo with his work and project, but also embraced the rhythm of our city.
He was a guest at the First Creative Workshop in Gabrovo, held in early September 2019, with the participation of Creative Cities from the UNESCO Network – Aswan, Egypt, Weifang, China, and Florianópolis, Brazil.
L7matrix
Another well-known street artist who has left his unique mark on the Eastern Side Street in Gabrovo is Luis Gustavo Martins, known in his circles as L7matrix. His works can be seen in more than 50 countries around the world. His drawings are full of movement, and it is no coincidence that birds are a major theme in them.
His work is proof of the power of art to overcome boundaries and connect people from different cultures and continents.
Лиъм Бонони
Роденият в Бразилия и живеещ в Ливърпул художник Лиъм Бонони е създал магически стенописи по целия свят. Той се фокусира върху реалистични лица и ръце, които често са заобиколени от сюрреалистични елементи на уличното изкуство, за да се създаде уникална динамика. По този начин художникът изразява много нюанси на човешкия опит – а качеството на работата му е просто спиращо дъха.
Вплетена в стената с фина техника и дълбоко послание, творбата ни кани да погледнем навътре – към себе си и към другите
Sixth District
Miroslav Zhivkov (Dzhingibi)
The cooperative building at 13 Nikolay Palauzov Street in the Sixth District neighborhood attracts attention with its interesting colorful appearance—the old metal roller blinds have been transformed into a canvas for artistic expression.
The author of the composition is Miroslav Zhivkov (Dzhingibi) from the Gabrovo design studio NoPoint Atelier. In his project, he combines elements of the neighborhood’s antique architecture with fresh natural nuances characteristic of his style.
Zhivkov is an artist and graphic designer from Gabrovo who graduated from the National Academy of Arts in Sofia in 2016. Today, he lives and works in his hometown, where he runs the NoPoint Atelier art residency in the village of Balani, specializing in screen printing.
Another of his works in the Sixth District neighborhood is in the same spirit of renewal and connection with local culture—the colorful facade of the cooperative building at 45 Opulchenska Street.
Like the previous work, this piece is inspired by the architectural heritage of the area. The graphic elements are direct references to the characteristic shapes of the neighborhood, and the palette of six colors gives it an abstract and dynamic look that has become the artist’s trademark.
“My main idea is that ‘Sixth District’ stays where it is, but changes into a more colorful and culturally rich neighborhood!” shares Dzhingibi.
His work is living proof of the power of art to transform the environment, preserve identity, and connect people across geographical and cultural boundaries.
Gabrovo – Then and Now Foundation
Another interesting art event in the Sixth District neighborhood is the painted electrical panels. In 2018, based on an idea by the Gabrovo – Then and Now Foundation, several electrical panels in the neighborhood were renovated. They all share a common theme in the field of literature and art in a local context and were painted by Gabrovo artists with the help of donations.
The tunnel next to Gabrovo Municipality
Mateo Bailón
Inspiring and colorful – this is the Street Art project by Mateo Bailon from Brazil. You can find his drawing in the tunnel near Gabrovo Municipality.
Mateo’s work recreates the connection between humans and nature while revealing the secrets of his own universe, filled with fantastic creatures, mostly birds.
Край река Янтра
A rather unusual place where you can enjoy more street art in Gabrovo is along the coast of the Yantra River, near the famous Museum of Humor and Satire.
Organized by the Gabrovo Youth Center, the Rivers of the City festival combines culture, creativity, and youthful spirit in a unique urban setting—the bed of the Yantra River. It attracts young Bulgarian artists and musicians. It allows you to witness a living community transformation – artificial-ecological installations, cleaning, discussion of future projects. The entrance is free, and the atmosphere is informal, including music, arts, open-air cinema, and many other attractive forms of entertainment. Come to Gabrovo in mid-September—from the 12th to the 14th—it is definitely worth visiting the festival—you will experience the Yantra River with all your senses.
Vitata Stena Eco-trail
(village of Zdravkovets – village of Yavorets)
The route between the village of Zdravkovets and the village of Yavorets surrounds most of the plateau of Vitata Stena and is about 8 km long in one direction. It is suitable for both walking and cycling. There are many options for shorter routes and tours depending on the preparation and preferences. The transition between the rock massif and the village of Yavorets is assisted with railings that facilitate climbing / descending.
The starting point for the eco-trail is the farm building at the end of the village of Zdravkovets, which is located in the upper part of Vitata Stena. Take the forest road, pass by Belyakovets Lake and reach a fork for Neolithic caves and rock phenomenon “Momichkite”. The main route continues to Zablatenoto Ezero (the Swampy Lake) and Mount Golemiya Repey (Big Burdock). The two paths converge at the northwestern end of the rock wreath, where the remains of the fortress Vitengrad (The Town) are located. From the sheer cliffs there is a magnificent view of the surrounding villages and the peaks of Central Stara Planina. Then there is a steep descent to the village of Yavorets, located at the foot of Vitata Stena. If you approach from the village of Yavorets, the steep section to reach the rocks and plateau is climbing through the forest, about 1-2 km from the beginning of the trail.
The spiral wall is an impressive arch-shaped rock wreath, which is composed of limestone rocks and is located in the westernmost part of the Strazhata plateau, located between Sevlievo, Dryanovo and Gabrovo. It is part of the NATURA 2000 ecological network as a protected area for the conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna.
One of the interesting places along the route is the Black Cave (“Chernata cave”), declared a significant underground habitat of bats in Bulgaria. It is located in the protected area BG0000190 “The Winding Wall”, declared by order of the Ministry of Environment and Water № RD-359/31.03.2021. This cave is home of bats and is an important site for their conservation.
The Mysterious World of Bats
When we think of bats, we often associate them with the dark depths of caves. And while not all bats live in them, caves are indeed important for many species. Some spend their entire lives in caves, usually in karst areas. They often form huge colonies, with numbers reaching over 100,000 individuals. This makes them easily vulnerable and requires special protection. Caves are one of the most important habitats for breeding, rearing and overwintering.
Critical Periods for Bats:
Breeding (May 15 – July 30): During this period, pregnant females form colonies where they give birth and raise their young. Any disturbance may result in the abandonment of the young.
Hibernation (1 December – 30 March): During winter, when insects – the bats’ main food – are unavailable, bats go into hibernation. Any disturbance during this period can wake them and deplete their vital energy reserves.
When visiting the Black Cave (“Chernata cave”), observe the following rules:
- Avoid visits during critical periods.
- Do not make noise or disturb bat colonies.
- Do not camp in or in front of the cave.
- Do not disturb hibernating bats – do not touch them or take flash photographs.
- Do not light fires at cave entrances or enter with torches.
- Never throw litter in or around the cave.
Bats are an integral part of our ecosystem and their protection is vital. By following these simple rules, we can help protect these amazing creatures and their habitat. Visiting caves can be a fascinating and enriching experience, especially when we treat their inhabitants with respect.
Village of Iglika Eco-trail
The village of Iglika is located only 13 km northeast of Gabrovo and is “perched” on an impressive rock massif, part of the Strazhata plateau – a beautiful rock chain extending in several tens of kilometers in the direction Dryanovo-Gabrovo-Sevlievo.
The eco-trail to the village of Iglika is circular and starts from a meadow before the village. From the very beginning of the route wonderful pastoral landscapes to the Balkan and the Fore-Balkan unfold. The start is at a good dirt road that passes directly above the Chirikovets quarry. The trail continues along a marked path and leads to the remains of the fortress “Gradat” (“The City”), also called “Chomashkata skala” (after the old name of the village of Iglika) by going out to a wide place over rocks.
The fortress “Gradat” is a terraced rock hill with an altitude of 615–661 m. During archaeological excavations, remains of the fortress wall and two towers were discovered. The road from Nicopolis ad Istrum passed right on the plateau and led to the pass in the Balkan Mountains. Currently, the terrain there is flattened with earth, from where an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding villages in the valley and the beautiful rock wreaths on both sides is revealed. This place is used as a platform for tandem paragliding flights, with a pylon mounted at the top. An area for relaxation is built under the pylon. From there, through the forest, the path descends into the village of Iglika. Shortly before entering the village, you pass by a functioning fountain with a stone trough.
Another marked trail with a length of about 1 km (in one direction) to the fortress (tower type) on Mount Minin Chukar (704 m) starts from the community centre in the village. The peak is the highest point in the eastern part of the Strazhata plateau. It offers excellent views in all directions. At the very top there are remains of a round or square shape – most probably this is the donjon (main tower) of a fortress built there.
Iglika is among the villages that have still preserved their authentic appearance. They call this place “the stone village” because of the houses and walls magnificently built from the most common local material – stone. According to legend, the village was created in the 17th century by six Bulgarian families looking for a safe place during the troubled times. They were mainly builders and blacksmiths. Stone by stone, with will and great craftsmanship, they erect strong houses, perched as if on the edge of the world. Thus was born the village of Chomatsi (the old name of the village of Iglika). “Chomak” means power, strength, like the strong rock on which the first inhabitants found salvation. According to another theory, the name comes from the word “chomaga” – a thick stick that at that time was used by shepherds and herdsmen. After the Liberation, the village was renamed Iglika.
Iglika is also known for being the favourite village of actress Nevena Kokanova, who settled in this place in the mid-1980s and found her peace there in the last years of her life. Some of the movies she starred at – “Evenings at the Antimovsky Inn” and “Vampire” – were shot in Iglika. The local community centre was named after her posthumously.
Ivanilovski waterfall Eco-trail
Ivanilovski waterfall is located about 9 km from Gabrovo, in the land of the small villages (hamlets) Solari and Ivanili. The height of the waterfall is about 10 meters and forms a very nice water cascade, forming a beautiful and deep 5 meters pond in the shape of a heart. The rock of the waterfall is overgrown in soft moss, which looks like a natural green carpet. The waterfall is located on a river, which in some places forms large stone islands, and after about 300 meters it flows into the Yantra River. The walk to the waterfall is light and pleasant on a dirt road, and the waterfall can be reached by a trail. Up and down the river there are also beautiful little water cascades.
After entering the village of Solari on the main road, just before a sharp shady turn with a bridge over the ravine there is a turn to the right with signs that go down slightly to reach the beginning of the eco-trail. The route is marked with red and white strip markings and indicative arrows, and features recreation areas. After about 20 minutes from the beginning, the road enters a grove. At the end of the dirt road, which is just after the forest, where the “Forest Restaurant” is, there is a deviation to the left along a narrow path and after a short descent you can see the waterfall. The entire distance to the waterfall is covered in about 25 minutes. The way back, although slightly upwards, is again passed for the same time. The trail is light and pleasant to walk all year round. It is suitable for children and people without prior training. No special equipment is required.
Iztochnik – village of Bozhentsi (Roman Road) Eco-trail
The eco-trail from the village of Iztochnik to the village of Bozhentsi follows an old Roman road, which has existed since the beginning of the 4th century and has been restored in recent decades. The route is about 3.5 km long in one direction and passes through flat woodland. The trail is a preferred option for a more pleasant reach to the picturesque village of Bozhentsi, also known as the Museum of Architectural and Historical Reserve “Bozhentsi”, by both hikers and cyclists.
Village of Debel Dyal – Lyulyatsite area Eco-trail
The trail with a length of 3 km connects the area of Lyulyatsite with the picturesque village of Debel Dyal. The route passes through a variety of nature and relief – meadows with herbs, cool forest, rocky slopes, decorated with lilac bushes and fragrant geraniums. The passage through the rock plateau is done with the help of stone stairs and a railing. In several places along the eco-trail there are beautiful landscapes to Vitata Stena area and the town of Gabrovo and the region.
Gradishte Eco-trail
The trail is located only 3 km northeast of Gabrovo and is easy to access. The route is circular, with a slight climb and passes through a cool mixed forest, reaching the fortified settlement at its highest point. There is a viewing site with a panoramic view of a large part of the Balkan, the valley of the Yantra River and the town of Gabrovo. On a clear day you can see the vertical rocks of Vitata Stena and Botev peak.
The fortress “Gradishte” is dated by archaeologists as late antique and early medieval (4th-6th century). Gabrovians call the fortress “The Keeper of the Pass” because it was erected during the Roman Empire to guard the main road through the Shipka Pass and to stop the barbarian invasions. It is a fortified settlement, typical for its time. Archaeological excavations have revealed a fortress wall with a length of about 4 km, densely built residential buildings, premises of the garrison guarding the fortress, a main entrance and three watch towers. In the highest part of the fortress is the main temple with a room for baptising, the so-called baptistery. The objects found during the archaeological excavations from the everyday life of the people – old coins, jewellery, beautiful ornaments, tableware, etc., are stored in the Regional Museum of History – Gabrovo.
Ecotrail ” Quarter Yabalka – peak Mаkhchenitsa – Gettsanov Kamak”
The starting point for the ecotrail is the bus stop in quarter Yabalka. Follow the markings and the signpost at road crossing in front of the motopolygon and continue along the forest road. After about two hours with a slight climb you reach the Pryaslopa saddle /Makhchenici Pryaslop/ in the protected area “Makhchenitsa-Yovovtsi”.
In ancient times, a road connecting northern and southern Bulgaria, known as the Vereyskiy Drum, passed through these places. The old Roman c obblestone is still visible in places. It was here in 1190, in the dense beech forests, that the Bulgarian troops led by Tsar Ivan – Asen I intercepted the retreating Byzantine troops led by Emperor Isaac II Angel (after lifting the siege of the fortress “Strinava”) and in the difficult to reach narrows, through which a small stream flows, surrounded and defeated them. The Byzantine emperor with part of his retinue managed to escape and fled to southern Bulgaria along the Verey Drum (peak Mukhchenitsa – peak Bedek – peak Atovo fell towards the village of Krun), losing even the helmet from his head.
Pryaslopa /Makhchenichi Pryaslop/ is one of the interesting places on the route. The saddle is a vast and slightly sloping to the south meadow, in the middle of which among the fern bushes you can see a tall and white-colored memorial plaque reminding of the victory of the army led by Tsar Ivan – Asen I. From here along the Vereyskiy drum begins a climb through a centuries-old beech to the peak Mаkhchenitsa (1157 m height)-the highest point of the protected area “Makhchenitsa-Jovovtsi”. It takes its name from the centuries-old beech forest located on its northern slopes, where the tree trunks are covered with moss. Its southern slopes offer a magnificent view of the peaks of the Central Balkan Mountains. A steep descent to Getsanov Kamak follows. There are wonderful conditions for a picnic here by a lily pond..
The route is of medium difficulty and is suitable for walking and cycling.
It requires no special equipment and is suitable for children.
Екопътека с. Източник – с.Торбалъжи – Сечен камък – с. Боженци
Маршрутът е с дължина около 4,7 км в едната посока и минава с плавно изкачване през гориста местност в посока село Торбалъжи и светилище Сечен камък.
Тракийското светилище Сечен камък представлява дълга скала, с посока изток-запад, издигаща се над околната местност. Върху скалата са изсечени каменни кръгове или “слънца”, повечето от които са разположени верижно отгоре върху скалата. Те са над десет на брой и всички са изпъкнали, с полусферична форма. Изсичането на “каменни слънца” символизира свързването на земното и небесното начало – Великата богиня-майка и роденото от нея слънце.
Поставени са указателни табелки и стрелки и карта на маршрута. Пътеката навлиза в гора и след кратко слизане достига до китното селище Боженците, където се намира музей на архитектурно-исторически резерват „Боженци“.
Маршрутът е със средна трудност и е подходящ за пешеходен и велосипеден преход.
Не изисква специална екипировка и е подходяща за деца.
Екопътека „с. Боженци – Дряновски манастир“
Туристическият маршрут от село Боженци до Дряновски манастир свързва два исторически и културни центрове в Габровска област. Маршрута на екопътеката започва от паркинга на село Боженци в посока хотел “Боженците Релакс”, от там започва изкачване по маркираната пътека към Ловната чешма, намираща се над село Съботковци, продължава през Бочуковска поляна и село Горни Върпища и слиза край крепост Боруна до пещерата Бачо Киро и Дряновския манастир.
От село Боженци екопътеката се свързва с другите туристически маршрути до Габрово, Трявна и местността Сечен камък. По екопътеката до Ловната чешма, е изграден кът за отдих с маса и пейки и е по средата на разстоянието. Има и втори кът за отдих, който е на 1 час от село Боженци, там няма вода. Първият водоизточник каптаж с малък чучур под него е на около 1.30 минути от село Боженци. Важно през периода на засушаване Ловната чешма пресъхва. А чешмата в село Горни Върпища се намира на 1 час от пещера Бачо Киро.
Маршрутът е със средна трудност и е подходящ за пешеходен и велосипеден преход.
Не изисква специална екипировка и е подходяща за деца
