About Lovech - presentation, information, photos and recommendations
One of the oldest and most interesting Bulgarian towns, Lovech, lies picturesquely on both banks of the Osam river, some 170km to the northeast of Sofia. The present-day town is the heir of the Thracian town of Melta, situated in the Hisarlaka area.
During the Middle Ages, Lovech was a strategic military centre, called Lovuts, while in the 12th century, the town gradually moved to the right bank of the Osam river, where the current quarter of Varosha lies. In Byzantine times, following the Turnovo uprising against Byzantine domination, the Lovech Fortress defended successfully the road to Veliko Turnovo and forced the Byzantine Empire to conclude the famous Lovech Peace Treaty in 1187, which gave a new start to the Bulgarian state. In 13-14thc., Lovech became one of the biggest and most prosperous towns in Northern Bulgaria. Following its decay in the early years of Ottoman rule, the town saw a true revival in 18-19th c. on the back of trade and crafts with several schools opened in 1846-47, a ‘chitaliste’ (a library and community centre) established in 1870, and a theatre group founded in 1872.
The town’s old part dating back to the Bulgarian Renaissance period, namely the quarters of Varosha (declared a historical and architectural reserve) and Drastene, is of biggest interest to tourists. It lies on both sides of the Hisarya hill and still preserves the narrow cobbled streets and Renaissance-style houses of old times.
Another big sight of Lovech is the only covered bridge in Bulgaria that stretches over the Osam river. The bridge was originally built by the famous self-taught architect Kolyo Fitcheto, in 1874, but was burned down completely in 1925. The present-day bridge, which represents pedestrian area with shops on both sides, was erected after its original design in 1931 and renovated in 1981.
Lovech | One of the oldest and most interesting Bulgarian towns, Lovech, lies picturesquely on both banks of the Osam river, some 170km to the northeast of Sofia. The present-day town is the heir of the Thracian town of Melta, situated in the Hisarlaka area
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