Pleven is located in the very heart of Miziya, in the agricultural region, surrounded by low limestone hills. Its central location in Northern Bulgaria defines its importance as a big administrative, economic, political, cultural and transport centre. The town is located 170 km from the capital town of Sofia, at 320 km from the Black sea coast, at 50 km from the Danube river, at 130 km from the Danube bridge and at about 70 km from the Balkan. The climate is temperate - continental with hot summers and cold winters but low snowfalls. Three big rivers flow through the region: Iskar, Vit and Osam, all of them flowing into the Danube.
     Pleven is the 7th biggest town in Bulgaria. The town has a population of about 130 000 people. Pleven is a modern city, boasting cultural, leisure and sporting facilities and offering a wide variety of things to do and places to go - pubs and cafes, galleries and cinemas, opera and theathers, etc... International festivals such as of opera singers and puppet theatres, take place in Pleven, as well as many national and local festivals, competitions and feasts.

     History

     Pleven has centuries old and rich in events history. The earliest traces of life and human activity on these lands date back to the end of 5-th millennium BC. Numerous archeological finds are the proof for the high material and spiritual culture of Thracians who dwelled for millenniums these areas. Among them is the biggest golden treasure discovered on the Bulgarian lands - Valchi Tran, consisting of 13 treasures with cult purposes and total weight of 12.5 kg.
     At the beginning of the new era these lands become part of the Roman Empire. On the way from Eskus to Philipopolis at today's Pleven is build the Roman road station "Storgoziya" and later on a fortress with the same name. The archeological investigations speak for large scale construction of administrative, military and religious buildings. One of the most valuable archeological monuments is the early Christian basilica of IV century, the second largest in Bulgaria after the Tsars basilica in Pliska.
     During the Medieval Ages the settlement is a strong fortress with well developed crafts, trade and monetary exchange. During that time the Slavs gave the present name of the town - Pleven . For the first time the name is mentioned in the Charter of the Magyar King Stefan IV in 1270 with regard to a military march on Bulgarian lands.
     During the Ottoman rule Pleven preserves its Bulgarian image. During the Renaissance the population is occupied with agriculture, crafts and trade, churches being build, schools, bridges and fountains. The first secular girls' school is opened in the town and Bulgaria . Actually here in 1869 the national revolutionary and fighter for liberty Vassil Levski founded in Pleven the first for the country revolutionary committee.
     During the progress of the Russian-Turkish liberation war Pleven gains a strategic importance and focuses the attention of the world public for 5 months. Huge military troops of the two Empires are concentrated around the town. The outcome of the War is decided here. On 10th December 1877 the Russian army defeated and captured the army of Ossman pasha. The day is declared an anniversary of Pleven.

     Landmarks

     The church "St Nikolai" is a monument dated back the Bulgarian Renaissance, having national significance. It was built in 1834 on the ruins of a small chapel at the time of the Second Bulgarian State, which was destroyed in XVI-XVII century. It was restored in its original old form due to Sultan's decree in 1696. Later a bigger church was built and was opened in 1834. The iconostasis was a work of some masters from Triavna wood-carving school, but the icons were painted by representatives of Samokov School. One of the richest collections of icons, painted by Dimitar Zograff, is exposed in the church (including 68 icons).
     "Ivan Radoev" Theatre Hall is set up in 1919. The building of the theatre is an architectural monument, having national significance. The interior is up to the requirements of the European city style traditions at the end of the XIX century. The establishment makes its reputation in cultural life in the city as well as in the theatrical sphere in over the country. Here you can also enjoy the performances of the well-known "Pleven Philharmonic Orchestra".
     Mausoleum-chapel "St. Georgi Pobedonosetz"l was built in 1907, donated entirely by the citizens of Pleven.This is one of the most impressive Bulgarian churches, having inner space uniquely designed. The bones of the Bulgarian, Russian, Romanian, Finnish, Ukrainian, Byelorussian and Moldovian soldiers are kept in the crypt. They all died for the liberation of Pleven. The iconostasis and the icons are works of eminent Bulgarian masters. The Mausoleum is one of the eternal symbols of the city, part of the city emblem.
     Permanent Art Exhibition Donation "Svetlin Russev" is opened in 1984 in the unique building, designed by architect Nikola Lazarov. Svetlin Russev, one of the most eminent artists in Bulgaria, donates a great collection of 400 paintings and sculptures of world and Bulgarian masters of art to his native city - Pleven. The permanent exhibition offers more than 250 valuable works of art. That is the biggest private donation in the field of art in Bulgaria. The quality of the collection, which you'll see here, is unsurpassable throughout Bulgaria.
     Water Cascade - a really unique combination of water and light! The water cascade is situated over 10 decares of land. It is an exciting series of fountains and water obstacles. It functions from April to October and offers coolness and great possibilities for relaxation. This water installation is not unique just in Bulgaria. It has its greatest effect in the evening, when the brilliance of the fountains mixes with the glamour of lights. Trim cafes and restaurants, located round the cascade, give you additional possibilities for rest.
     Museum House "Tsar Liberator" - On 11th December 1877 the Russian Emperor Alexander II stayed in Pleven at a private house, where the captive Turkish marshal Osman Pasha was surrendered to him. The first military governor of Pleven General Skobelev lived in the same house, too. Later, it was turned into a museum. Today the area around the museum is a trim and quiet city park, a good choice for relaxation and recreation.
     Regional Historical Museum - It is arranged in a unique building, built for barracks in 1884. The abundant museum fund includes more than 250 exponents from the antiquity, the Middle Ages and the modern history of Pleven and its region. It is a real treasure house of cultural and historical values. Perhaps it is the richest historical museum in Bulgaria.
     "Skobelev" Park - It is located in the real battlefield, where in 1877 the troops of General Skobelev had bloodshed battles for the liberation of Pleven. From that time on this area, soaked with blood, is called "The Dead Valley". The unique monument Panorama "Pleven Epopee 1877" raised high above the city there, making strong impression. It is the most tremendous work of fine and applied art all over the Balkans. The building symbolizes the three attacks and the blockade of the city. In the park you can find the Charnel House, Museum "Stoyan and Vladimir Zaimovi", authentic cannons, dozens of fraternal mounds and monuments. The park is a favourite place for a walk of many citizens of Pleven - share it!
     "Kailaka" Park - It is the largest City Park in Bulgaria, located among century-old trees. It offers a unique combination of possibilities for a walk, recreation and sport. In the park you'll find dozens of restaurants, attractions and sports facilities. The city zoo is situated in the park, too. Many trekking routes are offered and the water-sports lovers will find their own level here. The park is the most favourite place of many citizens of Pleven for weekend holiday.

     Surrounding areas

     The village of Grivitsa, a railway station on the railway line Sofia - Varna (Rousse) is situated at the distance of 6 km to the east of the town. During the War of Liberation sanguinary battles between Russians and Romanians on the one hand and the Turks, in defence of Pleven took place within the region of the village. A mausoleum in memory of the Romanian soldiers killed here was built in the village after the liberation. It is located amongst a spacious park with a lot of monuments and a common grave.
     The town of Pordim is situated at the distance of 21 km to the east of Pleven. The General Headquarters of the Russian Army and of Emperor Alexander II was located here during the War of Liberation. The General Headquarters of the Russian Army Museum was set up here. There is another museum - Romanian Soldier 1877-1878, set up in the immediate proximity of a little house (preserved in its original appearance up to date) which accommodated the Headquarters of the Romanian units during the siege of Pleven.
     A green zone was arranged around Pleven of about 25 thousand decares, including the parks of Kailuka, General Lavrov, General Ge-net-ski, Grivitsa and others, which, serve as a filter against air pollution as well. The village of Vulchitrun is situated at the distance of 22 km south-east of Pleven, in which the Vulchitrun gold treasure was found in 1924 - a priceless monument of the late Bronze Era in our country. It is preserved in the National Museum of History in Sofia.
     The town of Dolni Dubnik - a town at the distance of 15 km to the west of Pleven with a lot of monuments from Pleven Epic. It is the greatest oil filed deposit in Bulgaria, natural gas is yielded here, too. The three dams in its surroundings are a favourite place for recreation, water motor sports, water tourism, and fishing.
     The village of Gorni Dubnik (at the distance of 23 km to the west of Pleven), also a station at the railway line of Sofia - Varna (Rousse). Great battles during the War of Liberation took place here, too. The General V. N. Lavrov Park-Museum is located in the proximity of the village in the area connected with one of the most important moments related to the siege of Pleven. A lot of Russian soldiers headed by the regimental commander Lavrov found their death here. Today there lots of monuments and common graves reminding of those dramatic days when Bulgarian freedom was born.

     Transport

     Pleven is a big transport centre. There are regular bus lines to Sofia, Veliko Turnovo, Lovech, Troyan, Cherven Bryag, Levski, Knezha and a lot of other big and small settlements. Pleven is situated on the main railway line Sofia - Gorna Oryahovitsa - Varna (Rousse), and the local railway line for Somovit and Cherkovitsa starts from it, too. There is a town bus and trolley-bus transport functioning in Pleven.