Lovech district is a district in Bulgaria. The administrative
and economic center is the town of Lovech. The postal codes of
the settlements in the Lovech region are from 5500 (for the city
of Lovech) to 5799. Its vehicle code is OV.
It is located
on the northern slopes of the Middle Stara Planina and the
central Pre-Balkans to the Devetash Plateau and the beginning of
the Danube Plain. It covers an area of 4,128.8 km² and has a
population of 116,394 (as of the final 2021 census).
Apriltsi
Velchevo, Drashkova Polyana, Apriltsi, Scandaloto
Letnitsa
Gorsko Slivovo, Krushuna, Karpachevo, Letnitsa
Lovech
Ablanitsa, Aleksandrovo,
Bahovitsa, Brestovo, Bulgarene, Vladinya, Goran, Gorno Pavlikene,
Gostinia, Devetaki, Doirentsi, Drenov, Dabrava, Izvorche, Yoglav,
Kazachevo, Kakrina, Leshnitsa, Lisets, Lovech, Malinovo, Prelom,
Presyaka, Skobelevo, Slavyani , Slatina, Slivek, Smochan, Sokolovo,
Stefanovo, Radyuvene, Tepava, Umarevtsi, Hlevene, Chavdartsi
Lukovit
Bezhanovo, Belentsi, Dermantsi, Duben, Karlukovo, Toros,
Lukovit, Petrevene, Peshterna, Rumyantsevo, Todorichene, Uglen
Teteven
Bulgarian spring, Babintsi, Vasilevo, Galata, Hawthorn,
Glozhene, Golyam spring, Hradeznitsa, Divchovoto, Malka Zhelyazna,
Ribaritsa, Teteven, Cherni Vit
Trojan
Balabansko, Balkanets,
Beli Osam, Belish, Borima, Vrabevo, Golyama Zhelyazna, Gorno Trape,
Gumoshtnik, Debnevo, Dobrodan, Dalbok dol, Kaleitsa, Lomets, Oreshak,
Patreshko, Staro selo, Terziy, Troyan, Cherni Osam, Chiflik, Shipkovo
Ugerchin
Golets, Dragana, Kalenik, Katunets, Kirchevo, Lesidren,
Mikre, Orlyane, Slavshtitsa, Sopot, Ugerchin
Yablanitsa
Batultsi, Brestnitsa, Golyama Brestnitsa, Dobrevtsi, Dabravata, Zlatna
Panega, Malok Izvor, Oreshene, Yablanitsa
It is located on an area of 4,128 square meters and has a population
of about 165,000 people. The number of municipalities in the district is
eight: the city of Lovech, which is the administrative and economic
center of the district, Troyan, Teteven, Lukovit, Ugarchin, Yablanitsa,
Letnitsa and Apriltsi.
Two-thirds of the territory of the
district is mountainous, and the rest is semi-mountainous and a very
small part is flat. The larger rivers that pass through it are: Osam,
Vit, Zlatna Panega, Vidima.
The climate in the region is
characterized by relatively warm summers and cold winters characterized
by cold winds. In the regions of the Pre-Balkan - Troyan, Apriltsi,
Ribaritsa, Teteven, etc., the climate is characterized by a more
pronounced winter, while the summer is cool, and large amounts of
precipitation are observed at the end of spring and the beginning of the
summer season.
The nature there is extremely generous,
because here are the intersections of the Balkans and the Danube plain.
In this area there are eight reserves and protected areas, which are
part of the huge "Central Balkan" National Park. Among them, the most
famous are the reserves: "Kozyata Stena", "Steneto", "Boatin" and
"Tsarichina".
Prehistoric and Ancient History
Lovech Province, located in
north-central Bulgaria, has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era,
with archaeological evidence indicating human activity dating back tens
of thousands of years. One of the most significant sites is the
Devetashka Cave, a large karst cave near the village of Devetaki, which
served as a prehistoric dwelling and has yielded artifacts from the
Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Ages. The cave features stalagmites,
stalactites, an underground river, and a waterfall, and it is now
protected as a natural and archaeological monument. During antiquity,
the region was settled by Thracian tribes, particularly the Meldi, who
took advantage of its strategic position between the Balkan Mountains
(Stara Planina) and the Danubian Plain. Thracian settlements, tombs, and
sanctuaries have been discovered throughout the province, reflecting a
culture rich in metallurgy, agriculture, and religious practices. By the
1st century CE, the area was incorporated into the Roman Empire as part
of the province of Moesia. Roman influence is evident in infrastructure
remnants, such as roads and fortifications; for instance, traces of a
Roman road passing through what is now the town of Lovech have been
identified. The Romans established settlements and military outposts,
transforming prehistoric sites into more structured towns. Lovech itself
evolved from a prehistoric hilltop settlement into a Roman fortified
town known as Presidium, which later became a Byzantine stronghold.
Medieval Period: Bulgarian Empires and Byzantine Conflicts
The
medieval history of Lovech Province is deeply intertwined with the rise
and fall of Bulgarian states. During the First Bulgarian Empire
(681–1018 CE), the region was integrated into the empire's territory,
serving as a defensive frontier against Byzantine incursions. Fortresses
such as Hisarya Hill in Lovech were constructed or expanded to protect
key mountain passes through the Stara Planina. The 11th century saw
invasions by Pechenegs, a nomadic Turkic people, prompting further
fortifications; historical records from this period mention the Lovech
Fortress as a bulwark against northern threats.
The province's
pivotal role emerged during the establishment of the Second Bulgarian
Empire (1185–1396 CE). In 1187, Lovech became the site of a decisive
siege where Bulgarian rebels under Tsar Ivan Asen I and his brother
Peter II repelled the forces of Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos. The
ensuing Treaty of Lovech, signed in the town, formally recognized
Bulgaria's independence from Byzantine rule, marking the birth of the
Second Bulgarian Empire. This event elevated Lovech to a major trade and
administrative center, fostering economic growth through its position on
vital routes connecting the Danube to the Balkans. The Lovech Fortress,
perched on Hisarya Hill, was among the last strongholds to fall during
the Ottoman conquest in the late 14th century, holding out until 1393.
The last semi-independent ruler, Stanko Kussam, transitioned into a
haiduk (rebel) leader after the fortress's surrender, symbolizing early
resistance to Ottoman domination.
Monasteries also flourished in this
era, blending spiritual and cultural significance. The Glozhene
Monastery, founded in the 13th century and perched on a cliff near the
village of Glozhene, became a center of Orthodox Christianity and
education. Similarly, the Troyan Monastery, established in the 16th
century (though with roots possibly earlier), emerged as a key religious
site, renowned for its frescoes by the artist Zahari Zograf and its role
in preserving Bulgarian literacy and art during turbulent times.
Ottoman Rule and the Bulgarian National Revival
Under Ottoman rule
(1396–1878), Lovech Province transformed into a significant
administrative and economic hub within the empire. The town of Lovech
grew as a Turkish center, with a population engaged in crafts, trade,
and agriculture. However, it also became a focal point for Bulgarian
resistance. The 19th century Bulgarian National Revival period saw the
province as a hotbed of anti-Ottoman sentiment. Lovech's strategic
location made it ideal for revolutionary activities; it was here that
Vasil Levski, Bulgaria's national hero and "Apostle of Freedom,"
established the first local committee of the Internal Revolutionary
Organization in autumn 1871. Levski organized clandestine networks
across the region, using Lovech as a "revolutionary capital" to prepare
for national liberation. He was arrested in nearby Kakrina in 1872 and
executed in Sofia the following year, but his legacy endures through
sites like the Vasil Levski Museum in Lovech, which houses artifacts
from his life and the broader struggle.
Cultural and architectural
developments marked this era. The iconic Covered Bridge over the Osam
River, designed by master builder Kolyu Ficheto between 1872 and 1874,
connected the old Varosha quarter with the new town and remains the only
such structure in the Balkans. The province became renowned for folk
arts, including woodcarving, pottery, and iconography, influenced by
institutions like the Troyan Monastery School. By the 1880s, Lovech's
population was around 7,000, growing due to rural migration as the
Revival fostered education and national identity.
Modern History:
Liberation to Present Day
The Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878
liberated Bulgaria, and Lovech Province transitioned into the newly
independent Principality of Bulgaria. The late 19th and early 20th
centuries saw urbanization and industrialization, with Lovech evolving
into an industrial center producing bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles,
agricultural machinery, and leather goods. The province played roles in
the Balkan Wars (1912–1913) and World Wars, though it avoided major
destruction.
During the communist era (1944–1989), Lovech Province
underwent collectivization and heavy industrialization, with state-run
factories boosting the economy but at environmental costs. The town of
Lovech expanded, and cultural sites were preserved as national heritage.
Post-1989, the transition to a market economy brought challenges,
including factory closures, but also opportunities in tourism and
agriculture.
Today, Lovech Province encompasses eight municipalities,
with a population of around 141,000 (as of recent estimates), and boasts
over 600 cultural monuments spanning Thracian to Revival eras. Key
attractions include the Lovech Fortress ruins, offering panoramic views
and ties to medieval history; the Varosha architectural reserve with
Revival-era houses; and natural sites like Krushuna Waterfalls. The
province remains a blend of history, nature, and modernity, drawing
visitors for its caves, monasteries, and revolutionary legacy while
supporting industries like tourism, crafts, and light manufacturing.
Topography and Terrain
The terrain of Lovech Province is highly
diverse, characterized by a gradual transition from low-lying plains in
the north to undulating hills and steeper elevations in the south. The
northern parts extend into the southern reaches of the Danubian Plain,
featuring fertile alluvial lowlands and rolling hills with elevations
typically below 300 meters. These areas are marked by open expanses
suitable for agriculture, alternating with subtle valleys and plateaus.
Moving southward, the landscape rises into the northern foothills of the
Balkan Mountains, where elevations can reach up to around 1,500 meters
in the higher ridges. This southern and eastern region includes steep
slopes, deep river gorges, and karst plateaus, such as the Devetaki
Plateau, contributing to a rugged and varied topography. The overall
elevation gradient creates a mix of about 40% cultivated land in the
flatter northern zones, with the remainder dominated by forested hills
and mountains.
Mountains
The Balkan Mountains form the
dominant mountainous feature in Lovech Province, occupying much of its
southern half. These mountains, an extension of the Carpathian range,
run east-west and include broad limestone plateaus rising to 2,500
meters in some parts of Bulgaria, though in Lovech they are generally
lower, with peaks in the foothills averaging 800-1,200 meters. Notable
sections include the Central Balkan range, which contributes to deep
gorges and highland basins. The mountains are composed primarily of
sedimentary rocks, leading to extensive karst formations like sinkholes
and underground rivers. This karst landscape is particularly prominent
in areas like the Devetaki Plateau, enhancing the province's scenic and
geological diversity.
Rivers and Hydrology
Lovech Province is
richly endowed with rivers that drain northward into the Danube River
basin, shaping its valleys and providing vital water resources for
irrigation and ecosystems. The Osam River is the most significant,
flowing through the central part of the province and carving deep gorges
in the mountainous south before meandering through the northern plains.
Other major rivers include the Vit, which forms part of the eastern
boundary, and the Zlatna Panega, known for its clear waters emerging
from karst springs. Smaller tributaries and streams, such as those
feeding into the Yantra River system, contribute to a network of
waterways that support wetlands and occasional floods in the lowlands.
The province also features waterfalls, notably the Krushuna Waterfalls
near the village of Krushuna, a series of cascading travertine falls
formed by mineral-rich waters in a lush forested gorge.
Climate
Lovech Province experiences a temperate continental climate, typical of
northern Bulgaria, with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are warm,
with average temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winters
are cold, often dropping below freezing to -5°C (23°F) or lower,
accompanied by snowfall in the higher elevations. Precipitation is
moderate, averaging 600-800 mm annually, with higher amounts in the
mountainous south due to orographic effects. The northern lowlands
receive less rain, leading to semi-arid conditions in some areas during
dry spells. Spring and autumn are transitional, with potential for heavy
rains contributing to river swelling. Climate variations are influenced
by the province's topography: the Balkan Mountains act as a barrier,
moderating Mediterranean influences from the south and exposing the
north to continental air masses from the Danube Plain.
Natural
Features
The province's karst geology gives rise to remarkable
natural formations, including several prominent caves. Devetashka Cave,
one of Bulgaria's largest, features massive halls, natural arches, and
an underground river, serving as a habitat for bats and prehistoric
artifacts. Prohodna Cave is famous for its "Eyes of God" – two large
eye-shaped holes in the ceiling that allow natural light to penetrate.
Saeva Dupka Cave stands out for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites,
and acoustic properties. Other features include deep gorges, such as
those along the Osam River, and plateaus with unique rock formations.
Forests cover significant portions, primarily deciduous and coniferous
in the mountains, adding to the scenic beauty.
Flora, Fauna, and
Protected Areas
Lovech Province boasts rich biodiversity, supported
by its varied ecosystems. Forests dominate the foothills, with beech,
oak, and pine species prevalent, alongside meadows in the lowlands.
Fauna includes brown bears, wolves, deer, and numerous bird species,
such as eagles and falcons in the mountains. The rivers and wetlands
host fish like trout and amphibians. Protected areas are extensive, with
parts of the Central Balkan National Park – one of Bulgaria's largest –
encompassing reserves like Steneto (deep gorges and endemic plants),
Boatin (ancient beech forests and rare birds), and Tsarichina
(preserving typical Balkan flora and fauna). These areas safeguard over
2,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species, promoting
conservation amid the province's natural wealth.
The educational system in the district is well developed with a total of 91 schools. They mainly train secondary specialists with good general education and professional qualifications, corresponding to the specifics of the region - High School for Foreign Languages "Exarch Joseph I" - Lovech, Veterinary Medical College and Tannery College - Lovech, Forestry and Woodworking College - Teteven , High School of Applied Arts - Troyan, SPTU for Tourism - Apriltsi, High School for Training Mountain Rescuers in the village of Cherni Osam, Municipality-Troyan. Since the autumn of 2001, the University Center - Lovech has been functioning. In it, through the conclusion of contracts with other universities, training is conducted for the acquisition of bachelor's and master's degrees in various specialties.
Depending on the realized revenues, the largest share in the region's
economy falls on the "Industry" branch, which includes the following
sub-sectors:
Mining and processing industry;
Electricity, gas
and water production;
Construction;
"Trade, repair of cars and
household appliances" and "Agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing"
occupy a smaller share in the economy.
There is a prerequisite for the development of ecological, cultural
and balneological tourism in the area. There are the wonderful
"Krushuna" and "Steneto" reserves, within which there are caves,
waterfalls, healing mineral springs. The latter is located in the source
part of the Cherni Osam river. In 1983, the source area was declared a
buffer zone of the reserve. "Steneto" is one of the largest reserves in
our country, with extremely rich and unchanged flora and fauna.
The natural features of the area, as well as the rich historical past,
make the area a center of attraction for tourists from all over the
world. 10 km southeast of the town of Troyan, in the northern parts of
the Troyan Balkans, is the Troyan Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno",
famous not only in Bulgaria. It is the third largest in Bulgaria, after
the Rila and Bachkovo monasteries. The cave "Saeva Dupka" is located
near the village of Brestnitsa, 25 km from Teteven. Its length is 400 m,
and the temperature in the halls is constant throughout the year - 7-11
degrees.
Two main transport arteries pass through the territory of the
district - road E-772 /Yablanitsa - Sevlievo - V. Tarnovo - Targovishte/
and E-83 /Yablanitsa - Lukovit - Pleven - Byala/. They connect Lovech
District with neighboring and other districts and with the capital.
An important transport artery for the region is road ІІ-35, forming
a north-south transport axis, making the connection from the Pleven
region through the Troyan - Karnare mountain pass to the Plovdiv region.