Pleven city guide for students

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.

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 youll 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.

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!

Built between 1903 and 1907 in the Neo-Byzantine style by the architect P. Koychev, whose project won a contest in 1903, it is dedicated to the Russian and Romanian soldiers who fell for the Liberation of Bulgaria during the Siege of Plevna of 1877. The remains of many of these soldiers are preserved in the mausoleum. The icons in the chapel mausoleum are the work of Bulgarian artists. The chapel mausoleum bears the name of Saint George, the patron saint of soldiers, and is also depicted in the coat of arms of Pleven. It lies on the main Vazrazhdane Square.

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.

Park Kaylaka is very near the town of Pleven. Get out of the trolley and step at the start. The entire park is located in the canyon of the river Tuchenishka and protected area. Zoo Kailuka is unique to Bulgaria, not only because it is located in the protected area, but also because the homes of its inhabitants are natural caves. It is very rich in species - 140 animals of 28 species.

Its 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

The church 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 Sultans 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)

The Chapel 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.

It 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 youll see here, is unsurpassable throughout Bulgaria.

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.