Once this industrial city produced the bulk of Bulgarian textiles, clothes and carpets. After the fall of communist power, it was transformed and became a rather popular place among tourists. Comfortable hotels, cafes and shops appeared here. It has great attractions and entertainment venues. Now he is known primarily for talented artisans. And the locals are famous for wit and practicality. It houses the world's only house of laughter and humor.
This is the city of Bulgaria - Gabrovo.
Location
The city is located at the Shipkinsky pass, on the northern slope of the Stara Planina (the ridge of the central part of the Balkan mountain range). Its territory is located on two banks of the Yantra River.
The city is located at an altitude of 390 meters above sea level. The distance to Sofia, located north-west from the city, is 220 km. From Varna to Gabrovo, the distance is 274 km, from Plovdiv - 150 km, and from Veliko Tarnovo - 46 km. Gabrovo is the regional center of Bulgaria.
Not far from Gabrovo, in the locality of Uzana (a mountain resort), the geographical center of Bulgaria is located. An important transport artery passes through the city, crossing the whole of Bulgaria from north to south.
History of the city
According to the most famous legend, Gabrovo (Bulgaria) was founded 250 years ago by one wandering blacksmith Racho. Under the gabyr tree, he built his own workshop. Hence the name of the city.
Historical facts indicate that the settlement on this territory was still in the period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (from 1187 to 1393). It is known that the first settlement with the name Gabruva dates from 1477. The name modern appeared in the 17th century. In the Middle Ages, a village was created on the territory of present-day Gabrovo in order to protect the Shipkinsky Pass. During the Turkish rule, there was a large artisan and trade center.
In fact, the history of the city of Bulgaria Gabrovo is the history of the development of Bulgarian craft. In the XIX century, there were 26 crafts: forges, workshops of weavers, shoemakers, furriers, jewelers, tanners, potters, oil makers and many others. etc. Products from Gabrovo were in demand outside Bulgaria. Merchants from many European countries came here.
In 1805-1878, Gabrovo became the most industrialized village in Bulgaria. In connection with the powerful development of industry, the British even called it “Bulgarian Manchester”. This industrially developed settlement of Bulgaria (Gabrovo) was declared a city in 1860. The 19th century was marked by the development of education. Also, bridges, beautiful churches, temples and houses were built in the city.
Local residents took an active part in the national liberation movement. Vasil Levski in 1868 created a revolutionary committee. It should be noted that during the Russo-Turkish War the Gabrovians made a considerable contribution to the victory over the conquerors. And the Gabrovo intelligentsia in the newly created state became the basis not only of the entrepreneurial spirit, but also of the state administration.
Modern city
Today Gabrovo is known for its cultural events. Bulgaria (Gabrovo) is famous for the festival of laughter and humor, the festival of comedy performances, the annual carnival, an exhibition of artisans, etc.
And today industry is actively developing here. Mechanical engineering occupies a special place. The main economic sectors that shape Gabrovo's industry are electronics, mechanical engineering, the production of plastic products and tools, shoe production, textiles, cosmetics, etc.
It should be said about the company "Balkansko exo", which since 1980 has been one of the plants of the hoist-building plant "Podem", which is the largest in the world. He specializes in the production of electric hoists, single-girder overhead cranes and supporting cranes, hoist electric motors and much more.
Attractions Gabrovo
Bulgaria attracts many tourists not only for its picturesque nature, but also one of the famous attractions located in Gabrovo. This House of Humor and Laughter is a unique institution of satirical and humorous art of world significance. April 1, 1972 - the date of its foundation. This is the personification of the local folk humor and carnival traditions of the city. In the halls of the House you can see 37,500 works of art of various genres, written by more than 9,000 authors from 173 countries of the world. The emblem is a globe with cat ears and eyes. The cat is a symbol of the humor of the city of Gabrovo.
Attractive in the city are beautiful bridges, churches, buildings and monuments of the Renaissance. A masterpiece of Bulgarian architecture is the Assumption of the Theotokos Church (1865), located in the city center. Created by the famous master of Ust, Gencho Kynev. He also created another creation - the National April Gymnasium, declared a monument of national importance.
Another similar monument is the Sokolsky Monastery, located 15 km from Gabrovo. “St. John the Baptist” is a church, famous for its wooden iconostasis, which was made by George Rezbar (master of woodcarving) in 1814. Here is the coffin of the Bulgarian revolutionary T. Kableshkov.
Impressive in composition, “The Light of the Trinity” (cathedral church) is interesting both in terms of architecture and artistic design.
Gabrovo (Bulgaria) is called the city of 100 monuments. The most famous of them is established in honor of the founder of the city, Racho Kovacs. It was built on the Yantra River in order to save money (not to spend money on flowers). Thus, the monument is the personification of the well-known stinginess of the Gabrovians.
"Etara"
This place, which is an open-air museum, is located 8 kilometers from Gabrovo. On a territory of 6 hectares stretches an amazing authentic village, where you can personally experience the life of the people who lived during the Bulgarian National Renaissance. Here you can see mills with gears, pottery, metal jewelry, copper utensils and a huge variety of other crafts.
Here you can walk along cobblestone streets, as well as see drinking fountains, gas lanterns, a clock tower and much more.
Finally
Not only electric hoists in Bulgaria (Gabrovo), picturesque nature and architectural attractions are known around the world.
In this small, cozy city, amazing people live who not only do not take offense at some funny joke about them, but also compose stories and jokes for themselves. And the well-known thrift of the Gabrovians even entered one of the folk proverbs. The people of Bulgaria are naturally endowed with a lively and cheerful disposition, as well as kindness and generosity of the soul. They are the creators of truly wonderful humor.