activities

Landmarks

Nestled in the enchanting and vast foothills of the Troyan Balkan, Casa Art Boutique Hotel boasts a unique location. This is not only due to its placement in an area blessed with a mild climate and natural beauty but also because of the many attractions located nearby.

The Troyan Monastery

The Troyan Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God is the third largest in Bulgaria and is located just 3 km from Casa Art Boutique Hotel. It was founded around 1600 by an unknown Athonite monk. Over the centuries, the monastery has been burned down and rebuilt multiple times, constantly growing and developing. It served as a refuge for rebels and fighters for national liberation. The Apostle of Freedom, Vasil Levski, also hid here, and his hiding place is one of the main tourist attractions. The monastery church houses the famous miraculous icon of Holy Mother of God Three-Handed.

The Exhibition of National Folk Crafts

Located 2.5 km from Casa Art Boutique Hotel and just 500 meters from the Troyan Monastery, the Exhibition of National Folk Crafts was established in 1971. It is the only place in the country where unique items of folk craftsmanship, created by renowned masters from all ethnographic regions of Bulgaria, are displayed. Upon prior request from organized groups, demonstrations of various crafts are offered, including pottery, wood carving, weaving, pyrography, the distillation of Troyan plum rakia, and tastings.

The Baba Stana Quarter

Baba Stana Quarter is located in the village of Oreshak, about 4 km from Casa Art Boutique Hotel. During the Ottoman rule, a widow named Stana, with 12 children—6 girls and 6 boys—lived in Troyan. The passing Turks plundered and desecrated everything in their path, and Stana’s family was in constant danger. She found refuge by moving from Troyan and establishing the quarter that is now known as Baba Stana.

Here, you can see well-preserved traditional houses in the Renaissance style. A new Christian church was also built by John and Clare Brisby. John is the grandson of Konstantin Hadjikalchev, a well-known Bulgarian merchant, politician, and philanthropist from the 19th century, originally from Baba Stana. John Brisby is well-known in the Troyan community for the awards he gives to talented children in the local schools.

The Nature Science Museum in Cherni Osam

In 1956, biology teacher Iliya Iliyev began creating a collection together with the students of the nature lovers’ club in Cherni Osam. The collection included taxidermied birds and mammals inhabiting the Balkan Mountains. In 1977, the exhibits became part of the collection of the Lovech Regional History Museum, and this marked the establishment of the Nature Science Museum in Cherni Osam, which gained independent status in 1992. The collection of the museum includes more than 700 exhibits. The large display cases on the second floor showcase animal species in their natural habitat.

The Zelenikovski Monastery

The enchanting Zelenikovski Monastery is located about 12 km from Casa Art Boutique Hotel. It was founded in 1832 by the then abbot of the Troyan Monastery, Parthenios. During the April Uprising of 1876, Turkish troops destroyed the monastery while pursuing a nearby band led by Filip Totyu. The monastery was rebuilt in its current form in 1913, and the new church was consecrated in 1914.

Of particular interest in the church is the iconostasis, crafted by Filip the Macedonian, a representative of the Debar School. The church is a three-nave, single-apse, and single-dome pseudo-basilica with an open narthex and a bell tower above it. To this day, the monastery does not have electricity or water.

The Open Market in Troyan

The open market is part of the weekly activities and history of the town, opening every Thursday on Opalchenska Street, seven kilometers from Casa Art. It is the place where all layers of society meet, and where you can find everything—from provisions and plants to household goods and clothing.

Until the early 20th century, this landmark was inaccessible in the Balkan town due to its isolation. The road to Lovech was obstructed by an impassable rock above the town. The road to Sevlievo and Gabrovo was interrupted by many fordable streams, with two on the Vidima River being large and deep. The road to Teteven was blocked by a marshy area near the Red Bridge on the Lesidren River. The only accessible road to Karlovo through the Balkan Mountains was periodically cleared for carriers.

Thanks to Damyan Nenov Shipkovenski, the chairman of the permanent commission in Lovech, after 1900, the impassable rock above Lovech was pierced. At the initiative of Troyan’s national representatives Radion Yosifov, Nikola Gimidzhijski, and Tsvyatko Taslakov, the state built around 40 stone bridges over the Beli Osam, Cherni Osam, and Vidima rivers.

The Museum of Crafts in Troyan

The museum rich in history is located in the picturesque town of Troyan, about 6 km from Casa Art boutique hotel. It is the only specialized museum in the country for folk arts and crafts and applied arts, serving as a unique institution for the preservation, research, and development of authentic folk artistic creativity.

The mission of the Museum of Crafts is not only to collect, preserve, and restore its magnificent collections of ceramics, metals, folk textiles, and costumes, as well as woodcraft, visual, and applied arts, but also to study and promote folk art and the history of the region through its scientific publications.

The Roman Military Camp Sostra

The Roman military camp Sostra is located 17 km from Casa Art boutique hotel. It lies in the valley of the Osam River. Numerous coins, vessels, and monuments have been found near the excavation site. The most valuable discovery is an ancient Thracian mask dating from the 5th-4th century BC.

The fort was constructed near the confluence of the Ladna River (also known as the Lomeshka River), which flows close to the northern wall, and the Osam River, which is situated 500 meters from the eastern wall.

The fort’s elevation is 300 meters above sea level. Its strategic location is crucial as it controls the southern approach to Troyan, and the road passes very close to it. The eastern (main) gate of the fort is oriented toward the “Kalugerisko” area, which was the only passage to the upper stream of the Osam River. The entire valley, where the fort is located, covers an approximate area of 4 square kilometers, with partially explored ancient sites within it.

The "Skoka" Waterfall

The “Skoka” Waterfall is located near the village of Kaleytsa, close to Troyan. The waterfall has a height of about 12 meters, and below the cascade, a beautiful deep pool is formed. This scenic spot is easily accessible, as you can drive close to the waterfall. After turning off towards Kaleytsa village on the road between Troyan and Lovech, you pass through the village and continue along a relatively good asphalt road.

After about one kilometer, you reach a small bridge and stop just after it at a small parking area. The waterfall is about 200 meters from the fork to the left, with a clear signpost pointing to the exact spot. A short path will take you above the river, where you can enjoy a magical view of the waterfall. There are benches where you can rest and admire the surrounding nature. You can also continue along a forest path that crosses the river and leads to the base of the waterfall.

The Mineral Baths in Chiflik

Mineral Baths in Chiflik are located about 15 km from Casa Art Boutique Hotel. The village lies on the upper course of the Beli Osam River, and the combination of mountain scenery and mineral water makes it a favored destination for both SPA relaxation enthusiasts and hikers who enjoy the trails of the Balkan Mountains.

Chiflik is developing rapidly as a resort complex. The mineral water has a temperature of 50°C and is renowned for its therapeutic properties. Near the mineral spring, a large outdoor Olympic-sized pool has been built, operating from mid-May to the end of September.

The mineral water is used for treatment of various conditions, including disorders of the musculoskeletal system, neurological diseases, nephro-urological, cardiovascular, endocrine-metabolic, and allergic diseases.

Apriltsi village

Apriltsi is located in the Lovech region, about 30 km from Casa Art Boutique Hotel. The town is nestled at the foot of Mount Botev, making it a desirable destination for relaxation and mountain retreats. Apriltsi extends in a beautifully spacious basin, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

The town is historically significant for the heroism of the Balkandji fighters during the April Uprising of 1876. It was formed by the merging of four villages — Novo Selo, Zla Reka, Vidima, and Ostrec — in honor of the 100th anniversary of the April Uprising.

Apriltsi offers opportunities for a variety of activities, including alpinism, cycling, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, swimming, tennis, skiing, and several tourist routes. Notable sights around Apriltsi include the Vidimsko Praskalo, Maraidik Peak, and Rayskoto Praskalo waterfalls.

Lovech Town

Lovech is located about 30 km from Casa Art Boutique Hotel. The city and its surrounding areas have been inhabited since ancient times. In the 4th-3rd century BC, the city was inhabited by the Thracian tribe of the Meldeans. Later, the Roman Empire established a Roman station known as Presidium.

Some notable attractions in Lovech include:

  • Covered Bridge, built by the renowned architect Kolio Ficheto
  • Hisarya Fortress
  • Monument to Vasil Levski
  • Strategic Park
  • Architectural and Historical Reserve Varosha
  • Art Gallery in the Varosha neighborhood

These sites reflect Lovech’s rich historical and cultural heritage, making it a great destination for history enthusiasts.

Krushunski Waterfalls

Krushunski Waterfalls are located about 40 km from Casa Art Boutique Hotel. They consist of a series of waterfalls near the village of Krushuna, in the Letnitsa Municipality. Situated 6 km from the village of Letnitsa, the waterfalls are renowned for their picturesque beauty.

The waterfalls form a long travertine (tufa) cascade, where each tier represents a distinct waterfall. The Krushunski Waterfalls are located on the northern slope of the Devetashko Plateau in the central Pre-Balkans. The cascade is formed along the Proynovska River, which springs from the Krushuna Cave.

The largest and first waterfall in the cascade is the 15-meter-high Praskalo, followed by several unnamed smaller waterfalls, all collectively known as the Krushunski Waterfalls. The entire Devetashko Plateau is rich in karst formations, and several caves can be found in the area, such as Maara Cave, Urushka Maara, and Boninska Cave. Additionally, the famous Devetashka Cave is located just 15 km to the west.

This area offers stunning natural scenery and is a fantastic spot for nature lovers and adventurers.

God's Eyes in Prohodna Cave

God’s Eyes (Божиите очи) are located in one of Bulgaria’s most famous and easily accessible caves, Prohodna Cave, situated about 40 km from Casa Art Boutique Hotel. The cave is an natural rock bridge, measuring 262 meters in length. It has two entrances – a large and a small one.

A path begins at the small entrance, which is approximately 35 meters high, and leads through the cave, exiting through the large entrance – the largest cave arch in Bulgaria, measuring 45 meters. Prohodna Cave is naturally illuminated by the large entrances and the natural openings in the ceiling, known as the “windows.”

The “God’s Eyes” phenomenon is created by these windows, which are side by side, with an almond-like shape. They astonishingly resemble enormous eyes that seem to be staring at visitors. This feature adds to the mystique of the cave, making it a unique natural wonder.

The cave is part of a larger cave corridor, oriented from east to west. It was formed at the end of the Cretaceous period, around 66-68 million years ago.

Prohodna Cave is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering both beauty and historical significance.

Плевен

Плевен се намира на около 60 км. от бутик хотел Casa Art! Разположен е в  средната част на Дунавската хълмиста равнина. Историята на града и региона е хилядолетна. Най-ранните данни за човешки живот в района се отнасят към края на V хилядолетие пр.Хр.  През Средновековието селището представлява силна крепост с добре развити български занаяти и най-вече търговия с кожи, вълна, тютюн и добитък. Плевен става известен най-вече с активното си участие в Руско-турската война през 1877-1878 г. Градът е под обсада 5 месеца и около него се развиват най-кръвопролитните битки между двете воюващи империи – Русия и Турция. На 10 декември 1877 г. се решава победният изход на войната, руската армия успява да разгроми и плени армията на Осман паша и денят е обявен за празник на Плевен. Сред най-интересните забележителности на града са Историческият музей, Панорамата „Плевенска епопея”, Музеят на виното в парк „Кайлъка” и останките от крепостта Сторгозия.

Габрово

Габрово се намира на около 50 км. от бутик хотел Casa Art. Габрово е разположен по поречието на река Янтра в северното подножие на Шипченския дял на Стара планина. В непосредствена близост до него, в местността Узана, се намира географският център на България. Габровци са известни с любовта си към хумора, с ежегодния си карнавал на хумора и сатирата, с многобройните паметници, мостове и дълги улици. Габрово е един от най-дългите градове в България със своите 25 km от кв. Ябълка до яз. Смирненски. Етнографският музей на открито „Етър“, представлява възстановка на българския бит,  култура и занаятчийство. Той е първия по рода си музей в България, открит на 7 септември 1964 г.  В Етъра се намира единствената в България сбирка на народна техника на вода. Тя съдържа 10 експоната и е една от богатите и добре организирани технически сбирки сред европейските музеи на открито. Това е причината, водното колело да се превърне в една от емблемите на музей „Етър“.

Велико Търново

Велико Търново се намира на около 100 км. от бутик хотел Casa Art. В продължение на повече от две столетия Търновград е столица на Второто българско царство (края на XII – XIV в.). Градът Търново - територията, която е населявана от дълбока древност, се превръща в столичен център след възстановяването на българската държава през 1186 г. Столицата се разпростирала върху укрепените с мощни крепостни стени хълмовете Царевец, Трапезица, Момина крепост и склоновeте към естествената водна преграда р. Янтра над заливни тераси.

Църквата „Свети Четиридесет мъченици“ - църквата е най – известният средновековен български паметник във Велико Търново

Етнографски комплекс Арбанаси - църквата “Св. Георги” в Арбанаси е разположена в източното подножие на крепостта Трапезица.

Етнографската улица на занаятите - тя ще ви заведе до къщата с маймунката, построена от Колю Фичето

Старата улица Гурко
Улица Гурко е живописна, колоритна, старинна улица с уникална възрожденска атмосфера и панорамно разположение над река Янтра.

Спектакъл “Звук и светлина” 
Прочутият спектакъл „Звук и светлина“ се прожектира върху стените на крепостта Царевец и прославя Велико Търново вече 40 години. Той пренася зрителите в отминалите времена и разкрива внушителната история на града.

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