District of Vratsa

Vratza District is located in northwestern Bulgaria, between the Danube to the north and the Balkan Mountains to the south. The administrative centre of the district is the town of Vratsa, a must-see destination for every tourist in the cross-border region between Bulgaria and Romania. It harmoneously blends with the picturesque scenery of the Vratsa Balkan and is the starting point for many cave-, waterfall-, rock- and other tours of natural wonders. The region of Vratsa offers to its visitors many attractions. Among them are the National Museum Steamship “Radetzky”, which is the only floating museum in Bulgaria; the medieval archaeological complex “Kaleto”; the ruins of two fortified settlements from the time of the Stone and the Copper Age and the Neolithic and many others. One of the most outstanding monasteries in Bulgaria – Cherepish Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos, declared a monument of culture of national significance, is located near the town of Vratsa. This holy site is surrounded by magnificent scenery – high white rocks overlooking the Iskar River, green eco-trails and breathtaking waterfalls. The Cherepish rocks, rising on both sides of the river, and Ritlite, a spectacular rock formation declared a natural landmark, are just some of the wonders of the area. The town of Vratsa offers numerous attractions. The Ethnograhic Museum is a fascinating architectural and ethnographic complex here. It is home to one of the most remarkable churches in the city, the Church of the Holy Ascension, the Ethnographic Museum and some houses of the time of the National Revival, built in the Renaissance style typical of the region. The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles is the biggest and most impressive church in the town. The Cathedral, along with the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, also known as Saint Tsarey Church, are some the most beautiful in the town. The Historical Museum of Vratsa is home to the Rogozen Treasure, the biggest collection of Thracian art ever discovered in Bulgaria.