Pleven, located in the northern part of the country, is one of Bulgaria's 28 provinces. The territory contributes to the state borders with Romania to the north, while the border is formed naturally by the Danube river flow. Internally, Pleven neighbors Veliko Turnovo to the east, Lovech to the south, and Vratsa to the west. The province stretches across 4,653 square kilometers of land, which represents approximately 4.2% of the national territory.[4] The capital city, also called Pleven, is situated in the central part of the region. The city's history is supported with archeological evidence of inhabitation dating back to the Neolithic period. Over the course of the years, the city developed into a hub now harboring a considerable number of historical and cultural landmarks.[2] Generally, Pleven landscapes are represented by plains and lowlands, with relief being predominantly flat.[4] In the northeastern part of the territory is located the Persina Natural Park, protecting a considerable number of plant and animal species.[5] Additionally, to the south is located the Chernelka nature reserve, known for its canyon and karst formations as well as several caves and castles found in its vicinity.[8] Presumably, a generally good time to visit Pleven Province is in summer, namely August, which is typically the warmest month in the area.[6]
Pleven, a capital city of the Pleven Province, showcases historical heritage primarily associated with the Russo-Turkish War. There are approximately 200 monuments related to this war, including the St. George the Conqueror Chapel Mausoleum and the Skobelev Park ossuary, honoring the Russian and Romanian soldiers who lost their lives during the siege of Plevna. The Pleven Panorama, commemorating the siege, is another attraction.
The city also provides cultural and artistic offerings, with the Pleven Regional Historical Museum and the Svetlin Rusev Donative Exhibition showcasing Bulgarian and Western European art. Moreover, Pleven offers outdoor recreation opportunities in its Kaylaka and Skobelev parks.[2]
People seeking outdoor activities can visit the Persina Natural Park, located in the northeastern corner of the province. This natural park declared a natural monument, aims to preserve and restore the region's wetlands, particularly focusing on its numerous islands.
The park, covering over 21,762 hectares, boasts diverse ecosystems, including Danube-side forests and marshlands subject to seasonal flooding. The park houses 475 plant species, with 162 closely associated with water. However, it is also notable for its avian diversity, with more than 200 species, including populations of cormorants, herons, eagles, and other waterbirds. Bird-watching shelters and ecological routes are available for visitors to appreciate this birdlife.
Beyond its natural beauty, the park holds historical significance, with numerous monuments, archaeological sites, fortresses, necropolises, and churches offering insights into the region's past. The park's Visitors Center in Belene provides information, literature, and guides for exploring its natural and historical areas.[7]
The Chernelka nature reserve is in the southern part of the province. It is known for a karst canyon formed by the Chernelka River. It stretches for nearly 7 kilometers, with varying canyon width and rock heights ranging from 10 to 35-40 meters. The reserve's rock formations, diverse flora, and specific bird wildlife have earned its recognition as a natural landmark since 1969. Apart from its natural scenery, Chernelka's historical past includes late antique and Medieval castles such as "Gradishte" and "Tsareva cave," a preserved Roman road, an early Christian rock monastery, and the rock formation Provartenik. The region also features karst springs such as "Baba Raditsa," "Bablya," and "Kapchuka," as well as caves including "Tsareva Dupka," "Mominata," and "Ivanovata."
In 2001, an eco-trail was established in Chernelka, featuring 18 bridges, barbecue areas, pavilions, and recreational spots. The trail includes the "Kapchuka" lodge with accommodation for 20 people, a tourist kitchen, and a dining room, complete with water and electricity. The eco-trail can be accessed from both Gortalovo village and Kartozhabene village.[8]
The area of Pleven Province covers portions of the fertile Danube Plain and encompasses the northernmost sections of the lower Balkan range. Consequently, its terrain is predominantly flat. The region is traversed by the lower stretches of the Iskar, Vit, and Ossam rivers. Additionally, karst springs can be found near Pleven, Bohot, and other locations, that also contribute to the region's water sources. Pleven lands contain a mix of humus-rich soils, alluvial meadows in the plains, and less fertile forest soils in the lower Balkan mountains. Furthermore, limited reserves of oil and gas have been discovered and are currently being extracted. Deposits of fire clay, ceramic clay, and limestone hold considerable economic importance in the region.[4]
Persina Nature Park, situated in the Danube region of the European-West-Siberian biogeographical region, hosts a diversity of plant and animal species. The park is home to over 743 higher plant species. Marsh communities within the park feature plant species such as Yellow Water lily, Broad-Leaved Pondweed, Frogbit, and Water Chestnut. Additionally, marshy areas host a variety of plant species such as Reed, Simplestem Bur-Reed, and Common Water-Plantain.
Natural flooded forests of willow and White Poplar dominate the landscape, while coastal flood-prone areas feature formations of White Willow, Three-Stamens Willow, and Osier. The region also exhibits bush vegetation, including Dewberry, Hawthorn, Dogwood, Guelder Rose, cornel, and amorphous.
As for animal species, the park houses 1,100 species, including various invertebrates, fishes such as the Danube Barbel and Blue Bream, amphibians including the Eurasian marsh frog, and reptiles such as the water snake. The park's avian diversity is particularly significant, with over 200 bird species, including the great cormorant, pygmy Cormorant, black-crowned night heron, and among others, some with conservation status. Additionally, Belene Island Complex, within the park, is a significant habitat for numerous bird species, and it was designated as a Ramsar site. The park also provides a habitat for endangered species such as the pygmy cormorant, red-breasted goose, and the Dalmatian pelican, contributing to its significance in conservation efforts.[5]
The climate in Pleven Province is moderately continental, featuring cold winters and hot summers.[4] Generally, the warmest month of the year in Pleven tends to be August, with an average temperature of 31°C. On the other hand, January is usually the coldest, with 5°C on average.[6]
Evidence of human life in the Pleven region dates back to the late Neolithic era, with artifacts and traces of their culture discovered throughout Mysia. The Thracians, early inhabitants of the area, also influenced its history. Later, Romans conquered this territory, known as "Storgosia," in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Eventually, Slavs settled in these lands in the late 6th and early 7th centuries, marking the end of ancient civilization. Pleven's name was first recorded in 1270 in a charter of Hungarian King Stefan V.
Pleven and neighboring towns gained recognition during the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation, notably Telish, Gorni Dabnik, Grivitsa, and Pordim. After liberation, numerous monuments were erected throughout the region to honor the sacrifices made during these battles.[1]
Concerning the history of the capital city, Pleven has evidence of early human settlements from the Neolithic period. The Thracians, who left a cultural legacy, inhabited this region for millennia, as demonstrated by archaeological findings such as the Nikolaevo treasure.
During Roman times, the area became part of the province of Moesia, and a road station named Storgosia emerged. This evolved into a fortress, with an Early Christian basilica from the 4th century being an archaeological relic.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Pleven served as a stronghold for both the First and Second Bulgarian Empires. Under Ottoman rule, Pleven retained its Bulgarian identity and culture, witnessing the construction of churches, schools, and bridges during the Bulgarian National Revival. It also played a role in Vasil Levski's revolutionary activities, including the establishment of the first revolutionary committee in 1869.[2]
In today's time, Pleven functions as a service hub for its surrounding agricultural region and boasts various industries, including food processing, textiles, engineering, cement, woodworking, rubber, and tobacco. The town also has numerous road and rail connections.
The area around Pleven features numerous historical landmarks and monuments with eight museums dedicated to the Siege of Pleven, a pivotal event during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78. Additionally, the Liberation Museum, established between 1905 and 1907, is another cultural institution in the town.
The fertile agricultural lands surrounding Pleven benefit from irrigation provided by the Danube River and its tributaries. This fertile region produces a variety of crops, including grains, grapes, fruits, and cattle, contributing significantly to the area's economy.[3]
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