Sliven is situated in the sub-Balkan region, about 300 kilometers east of Sofia and 115 kilometers west of Burgas. The village is nestled under the towering Sinite Kamani — one of the country’s most spectacular natural monuments. Sliven is the administrative headquarters of the Sliven region, with a population of somewhat more than 110,000 inhabitants. The climate in this region is transitional continental, with warm winters and scorching summers. The average temperature in January is 1°C, while the average temperature in July is 23°C. The area is characterized by the „bora“ wind, which blows for more than half of the year.
Sliven is a town with a long history, having evolved into a major and prosperous handicrafts and cultural center throughout the years. Tuida was the name of the historic village from which the modern town descended. Visitors may now observe remnants of the old fortification Tuida, which dates from the second half of the fourth century AD, in the districts of Sliven, on the Hisarlaka hill.
There is evidence that the village served as a worship center in antiquity and continued to do so for the early Christians and subsequently in the Middle Ages as well. As a spiritual center during the Ottoman Dominion’s era, Sliven naturally became a focal point for the haidouk resistance movement, which is why it is known as the Town of the Hundred Voivodes. Even now, songs and stories about Indzhe Voivode, Zlati Voivode, Hadzhi Dimitar, and Panayot Hitov are sung and recounted in this area.
One of the most significant milestones in the town’s and country’s history occurred in the 1830s with the establishment of the first factory-type workplace. Dobri Zhelyazkov Fabrikadzhiyata (the Plant Owner) (1800 – 1865) founded and managed the Ottoman Empire’s first textile factory in Sliven, which became a primary supplier of woolen materials for the Sultan’s and army’s requirements. The plant was state-owned, but thanks to Dobri Zhelyazkov’s expertise and experience gained overseas, it was the Ottoman Empire’s first industrial and modern firm. Even now, the town’s fabric manufacturing traditions remain alive and well.
Sliven is now a contemporary and lovely town with several monuments and a vibrant cultural scene. The museum residence of Hadzhi Dimitar (1840 – 1868) – the voivode and hero of the period of national independence from the Ottoman Dominion – is interesting for visitors. The home is located in one of the town’s oldest residential areas, Klutsohor.
Another noteworthy site is the poet Dobri Chintulov’s (1822 – 1886) birthplace, who wrote several patriotic poetry and revolutionary songs. It is situated in Sliven’s northern region. Additionally, the museum „Sliven Style of Life“ is close. Its exhibition is devoted to the region’s anthropological peculiarities.
Additionally, in the northern half lies Bulgaria’s sole Museum of Textile Industry. It is located in the yard of Bulgaria’s first textile mill. The museum is very appealing, with displays of historic weaving machines, some of which are close to 200 years old.
The town’s history museum is a must stop for visitors interested in the region’s history. The museum astonishes tourists with its extensive collection of exponents and the spectacular golden ornaments discovered in recent years on Thracian monarchs. The museum is situated on the town’s major pedestrian thoroughfare.
Among Sliven’s other landmarks are the monument to Hadzhi Dimitar, the Clock Tower, the Art Gallery „Dimitar Dobrovich“ with its numerous masterpieces of Bulgarian and international art, the municipality’s beautiful building, the theater „Stefan Kirov,“ and the Old Elm-tree – a centuries-old tree that has witnessed numerous events.
A delightful stroll along the main street reveals the town’s beauty and tranquillity, and the town park with its chestnut trees and lake is a popular walking spot for both inhabitants and visitors to Sliven.
The natural park „Sinite Kamani“ is conveniently positioned near the town. There are the legendary Blue Stones — boulders coated in a unique moss that changes color in response to time and light. Karandila is a section of the park that is popular for walking and relaxation. Karandila may be reached on foot by the Haydushka trail, by motor vehicle, or through a lift, the first station of which is located at the mountain’s base.
Slivenski Mineralni Bani is located a few kilometers from Sliven. The location is well-known for the healing qualities of its waters. Zheravna, Ichera, and Medven are additional nearby mountain communities. They retain several monuments from the Revival Period (18th–19th centuries).
The area around Sliven is rich in cultural, historical, rural, and ecological tourist attractions. This area is well-known for its excellent wine, which can be sampled at various wine tasting establishments. The town has a variety of 2-4 star hotels, and the surrounding mountain towns have lovely hotels and guest homes. Sliven’s catering and entertainment facilities are diversified and spread around the town. Additional information on the town and its tourism choices is available at the town’s two tourist information centers – one is located in the Municipality building, and the other is located near the start of the Haydushka Path.
Sliven - Introduction
Climate of Sliven
Sliven Municipality is located in a transitional-continental climatic zone in the sub-Balkan plain. Winters in the area of Sliven are moderate, while summers are rather warm. Autumn is far longer than spring. Bora, the local wind, is characteristic to the area.
Geography of Sliven
Sliven is situated 300 kilometers east of Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, 100 kilometers from Burgas, the country’s major commercial port, and 130 kilometers from the Greek and Turkish borders. It is near to Yambol and Nova Zagora.
West of the city is the aptly named Peach Valley, which is home to several peach orchards. Additionally, the city is well-known for its mineral baths, the water of which is used to cure liver and nervous system diseases.
The Karandila is the city’s most visited geographical place and attraction. It is located on a mountaintop 1050m above sea level, offering spectacular views of the city. Halkata ( „The Ring“) is a rock structure on the Karandila. It is a protrusion of rock with an odd hole in the middle. According to legend, anybody going through the ring would have their most heartfelt request accomplished. Karandila hosts the annual Karakachani festival, which is hosted in July by the Federation of Karakachan Cultural and Educational Associations in Bulgaria.
Karandila is situated inside the Sinite Kamani national park, whose highest peak, Bulgarka (1181 m.), is the eastern Balkans’ highest.
Demography of Sliven
According to the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, the Sliven Municipality has a total population of 125,268 persons as of February 2011, whereas the city of Sliven has a population of 91,620 inhabitants. The town is known as Europe’s center of underage motherhood, with 177 such births in 2008.
The city’s population includes members of the following ethnic groups:
Bulgarians: 68,853 (87.1%)
Roma: 5,666 (7.2%)
Turks: 2,637 (3.3%)
Greeks (Sarakatsani), Armenians and others: 1,388 (1.8%)
Undefinable: 491 (0.6%)
Undeclared: 12,585 (13.7%)
Culture of Sliven
Numerous structures in the city were constructed in the National Revival style, notably the House Museum „Hadzhi Dimitar.“ It is located in the town’s south western section and has a compound comprised of an indigenous memorial house and an ancient traditional inn. The Museum collection „Dobri Chintulov“ is located on the north side of Sliven; it was the residence of Dobri Chintulov, a Bulgarian renaissance teacher and poet. At the heart of the city lies the city’s main plaza, which houses the city’s primary theater. It is named after Stefan Kirov (теан ирoв), a notable actor and director from Sliven.
Economy of Sliven
Since the early nineteenth century, Sliven’s economy has been based on industry. In 1834, Dobri Zhelyazkov created the first factory on Bulgarian soil, kicking off the country’s industrial growth. Sliven was one of Bulgaria’s greatest industrial cities, playing a significant part in the Bulgarian National Revival. It has a long history in textiles, machine construction, glass manufacture, chemical manufacturing, and the technical and food sectors.
Following the establishment of communist authority in Bulgaria in 1944, the majority of enterprises were nationalized and significant industrial growth was stimulated. Industry continued to flourish until the collapse of communism, at which time most of the previously developed industry stalled; many facilities and factories were closed and little progress occurred.
Sliven’s economy has accelerated in recent years as a result of increasing investment, banking institutions, and the emergence of new sectors. The dairy sector, which has existed for a long period of time, continues to expand and develop. The wine sector, which includes enterprises such as Vinprom and Vini Sliven, as well as roughly a dozen others, continues to flourish thanks to the climatic conditions that make grapes easy to cultivate. The city produces electric lighting and electrical machinery in terms of heavy industry. Additionally, the city has gained notoriety as a supplier of young females trafficking into the sex business.
Sliven’s light industry is mostly oriented to textiles, with several businesses producing wool apparel, socks, and food.
History of Sliven
The first settlements on the land of Sliven date all the way back to the Neolithic period, approximately 6000 BCE. Ruins of a Thracian town dated between the fifth and third centuries BCE, as well as Thracian pottery and Hellenistic coinage, were unearthed in the region of Hisarlaka – a small hill in Sliven. In antiquity, it was referred to as Selymnos (o in Greek). The region that is now known as Sliven was once colonized by the Thracian tribes Asti, Kabileti, and Seleti. These tribes retained their freedom until they were subjugated by Philip II of Macedonia and Alexander the Great.
The commencement of the Roman conquests in northern Thracia began in the second century BCE. Sliven was taken by Rome in 72–71 BCE, after the conquest of the Thracian Kabile and subsequently the Greek towns of Kabile and Apolonia. With the rise of the Roman Empire, the city’s territory became a part of the Roman Empire’s Thracian province.
Around the 2nd-4th centuries, a new era in the city’s history started. This time is when the earliest written records of the settlement’s name, Tuida/Suida/Tsuida, were made. This is most likely a Thracian given name. Its etymology is unknown at the moment. The Turks referred to it as „slimye.“ During Ottoman rule, it served as a sanjak center in Rumelia eyalet, then Silistre (zi) eyalet, Edirne vilayet, and finally as a department center in the autonomous province of Eastern Rumelia for a brief period before being incorporated into the Principality of Bulgaria in 1885. During the First World War, it was home to the biggest prisoner of war camp in the nation, the Sliven POW camp. It was the site of incarceration for around 19,000 Greek and Serbian citizens and troops.
In more recent times, Sliven became one of the most major cultural centers in Bulgaria during the Bulgarian National Revival, with much of its ancient legacy maintained and enhanced, and now provides a plethora of cultural possibilities to its people and tourists. Numerous important Bulgarians were born there, including Hadzhi Dimitar, Dobri Chintulov, and Ivan Seliminski. Anton Pann, another prominent native, created the Romanian national hymn. Yordan Letchkov is another noteworthy inhabitant, whose goal in the 1994 World Cup eliminated reigning champion Germany. From 2003 until 2011, Letchkov served as mayor of Sliven.
Transportation in Sliven
How To Travel To Sliven
Train – Sliven is located on the Sofia-Burgas railway line, which provides frequent service across Bulgaria. Train travel provides breathtaking vistas of Bulgaria’s landscape. Trains to Sofia, Burgas, Stara Zagora, Ruse, Plovdiv, Kazanlak, and Varna operate on a daily basis. Check, however, before opting to ride the train. At times, trains are quicker than buses (to Varna or Burgas), while at other times, they are much slower (for example, to reach Sofia it takes 6 hours by train rather than 4.5 by bus). Trains are often the least expensive mode of transport.
The railway station is situated in the southern part of the city, near the Nadezhda (нaдеда) district.
Bus – Sliven’s tiny bus terminal serves all major cities and the majority of rural communities on a regular basis. Numerous buses depart daily towards Sofia (4.5 hours), Plovdiv (3 hours), and Veliko Tarnovo (3.5 hours) (2 – 2.5 hours). Buses leave hourly towards Burgas (1.5 hours) and Stara Zagora (1.5 hours) (1 hour).
The bus stop is a few streets south of the large Bila supermarket.
How To Travel Around Sliven
There are several modes of public transit available in Sliven. There are several modes of transport available, including buses, trolleys, and minibuses. They line the city’s principal thoroughfares. Numerous bus routes travel along the city’s major boulevards. No. 116, No. 1, No. 20, No. 7, No. 4, and No. 12 are the primary lines. Line 1 connects the railway station and bus terminal. A single ticket costs 0.8 leva.
Taxis are another handy mode of transport around town. In general, fairs are inexpensive. The majority of people either phone for a cab or hail one from one of the many taxi stands located around the city.
Sliven is a tiny city, and the majority of locations are easily accessible by foot. It is a flat city with broad walkways along major thoroughfares. The city center is car-free and has a lovely tree-lined pedestrian boulevard lined with cafés and stores. Because some of the sidewalks are uneven and contain holes, it is critical to pay care. While vehicles generally respect pedestrians, it’s critical to keep an eye out for the few insane drivers.
Tourism in Sliven
Sliven, located in southeastern Bulgaria, is the eighth biggest city in the country, with a population of about 90,000 as of 2011. The settlement is located under the famed granite massif Sinite Kamani (The Blue Rocks) and is well-known for being one of the windiest in Bulgaria. Surrounded by natural beauty, the city is formed by the confluence of three rivers: Asenokvska, Novoselska, and Manastirska. The city is well-known for the Bulgarian Haiduts, who battled the Ottoman Turks in the nineteenth century.
The city is home to several lovely cafés, a sizable outdoor vegetable market, and a pedestrian promenade that runs through the heart of the city. Sliven is one of the rare cities in Bulgaria that has both expansive boulevards and stunning landscape architecture. Additionally, it is densely forested, giving the town a scent of late spring perfume.
Many people go trekking and camping in the regions around Sliven during the summer months. Additionally, numerous pools are available to the public for a modest fee. The Sports Palace Hotel, the Hotel Imperia, and the pool in the municipal gardens all have pools.
Tsar Osvoboditl is Sliven’s principal commercial thoroughfare, going through the heart of the city. While the stores are generally more costly, travelers may buy reasonably priced clothing, souvenirs, shoes, and cosmetics. Tourists may purchase traditional Bulgarian goods such as Sliven’s renowned carpets and pots decorated with traditional designs.
The city core of Sliven is densely packed with cafés serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Most have ample indoor and outdoor seating and are reasonably priced.
Sights & Landmarks In Sliven
Hadji Dimitar – Without the magnificent voivoda Hadji Dimitar on the center plaza, Sliven is unimaginable. The monument, one of the town’s most distinctive symbols, bears witness to his magnificent courage. The monument was dedicated in 1935 but was decommissioned in the early 1990’s.
Historical Museum Sliven – The museum is located in the city’s heart and is marked with signs leading people to it. Exhibits from current history, archaeology, and anthropology are on display in the museum. The museum’s founding work started during the Bulgarian National Revival, when patriotic Bulgarians began collecting medieval treasures. The museum’s construction started shortly after the town was liberated from Ottoman domination, with the support of the Moscow Ethnographic Society.
Hadji Dimitar House – The mansion was formerly the residence of Sliven’s famed rebel commander. The home is little and lovely, with a wooden porch and Renaissance architectural features.
Dobri Chintulov House – The home where the great poet, educator, and ecclesiastical figure resided is located in Deli Balta’s historic Sliven district. The home was constructed in the 1980s by Ivan and Dobri Cintulovi. The home is typical of the era’s style – an open, asymmetrical two-story wood structure with a lovely verandah and balconies suspended over a cobbled yard. In the 1970s, the home was entirely renovated and converted into a museum.
Old Elm Tree – The nearly 1,000-year-old elm tree near the city municipality It is a remnant of Bulgaria’s Great Forest, which stretched from the Rhodope Mountains to the Black Sea. The elms are shown on Sliven’s coat of arms and are protected by law as a national treasure. Many Bulgarian revolutionaries were hanged from its wide limbs during the Ottoman reign.
Byzantine Fortress Twidda – Visitors interested in ancient remains may visit the stronghold Twidda. It is an authentic archaeological site that dates all the way back to antiquity. It is situated northeast of Sliven on the Hisarlaka hill. Visitors may take in spectacular views of the Blue Stones and the city. The stronghold serves as a gateway to the Balkan Mountains’ fortification system. It was critical to the Roman Empire’s defense and subsequently to the Bulgarian Medieval Kingdom’s defense.
The Town Clock – The town clock is an important emblem of Sliven, with an especially appealing appearance. The new municipal building, upon which the clock tower stands, was completed in 1936. The clock tower was built three years later. Today, the town clock keeps track of the hours and serves as a reminder to residents of the continuity and irreversibility of time passing.
The Monument of the 7th Cavalry Regiment – Eagle Statue – The monument honoring Sliven’s renowned 7th cavalry regiment, which fought in the Balkan War, the Inter-Allied War, and World War One, is one of the city’s icons. It was refurbished in 1996 as a gift to the town’s citizens.
Sliven
Sliven
Sliven is situated in the sub-Balkan region, about 300 kilometers east of Sofia and 115 kilometers west of Burgas. The village is nestled under the towering Sinite Kamani — one of the country’s most spectacular natural monuments. Sliven is the administrative headquarters of the Sliven region, with a population of somewhat more than 110,000 inhabitants. The climate in this region is transitional continental, with warm winters and scorching summers. The average temperature in January is 1°C, while the average temperature in July is 23°C. The area is characterized by the „bora“ wind, which blows for more than half of the year.
Sliven is a town with a long history, having evolved into a major and prosperous handicrafts and cultural center throughout the years. Tuida was the name of the historic village from which the modern town descended. Visitors may now observe remnants of the old fortification Tuida, which dates from the second half of the fourth century AD, in the districts of Sliven, on the Hisarlaka hill.
There is evidence that the village served as a worship center in antiquity and continued to do so for the early Christians and subsequently in the Middle Ages as well. As a spiritual center during the Ottoman Dominion’s era, Sliven naturally became a focal point for the haidouk resistance movement, which is why it is known as the Town of the Hundred Voivodes. Even now, songs and stories about Indzhe Voivode, Zlati Voivode, Hadzhi Dimitar, and Panayot Hitov are sung and recounted in this area.
One of the most significant milestones in the town’s and country’s history occurred in the 1830s with the establishment of the first factory-type workplace. Dobri Zhelyazkov Fabrikadzhiyata (the Plant Owner) (1800 – 1865) founded and managed the Ottoman Empire’s first textile factory in Sliven, which became a primary supplier of woolen materials for the Sultan’s and army’s requirements. The plant was state-owned, but thanks to Dobri Zhelyazkov’s expertise and experience gained overseas, it was the Ottoman Empire’s first industrial and modern firm. Even now, the town’s fabric manufacturing traditions remain alive and well.
Sliven is now a contemporary and lovely town with several monuments and a vibrant cultural scene. The museum residence of Hadzhi Dimitar (1840 – 1868) – the voivode and hero of the period of national independence from the Ottoman Dominion – is interesting for visitors. The home is located in one of the town’s oldest residential areas, Klutsohor.
Another noteworthy site is the poet Dobri Chintulov’s (1822 – 1886) birthplace, who wrote several patriotic poetry and revolutionary songs. It is situated in Sliven’s northern region. Additionally, the museum „Sliven Style of Life“ is close. Its exhibition is devoted to the region’s anthropological peculiarities.
Additionally, in the northern half lies Bulgaria’s sole Museum of Textile Industry. It is located in the yard of Bulgaria’s first textile mill. The museum is very appealing, with displays of historic weaving machines, some of which are close to 200 years old.
The town’s history museum is a must stop for visitors interested in the region’s history. The museum astonishes tourists with its extensive collection of exponents and the spectacular golden ornaments discovered in recent years on Thracian monarchs. The museum is situated on the town’s major pedestrian thoroughfare.
Among Sliven’s other landmarks are the monument to Hadzhi Dimitar, the Clock Tower, the Art Gallery „Dimitar Dobrovich“ with its numerous masterpieces of Bulgarian and international art, the municipality’s beautiful building, the theater „Stefan Kirov,“ and the Old Elm-tree – a centuries-old tree that has witnessed numerous events.
A delightful stroll along the main street reveals the town’s beauty and tranquillity, and the town park with its chestnut trees and lake is a popular walking spot for both inhabitants and visitors to Sliven.
The natural park „Sinite Kamani“ is conveniently positioned near the town. There are the legendary Blue Stones — boulders coated in a unique moss that changes color in response to time and light. Karandila is a section of the park that is popular for walking and relaxation. Karandila may be reached on foot by the Haydushka trail, by motor vehicle, or through a lift, the first station of which is located at the mountain’s base.
Slivenski Mineralni Bani is located a few kilometers from Sliven. The location is well-known for the healing qualities of its waters. Zheravna, Ichera, and Medven are additional nearby mountain communities. They retain several monuments from the Revival Period (18th–19th centuries).
The area around Sliven is rich in cultural, historical, rural, and ecological tourist attractions. This area is well-known for its excellent wine, which can be sampled at various wine tasting establishments. The town has a variety of 2-4 star hotels, and the surrounding mountain towns have lovely hotels and guest homes. Sliven’s catering and entertainment facilities are diversified and spread around the town. Additional information on the town and its tourism choices is available at the town’s two tourist information centers – one is located in the Municipality building, and the other is located near the start of the Haydushka Path.
Sliven - Introduction
Climate of Sliven
Sliven Municipality is located in a transitional-continental climatic zone in the sub-Balkan plain. Winters in the area of Sliven are moderate, while summers are rather warm. Autumn is far longer than spring. Bora, the local wind, is characteristic to the area.
Geography of Sliven
Sliven is situated 300 kilometers east of Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, 100 kilometers from Burgas, the country’s major commercial port, and 130 kilometers from the Greek and Turkish borders. It is near to Yambol and Nova Zagora.
West of the city is the aptly named Peach Valley, which is home to several peach orchards. Additionally, the city is well-known for its mineral baths, the water of which is used to cure liver and nervous system diseases.
The Karandila is the city’s most visited geographical place and attraction. It is located on a mountaintop 1050m above sea level, offering spectacular views of the city. Halkata ( „The Ring“) is a rock structure on the Karandila. It is a protrusion of rock with an odd hole in the middle. According to legend, anybody going through the ring would have their most heartfelt request accomplished. Karandila hosts the annual Karakachani festival, which is hosted in July by the Federation of Karakachan Cultural and Educational Associations in Bulgaria.
Karandila is situated inside the Sinite Kamani national park, whose highest peak, Bulgarka (1181 m.), is the eastern Balkans’ highest.
Demography of Sliven
According to the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, the Sliven Municipality has a total population of 125,268 persons as of February 2011, whereas the city of Sliven has a population of 91,620 inhabitants. The town is known as Europe’s center of underage motherhood, with 177 such births in 2008.
The city’s population includes members of the following ethnic groups:
Culture of Sliven
Numerous structures in the city were constructed in the National Revival style, notably the House Museum „Hadzhi Dimitar.“ It is located in the town’s south western section and has a compound comprised of an indigenous memorial house and an ancient traditional inn. The Museum collection „Dobri Chintulov“ is located on the north side of Sliven; it was the residence of Dobri Chintulov, a Bulgarian renaissance teacher and poet. At the heart of the city lies the city’s main plaza, which houses the city’s primary theater. It is named after Stefan Kirov (теан ирoв), a notable actor and director from Sliven.
Economy of Sliven
Since the early nineteenth century, Sliven’s economy has been based on industry. In 1834, Dobri Zhelyazkov created the first factory on Bulgarian soil, kicking off the country’s industrial growth. Sliven was one of Bulgaria’s greatest industrial cities, playing a significant part in the Bulgarian National Revival. It has a long history in textiles, machine construction, glass manufacture, chemical manufacturing, and the technical and food sectors.
Following the establishment of communist authority in Bulgaria in 1944, the majority of enterprises were nationalized and significant industrial growth was stimulated. Industry continued to flourish until the collapse of communism, at which time most of the previously developed industry stalled; many facilities and factories were closed and little progress occurred.
Sliven’s economy has accelerated in recent years as a result of increasing investment, banking institutions, and the emergence of new sectors. The dairy sector, which has existed for a long period of time, continues to expand and develop. The wine sector, which includes enterprises such as Vinprom and Vini Sliven, as well as roughly a dozen others, continues to flourish thanks to the climatic conditions that make grapes easy to cultivate. The city produces electric lighting and electrical machinery in terms of heavy industry. Additionally, the city has gained notoriety as a supplier of young females trafficking into the sex business.
Sliven’s light industry is mostly oriented to textiles, with several businesses producing wool apparel, socks, and food.
History of Sliven
The first settlements on the land of Sliven date all the way back to the Neolithic period, approximately 6000 BCE. Ruins of a Thracian town dated between the fifth and third centuries BCE, as well as Thracian pottery and Hellenistic coinage, were unearthed in the region of Hisarlaka – a small hill in Sliven. In antiquity, it was referred to as Selymnos (o in Greek). The region that is now known as Sliven was once colonized by the Thracian tribes Asti, Kabileti, and Seleti. These tribes retained their freedom until they were subjugated by Philip II of Macedonia and Alexander the Great.
The commencement of the Roman conquests in northern Thracia began in the second century BCE. Sliven was taken by Rome in 72–71 BCE, after the conquest of the Thracian Kabile and subsequently the Greek towns of Kabile and Apolonia. With the rise of the Roman Empire, the city’s territory became a part of the Roman Empire’s Thracian province.
Around the 2nd-4th centuries, a new era in the city’s history started. This time is when the earliest written records of the settlement’s name, Tuida/Suida/Tsuida, were made. This is most likely a Thracian given name. Its etymology is unknown at the moment. The Turks referred to it as „slimye.“ During Ottoman rule, it served as a sanjak center in Rumelia eyalet, then Silistre (zi) eyalet, Edirne vilayet, and finally as a department center in the autonomous province of Eastern Rumelia for a brief period before being incorporated into the Principality of Bulgaria in 1885. During the First World War, it was home to the biggest prisoner of war camp in the nation, the Sliven POW camp. It was the site of incarceration for around 19,000 Greek and Serbian citizens and troops.
In more recent times, Sliven became one of the most major cultural centers in Bulgaria during the Bulgarian National Revival, with much of its ancient legacy maintained and enhanced, and now provides a plethora of cultural possibilities to its people and tourists. Numerous important Bulgarians were born there, including Hadzhi Dimitar, Dobri Chintulov, and Ivan Seliminski. Anton Pann, another prominent native, created the Romanian national hymn. Yordan Letchkov is another noteworthy inhabitant, whose goal in the 1994 World Cup eliminated reigning champion Germany. From 2003 until 2011, Letchkov served as mayor of Sliven.
Transportation in Sliven
How To Travel To Sliven
Train – Sliven is located on the Sofia-Burgas railway line, which provides frequent service across Bulgaria. Train travel provides breathtaking vistas of Bulgaria’s landscape. Trains to Sofia, Burgas, Stara Zagora, Ruse, Plovdiv, Kazanlak, and Varna operate on a daily basis. Check, however, before opting to ride the train. At times, trains are quicker than buses (to Varna or Burgas), while at other times, they are much slower (for example, to reach Sofia it takes 6 hours by train rather than 4.5 by bus). Trains are often the least expensive mode of transport.
The railway station is situated in the southern part of the city, near the Nadezhda (нaдеда) district.
Bus – Sliven’s tiny bus terminal serves all major cities and the majority of rural communities on a regular basis. Numerous buses depart daily towards Sofia (4.5 hours), Plovdiv (3 hours), and Veliko Tarnovo (3.5 hours) (2 – 2.5 hours). Buses leave hourly towards Burgas (1.5 hours) and Stara Zagora (1.5 hours) (1 hour).
The bus stop is a few streets south of the large Bila supermarket.
How To Travel Around Sliven
There are several modes of public transit available in Sliven. There are several modes of transport available, including buses, trolleys, and minibuses. They line the city’s principal thoroughfares. Numerous bus routes travel along the city’s major boulevards. No. 116, No. 1, No. 20, No. 7, No. 4, and No. 12 are the primary lines. Line 1 connects the railway station and bus terminal. A single ticket costs 0.8 leva.
Taxis are another handy mode of transport around town. In general, fairs are inexpensive. The majority of people either phone for a cab or hail one from one of the many taxi stands located around the city.
Sliven is a tiny city, and the majority of locations are easily accessible by foot. It is a flat city with broad walkways along major thoroughfares. The city center is car-free and has a lovely tree-lined pedestrian boulevard lined with cafés and stores. Because some of the sidewalks are uneven and contain holes, it is critical to pay care. While vehicles generally respect pedestrians, it’s critical to keep an eye out for the few insane drivers.
Tourism in Sliven
Sliven, located in southeastern Bulgaria, is the eighth biggest city in the country, with a population of about 90,000 as of 2011. The settlement is located under the famed granite massif Sinite Kamani (The Blue Rocks) and is well-known for being one of the windiest in Bulgaria. Surrounded by natural beauty, the city is formed by the confluence of three rivers: Asenokvska, Novoselska, and Manastirska. The city is well-known for the Bulgarian Haiduts, who battled the Ottoman Turks in the nineteenth century.
The city is home to several lovely cafés, a sizable outdoor vegetable market, and a pedestrian promenade that runs through the heart of the city. Sliven is one of the rare cities in Bulgaria that has both expansive boulevards and stunning landscape architecture. Additionally, it is densely forested, giving the town a scent of late spring perfume.
Many people go trekking and camping in the regions around Sliven during the summer months. Additionally, numerous pools are available to the public for a modest fee. The Sports Palace Hotel, the Hotel Imperia, and the pool in the municipal gardens all have pools.
Tsar Osvoboditl is Sliven’s principal commercial thoroughfare, going through the heart of the city. While the stores are generally more costly, travelers may buy reasonably priced clothing, souvenirs, shoes, and cosmetics. Tourists may purchase traditional Bulgarian goods such as Sliven’s renowned carpets and pots decorated with traditional designs.
The city core of Sliven is densely packed with cafés serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Most have ample indoor and outdoor seating and are reasonably priced.
Sights & Landmarks In Sliven
Hadji Dimitar – Without the magnificent voivoda Hadji Dimitar on the center plaza, Sliven is unimaginable. The monument, one of the town’s most distinctive symbols, bears witness to his magnificent courage. The monument was dedicated in 1935 but was decommissioned in the early 1990’s.
Historical Museum Sliven – The museum is located in the city’s heart and is marked with signs leading people to it. Exhibits from current history, archaeology, and anthropology are on display in the museum. The museum’s founding work started during the Bulgarian National Revival, when patriotic Bulgarians began collecting medieval treasures. The museum’s construction started shortly after the town was liberated from Ottoman domination, with the support of the Moscow Ethnographic Society.
Hadji Dimitar House – The mansion was formerly the residence of Sliven’s famed rebel commander. The home is little and lovely, with a wooden porch and Renaissance architectural features.
Dobri Chintulov House – The home where the great poet, educator, and ecclesiastical figure resided is located in Deli Balta’s historic Sliven district. The home was constructed in the 1980s by Ivan and Dobri Cintulovi. The home is typical of the era’s style – an open, asymmetrical two-story wood structure with a lovely verandah and balconies suspended over a cobbled yard. In the 1970s, the home was entirely renovated and converted into a museum.
Old Elm Tree – The nearly 1,000-year-old elm tree near the city municipality It is a remnant of Bulgaria’s Great Forest, which stretched from the Rhodope Mountains to the Black Sea. The elms are shown on Sliven’s coat of arms and are protected by law as a national treasure. Many Bulgarian revolutionaries were hanged from its wide limbs during the Ottoman reign.
Byzantine Fortress Twidda – Visitors interested in ancient remains may visit the stronghold Twidda. It is an authentic archaeological site that dates all the way back to antiquity. It is situated northeast of Sliven on the Hisarlaka hill. Visitors may take in spectacular views of the Blue Stones and the city. The stronghold serves as a gateway to the Balkan Mountains’ fortification system. It was critical to the Roman Empire’s defense and subsequently to the Bulgarian Medieval Kingdom’s defense.
The Town Clock – The town clock is an important emblem of Sliven, with an especially appealing appearance. The new municipal building, upon which the clock tower stands, was completed in 1936. The clock tower was built three years later. Today, the town clock keeps track of the hours and serves as a reminder to residents of the continuity and irreversibility of time passing.
The Monument of the 7th Cavalry Regiment – Eagle Statue – The monument honoring Sliven’s renowned 7th cavalry regiment, which fought in the Balkan War, the Inter-Allied War, and World War One, is one of the city’s icons. It was refurbished in 1996 as a gift to the town’s citizens.
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