APRILTSI

Apriltsi Municipality (240 sq. m.;4,300 residents) huddles in a picturesque ravine at the foot of the northern slopes of the highest and
most ravishing portion of the Central Balkan Mountains. The town of Apriltsi (506 m above sea level) is the municipal economic, cultural and administrative centre. It stretches out for 12 km along the Vidima and the Ostreshka rivers. The climate is moderate continental, with typical mild winter and cool summer. The combination of crisp air, sweeping woods and absence of industrial plants makes possible year-round recreation and tourism in this attractive town tucked away in A Sunny Valley In The Very Heart Of The Mountain. Lying nearly in the centre of Bulgaria (200 km from Sofia and 300 km from Varna), Apriltsi has direct bus-lines to the towns of Sofia, Pleven, Lovech, Troyan, Plovdiv, Gabrovo and Sevlievo. In spite of its mountainous position, the town is only 30 km to the south of Sofia-Varna highway. Surrounding nature is what makes Apriltsi a place of great appeal. The awesome scenery, immediate proximity to the mountain, serviceable recreation facilities and private lodgings enhanced by the open and amicable nature of the mountaineer leave unfading memories in one's mind. The municipality borders on the Central Balkan Mountains National Park. The biosheric nature reserve of Severen Dzhendem is to be found here. It is the highest nature reserve within the National Park. Its southern border follows the mountain crest between Yurousha gramada and Paradzhika peaks, and symbolically separates the reserve from its southern 'sibling' - Dzhendema. This is the kingdom of crags and cliffs; austere and unapproachable walls rise up on all sides, and reach out towards Botev Peak (2,376 m above sea level) - the dome of the Balkan Mountains. Big predatory animals, watchful wild goats and birds of prey live in paradise here. Speaking of paradise, one can't help mentioning the single heavenly place 'recognized' by people - the Paradise locality; the Cliffs of Heaven, the welcoming Paradise chalet and Paradise Falls. Of no less appeal is Vidima waterfall to the north.Apriltsi has an ancient history. Several mounds testify to the past existence of a Thracian settlement. Still discernable are the remains of an ancient sanctuary on the top of Ostrets. An old road linking the lands along the Danube to those south of the mountain used to cut through the Balkan Mountains here. Clear evidence of the road is the watch fortifications erected down in the ravine and high up in the mountain to protect the Rousaliyski Pass (Tabite). The pass was associated with the Russo-Turkish Wartoo. Novoselo Uprising which broke out on May 1,1876 was the most large-scale rebellion in North Bulgaria against the Ottoman oppressors. For nine days did the rebels ward off the enemy. Nine were the breaths of freedom won against atrocious bloodshed and atotal ravage of the valley. The cultural events and traditional festivals in Apriltsi are closely related with the history and the lifestyle of the mountain dwellers.-St. Theodore's Day and the indispensable horse races; -The Day of the Fruit-Grower March 22-May Events - mark different anniversaries of theNovoselo Uprising-St. Petko's Day - municipal holiday of Apriltsi - Patron Saints'Days The town of Apriltsi offers sports and tourism lovers to: rent bikes and follow blazed cycling trails;gofora horse ride along easy mountain routes; decide on an outing to sights of natural beauty and have an organized picnic; follow up hiking routes high up in the mountains; enjoy the company of qualified mountain guides along well blazed trails; try the set-up climbing school and some alpine tours which vary in difficulty, but never in experienced guides; go photo-hunting and watch wildlife in its natural habitat;-go fishing or take a swim in the swimming-pools to the recreation homes and private hotels; Local restaurants and cafes contribute to the pleasure and entertainment.