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.