Pleven offers a variety of highlights: archaeological history and remembrance, museums and art, as well as walks. The selection ranges from the remains of an early Christian basilica to art collections and avenues in Kaylaka Park.
Archaeology and remembrance
At the Storgozia fortress, the fortification system, an early Christian basilica and a horreum have been preserved and restored. The basilica dates from the 4th century and measures 45.20 metres in length and 22.20 metres in width. Archaeological finds from Storgozia and its necropolis—including pottery, weapons and coins—indicate that the fortified settlement existed until the end of the 6th century. The structures and finds thus offer different perspectives: the dimensions convey the scale of the basilica, while the finds provide clues to the settlement’s history.
The Skobelev Park Museum focuses on memorial sites. These include a brotherhood mound with an ossuary; the bones of Russian soldiers from the formation led by General M. D. Skobelev are kept in a marble sarcophagus. The museum also includes the restored Turkish redoubt “Issa aga”, as well as nine brotherhood mounds and monuments commemorating fallen heroes. This focus on remembrance thus differs from Storgozia’s archaeological building history.
Museums, art and wine
The Regional Historical Museum in Pleven offers exhibitions on archaeology, ethnography, Bulgarian history from the 15th to the 19th century, modern and contemporary history, Gena Dimitrova and natural history. It is housed in an architecturally remarkable building designated a cultural monument of national importance. The “Tsar Alexander II the Liberator” House Museum offers a different focus: visitors can see Tsar Alexander II’s hussar uniform and personal belongings of General M. D. Skobelev. The authentic furnishings in the guest room where Tsar Alexander II was received have been preserved.
The art galleries also offer a range of ways to explore art. The “Svetlin Rusev Donated Collection” Art Gallery is housed in a former bathhouse designated an architectural cultural monument of national importance. In 1984, the Pleven-born artist Svetlin Rusev donated a total of 322 works from his personal collection to his hometown, including paintings and sculptures. The Iliya Beshkov Art Gallery houses more than 1,200 works and is a centre for established art forums. These include the National Biennial of Small Forms in Visual Arts in Pleven, the international Fodar Photography Biennial, the Allianz Bulgaria national competition, “Night in the Gallery” and the international “Kaylaka” plein-air event. Art salons, chamber concerts, recitals, conferences and symposia are also held there.
A wine tasting at the Wine Museum consists of a short sommelier course and is conducted by a knowledgeable instructor. At the “Pleven Epopee 1877” Panorama, tourists can go up to the roof, where there are two viewing platforms.
Walks and getting around
Kaylaka Park is close to the city of Pleven and offers opportunities for walks along beautiful avenues. The starting point for the Chernelka eco-trail can be reached from both the village of Gortalovo and the village of Kartozhabene. These details highlight different aspects: Kaylaka is known for its avenues and walks, while Chernelka is accessible from two named villages.
Important public transport stops are available for guests and customers of Central Mall Pleven. Routes connect the city districts with the bus station, railway station and city centre. Routes and stops may change, so check the connections before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Opanets, Cherven bryag, Dolni Dabnik, Belene.
For the regional travel overview: Pleven Province.
