Zlatitsa is locally known as the “City of Fountains”: more than 50 fountains have been built in the town and its surroundings. The area also features a distinctive mountain landscape and cultural heritage from several eras. When looking for a holiday rental, you can plan your stay around two main interests: local history and collections, or excursions in the mountain areas of the municipality.
Landscape between the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora
Obshtina Zlatitsa lies in the Zlatitsa–Pirdop Basin, in a water-rich valley between the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora. The southwestern part of the Zlatishko-Teteven Mountains lies in the north of the municipal area. Mount Svishti Plaz reaches 1,888.3 metres and is the municipality’s highest point. In the south, the area extends to the northern slopes of Sredna Gora, including Mount Malka Bratia at 1,406 metres. The Topolnitsa River crosses both parts of the municipality and runs through a deep, forested valley in the foothills of Sredna Gora. This brings together distinct landscapes: a high peak in the north, mountain slopes in the south and a wooded river valley.
From prehistory to the National Revival period
Prehistoric settlement mounds, Thracian artefacts, necropolises and burial mounds point to settlement dating back to the Iron Age. The medieval settlement of Zlatitsa stood on Mount Golesh, where the remains of a fortress have been preserved. Religious activity at the Church of St George is documented from the mid-18th century, and the church was consecrated in 1859. An image of an elephant in the church is considered exceptionally rare and unique in the art of the Bulgarian National Revival period.
The collection of the museum in Zlatitsa includes traditional costumes, household textiles, household and craft objects, publications, photographs, works of art, and a Bulgarian coin collection spanning several eras. Traditional clothing and architecture also offer a glimpse into everyday life in the past: women’s clothing included embroidered linen garments, aprons and headscarves; men’s attire included trousers, waistcoats, belts and fur caps. The traditional one- or two-storey “Kat” houses incorporated former agricultural and livestock-keeping functions into their floor plans. Influenced by the traditions of southwestern Bulgaria, the local culture includes customs such as “Peene na Prastanite,” Epiphany, Todorovden and Lazarovden, which are still performed by amateur groups.
Hiking trails and other activities
There are several hiking trails on the mountain above Zlatitsa. One trail starts at the shrine of St George; other routes head from Salta Alan and Spasovo Kladenche towards Svishti Plaz Hut. The hut is at an elevation of 1,475 metres and can accommodate more than 120 tourists. From Salta Alan or Spasovo Kladenche, it can be reached in about three and a half hours via a hiking trail or forest road. Allow for this approximate travel time when planning your hike, and check trail conditions and the hut’s access and facilities before setting out.
Zlatitsa is also a starting point for routes in the Central Balkan Mountains; other options include hiking, cycling, hunting and fishing. The Svobodno Izmerenie association practises paragliding and is also involved in mountain biking. Check locally whether the association’s activities are currently available.
Transport history and places to eat
The Sub-Balkan Road I-6 and Road II-37 cross the municipal area. II-37 is considered the shortest route across the two mountain ranges; it is advisable to check current road conditions before travelling. The railway is also part of the town’s history: Zlatitsa railway station is a historic building with a west-facing colonnade, wood carvings and a stone tower. The station and the Sub-Balkan Railway opened in 1952. Nearby, in Petrich, a two-arched bridge crosses the Topolnitsa. It was built in 1926 in the style of Bulgarian Revival bridges; the road beside it has been in use since antiquity.
Places to eat include Restaurant Garden Peshterata, Restaurant Obuvkata in Zlatitsa and the Moderniyat Han family hotel and restaurant in Tsarkviste. Check before visiting whether they are open and what they currently offer. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: cultural history, hiking or other activities. Then compare specific offers with their proximity to the destinations you actually plan to visit.
Discover more destinations: Zlatitsa, Bozhurishte, Slivnitza, Stolichna, Elin Pelin, Samokov, Botevgrad, Koprivshtitza
For the regional travel overview: Sofia Province / Sofia.
