River valleys, a museum in a school dating from 1860, and seasonal celebrations shape the many facets of Zlataritsa. In this municipality in the Central Fore-Balkans, the landscape and culture are not defined by a single theme: mountain ridges, river landscapes, historical collections and regional cuisine offer different starting points for planning a trip.

Heights, Valleys and Rivers

The municipality combines low mountains with hilly and flat terrain. Most of it lies between 300 and 600 metres above sea level. About two-thirds of the municipal area is occupied by the northern foothills of the Elena Heights, cut through by the valleys of the Zlatarishka and Bebrovska rivers. The highest point is Mount Kulata at 901 metres, south of Delova Mahala on the border with Elena Municipality.

Around the municipal centre and the village of Rodina lie the broad, flat Veselina Valley and the lower course of the Zlatarishka. Four rivers cross the municipality: the Zlatarishka, Veselina, Bebrovska and Stara Reka. The natural landscape belongs to the oak zone of the foothill forest region. Reported wildlife includes wild boar, roe deer, deer and pheasants.

Museums and Historic Sites

The town museum is housed in a restored former schoolhouse dating from 1860. The building is an architectural cultural monument from the Bulgarian National Revival period. The exhibition traces the development of the settlement from its founding to the present day and explores Zlataritsa’s cultural heritage and past.

The Museum of Ethnic Groups displays tools, household items, traditional clothing and other objects of material culture representing Bulgarians, Roma, Vlachs, Pomaks and Turks in the municipality. The Church of St Nicholas in Zlataritsa is also an architectural cultural monument; its frescoes, icons and architectural style are especially noteworthy.

South of the centre are two fortresses with different historical associations. Makaveya is classified as a Thracian and Late Antique fortress and is located on the left bank of the Barzitsa, 6.19 kilometres as the crow flies south of the centre. The medieval fortress of Bratovanovgrad lies 5.68 kilometres as the crow flies to the south, opposite Makaveya. The Zlatarishka borders its hill to the west; the surviving walls are more than two metres thick. Conditions on site and access to both sites may change. Check before visiting.

Regional Cuisine and Festivals

The traditional Gardeners’ Soup Day is celebrated in September at the Chernychkite locality. Soups are prepared there outdoors, and the festivities include music, singing, dancing and customs. The programme includes a competition for the best soup, which must consist exclusively of vegetables. Exact dates and programme details may vary, as may the rules of future competitions.

In November, National Foods Day celebrates pickled foods and rakia. Events include competitions for homemade pickles and rakia. Dates and programme details may vary here, too.

In Kalaydzhii, you can sample regional dishes and products, including spit-roasted or oven-roasted lamb, klin, patatnik, homemade yoghurt and cheese. Offerings and visitor arrangements may change.

In Gorsko Novo Selo, part of the municipality, the Hotul Bunar winery cultivates around 200 decares of vines. Visitors can tour the winery and taste wines on site. Tour and tasting options may change; check in advance.

Planning Your Visit

A regional tourism offering presents natural and cultural attractions along themed routes, most of which are on foot. Check locally which routes are available and marked. Paved roads connect the municipality with Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Lyaskovets and Elena. Check routes and road conditions before setting out.

Explore more destinations: Slivovitsa, Zlataritsa, Polski Trambesh, Veliko Tarnovo, Svishtov, Strazhitza, Lyaskovetz, Elena.

For the regional travel overview: Veliko Tarnovo Province.