Pleven is a city in northern Bulgaria situated on the banks of the Vit River. It is the administrative centre of Pleven Province and the seventh largest city in the country. Pleven is an important economic, transport, cultural and educational centre of Northern Bulgaria, and is often referred to as the “capital of the North”. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, and is home to some of the most impressive historical monuments in Bulgaria. Here are 20 of the best places to visit in Pleven, Bulgaria.
1. Monument of the Liberators
The Monument of the Liberators is a memorial complex dedicated to the heroes of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, which liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. It is located in the city centre, and consists of a large bronze sculpture of a lion surrounded by four smaller sculptures of soldiers.
2. Pleven Panorama
The Pleven Panorama is a large, circular painting depicting the events of the Battle of Pleven, which took place during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. The painting is housed in a purpose-built museum, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.
3. St. George Church
St. George Church is a Bulgarian Orthodox church located in the city centre. It was built in 1844, and is one of the most important religious sites in Pleven. The church features an impressive façade, with a large dome and four smaller domes.
4. Pleven Regional Historical Museum
The Pleven Regional Historical Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Bulgaria. It houses a large collection of artefacts from the region, including archaeological finds, paintings, sculptures and coins.
5. Monument of the Unknown Soldier
The Monument of the Unknown Soldier is a memorial located in the city centre. It was built in honour of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. The monument consists of a large stone obelisk surrounded by four smaller obelisks.
6. St. Nedelya Church
St. Nedelya Church is a Bulgarian Orthodox church located in the city centre. It was built in 1847, and is one of the most important religious sites in Pleven. The church features an impressive façade, with a large dome and four smaller domes.
7. Monument of the Bulgarian Volunteers
The Monument of the Bulgarian Volunteers is a memorial located in the city centre. It was built in honour of the Bulgarian volunteers who fought in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. The monument consists of a large bronze sculpture of a soldier surrounded by four smaller sculptures of soldiers.
8. Pleven Zoo
Pleven Zoo is one of the largest and most popular zoos in Bulgaria. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, wolves, foxes, lynxes, camels, ostriches and many more. The zoo also features an aquarium and a terrarium.
9. Pleven Military Museum
The Pleven Military Museum is one of the largest and most important military museums in Bulgaria. It houses a large collection of artefacts from the region, including weapons, uniforms, medals and photographs.
10. Monument of the Unknown Soldier
The Monument of the Unknown Soldier is a memorial located in the city centre. It was built in honour of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. The monument consists of a large stone obelisk surrounded by four smaller obelisks.
11. Pleven Botanical Garden
The Pleven Botanical Garden is one of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Bulgaria. It is home to a wide variety of plants, including rare species from all over the world. The garden also features a large pond, a greenhouse and a butterfly house.
12. Monument of the Unknown Soldier
The Monument of the Unknown Soldier is a memorial located in the city centre. It was built in honour of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. The monument consists of a large stone obelisk surrounded by four smaller obelisks.
13. Pleven City Hall
The Pleven City Hall is a large building located in the city centre. It was built in 1878, and is one of the most impressive examples of 19th century architecture in Bulgaria. The building features a large central hall, as well as several smaller rooms.
14. Monument of the Unification of Bulgaria
The Monument of the Unification of Bulgaria is a memorial located in the city centre. It was built in honour of the unification of Bulgaria in 1878. The monument consists of a large bronze sculpture of a soldier surrounded by four smaller sculptures of soldiers.
15. Pleven Sports Hall
The Pleven Sports Hall is a large indoor sports complex located in the city centre. It is home to several sports teams, and hosts a variety of sporting events, including basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis and boxing.
16. Monument of the Bulgarian Volunteers
The Monument of the Bulgarian Volunteers is a memorial located in the city centre. It was built in honour of the Bulgarian volunteers who fought in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. The monument consists of a large bronze sculpture of a soldier surrounded by four smaller sculptures of soldiers.
17. Pleven Regional Art Gallery
The Pleven Regional Art Gallery is one of the largest and most important art galleries in Bulgaria. It houses a large collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs from the region, as well as works by famous Bulgarian and international artists.
18. Monument to the Bulgarian National Revival
The Monument to the Bulgarian National Revival is a memorial located in the city centre. It was built in honour of the heroes of the Bulgarian National Revival, which began in the 19th century. The monument consists of a large bronze sculpture of a soldier surrounded by four smaller sculptures of soldiers.
19. Monument of the Unification of Bulgaria
The Monument of the Unification of Bulgaria is a memorial located in the city centre. It was built in honour of the unification of Bulgaria in 1878. The monument consists of a large bronze sculpture of a soldier surrounded by four smaller sculptures of soldiers.
20. Pleven Regional Archaeological Museum
The Pleven Regional Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important archaeological museums in Bulgaria. It houses a large collection of artefacts from the region, including pottery, coins, jewellery and tools.