Sevlievo

Sevlievo is a town in north-central Bulgaria in a valley among the northern foothills of the Balkan Mountains, on the Rositsa River. It is the second largest settlement in Gabrovo Province after Gabrovo itself, with about 19,000 people (2021). The river Rositsa is dammed north of town to create the Aleksandar Stamboliyski reservoir. Sevlievo is known for its well-developed economy and for the Hotalich medieval fortress, a Byzantine-era stronghold. The town's Monument to Liberty, designed by Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi, is a landmark.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Sofia (about 200 km south-west), Plovdiv (about 140 km south), and Gorna Oryahovitsa (about 50 km east). Buses from Sofia run throughout the day.

By Train

There is no railway station in Sevlievo. The nearest stations are in Gabrovo (25 km south-east) and Dryanovo (about 30 km east), both on the Ruse–Stara Zagora rail line.

By Car / Road

Sevlievo lies on road I-4 (Sofia–Veliko Tarnovo) about 40 km west of Veliko Tarnovo and 25 km north-west of Gabrovo. The road is in good condition.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Taxis and minibuses operate locally.

• Hotalich Medieval Town and Fortress — ruins of a 5th-century Byzantine fortress rebuilt in the medieval period, 4 km north-west of town. Features two fortress walls, a high tower, and remains of quarters and churches.

• Monument to Liberty — a 12 m stone column topped by a bronze woman with a trumpet, erected in 1894 to commemorate those who fell in the April Uprising and the Liberation. In the centre by Stefan Peshev Blvd.

• Old Clock Tower — a 1777 stone tower with a wooden superstructure and copper belfry dome. Heritage monument.

• St. Elijah Church — an Orthodox church built in 1834, with domes and belfry added after the Liberation.

• History Museum (Hadji Stoyan's School) — housed in an 1844 Bulgarian National Revival building.

• Museum of Modern Art / Museum of Education — another old school building from 1885 with European architecture.

• Aleksandar Stamboliyski Reservoir — the first large artificial reservoir in Bulgaria, completed in 1954, popular for walks and fishing.

• Walk along the Rositsa River — in summer, an attractive spot for strolling, fishing, and natural fish pedicures.

• Birdwatch at the Aleksandar Stamboliyski Reservoir.

• Explore the Hotalich fortress archaeological site.

• Club Coffee Theatre (10 Al. Batemberg St) — an underground pub-restaurant serving Bulgarian and international dishes, with 1980s and 90s pop and rock music. Contact Bobby at +359 894654111.

• Most restaurants and cafés serve Bulgarian wine, beer, and spirits.
• Several cafés along the main pedestrian street offer outdoor seating.

• Sevlievo has a few small hotels and guesthouses near the centre. Rooms are modest but comfortable.
• More extensive accommodation is available in Gabrovo (25 km south-east) and Veliko Tarnovo (40 km east).

• Local shops and supermarkets in the centre.
• Souvenirs and local produce at the weekly market.
• Shopping for clothing and household goods in the main commercial streets.

• Gabrovo — city with the House of Humour and Satire and Etar Ethnographic Complex, 25 km south-east.
• Veliko Tarnovo — Bulgaria's historic capital with Tsarevets Fortress, 40 km east.
• Lovech — town with the Lovech Fortress and Covered Bridge, 35 km west.
• Dryanovo Monastery — 12th-century monastery with the Bacho Kiro cave, about 30 km south-east.
• Hotalich Fortress — Byzantine-medieval ruins just 4 km north-west of town.