Troyan

Troyan is a town in Lovech Province in central Bulgaria, named after Roman Emperor Trajan. It is the administrative centre of Troyan Municipality, about 162 km from Sofia. The Beli Osam river passes through the heart of the town. Troyan was declared a town in 1868 and grew as a craft centre. It is famous for its traditional pottery, premium plum brandy (slivova rakia) which holds EU Protected Geographical Indication, and the nearby Troyan Monastery.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Sofia (SOF) about 160 km southwest and Plovdiv (PDV) about 170 km southeast. Buses run from both city airports to Troyan via Lovech.

By Train

Troyan has a railway connection via the Lovech–Levski–Svishtov line. Direct trains connect Troyan to Lovech and Levski, where connections to Sofia and other major cities are available.

By Car / Road

Troyan lies on the II-35 road. From Sofia take the I-3 east towards Botevgrad then the II-35 south. The town is well signposted.

The town centre of Troyan is compact and walkable. Local buses connect the main districts and nearby attractions. Taxis are available from the train station.

• Troyan Monastery — one of Bulgaria's largest and most important monasteries, with a unique three-handed icon of Mary

• Nunki Complex — an early 19th-century architectural ensemble including the St Paraskeva Church

• Troyan Museum of Pottery and Crafts — displays of traditional pottery, a craft the town is famous for

• St Paraskeva Church — a notable church built in the first half of the 19th century

• Central Balkan National Park — home to three nature reserves: Kozia Stena, Steneto, and Severen Jendem

• Festival of the Plum — an annual autumn festival celebrating the plum harvest and rakia-making

• Pottery workshops — watch local craftsmen produce handmade pottery using traditional methods

• Hiking in Central Balkan National Park with trails to rock formations, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints

• Visit the Military Geographic Centre — a Bulgarian Armed Forces institution housed in the town

• Mehana restaurants serving typical Balkan dishes — grilled meats, kavarma, and fresh salads
• Traditional Troyan banitsa with local cheese
• Seasonal plum-based desserts and jams
• Vinprom-Troyan offers tastings of local rakia and wines

• Troyan slivova (plum rakia) — the local specialty, available throughout the town
• Bulgarian wines from the Lovech region
• Coffee and soft drinks at cafes along the main street

• Hotel Troyan — centrally located with modern amenities
• Guesthouses in the Old Town area
• Mountain lodges in Central Balkan National Park for nature enthusiasts

• Troyan plum rakia (slivova) — the local spirit with EU PGI status, available at Vinprom-Troyan
• Handmade pottery — traditional glazed and painted ceramic items
• Local honey and herbal teas from the Balkan mountain region

• Troyan Monastery — just outside town, a major cultural and historical site
• Lovech — the provincial capital with a medieval fortress and covered bridge, about 35 km west
• Central Balkan National Park — hiking and nature reserves
• Apriltsi — a nearby mountain resort town
• Shipkovo — a village known for its mineral springs and spa facilities