Etropole Municipality | Sofia Province | Bulgaria

The earliest evidence of habitation at Etropole are stone axes and ax hammers dating from the Bronze Era, about 3000-2000 BCE.

During the first millenium BCE, the Tripal Thracian tribe settled in a broad area on both sides of the western Balkan mountains. Etropole was established as a settlement by 700-600 BCE, and, owing to its favorable location near ancient roads connecting the Danube River to Macedonia and Thrace, became a prosperous economic center. Artifacts including high quality vessels, coins and jewelry testify to the success of the town in ancient times.

The Macedonian forces of Philip II and Alexander the Great engaged the region in their battles against the Thracians. Later military forces of Roman, Celtic, Byzantine and Bulgarian origin also passed through.

Etropole became part of the First Bulgarian Empire in the late 7th century CE. During the middle ages it was the major Bulgarian source of metal resources. Later it became one of the major sources of iron for the Ottoman Empire.

Economic prosperity led to the development of education in the town. The Holy Trinity Monastery became a center of literary development, producing a unique style of calligraphy and illustrated religious books. Seventy six preserved volumes represent a precious treasure of Bulgarian literary history. The monastery school was established in 1613.

During the Bulgarian National Revival the town became a craft center, producing pottery, gold, copper, clothing, carpets, and more. Goods from Etropole were traded as far afield as Vienna, Budapest, Odessa and Egypt.

Vasil Levski established a secret revolutionary committee in Etropole in the autumn of 1870. Men of the town went on to serve with many of the great Bulgarian revolutionaries, including Hadzhi Dimitar, Stefan Karadzha, Panayot Hitov and Georgi Rakovski. Five fought together with Hristo Botev.

The town played an important role during the Russo-Turkish War. It was freed by Russian troops on 24 November 1877 and became the headquarters from which General Joseph Gurko commanded the Russian crossing of the Balkan mountains.

The development of north-south roads bypassing the town led to its eventual decline as a center of influence, yet it remains a town with well preserved historical and cultural assets worth exploring.

Etropole Historical Timeline

1613 Holy Trinity Monastery opens its first monastery school.

1811 The first public school in Etropole opens.

1865 New north-south road opens through Arabakonak Pass, bypassing Etropole.

1870 (autumn) Vasil Levski establishes the Secret Revolutionary Committee in Etropole.

1877 (24 November) Russian forces liberate Etropole from the Turks.