Home Land City and Town Troyan Municipality | Lovech Province | Bulgaria

Troyan Municipality | Lovech Province | Bulgaria

12 October 2018

1885

Troyan is a town in Lovech Province, north central Bulgaria, and the administrative capital of Troyan Municipality. It is named for the Roman Emperor Trajan, who campaigned in the region and subdued the Dacian kingdom north of the Danube in 105 CE.

The city is known for its distinctive traditional pottery. A strong culture of folk arts exists in the town, as well as a nationally renowned high school of applied arts.

History

Troyan occupies a favorable position on the northern slope of the Balkan mountains, in the valley of the Osam River. It has been a desirable spot to settle down since prehistoric times.

Troyan in Prehistoric Times

Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of habitation as early as the Paleolithic Age. Thracian remains from the Bronze Age include pottery, bronze vessels, weapons and jewelry.

The

Roman Era Troyan

Geography

Troyan is located 160 kilometers (100 miles) northeast of Sofia on the north side of the Balkan mountain range. It straddles the Osam River, at the confluence of the Cherni Osam and Beli Osam rivers descending out of the alpine highlands of the Central Balkan National Park. The elevation is 380 meters (1250 feet).

Troyan has a population of over 20,000 people. About 90% are of Bulgarian ethnicity. There are small but noticeable Roma and Turkish minorities of just a few percent each.

The town is close the the Central Balkan National Park, the largest park in Bulgaria and one of the largest in Europe. The Kozia Stena, Steneto and Severen Jendem nature reserves preserve valuable natural areas boasting scenic waterfalls, interesting rock formations, and important habitats for hundreds of species of flora and fauna.

The town is close to the route of the ancient Via Traiana, a 1st century CE Roman road connecting northern Bulgaria to Philipoppolis (modern day Plovdiv) and the Aegean Sea.

Economy

Troyan developed as a center for trade and pottery production during the Bulgarian National Revival. Today, the distinctive design of Troyan pottery is found all over Bulgaria and is exported around the world.

The contemporary town enjoys a diverse economy made up of industrial production, agriculture, tourism, and services.

Major Business Entities Located in Troyan

Balkanpharma Troyan AD is a production facility of TEVA Pharmaceuticals producing Actavis brand products and other pharmaceuticals for the TEVA worldwide family of companies. The factory has modern, high-capacity production facilities, state-of-the-art quality control laboratories and a science and technology center.

Elimex is one of the largest Bulgarian producers of solid wood chairs, making over 10,000 chairs per month. Almost all of their production is for export to customers in Europe and around the world.

Elprom Troyan is a manufacturer of electric motors, established by four local partners in 1945. In its 75 year history, it has sold over 27 million motors in 123 countries worldwide. It is the largest Bulgarian manufacturer of its kind and the recipient of numerous national and international awards for innovation and industrial excellence.

Tourism

Troyan has attractions for every kind of tourist, including artists, history buffs, religious pilgrims, science lovers and outdoors enthusiasts. For more detailed tourist information, visit the Troyan online free travel guide at narangah Travel.

Museums

Museum of Traditional Crafts and Applied Arts (Troyan) Explore exhibits of the local history and development of ceramics, woodworking, metalworking and traditional clothing, as well as other historically significant episodes in the life of Troyan.

Natural Sciences Museum (Cherni Osam) Over 700 specimens on display including mammals from Bulgaria and around world, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and fish. A small, well designed collection. Good for all ages.

Troyan Monastery

The Monastery of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God. (Oreshak) One of the most important Christian sites in Bulgaria, established in the 16th century. Home to one of the most important Bulgarian Orthodox icons, the Three Handed Virgin. A popular tourist attraction including a museum and a secret compartment used to hide the Bulgarian revolutionary hero Vasil Levski.

Outdoors

Central Balkan National Park (many entry points around the municipality) One of the largest parks in Europe and a paradise for hikers seeking outdoor adventures. Scenic views, waterfalls, wildlife. Well established trails and mountain huts.