Garmen Municipality is in Blagoevgrad Province, southwestern Bulgaria, in the western Rodopi Mountains. The administrative seat is Garmen village.
History of Garmen Municipality
In ancient times different tribes inhabited the Garmen region, often leaving behind traces of their presence. The Thracian Bessi tribe occupied the slopes of the Western Rodopi Mountains, leaving behin numerous mounds scattered about the fields of Garmen Municipality. Excavations have found fragments of Attic vessels, especially in the Dracha area above the village. There are also mound necropolises in the lands of the neighboring villages Blatska, Debren, Dabnitsa, Khvostyane. Interesting findings were discovered in the construction of a tobacco dryer in the village of Debren – where the school is now.
After prolonged fighting between the oncoming Roman warriors and the local Thracians by 146 AD, the Gotse Delchev region was already under Roman rule. In the Draacha area, the Romans invaded the Thracian settlement of Keirpara. Not far from it Emperor Traian (98-117) built a new city and in honor of the victory over the Dacians in Dobrudzha called it Nikopolis ad Nestum (city of victory of the Places). The city was built in 102-106 AD. on the left bank of the Mesta River and is about 7.5 km away from Gotse Delchev, where today is located the “Zagrade” neighborhood. It was probably erected on the remains of a Thracian settlement.
In Nikopolis, coins were struck during the reign of Emperors Komod (176-192), Septimius North (193-211), Karakala (192-217) and Geta (209-212), killed by their brother Karakala. Coins were found with the image of Julia Domna – wife of Emperor Septimius North and mother of Caracalla and Geta.
The city was destroyed at the end of the 6th century by the Slavs. The Smolyan tribe settled here, which owned the sites as far as the Central Rhodopes. The Slavs built many settlements. They are engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry – they sow millet, wheat, flax, hemp and legumes, raise cattle and birds. They worship many gods, but especially worship Perun. When they embrace the Christian faith, they associate the cult of Perun with the Christian saint Elijah and create many shrines in his honor. Such a vow is still preserved today to the east of Garmen, where animals are slaughtered annually for kurban.
Geography of Garmen Municipality
Garmen Municipality has an area of 389 sq km (150 sq mi). It is a rural, mountainous municipality. 90% of its area lies within the western slopes of the Rodopi mountains. The westernmost part of the municipality lies in the Mesta river valley. The area is rich in wildlife and vegetation, with blueberries and raspberries filling the stomachs of many a wanderer during long summer afternoons.
There are 20 villages and towns in the municipality with a total population of about 18,000 people. Almost 75% of the population, over 13,000 people, reside in the town of Berkovitsa. Barziya, population 1400, and Zamfirovo, population 1200, are the only other villages of any size. None of the rest rises above 300 souls. They include Balyuvitsa, Bistrilitsa, Bokilovtsi, Borovtsi, Chereshovitsa, Gaganitsa, Komarevo, Kostentsi, Kotenovtsi, Leskovets, Mezdreya, Parlichevo, Pesochnitsa, Rashovitsa, Slatina, Tsvetkova Bara, and Yagodovo.
Economy of Berkovitsa Municipality
Tourism in Garmen Municipality
Garmen offers tremendous opportunities to escape city crowds and wander amidst the great outdoors of the western Balkan mountains.
town is a good starting point for excursions into the mountains and valleys of the municipality. There are over a dozen different marked trails leading to places of interest in the area. Some of the more popular destinations are:
- Kovachevitsa Ethnographic site.
- Leshten Village Famous for its characteristic architecture..
- Haiydushki Waterfalls Hike beside streams and cascades to reach the waterfalls.
- Klisura Monastery A working monastery founded in the 13th century.
- Siniya Vir The Blue Pool. A favorite local spot for trout fishing.
- Ashiklar Mountain meadows for walking and picnics. Close to Berkovitsa town.
- Kaleto Nature Park For outdoor excursions. Roman fortress ruins found on the hill.
Museums in Garmen Municipality
Famous People from Garmen Municipality
Aksakovo • Alfatar • Anton • Antonovo • Apriltsi • Ardino • Asenovgrad • Avren • Aytos • Balchik • Banite • Bansko • Batak • Belene • Belitsa • Belogradchik • Beloslav • Belovo • Berkovitsa • Blagoevgrad • Boboshevo • Bobov Dol • Bolyarovo • Borino • Borovan • Borovo • Botevgrad • Boychinovtsi • Boynitsa • Bozhurishte • Bratsigovo • Bratya Daskalovi • Bregovo • Breznik • Brezovo • Brusartsi • Burgas • Byala (Ruse) • Byala (Varna) • Byala Slatina • Chavdar • Chelopech • Chepelare • Chernoochene • Cherven Bryag • Chiprovtsi • Chirpan • Chuprene • Dalgopol • Devin • Devnya • Dimitrovgrad • Dimovo • Dobrich • Dobrichka • Dolna Banya • Dolna Mitropoliya • Dolni Chiflik • Dolni Dabnik • Dospat • Dragoman • Dryanovo • Dulovo • Dupnitsa • Dve Mogili • Dzhebel • Elena • Elhovo • Elin Pelin • Etropole • Gabrovo • Galabovo • Garmen • General Toshevo • Georgi Damyanovo • Glavinitsa • Godech • Gorna Malina • Gorna Oryahovitsa • Gotse Delchev • Gramada • Gulyantsi • Gurkovo • Hadzhidimovo • Harmanli • Haskovo • Hayredin • Hisarya • Hitrino • Ihtiman • Iskar • Isperih • Ivanovo • Ivaylovgrad • Kaloyanovo • Kameno • Kaolinovo • Kardzhali • Karlovo • Karnobat •Kaspichan • Kavarna • Kaynardzha • Kazanlak • Kirkovo • Knezha • Kocherinovo • Koprivshtitsa • Kostenets • Kostinbrod • Kotel • Kovachevtsi • Kozloduy • Kresna • Krichim • Krivodol • Krumovgrad • Krushari • Kubrat • Kuklen • Kula • Kyustendil • Laki • Lesichovo • Letnitsa • Levski • Lom • Lovech • Loznitsa • Lukovit • Lyaskovets • Lyubimets • Madan • Madzharovo • Maglizh • Makresh • Malko Tarnovo • Maritsa • Medkovets • Mezdra • Mineralni Bani • Mirkovo • Miziya • Momchilgrad • Montana • Nedelino • Nesebar • Nevestino • Nikola Kozlevo • Nikolaevo • Nikopol • Nova Zagora • Novi Pazar • Novo Selo • Omurtag • Opaka • Opan • Oryahovo • Panagyurishte • Parvomay • Pavel Banya • Pavlikeni • Pazardzhik • Pernik • Perushtitsa • Peshtera • Petrich • Pirdop • Pleven • Plovdiv • Polski Trambesh • Pomorie • Popovo • Pordim • Pravets • Primorsko • Provadiya • Radnevo • Radomir • Rakitovo • Rakovski • Razgrad • Razlog • Rila • Rodopi • Roman • Rudozem • Ruen • Ruse • Ruzhintsi • Sadovo • Saedinenie • Samokov • Samuil • Sandanski • Sapareva Banya • Sarnitsa • Satovcha • Septemvri • Sevlievo • Shabla • Shumen • Silistra • Simeonovgrad • Simitli • Sitovo • Sliven • Slivnitsa • Slivo Pole • Smolyan • Smyadovo • Stolitsa • Sopot • Sozopol • Sredets • Stamboliyski • Stambolovo • Stara Zagora • Straldzha • Strazhitsa • Strelcha • Strumyani • Suhindol • Sungurlare • Suvorovo • Svilengrad • Svishtov • Svoge • Targovishte • Tervel • Teteven • Topolovgrad • Tran • Treklyano • Troyan • Tryavna • Tsar Kaloyan • Tsarevo • Tsenovo • Tundzha • Tutrakan • Tvarditsa • Ugarchin • Valchedram • Valchi Dol • Varbitsa • Varna • Varshets • Veliki Preslav • Veliko Tarnovo • Velingrad • Venets • Vetovo • Vetrino • Vidin • Vratsa • Yablanitsa • Yakimovo • Yakoruda • Yambol • Zavet • Zemen • Zlataritsa • Zlatitsa • Zlatograd
Berkovitsa Municipality is in Montana Province, northwestern Bulgaria, on the northern slopes of the western Balkan Mountains. It was first mentioned by name in Ottoman documents dating from 1488.
History of Berkovitsa Municipality
The Berkovitsa region has a long history of habitation
Geography of Berkovitsa Municipality
Berkovitsa Municipality covers an area of 464 sq km. It is the southernmost municipality of Montana Province. It lies on the northern slopes of the western Balkan mountains, with hilly terrain broken up by streams flowing through its territory. The area is rich in wildlife and vegetation, with blueberries and raspberries filling the stomachs of many a wanderer during long summer afternoons.
There are 20 villages and towns in the municipality with a total population of about 18,000 people. Almost 75% of the population, over 13,000 people, reside in the town of Berkovitsa. Barziya, population 1400, and Zamfirovo, population 1200, are the only other villages of any size. None of the rest rises above 300 souls. They include Balyuvitsa, Bistrilitsa, Bokilovtsi, Borovtsi, Chereshovitsa, Gaganitsa, Komarevo, Kostentsi, Kotenovtsi, Leskovets, Mezdreya, Parlichevo, Pesochnitsa, Rashovitsa, Slatina, Tsvetkova Bara, and Yagodovo.
Economy of Berkovitsa Municipality
Tourism in Berkovitsa Municipality
Berkovitsa offers tremendous opportunities to escape city crowds and wander amidst the great outdoors of the western Balkan mountains. The famous Bulgarian author Ivan Vazov said it best:
Such wonderful nature here! What beauty in this unknown little paradise.
Berkovitsa town is a good starting point for excursions into the mountains and valleys of the municipality. There are over a dozen different marked trails leading to places of interest in the area. Some of the more popular destinations are:
- Kom Peak At 2016 m (6614 ft), the highest point in the region. 90 minute walk from Kom Hut. Panoramic views from the starting point of the Kom to Emine trek (European E-3 long distance trail.)
- Zdravchenitsa Peak Hike up to the summit at 1176 m (3858 ft). Trails from Berkovitsa town and Chereshovitsa.
- Haiydushki Waterfalls Hike beside streams and cascades to reach the waterfalls.
- Klisura Monastery A working monastery founded in the 13th century.
- Siniya Vir The Blue Pool. A favorite local spot for trout fishing.
- Ashiklar Mountain meadows for walking and picnics. Close to Berkovitsa town.
- Kaleto Nature Park For outdoor excursions. Roman fortress ruins found on the hill.
Museums in Berkovitsa Municipality
Berkovitsa Ethnographic Museum
Ivan Vazov House Museum
Klisurski Monastery Museum
Famous People from Berkovitsa Municipality
Timo Angelov Revolutionary
Georgi Bliznakov Chemist
Donyo Donev Animator
Pavlina Filipova Athlete
Valentin Naydenov Ivanov Athlete
This collection of photos captures the sights and scenes of Berkovitsa Municipality, Montana Province, Bulgaria.
Aksakovo • Alfatar • Anton • Antonovo • Apriltsi • Ardino • Asenovgrad • Avren • Aytos • Balchik • Banite • Bansko • Batak • Belene • Belitsa • Belogradchik • Beloslav • Belovo • Berkovitsa • Blagoevgrad • Boboshevo • Bobov Dol • Bolyarovo • Borino • Borovan • Borovo • Botevgrad • Boychinovtsi • Boynitsa • Bozhurishte • Bratsigovo • Bratya Daskalovi • Bregovo • Breznik • Brezovo • Brusartsi • Burgas • Byala (Ruse) • Byala (Varna) • Byala Slatina • Chavdar • Chelopech • Chepelare • Chernoochene • Cherven Bryag • Chiprovtsi • Chirpan • Chuprene • Dalgopol • Devin • Devnya • Dimitrovgrad • Dimovo • Dobrich • Dobrichka • Dolna Banya • Dolna Mitropoliya • Dolni Chiflik • Dolni Dabnik • Dospat • Dragoman • Dryanovo • Dulovo • Dupnitsa • Dve Mogili • Dzhebel • Elena • Elhovo • Elin Pelin • Etropole • Gabrovo • Galabovo • Garmen • General Toshevo • Georgi Damyanovo • Glavinitsa • Godech • Gorna Malina • Gorna Oryahovitsa • Gotse Delchev • Gramada • Gulyantsi • Gurkovo • Hadzhidimovo • Harmanli • Haskovo • Hayredin • Hisarya • Hitrino • Ihtiman • Iskar • Isperih • Ivanovo • Ivaylovgrad • Kaloyanovo • Kameno • Kaolinovo • Kardzhali • Karlovo • Karnobat •Kaspichan • Kavarna • Kaynardzha • Kazanlak • Kirkovo • Knezha • Kocherinovo • Koprivshtitsa • Kostenets • Kostinbrod • Kotel • Kovachevtsi • Kozloduy • Kresna • Krichim • Krivodol • Krumovgrad • Krushari • Kubrat • Kuklen • Kula • Kyustendil • Laki • Lesichovo • Letnitsa • Levski • Lom • Lovech • Loznitsa • Lukovit • Lyaskovets • Lyubimets • Madan • Madzharovo • Maglizh • Makresh • Malko Tarnovo • Maritsa • Medkovets • Mezdra • Mineralni Bani • Mirkovo • Miziya • Momchilgrad • Montana • Nedelino • Nesebar • Nevestino • Nikola Kozlevo • Nikolaevo • Nikopol • Nova Zagora • Novi Pazar • Novo Selo • Omurtag • Opaka • Opan • Oryahovo • Panagyurishte • Parvomay • Pavel Banya • Pavlikeni • Pazardzhik • Pernik • Perushtitsa • Peshtera • Petrich • Pirdop • Pleven • Plovdiv • Polski Trambesh • Pomorie • Popovo • Pordim • Pravets • Primorsko • Provadiya • Radnevo • Radomir • Rakitovo • Rakovski • Razgrad • Razlog • Rila • Rodopi • Roman • Rudozem • Ruen • Ruse • Ruzhintsi • Sadovo • Saedinenie • Samokov • Samuil • Sandanski • Sapareva Banya • Sarnitsa • Satovcha • Septemvri • Sevlievo • Shabla • Shumen • Silistra • Simeonovgrad • Simitli • Sitovo • Sliven • Slivnitsa • Slivo Pole • Smolyan • Smyadovo • Stolitsa • Sopot • Sozopol • Sredets • Stamboliyski • Stambolovo • Stara Zagora • Straldzha • Strazhitsa • Strelcha • Strumyani • Suhindol • Sungurlare • Suvorovo • Svilengrad • Svishtov • Svoge • Targovishte • Tervel • Teteven • Topolovgrad • Tran • Treklyano • Troyan • Tryavna • Tsar Kaloyan • Tsarevo • Tsenovo • Tundzha • Tutrakan • Tvarditsa • Ugarchin • Valchedram • Valchi Dol • Varbitsa • Varna • Varshets • Veliki Preslav • Veliko Tarnovo • Velingrad • Venets • Vetovo • Vetrino • Vidin • Vratsa • Yablanitsa • Yakimovo • Yakoruda • Yambol • Zavet • Zemen • Zlataritsa • Zlatitsa • Zlatograd
Berkovitsa Municipality is in Montana Province, northwestern Bulgaria, on the northern slopes of the western Balkan Mountains. It was first mentioned by name in Ottoman documents dating from 1488.
History of Berkovitsa Municipality
The Berkovitsa region has a long history of habitation
Geography of Berkovitsa Municipality
Berkovitsa Municipality covers an area of 464 sq km. It is the southernmost municipality of Montana Province. It lies on the northern slopes of the western Balkan mountains, with hilly terrain broken up by streams flowing through its territory. The area is rich in wildlife and vegetation, with blueberries and raspberries filling the stomachs of many a wanderer during long summer afternoons.
There are 20 villages and towns in the municipality with a total population of about 18,000 people. Almost 75% of the population, over 13,000 people, reside in the town of Berkovitsa. Barziya, population 1400, and Zamfirovo, population 1200, are the only other villages of any size. None of the rest rises above 300 souls. They include Balyuvitsa, Bistrilitsa, Bokilovtsi, Borovtsi, Chereshovitsa, Gaganitsa, Komarevo, Kostentsi, Kotenovtsi, Leskovets, Mezdreya, Parlichevo, Pesochnitsa, Rashovitsa, Slatina, Tsvetkova Bara, and Yagodovo.
Economy of Berkovitsa Municipality
Tourism in Berkovitsa Municipality
Berkovitsa offers tremendous opportunities to escape city crowds and wander amidst the great outdoors of the western Balkan mountains. The famous Bulgarian author Ivan Vazov said it best:
Such wonderful nature here! What beauty in this unknown little paradise.
Berkovitsa town is a good starting point for excursions into the mountains and valleys of the municipality. There are over a dozen different marked trails leading to places of interest in the area. Some of the more popular destinations are:
- Kom Peak At 2016 m (6614 ft), the highest point in the region. 90 minute walk from Kom Hut. Panoramic views from the starting point of the Kom to Emine trek (European E-3 long distance trail.)
- Zdravchenitsa Peak Hike up to the summit at 1176 m (3858 ft). Trails from Berkovitsa town and Chereshovitsa.
- Haiydushki Waterfalls Hike beside streams and cascades to reach the waterfalls.
- Klisura Monastery A working monastery founded in the 13th century.
- Siniya Vir The Blue Pool. A favorite local spot for trout fishing.
- Ashiklar Mountain meadows for walking and picnics. Close to Berkovitsa town.
- Kaleto Nature Park For outdoor excursions. Roman fortress ruins found on the hill.
Museums in Berkovitsa Municipality
Berkovitsa Ethnographic Museum
Ivan Vazov House Museum
Klisurski Monastery Museum
Famous People from Berkovitsa Municipality
Timo Angelov Revolutionary
Georgi Bliznakov Chemist
Donyo Donev Animator
Pavlina Filipova Athlete
Valentin Naydenov Ivanov Athlete
This collection of photos captures the sights and scenes of Berkovitsa Municipality, Montana Province, Bulgaria.
Aksakovo • Alfatar • Anton • Antonovo • Apriltsi • Ardino • Asenovgrad • Avren • Aytos • Balchik • Banite • Bansko • Batak • Belene • Belitsa • Belogradchik • Beloslav • Belovo • Berkovitsa • Blagoevgrad • Boboshevo • Bobov Dol • Bolyarovo • Borino • Borovan • Borovo • Botevgrad • Boychinovtsi • Boynitsa • Bozhurishte • Bratsigovo • Bratya Daskalovi • Bregovo • Breznik • Brezovo • Brusartsi • Burgas • Byala (Ruse) • Byala (Varna) • Byala Slatina • Chavdar • Chelopech • Chepelare • Chernoochene • Cherven Bryag • Chiprovtsi • Chirpan • Chuprene • Dalgopol • Devin • Devnya • Dimitrovgrad • Dimovo • Dobrich • Dobrichka • Dolna Banya • Dolna Mitropoliya • Dolni Chiflik • Dolni Dabnik • Dospat • Dragoman • Dryanovo • Dulovo • Dupnitsa • Dve Mogili • Dzhebel • Elena • Elhovo • Elin Pelin • Etropole • Gabrovo • Galabovo • Garmen • General Toshevo • Georgi Damyanovo • Glavinitsa • Godech • Gorna Malina • Gorna Oryahovitsa • Gotse Delchev • Gramada • Gulyantsi • Gurkovo • Hadzhidimovo • Harmanli • Haskovo • Hayredin • Hisarya • Hitrino • Ihtiman • Iskar • Isperih • Ivanovo • Ivaylovgrad • Kaloyanovo • Kameno • Kaolinovo • Kardzhali • Karlovo • Karnobat •Kaspichan • Kavarna • Kaynardzha • Kazanlak • Kirkovo • Knezha • Kocherinovo • Koprivshtitsa • Kostenets • Kostinbrod • Kotel • Kovachevtsi • Kozloduy • Kresna • Krichim • Krivodol • Krumovgrad • Krushari • Kubrat • Kuklen • Kula • Kyustendil • Laki • Lesichovo • Letnitsa • Levski • Lom • Lovech • Loznitsa • Lukovit • Lyaskovets • Lyubimets • Madan • Madzharovo • Maglizh • Makresh • Malko Tarnovo • Maritsa • Medkovets • Mezdra • Mineralni Bani • Mirkovo • Miziya • Momchilgrad • Montana • Nedelino • Nesebar • Nevestino • Nikola Kozlevo • Nikolaevo • Nikopol • Nova Zagora • Novi Pazar • Novo Selo • Omurtag • Opaka • Opan • Oryahovo • Panagyurishte • Parvomay • Pavel Banya • Pavlikeni • Pazardzhik • Pernik • Perushtitsa • Peshtera • Petrich • Pirdop • Pleven • Plovdiv • Polski Trambesh • Pomorie • Popovo • Pordim • Pravets • Primorsko • Provadiya • Radnevo • Radomir • Rakitovo • Rakovski • Razgrad • Razlog • Rila • Rodopi • Roman • Rudozem • Ruen • Ruse • Ruzhintsi • Sadovo • Saedinenie • Samokov • Samuil • Sandanski • Sapareva Banya • Sarnitsa • Satovcha • Septemvri • Sevlievo • Shabla • Shumen • Silistra • Simeonovgrad • Simitli • Sitovo • Sliven • Slivnitsa • Slivo Pole • Smolyan • Smyadovo • Stolitsa • Sopot • Sozopol • Sredets • Stamboliyski • Stambolovo • Stara Zagora • Straldzha • Strazhitsa • Strelcha • Strumyani • Suhindol • Sungurlare • Suvorovo • Svilengrad • Svishtov • Svoge • Targovishte • Tervel • Teteven • Topolovgrad • Tran • Treklyano • Troyan • Tryavna • Tsar Kaloyan • Tsarevo • Tsenovo • Tundzha • Tutrakan • Tvarditsa • Ugarchin • Valchedram • Valchi Dol • Varbitsa • Varna • Varshets • Veliki Preslav • Veliko Tarnovo • Velingrad • Venets • Vetovo • Vetrino • Vidin • Vratsa • Yablanitsa • Yakimovo • Yakoruda • Yambol • Zavet • Zemen • Zlataritsa • Zlatitsa • Zlatograd
