Vidin/Montana

Vidin is situated in the Vidin Lowland by the Danube River in the Northwestern part of Bulgaria. It is about 190 km northwest from Sofia and 52 km north of Belogradchik.

Vidin is a border town with Romania – to the North and Serbia to the west. The Danube River is a natural border between the town and Kalafat- Romanian town. Both towns are at the present moment connected by a Ferry. In 2009 the II Danube Bridge is expected to be complete n the region and thus will provide easy access between the two countries. Places to visit: Baba Vida Fortress (Babini Vidini Kuli)- is one of the most remarkable monuments of medieval architecture of residence and architectural character in Bulgaria right on the bank of the Danube river.

The Baba Vida Castle was built upon the foundations of the ancient fortress of Bononia, upon the ruins of a Thracian settlement in the early 1 century AD. The original construction plan of the castle was not changed very much over the centuries. The Castle was built on an area of 9.5 acres, surrounded by a moat, 12 metre wide and 6 metre deep. The castle has got a nearly square shape, its angles pointing at the four geographical directions, each side about 70 metre long. The final extension of the castle was accomplished by King Ivan Sratsimir.

“Kaleto” is a system of fortifying equipment on the land and the Danube River. “Krastata Kazarma”- the building was built in 1798 in the place of the old palace of the pasture under the guidance of polish specialists for the needs of the janissary of Osman Pazvantoglu.

The mosque and the library of Pazvantoglu- which are independent complex build by the independent ruler in 1800.

Montana is a regional centre 145 km north of Sofia next to Ogosta River, not far from Ogosta Dam. The city is huddled between the foothill of the Balkan Mountain Range and the Danube river Plain. It is an important transport junction of Northwestern Bulgaria. Places to visit: The Museum of History exhibits more that 50 000 exponents.

Kiril Petrov art gallery is known for its valuable works of art. The remains of the ancient fortress Monata can be seen in the south- western part of the town perched on Kaleto/ Gradishteto Ridge, rising above the town.

Nearby sightseeing: Ogosta dam is situated southwest of the town, 3,5 km from the Bistrilitsa village. It is one of the biggest dams in Bulgaria. The region hosts numerous private villas and is suitable for recreation and sports.

“St Yoan Predtecha Lopoushanski Monastery” (st John the Precursor) is 20 km in western direction of the town. The national writer and poet Ivan Vasov is known as a recent visitor of the monastery.