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| APRILTZY |
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| The
town of Apriltsi (200 km north-east of Sofia, 500-600 m above
sea- level, above 5 000 people) is situated in a lovely valley
commanding an enchanting view. |
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The valley is bounded by the
Severen Dzhendem Reserve, the peaks Triglav, Botev (the highest
peak of the Balkan Mountains, 2376 m) and Maragidik, famous
for its unique form and beauty. At the foot of these mountain
peaks the landscape changes from dense forest slopes into picturesque
hills and lush meadows, cut by the twisting flow of the rivers
Ostreshka, Vidimska and Zla reka. The natural environment ensures
a favourable climate to the area - cool summer nights, mild
and sunny winters, pure mountain air.
The first people to settle in
Apriltsi came from the Turnovo region. They were descendants
of rebellious boyar (noble) families, or refugees from the invasion
of the Ottoman Turks. Judging from the remains of a Thracian
stronghold at the entrance of the Russaliyski Pass, these lands
were inhabited many centuries earlier.
A monastery school was established
in this place in 1812, and the first modern secular school opened
in 1850. In 1872 the famous Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski
founded a secret revolutionary committee in the town.
The heroism of the freedom-loving
people of this part of the Balkan Mountain is well-known in
Bulgarian history. Many of them met their tragic death after
the April uprising of 1876 was severely crushed by the Turks.
In 1976, a century after the April
uprising, as an act of gratitude to their predecessors, our
contemporaries founded the town of Apriltsi by uniting 4 neighbouring
villages (Novo selo, Ostrets, Vidima and Zla reka).
Apriltsi has recently developed
into an attractive mountain resort with its renovated recreation
facilities, new private hotels and restaurants, modern night
clubs and cafes, swimming pools.
Apriltsi offers its visitors opportunities
for fishing, mountaineering, horse-riding, cycling, tennis,
skiing, numerous hiking routes, a luxurious hunting centre,
fascinating picnic sites and bathing by the river banks.
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