Hello hike enthusiasts! Further exploring Bulgaria, we will go to the city of Ruse. The city is a tourist destination for both relaxing trips and Balkan history lessons. Thanks to many monuments, interesting architecture and atmospheric streets, it is a perfect place for interesting walks.
In the center of Ruse, just like in other larger cities in Bulgaria, you can eat very well and cheaply.
Ruse is a city located in north-eastern Bulgaria, on the Danube River and located on the Bulgarian-Romanian border. The history of the city dates back 2,000 years. Settlement in the area of the modern town of Ruse already existed in prehistoric times.
Currently, Ruse is a modern urban center considered the most European city in Bulgaria. The city is known for its 19th and 20th century architecture created by Italian, Viennese and Bulgarian architects in the style of neoclassicism and secessionism. Ruse is often referred to as “Little Vienna” because of the classic style of its buildings.
What is worth visiting in Ruse?
EcoMuseum & Aquarium
The Ecomuseum houses a variety of animal species and protected areas along the Danube. As well as a rich collection of fossils and dioramas showing various animal species in real environments. There is also the largest freshwater aquarium in Bulgaria with fish from the Danube and the rivers flowing into it.
National Museum of Transport and Communications
It is worth visiting the National Transport Museum in Ruse to discover the rich history of Bulgarian transport. The museum shows the evolution of means of transport in the country, such as: Old carriages, carriages, classic cars, locomotives and railway wagons. The exhibits include vehicles manufactured in Bulgaria and imported from abroad.
“Sexaginta Prista” Port of the sixty ships fortress
The Roman fortress of Sexaginta Prista, or “port of sixty ships”, refers to the victories over the Dacians during the wars led by the Roman emperor Domitian (85-89). Within the fortress there are the remains of a Roman military headquarters, used from the first third of the 4th century to the first decade of the 5th century, coins and pottery, a stone tunnel, used in the Ottoman period, which can be reached by 30 steps.
The fortress was destroyed during the invasions of the Avars and Slavs in the late 6th and early 7th centuries. The structures discovered in 1976-1978 were preserved, and in 2002 the archaeological exhibition “Sexaginta Prista” was opened.
Rock Monastery St. Dimitar Basarabovski Basarbovo
Basarbowski Monastery on the Rock “St. Dimitrius Basarbovski” is located in the Rusenski Lom river valley, near the village of Basarbovo, 10 km from the town of Ruse. The rock monastery was built during the Second Bulgarian Empire, but its name first appeared in the Ottoman tax register from 1431.
Regional Historical Museum, Ruse
I also recommend visiting the Regional Museum in Ruse, which is a unique place that takes you back to the historical times of the region. In the past, the building served as a palace of justice, then a library, and today a museum. It is one of the most important places in the city. Here you will find archaeological, ethnographic, historical and art collections, showing the complexity of the cultural heritage of the Ruse region.
Freedom Monument, Ruse
The Freedom Monument in Rousse, Bulgaria was built in the early 20th century by sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi. Over time, it gained importance as one of the city’s symbols, and now appears on the city’s coat of arms.
Pantheon of National Revival Heroes
The Pantheon of Heroes of the National Revival (Bulgarian: Пантеон на възрожденците) is a Bulgarian national monument and mortuary. The remains of 39 famous Bulgarians were buried there, including: Lyuben Karavelov, Zahari Stoyanov, Stefan Karadzha, Panayot Hitov, Tonka Obretenova, Nikola Obretenov, Panayot Volov, Angel Kanchev and others; 453 other participants of the Botev detachment, the Cherven Voda detachment in the April Uprising and other revolutionaries were honored with an inscription of their names in the interior.
Friends Bridge Bulgaria – Romania
The Friendship Bridge is a symbol connecting Bulgaria and Romania. The route runs along the road and railway tracks over the bridge over the Danube on the Romanian-Bulgarian border. The bridge connects the cities of Giurgiu on the Romanian side and Ruse on the Bulgarian side and roads No. 5 and No. 2, respectively. European routes E70 and E85 run through the bridge.
Chiflika Restaurant
The best rated places to eat are:
- Капанъ Italian cuisine Address: 4 Dodrukha str., 7000
- Mechan “Chiflik” Restaurant Address: street “Otetz Paisiy” 2
- “New House” Restaurant Address: street “Hristo G. Danov” 5
Ruse is a wonderful city. Visiting monuments, historical buildings and museums in this beautiful city is a pleasure. It’s also worth checking out the recommended restaurants.
