Location: Haskovo is located in the hilly plains of South east Bulgaria. It is situated 225 km away in the south-east direction from Sofia, not far from the borders with Turkey and Greece, which predetermines its key geographic location.
Population: The population of Haskovo is about 80 870 residents.
History: Haskovo is a city with a millennial history. Evidence about its long history can be found in the numerous pre-historic, Thracian, Roman, late Antiquity and Middle Ages archaeological monuments around Haskovo. During the first half of the 13th century, one of the most successful battles in Bulgarian history took place around Haskovo (close to the village of Klokotnitsa). On the 9th of March, 1230, Tsar Ivan Asen II achieved an unprecedented military victory over Byzantium. The Klokotnitsa battle is one of the most significant battles in Bulgarian history. During the next centuries, Haskovo developed as a craftsman’s settlement and it gradually became the centre of tobacco industry in our country.
Landmarks:
- The Holy Mother of God Monument: People often call Haskovo the town of the Mother of God, since she was considered protector of this town during the centuries. The statue of the Mother of God and the Infant which was included in the Guinness book of records as the highest in the world is located here.
- The Regional Museum of History in Haskovo offers rich ethnographical exposition with typical for the local population rituals, clothing, jewellery, fabrics and crafts. Part of it is also the “Pascalev’s house” – cultural monument of national importance where the transition between rural and city life is very well displayed.
- Houses from the Revival period: Several houses from the 19th century – the period of Bulgarian National Revival have been well preserved in Haskovo. They impress with their original architecture, the wonderful wood carvings on the ceilings, walls and doors and the beautiful decorations in the rooms. The houses from the Revival period in Haskovo constitute an expression of the increased aesthetical demands of the rich craftsmen and traders in Bulgaria. The permanent expositions in them arranged by the Regional historical museum reveal treasures from the daily routine of the residents of Haskovo – an incredible mixture of rural, urban and European lifestyles. Among the most beautiful houses are the House of Chorbadzhi Paskal, Shishman’s House and Gurkov’s House.
Surroundings
- The Tomb of Aleksandrovo: was found close the village of Aleksandrovo, 20 km away from Haskovo and was opened in the year 2000. It dates back from the 4th century B.C. and it is one of the most prominent monuments of Thracian culture. The well-preserved mural paintings, where one can distinguish 23 human figures, enrich our notions about the Thracian religious rituals, weaponry, lifestyle and clothes with new information and account for the great artistic skills of Thracian people.
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