REGIONAL LANDSCAPE IDENTITY IN BULGARIA Open Spaces around Veliko Turnovo Project Partners

Municipality of Avrig, Romania Responsible for the content of the brochure:

Astra National Museum Complex, Romania University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Institute of Landscape Architecture Foundation Samuel von Brukenthal, Romania DI Pixie Jacobs IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Austria DDI Anja Seliger DI Jürgen Furchtlehner University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria Vienna, 2014 Municipality of Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria

Municipality of Alexandroupolis, Greece

Regional Department for Cultural Heritage Apulia, Italy

Berlin University of Technology, Germany

Further information: www.culttour.eu

2 Content

5 How to use this brochure

7 Introduction

13 Open spaces around Veliko Turnovo

62 List of open spaces

64 Sources

Project Partner-City Sofia Veliko Turnovo

BULGARIA

3 4 How to use this brochure

How can a region identify itself through its landscape, longer descriptions - these are more prominent and unique sites especially through its open spaces? What kind of open spaces - and there are open spaces with reduced description, which are are there and why are they special for the region? also worth a visit, especially if they are „on the way“. These questions and more will be discussed in this brochure. All sites can be formed to a route, which can be composed First, an overview about the meaning of open spaces and individually. The sites are reachable either by car, bus or train. landscape characteristics in a region is given. Thereby, the A few sites can only be reached by foot, even though there are importance and the value of the landscape and espacially the parking facilities or a train station close by. value of open spaces is discussed. Taking Veliko Turnovo as a starting point, all sites are within a After an introducing statement on landscape characteristics distance of 100 kilometers. and open spaces in general, a compilation of noteworthy open spaces around Veliko Turnovo is presented. All of the A summerizing list of the presented open spaces showing their presented sites are of local distinctiveness and can be seen as specific landscape characteristical aspect(s) can be found at the potential for strengthening and developing a region and their end of the folder. identity. Background information to the sites is given, including hints about the speciality of each open space. There are sites with

5 6 Introduction

The brochure „Regional Landscape Identity in Bulgaria - Open visible, an area can be experienced in an innovative way. Spaces around Veliko Turnovo“ presents open spaces in the region around Veliko Turnovo and shows typical landscape The brochure can be seen as a tool for people to get aware of characteristics. The folder aims to highlight the specific the significance of open spaces and of their presence in the character of the area, exemplified through its open space region. Furthermore, open spaces as indicators of the overall heritage sites. quality of a city or of a whole region is a fact which is not The folder is presenting the singularity of the human built always apparent on the first sight, but which is evident for the landscape in the area and discusses what local characteristics development of a city or a whole region. This potential as an can be. In this sense it is necessary to understand that open attractor and value (e.g. in fields of life quality, recreation, spaces are much more than gardens or parks. But what is an biodiversity, micro-climate, education, social interaction, open space and why is it worth to deal with them? economy, tourism) needs to be realized.

What is an open space? The folder is also meant to help, strenghthen and develop regional identity. Open spaces, literally formed by people Open spaces are human interventions in the cultural landscape for people, are giving identity to a village, to a city or to a and can be of various types: all kind of parks and gardens, whole region. People are using them for recreation purposes, other public sites like squares, promenades or boulevards, for meeting other people, for trading or just for passing. memorials, exhibition sites or spiritual sites like churchyard Everybody is using open spaces in everyday life, consciously gardens or cemeteries, just to name some. or subconsciously. Thus, open spaces shape people and vice Open spaces are the backbone of each village, of each city. versa. Open spaces reflect society. „The physical environment Within open spaces, regional characteristics are present in the is being shaped by culture, however culture is also the result landscape all around us all the time. of the existential expression of a society being shaped by the Through making them accessible and through making them environment“ (Pellitero, 2011, 59).

7 Each period of time brings out specifically formed open The presented sites have to be seen as an open list. There is no spaces, as a result of social, political or economic reasons. ranking. The open spaces shown in the folder are noteworthy Sometimes they have been transformed over the years. Some examples (from a landscape architectural observation), but others have kept the original state. Both, transformed sites, there will be more to be discovered in the region. historic sites or even completely new open spaces have impact on the life of people. What is Landscape Architecture?

The presented open spaces are the result of an intensive Like architecture is primarily dealing with buildings, landscape research work in the area within Project CultTour. The city architecture is a field dedicated to the designed landscape. of Veliko Turnovo as project partner of Project CultTour was Designed landscape includes so-called open spaces inside and therefore chosen to be the starting point for investigating the outside of settlement areas. The genesis and the manifestations regions characteristics in the human shaped landscape and in of open spaces are topics of landscape architecture, which open spaces. Visiting the region, investigating and analysing make spatial, natural, cultural and social contexts to a matter sites, searching for regional characteristics, talking to regional and task of landscape architects. experts, inhabitants or professionals from municipalities was Traces of human intervention are present in each open space. part of the elaboration process. These human interventions and their temporal origins and phases characterize and zone the space. The traces left behind All information gathered is broken to an understandable and are complex and rich in associations. Open spaces with their easy readable form, not only useable for professionals, but also design, use, or facilities reflect the respective society and for other interested people. The brochure provides background culture of an area or region. Open spaces reflect the local information to the sites as well as photographs to get a good distinctiveness and the overall quality of a whole region. Since picture on the manifold types of open spaces found in the this fact, landscape architecture can strengthen the regional region. identity and the regional development.

8 The benefits of a regional open space route What is a region?

Taking the presented open spaces and forming them to “Compared with the individually experienced and produced an individual regional route offers a new approach when 'place', the 'region' has an explicit institutionalised and discovering and dealing with a region. Each region, each city thus collective nature. Place refers to the process by which is consisting of various open space sites. The compilation of everyday practices of individuals relate to the structures of the sites aims to point out exemplarily the regional character. institutional power, whereas region is a symbolic entity beyond The sites are chosen in order to point out the regional direct experience produced by individuals only by collective characteristics in open space exemplarily and to make them means” (Paasi, 1991, 11). visible. Each of the sites is chosen according to one or more specific regional characteristics and their manifestation at the A region is characterized by various features, most of which site. This can be for example materials, plantings, ornaments, have impact on the landscape and on open spaces. But first of memorials or statues, a specific historical and/or social context, all, what defines a region? a specific design or colour, a typical pattern of urban planning A region is kind of a coherent area. This coherent area consists with impact on the site and many more (see also list of open of a certain similarity and the similarity is defined through spaces and their characteristics on p. 62). certain features. One similarity feature can be for example Open spaces are always embedded into urban or regional a dialect, a folk culture of a region (cf. Schindegger, 1999, landscapes and context. In this sense, each open space shows 38). These features are so-called tangible features and they specific regional characteristic and its manifestation. can be depicted inter alia as language, religion, historical processes, economy, trades and industries, regional products, infrastructure, or ethnicity. Next to tangible features exist intangible features. They define a regional space through a

9 daily life experience, intensive social interaction or networks. aggregate out of multifactorial elements. The intangible features are leading to the precious feeling of belonging (cf. Roth et al., 2009, 22). The continuation of this thoughts leads to the the meaning of spatial or regional identity. Speaking of the identity of a place, Besides all the above mentioned characteristics, a region a village, or a region, identity must be somehow connected to is often defined by natural basics. Morphology shapes the one´s personal identity. landscape through its mountains, seas or rivers. This causes People do relate themselves with a place of origin or a place natural boundaries like they are very visible for example of special personnel context. This place or area is not just at an island. Furthermore regions can be defined through manifested through its morphological shape; it is linked to its its functional integration like an economical area, an manifold cultural faces. administrative area or a network of cities (e.g. a city triangle). “Regional identity formation is a deeply social, spatial and historical (cultural) phenomenon that contains a stabilising and What is regional identity? changing, destructive and constructing character” (Raagma, 2002, 2). “Social spaces and identities are changing throughout history, but belonging, as the basic social need, always exits (quite One explanatory method of the meaning of regional identity constantly) like the need for a food and safety” (Raagma, is the model of Paasi. The model identifies four conditions 2002, 7). of regional identity. The first one is the morphological One of the first associations concerning identity may be appearance of a landscape; for example its boundaries. Paasi someone´s condition of being her and him selves. It seems defines it as the perceived space. Second condition is the to be a quite stable condition, but in fact is “[...] the concept regions name, fauna and flora, color of earth, or its well known of identity ambiguous and dynamic” (Meesly et al., no date, personalities. It is the conceived space, or symbolic form. The 19). One reason of these modifications is that identity is an third space is the social one. It is characterized by its private

10 and professional relation ships, associations or educational institutions. The fourth one is the spiritual space; it is “[...] the emerging socio-spatial consciousness of the inhabitants and the establishment of the region/locality in the regional system.“ (Raagma, 2002, 8). All four conditions are not taking place behind one another; they are taking place simultaneously. The fourth condition, the spiritual space or region, may be also called genius loci. The genius loci is a place that carries out the free association of love. The bonding to a region is close to the feeling of love; it is a deep emotion and can not be measured.

Summing up, the reader is meant to present the region in a new focus. It shows the regional characteristics being visible in open spaces and it helps to face the value of these sites. Getting awareness of the potential of open spaces is essential when developing a village, a city or a whole region. Additionally, open spaces are always telling stories – they are testimonies of the society and of the past. This circumstance should not be neglected, but handled and used wisely.

11 12 Open spaces around Veliko Turnovo

13 Bulgaria and region around Veliko Turnovo

ROMANIA

Rousse

Varna SERBIA Pleven

Veliko Turnovo

Sliven Kazanlak SOFIA BLACK SEA Burgas Stara Zagora

Plovdiv

Former Yugoslav Republic of MACEDONIA

TURKEY

GREECE N 0 50 100km

14 Map of open spaces in the region

14 15 16 17 18 19 Pleven

13 Pavlikeni

11 Gorna Oryahovitsa 20 21 22 10 Lysakovets Arbanasi Lovech 09 Veliko Turnovo 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

12 Kalifarevo

Gabrovo 23 24 25 26

27 Legend Shipka Overpass 28 Buzludja Road

Open space 01 29 30 31 City or village Kazanlak

15 16 Legend

i Contact information Type of open space Noteworthy features Opening hours Entrance fee Reachability P Car parking Handicapped accessible Facilities Equipment Atmosphere Points of interest in the surrounding

17 01 Park Marno Pole Veliko Turnovo The park Marno Pole is located southwest of the historic center of Veliko Turnovo. There was a former military camp and a place for markets and fairs. The expansion of the city to the west resulted in an increase in construction activity in the vicinity of Marno Pole, i ul. Marno Pole, Veliko Turnovo especially in the period between the two world wars. The creation +359 62 622 148 (Tourist information Veliko Turnovo) of the park began in the beginning of the 1950s. http://www.velikoturnovo.info/en/index/ In 1955, an open-air theatre was constructed in the southern part Park and in 1960, a fountain was built. Today there is a new water cas- Hot spot and meeting point, historic elements and contemporary cade instead of the old fountain. This large new cascade lights up in design, water-cascades with terraces the dark in a broad spectrum of colors. The area around the water 24 hours cascade is a popular place for the local population. In contrast, the woody part of the park offers an ideal getaway. No Car, train (Veliko Turnovo station approx. 1 km), local bus service P In the surrounding Yes Kiosk, shops, cafés etc. in the surrounding, restaurant in the park Benches, lighting, litter bins, backgammon boards, fountains and cascades,water-supply, skatepark, open-air theatre Lively, vibrant and at the same time recreation island City center of Veliko Turnovo, Park Boruna, Mayka Bulgaria

Veliko Turnovo

18 19

Park Marno Pole 02 Park Boruna Veliko Turnovo Boruna is an area in the east of the city of Veliko Turnovo. It is located on a peninsula, which is formed by the Jantra River. The top of the peninsula was terraced. On the upper plateau there is the Art Gallery Boris Denev, which was built in 1927. On the i ul. Alexander Stamboliyski, Veliko Turnovo middle plateau is the Asenevtsi Monument (by the sculptor Krum +359 62 622 148 (Tourist information Veliko Turnovo) Damyanov). It was built in 1985 to celebrate the 800th anniversary http://www.velikoturnovo.info/en/index/ of the uprising of Asen and Petar, which led to the liberation of Park, square, memorial site Bulgaria from the Byzantine Empire. The third and lowest plateau Panoramic view, peninsula, impressive monument, river Jantra, serves as a spacious terrace with view on the opposite hill where unique pavement, terraces, meeting point, temporary event-site the old town of Veliko Turnovo is located. The banks of the Jantra River are natural with a largely unspoiled flora and fauna. 24 hours In this vegetation, the peninsula is embedded and hence it offers No an escape, however, is a popular space for locals and tourist and Car, train (Veliko Turnovo station approx. 1 km) cultural events. The mixture of natural and artificial landscape give this place a very special charm. P In the surrounding Limited Art Gallery Boris Denev Scattered benches, partly lighting Extraordinary - although highly visible from far a place of silence and relaxation with impressive focal point monument City center of Veliko Turnovo, Art Gallery Boris Denev, Sveta Gora

Veliko Turnovo

20 21

Park Boruna 03 Sveta Gora Veliko Turnovo South of the Boruna area the land rises and forms a smooth transition to the forest park Sveta Gora. The name Sveta Gora (Holy Mountain) has a historic background because there were well-known monasteries and churches located on the hill. i Sveta Gora, ul. Alexander Stamboliyski, Veliko Turnovo The forested hill is accessible by a broad staircase system and +359 62 622 148 (Tourist information Veliko Turnovo) winding pathes on the upper parts. A ruined restaurant still makes a http://www.velikoturnovo.info/en/index/ historical testimony of this place as a popular recreational area. Forest park In its forest-like vegetation, Sveta Gora is a quiet retreat with Large recreation area, long charming staircase, winding pathes panoramic views of Veliko Turnovo. In another part of Sveta Gora, there is still the university, which 24 hours stands on the site of a former monastery. No Car, train (Veliko Turnovo station approx. 0,5 km) P In the surrounding Limited - Benches, abandoned sports field and playground Silence (shady forest, open meadows), „abandoned“ City center of Veliko Turnovo, Park Boruna

Veliko Turnovo

22 23

Sveta Gora 04 Open space of the Palace In the western part of Veliko Turnovo there is the Palace of Culture and of Culture and Sports Sports Wasil Lewski. The complex was built in 1985 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the uprising of Asen and Petar, just like the Asenevtsi Monu- Wasil Lewski ment on the Boruna-area. The monumental stand-alone building is partially Veliko Turnovo recessed so that only a broad staircase system could provide accessibility. The building is surrounded by a generous square that reinforces the solitary i ul. Krakov, Veliko Turnovo and monumental character and causes a detachment from the environment. +359 62641 992 A mix of different floor coverings with different colors creates a noteworthy pattern. Evergreen trees and shrubs enhance the separate character of this Square complex of building and open space. Details in the open space like massive Unique design of entrance situation, former representation function, flagpoles, characteristic laterns or benches built alongside on concrete walls remarkable interaction of the square and the building have to be mentioned as well. The whole site is a testimony - in its design and 24 hours in the used materials - of its high significance in the former communisitc era. No Car, train (Veliko Turnovo station approx. 2,5 km), local bus service P In the surrounding Limited Kiosk, shops in the surrounding Benches, litter bins, lighting Run-down site, lost, impressive -

Veliko Turnovo

24 25

05 Mayka Bulgaria Veliko Turnovo

i pl. Mayka Bulgaria; bul. Vasil Levski, Veliko Turnovo +359 62 622 148 (Tourist information Veliko Turnovo) http://www.velikoturnovo.info/en/index/ Square, memorial site Memorial of Bulgarian identity, meeting point 24 hours No Car, train (Veliko Turnovo station approx. 1 km), local bus service P In the surrounding Yes Lively, oasis in the city center City center of Veliko Turnovo, Park Marno Pole, Park Boruna

Veliko Turnovo

26 View terraces along 06 Stefan Stambolov street Veliko Turnovo

ul. Stefan Stambolev, Veliko Turnovo i +359 62 622 148 (Tourist information Veliko Turnovo) http://www.velikoturnovo.info/en/index/ Squares View terraces, recreation and vista spots 24 hours No Car, train (Veliko Turnovo station approx. 2 km), local bus service In the surrounding P Yes Spectacular, view to the far horizon and Boruna City center of Veliko Turnovo, Mayka Bulgaria, Park Marno Pole, Tsarevets Castle

Veliko Turnovo

27 07 Cemetery Veliko Turnovo Veliko Turnovo

i ul. Belyakovsko Shose, Veliko Turnovo +359 62 621735; [email protected] +359 62 622 148 (Tourist information Veliko Turnovo) http://www.velikoturnovo.info/en/index/ Cemetery Depiction of urban and regional history, cultural and biological diversity, topography and landscape Daytime No Car, train (Veliko Turnovo station approx. 3 km), local bus service P Yes Limited Silence, commemorative spirit -

Veliko Turnovo

28 Park Nicola Gabrovski 08 Veliko Turnovo

bul. Nikola Gabrovski, Veliko Turnovo i +359 62 622 148 (Tourist information Veliko Turnovo) http://www.velikoturnovo.info/en/index/ Park Meeting point for local population, recreation spot 24 hours No Car, train (Veliko Turnovo station approx. 2 km), local bus service In the surrounding P Limited Open and welcoming -

Veliko Turnovo

29 09 Park and square Lyaskovets

i ul. Treti Mart, Center of Lyaskovets

Park, square Massive monument, memorial site, terraced recreation platformes, fountain, design mixture of fragile and massive elements 24 hours No Car P In the surrounding Limited Museum of Gardening close by, shops etc. in the surrounding Welcoming and open Museum of Gardening Lyaskovets

Lysakovets

30 Schivkov garden 10 Arbanasi

Southwest of Arbanasi i Hotel Arbanassi Palace www.arbanassipalace.bg +359 62630176

Private garden Amplified and former representative garden area, panoramic view over Veliko Turnovo Limited to guests or admitted by reception No Car In the surrounding P No Wide, private, controlled Village of Arbanasi

Arbanasi

31 11 Square Georgi Izmerliev The square Georgi Izmerliev is located in the city center of Gorna Gorna Oryahovitsa Oryahovitsa. It is a wide square holding several functions. The pavement consists of irregular plates. Colorful flower beds, a i ul. Tsar Osvoboditel, Center of Gorna Oryahovitsa rectangular fountain and seatings invite to linger. The square Square, promenade has a high value for pedestrians - it is the core of the inner city Central point of the city, unique overall design and combination pedestrian area. Shopping possibilities, restaurants and cafés can of materials, water-installations and noteworthy pavement, be found around the square. To the west of this main square there pedestrian friendly city center, representation function for is a long staircase (promenade), which leads to a monument. This 24 hours monument commemorates the citizens of Gorna who died during No fighting since the Bulgarian April Uprising in 1876. The memorial Car, train (Gorna Oryahovitsa station approx. 2 km) was created in views towards the hill Kamaka with the monastery P In the surrounding St. Prophet Iliya. Residential buildings, the historical museum and Yes Shops, restaurants, cafés etc. Benches, lighting, monuments, litter bins, water installations,

Urban, lively (in the central area of the square), wide-spread City center of Gorna Oryahovitsa

Gorna Oryahovitsa

32 33 12 Kilifarevo Monastery garden Kilifarevo The Kilifarevo Monastery lies on the banks of the Belitsa River, southeast of the town of Kilifarevo and not far from Veliko Tur- novo. The first monastery in Kilifarevo was founded in 1348. This monastery was destroyed by the Turks. i 4 km southeast of Kilifarevo In 1718, the second Kilifarevo Monastery was erected on its +359 6114 2480 present place, just above the old monastery. A part of the new http://www.bulgariamonasteries.com/en/kilifarevo_monastery.html monastery was destroyed in the end of 18th century. Monastery courtyard, farmer garden Kolyo Ficheto, an eminent Bulgarian master began the construction of the church St. Dimitar in 1840. Crop plants such as old vines Garden tradition, passionate design and maintenance and fruit trees as well as the keeping of chickens characterize the Daytime (check before visiting) open space of this monastery. With its secluded location and its embedding into a forest you will find here a place of rest. No Regional flower decoration, a kitchen garden, wooden pergola- Car structures or historic findings placed in the garden are all part of P Yes this noteworthy monastery garden. Limited Chapel, tavern, possibility of accomodation Benches, litter bins, water supply, toilet Place of silence, private atmosphere, comfortable, commemorative and religious spirit, charming River Belitsa

Kilifarevo

34 35 13 Square of Liberty Pavlikeni With EU-funds for development of rural areas the redesign of the Square of Liberty was processed in 2010. The square is the center of a pedestrian zone. Increased planting areas divide the elongated rectangular ground i Center of Pavlikeni plan into individual areas. The focal point of this open space forms Square a square-like area, which is adjacent to the House of Culture. A fountain and a monument separate the open square area and the Contemporary design, fountain and water-installation, use of colours intimate sitting areas. and materials, noteworthy plant design, part of pedestrian area The furniture was made by red benches and red cube seats. 24 hours Through this red seating furniture, by its colored floor covering and No the combination with the green of the plants, the square gets a fresh vivid look. Car, train (Pavlikeni station approx. 700 m) P Yes Yes Shops, restaurants, cafés etc. in the surrounding Benches, lighting, litter bins, water-installations, fountains Lively and diversified City center of Pavlikeni

Pavlikeni

36 37 14 Square Vazrazhdane Pleven The Square of Rebirth, Vazrazhdane, is the central square of Pleven. Pleven is a city of about 115.000 inhabitants in the north of Bulgaria. Vazrazhdane is a large, open and wide-dimensioned city square. Different colored coverings give the square a distinctive look. Fountains and numerous monuments com- i pl. Vazrazhdane, Pleven plement the site. It is surrounded by several official buildings from different +359 (0) 64/824004 (Tourist information) eras. The square is also spreading between these buildings, where it goes into [email protected] pedestrian zones or the city park. Square A prominent focal point on the edge of the square is the St. George the Unique design and combination of materials, wide-dimensioned but Conqueror Chapel-Mausoleum (Paraklis-mavzoley Sv. Georgi Pobedonosets), diversified area, water-installations, monuments, mausoleum garden, which was built for the soldiers killed during the Battle of Pleven. It was built central part of pedestrian area of Pleven between 1903 and 1907 in a Neo-Byzantine style. The mausoleum is surroun- ded by a garden. In the garden the same materials and elements are used as in 24 hours Skopelev-Park or in the museum garden Tsar Liberator Alexander II. No Car, train (Pleven station approx. 1,5 km) P In the surrounding Yes Shops, kiosk, restaurants in the surrounding Benches, lighting, sculptures, litter bins, water installation Lively, wide City center of Pleven, mausoleum garden, city park, pedestrian area

Pleven

38 39 15 Skobelev Park Pleven Historical significance got Pleven in 1877 during the Russo- Turkish war, in which Bulgaria was liberated from the rule of the Ottoman Empire. On the occasion of the 100th commemoration, i +359 (0) 64/824004 (Tourist information) the Panorama building was built. Inside, the battle from Pleven is [email protected] imaged. The significant building is located southwest of the city http://panorama-pleven.com/ center on a hill called Skobelev-Park. The park was opened in 1907 Park on the former fortifications of Pleven. At this point thousands of Russian and Romanian soldiers died during the Russo-Turkish Recreation area, memorial area (design concept includes relics from the Russian-Turkish war), entrance platform to Panorama war - it is also called „Dead Valley“ (Martva dolina). The tombs building erected in the park as well as the ossuary are reminder of the victims. 24 hours Several Russian cannons and other war relics were integrated as No elements in the park design, such as grenades being used as bed Car, train (Pleven station approx. 2,5 km) enclosure. In Skobelev Park, brown river stones dominate as paths covering. Tuff was used in the architectural elements. P Yes In the park with its old trees an enchanted / partially overgrown, Limited silent retreat above the town (whose bloody history is barely Kiosk noticeable) can be experienced. Benches and tables, lighting, litter bins, promenade and paths through the park Quiet, loneliness, commemorative spirit Panorama building, boulevard General Skobelev

Pleven

40 41 16 Boulevard General Skobelev Pleven Leaving the Skobelev Park down the hill towards the city you reach a huge staircase, which releases the view of Pleven. Known as the Boulevard General Skobelev the staircase leads to the Municipal Art Gallery Iliya i ul. General Skobelev, Pleven Beshkov, which was built in 1978. In front of the building there is a +359 (0) 64/824004 (Tourist information) monumental bronze sculpture of the General sitting on a horse. The area [email protected] was probably (like the Panorama-building in Skobelev Park) built to commemorate the 100-year-old liberation from the Turkish rule in Bulgaria. Square and promenade The adjacent residential buildings date from the same periode and combine Terraces, boulevard, massive sculptures, noteworthy overall well with the stairs. The interaction of white-gray marble and red-brown design concept, characteristic pavement brick / terracotta gives the paving of the stairs and ramps a very impressive 24 hours appearance. An overall artificial terrace landscape is the result of the combination of the wide staircase, ramps and vegetation areas in between. No Juniper species „flow“ on the outer edges of stairs and breaks up the strict Car, train (Pleven station approx. 2 km) architecture. P In the surrounding On the top of the terrace-landscape there stands a large statue consisting of two parts. The impressive sculptures are a symbol for a figure breaking free Limited from a tree. This reminds of the two liberations of Bulgaria by the Russian Kiosk, café etc. in the surrounding military: during the Russo-Turkish War and during the Second World War. Benches, lighting, litter bins, sculptures, monuments Wideness, loneliness, view to the far horizon and over Pleven Art Gallery Iliya Beshkov, Skobelev Park, Panorama building, Pleven city park, Square Vazrazhdane

Pleven

42 43

Boulevard General Skobelev 17 City park Pleven

i ul. Vardar, Pleven +359 (0) 64/824004 (Tourist information) [email protected] Park Meeting point and recreation site, fair, monuments and sculptures, fountain, historic pavillon and elements 24 hours No Car, train (Pleven station approx. 1,5 km ) P In the surrounding Yes

Lively, vibrant, open and welcoming, nostalgic City center of Pleven, Square Vazrazhdane, Boulevard General Skobelev

Pleven

44 Boulevard Wasil Lewski 18 Pleven

ul. Wasil Lewski, pl. Svobodata, Pleven i

Promenade Boulevard and pedestrian zone, water installations, overall design concept including pavement (fitting to Vazrazhdane) 24 hours No Car, train (Pleven station approx. 1 km) In the surrounding P Yes Urban, lively City center of Pleven, Square of Rebirth Vazrazhdane, Museum garden Tsar Liberator Alexander II

Pleven

45 19 Museum garden Tsar Liberator Alexander II Pleven

i ul. Wasil Lewski, Pleven +359 64834 558 Museum garden Monument, memorial site, garden-design with recogniceable equipment (representing war relics, other use of materials) Daytime No Car, train (Pleven station approx. 1 km) P In the surrounding Limited Introverted and quiet (surrounded by lively pedestrian area) City center of Pleven, Boulevard Wasil Lewski, Square Vazrazhdane

Pleven

46 Square Ekzarh Yosif I 20 Lovech

pl. Ekzarh Yosif I, Lovech i Square City square, part of inner city pedestrian area, comprehensive design concept including a well-fitting colour-concept 24 hours No Car, train (Lovech station approx. 1 km) In the surrounding P Yes

Urban, wide City center of Lovech, Mostova Bridge, Krepost Hisarya hill

Lovech

47 21 Pedestrian bridges including Mostova Bridge Lovech

i ul. Mostova, ul. Vasil Levski, pl. Ekzarh Yosif I, Lovech Promenade, transport and infrastructural open space Wide-dimensioned pedestrian bridge, roofed historic pedestrian bridge 24 hours No Car, Train (Lovech station approx. 1,5 km) P In the surrounding Limited

Urban Center of Lovech, Square Ekzarh Yosif I, Square Kirkov, Krepost Hisarya hill

Lovech

48 Square Todor Kirkov 22 Lovech

pl. Todor Kirkov, Lovech i Square Local square with adjacent promenade, characteristic pavement, part of pedestrian area, monument, combination of historic and contemporary materials 24 hours No Car, train (Lovech Station approx. 1,5 km) In the surrounding P Yes Urban, lively City center of Lovech, Krepost Hisarya hill, Square Ekzarh Yosif I, Mostova Bridge

Lovech

49 23 Square Vazrazhdane Gabrovo The Square Vazrazhdane (Square of Rebirth) is located in the center of Gabrovo. It is an open square which is bounded by some prominent buildings: the House of Culture in the west, which was built from 1959 to 1964 in a neo-classical style as well as the i pl. Vazrazhdane, bul. Wasil Aprilov, Gabrovo municipality building from the year 1970. To the north there is http://www.gabrovo.bg/en/page/99 (Tourist information) a courthouse. The square has a direct connection to a pedestrian promenade and the city park is also located close by and directly Square reachable. Wide central square, sculptures, fountain The terrace of the increased located culture house offers a view of 24 hours the square and its quadratic patterned floor covering. A generous staircase leads from the House of Culture to a multipart fountain, No which limits the open space to the south. Large characteristic Car, train (Gabrovo station approx. 1,5 km), local bus service laterns and monuments are also part of the site. P Yes Yes House of Culture, shops, cafés in the surrounding Fountain, lighting, litter bins Lively, open and wide-spread City center of Gabrovo, municipality building, House of Culture, city park

Gabrovo

50 51

Square Vazrazhdane 24 Park in ul. General Radetski Gabrovo

i ul. General Radetski, Gabrovo http://www.gabrovo.bg/en/page/99 (Tourist information) Park Highly visited local park, various equipment, design-concept according to time of origin 24 hours No Car, train (Gabrovo station approx. 2 km) P In the surrounding Yes

Charming, lively City center of Gabrovo

Gabrovo

52 Park in bul. Wasil Aprilov 25 Gabrovo

bul. Wasil Aprilov, Gabrovo i http://www.gabrovo.bg/en/page/99 (Tourist information) Park Meeting place for local population, authentical park of everyday-life 24 hours No Car, train (Gabrovo station approx. 1,5 km), local bus service In the surrounding P Yes Central but quiet City center of Gabrovo, Square Vazrazhdane

Gabrovo

53 26 Promenade General Radetski Gabrovo

i ul. General Radetski, Gabrovo http://www.gabrovo.bg/en/page/99 (Tourist information) Promenade Pedestrian zone, part of dense network of open spaces 24 hours No Car, train (Gabrovo station approx. 2 km), various bus connections P In the surrounding Yes Urban, lively City center of Gabrovo, park in ul. General Radetski

Gabrovo

54 Memorial Shipka Pass 27

Shipchenski, Road E85 / 5 i Memorial Memorial site, wide platform with 360° panoramic view, design concept including war relics, massive staircases and sculptures, museum 24 hours No Car In the surrounding P Limited Single appearence in a wide mountainous landscape Buzludja area

Shipka

55 28 Buzludja area North of the town of Kazanlak and near Shipka Pass there is the Buzludja area on a peak of the Balkan Mountains. Visible from far an UFO-shaped building is the focal point. It was founded in 1981 on the occasion of the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state and in honor of the 90th anniversary of the Buzludja- i Road 5005, 8km East from Shipka Pass Congress (which the foundation of the Bulgarian Communist party held on this http://www.buzludzha.com/ site). The monumental building was designed by architect Georgi Stoilov. For the construction the department for Civil Engineering Construction of the Memorial, square Bulgarian army was responsible. It was built with the aid of a high number of Memorial site, winding path from bottom to top of the mountain, 360° volunteers. Many famous Bulgarian painters and sculptors participated in the panoramic view, impressive architecture, illustration of landscape interior decoration of the monument. The building is surrounded by a manifold through design, visible design relics from communistic era designed open space with many different zones. 24 hours (access to building is not permitted) Starting from the parking place a few hundred meters below the top of the moun- No tain a terraced platform with a massive monument depicting two hands carrying torches welcomes you. A flagstone path leads to the actual Buzludja building / Car monument on the top of the mountain. In front of the monument there is a wide- P Yes dimensioned square of natural stone pavement - formerly built as a meeting Limited place. The stone pavement is arranged in individual pie wedges. The intermedi- ate-growing cushion plants give the concrete building a „lovely“ counterweight, - especially in the period of high summer when most plants bloom. Since the - collapse of the socialist regime, the condition of the monument-building and the adjacent open spaces are getting worse. Silence, unreal, impressive, mountainous Shipka Pass

Buzludzha

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Buzludja area 29 Park Tyulbeto Kazanlak The several hectars large Tyulbeto park is located in the northeast of Kazan- lak. It is known by the fact that a Thracian tomb from the IV-III century BC is located in the park. The grave is part of a large Thracian necropolis, known as the Valley of the Kings. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1979. It is a work of art that is best obtained from the time of the Thracians in i ul. General Radetski, Kazanlak http://bulgariatravel.org/de/object/42/kazanlyk (Information) Bulgaria. The grave was discovered by chance in 1944. It was built of brick and is not open to visitors. However, there is a copy in the park on a 1:1 scale, Park which can be visited. Another popular place within the park is the grave of Recreation area with historic spirit, archaeological site (Thracian tomb the composer Emmanuel Manolov. He composed the first Bulgarian opera visible in the park), winding paths and resting-terraces with panoramic Siromahkinia. The moving area, on which the park was built, was intercepted view over Kazanlak with stairs and walls. In front of the grave are terraced platforms. From here 24 hours you have a good view of the city Kazanlak. Characteristic for the planting are juniper plants and larger pine stands. The fact that the park is situated on the No outskirts, it merges into the neighbouring landscape. Car, train (Kazanlak station approx. 800 m) P Yes Limited Thracian tomb Benches, litter bins, lighting, monument Silence -

Kazanlak

58 59

Park Tyulbeto 1930 City square Sevtopolis Kazanlak

i pl. Sevtopolis, Kazanlak http://bulgariatravel.org/de/object/42/kazanlyk (Information) Square Multifunctional city square, water basin, open wide area, starting point of pedestrian area 24 hours No Car, train (Kazanlak station approx. 500 m) P In the surrounding Yes Urban City center of Kazanlak, city park, pedestrian zone, shopping street

Kazanlak

60 City Park 31 Kazanlak

ul. Iskra, Kazanlak i http://bulgariatravel.org/de/object/42/kazanlyk Park Rose-theme scultptures, recreation park in the city center, meeting point for local population 24 hours No Car, train (Kazanlak station approx. 0,8 km) In the surrounding P Yes Urban, relaxed City center of Kazanlak, city square Sevtopolis, pedestrian area

Kazanlak

61 List of open spaces 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

62 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

63 Sources

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Roth, K., Brunnbauer U. (Hrsg.) (2009): Region, Regional Identity and http://panorama-pleven.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=14 Regionalism in Southeastern Europe: Part 1. Ethnologia Balkanica. LIT Verlag http://www.velikoturnovo.info/en/index/ Dr. W. Hopf. Berlin. http://tourinfo.pleven.bg/index.php/en/култура-и-изкуство/24-art-gallery-“ilia- Raagma, G. (2002): Regional identity in regional development and planning. beshkov”.html In: European Planning Studies. 1-20. Carfax Publishing. http://www.nasamnatam.com/patepis/Pleven-469.html Meesly, L. Dessein, J. Lauwers, L. (no date): Regional Identity in rural De- http://veliko-tarnovo.net/razvlechenia/sport/dks-vasil-levski.html velopment: Three case studies of regional branding. Ghent University. Social Science Unit. Belgium. 19-24. http://www.bulgariamonasteries.com/en/kilifarevo_monastery.html

Paasi, A. (1986): The Institutionalization of Regions: a Theoretical Framework http://bulgariatravel.org/en/object/294/pleven_grad for the Understanding of the Emergence of Regions and the Constitutions of Regional Identity. Fennia 164. 105-146. In: Raagma, G. (2002): Regional http://www.presstv.bg/index.php?option=com_portal&view=sights&id=348 identity in regional development and planning. In: European Planning Studies. http://www.gabrovo.bg/en/article/366 55-76. Carfax Publishing. http://citybuild.bg/news/remontirat-administrativnata/18774 Pellitero A. M. (2011): The phenomenological experience of the visual lands- cape. Research in Urbanism Series. 57-71. http://www.buzludzha.com/history

http://wissen.de.msn.com/history/ufo-aus-dem-kalten-krieg-das-monument-von-buslu- dscha

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