Ruse (province)

Ruse (province)

The Ruse province has the city known as the Little Vienna of the north. The center of **Ruse** is filled with grand buildings from the nineteenth century that were built by European architects. You can walk along the main pedestrian street to see the ornate facades and the massive Monument of Liberty in the central square. The riverfront promenade is the perfect place for a sunset walk while watching the big cruise ships sail toward the Black Sea. It is the most elegant city in the country and feels very different from the mountain towns. Drive south of the city into the **Rusenski** Lom nature park to find the Ivanovo rock churches. These are small chapels and cells carved high up into the limestone cliffs along the river. You can climb the stone steps to see medieval frescoes that are still bright and colorful after hundreds of years. The view from the cliff openings looks out over the winding river and the dense forests below. It is a peaceful and spiritual place that was once home to many hermit monks. Continue your road trip to the ruins of the **Cherven** fortress which sits on a high rocky plateau surrounded by a loop in the river. You can walk through the massive stone gate and see the remains of the tall fighting tower that still stands today. The fortress was once a major economic center and you can still find the foundations of many old churches and houses. The surrounding landscape is full of deep gorges and rocky peaks that are perfect for hiking. This province is a land of river beauty and hidden cliff dwellings.

Ruse (province) highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route
The Heritage Drive
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History of Ruse (province)

Ruse is the **Little Vienna** of the Balkans. As the most European city in 19th century Bulgaria, it was the first to have a printing press, a railway station, and a modern street numbering system. The neo baroque architecture along the city center was designed by Italian and Austrian architects, reflecting the wealth brought in by the river trade. Ruse was the bridge between the Ottoman Empire and the Austro Hungarian world. South of the city lies the **Rusenski Lom** canyon, where medieval history was carved into the rocks. The **Ivanovo Rock Churches** feature 14th century frescoes that are among the finest examples of Paleologan art in the world. Nearby, the **Cherven Fortress** stands on a high rocky loop of the river; it was one of the most important military and economic centers of the Second Bulgarian Empire, featuring a perfectly preserved medieval fighting tower. Driving through Ruse Province, you find the **Basarbovo Monastery**, the only active rock monastery in Bulgaria, and the **Orlova Chuka Cave**, the second longest in the country. The province is a blend of urban elegance and rugged canyon landscapes. A road trip along the **Danube** here offers a look at the river wild side, with hidden islands and limestone cliffs that have protected hermits and soldiers for a thousand years.
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