Rusenski Lom Nature Park

Rusenski Lom Nature Park is a protected area featuring deep gorges, limestone cliffs, caves, and thick forests along the Rusenski Lom River. The terrain spans a large area with diverse habitats that support varied plant and animal life.

The area became a center for monastic life during the Second Bulgarian Empire, with numerous cave monasteries founded between the 12th and 14th centuries. This settlement in the rocks shaped the region deeply and left structural traces visible today.

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo display medieval frescoes that document different phases of Bulgarian religious art. Visitors can enter the painted chambers and see how monks expressed their faith carved into stone.

The park is most easily accessed from the city of Ruse, which lies to the north and serves as the main starting point. Nature trails run through the terrain, and an information center at the entrance provides maps and guidance for exploring the area.

The area is home to around 190 bird species, including the Egyptian vulture and black stork, making it a key location for bird observation. This diverse bird population is regularly studied and documented by researchers.