Popovo, city in Popovo municipality, Targovishte oblast, Bulgaria
Popovo is a small city in northeastern Bulgaria that serves as the administrative center for surrounding villages and communities. Its streets display a mix of older homes with wooden shutters and tiled roofs alongside newer buildings, while an historic public garden with trees, fountains, and shaded walkways forms its focal point.
According to local tradition, Popovo was founded by a priest who settled near a creek and cleared farmland from the forest. In 1877, Russian forces liberated the town from Ottoman rule, marking a major turning point that drew new settlers and transformed the community.
Popovo reflects Bulgarian traditions that shape daily life in the town. Folk music and dance appear at community gatherings, and residents maintain customs passed down through generations in their homes and public spaces.
The local market is the natural gathering point where visitors can find fresh produce and handmade items while observing daily life. Those interested in exploring nearby destinations can visit the eco-trail along the river, the peaceful Kavatsite lake for fishing or relaxation, or the fortress ruins of Kovachevsko Kale located about six kilometers west.
An ancient burial mound near Gagovo dates back over two millennia and features a rare construction with two round chambers connected by a long corridor. This archaeological site was only discovered in 2009 and is unusual for Bulgaria, yet visitors can explore it free of charge.
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