Ribaritsa, village in Lovech Province, Bulgaria
Ribaritsa is a mountain village in Teteven Municipality situated at about 600 meters elevation at the base of the Vezhen mountain range. The settlement spreads across roughly 12 kilometers with traditional houses built from wood and stone, surrounded by forests and crossed by the Beli Vit river.
The village is closely tied to Bulgaria's fight for independence, particularly through revolutionary Georgi Benkovski who died near here in 1876. Since 1963 Ribaritsa has been officially recognized as a mountain health resort and was developed for its clean air and natural beauty.
The name Ribaritsa comes from the Beli Vit river that flows through the village, derived from Slavic words meaning white water. Residents maintain Bulgarian traditions including folk dances, crafts, and local cuisine that remain visible during village celebrations and in everyday rural life.
Spring through autumn is best for hiking as winter conditions can make trails difficult. Several routes depart from the village center toward nearby peaks and nature reserves, with local guides available for mountain walks.
Vladimir Vazov, a prominent Bulgarian general and former mayor of Sofia, spent his final years in Ribaritsa and died here in 1945. His stay represents a quiet retreat from public life into the mountain landscape.
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