ABOUT THE TOWN OF SVISHTOV
The town of Svishtov has 31 545 inhabitants and is located on the average about 100 above the sea level. It is situated at the distance of 250 km. north – east from
Sofia, 51 south – east from
Nikopol, 97 km. south – west from
Rousse and 51 north – west from
Byala. Its optimum location turns the tonw in to perfect place for international tourism.
HISTORY
The first settlers of the site near the town of today came here in the time of the Middle Neolithic (3000 - 2600 BC). Novae - the former Roman castle - initially sprang as headquarters of a Roman Legion. Gradually it turned into an important economic and crossroads center. The Novae exposition is located in the Dimitar – Nachkov house – building that nowadays is a historical monument. Here you can enjoy to the whole history of the Rome town. The time has preserved almost untouched the historical monuments and now they testify to the culture of the passed times. The archaeological excavations near the town of Svishtov revealed ancient city remains of inestimable historic value.
There are various attitudes concerning the origin of the name “Svishtov”. Some are seeking in Greek root there – Sebas - tokastron, and others Slavonic - Svishtov.
Under the Ottomans the town of Svishtov was a private, inviolable possession of the sultana, with independent administrative and financial government. All these and the enterprising spirit of the men of Svishtov turned out to be decisive for its recognition as a commercial and cultural center.
The town reached an enviable development during the 19 th century in spite of its complete destruction during the Russian – Turkish war of 1810. In 1865 Dr. Ivan Bogorov described Svishtov as “the most commercial place” of our towns. The prosperity of the town reflected to the inhabitants. There are household things and objects, preserved in the ethnographic museum in the Sladkarovata house. These exponents prove the prosperity of the people from this region. Even the vessels from clay, wood, cooper and silver have art value. In the ethnographic museum there are and some unique objects as ancient lamps, clocks, woven and other. All of them made
by the local masters. The town of Svishtov is the first liberated town in Bulgaria. After the liberation, local people built beautiful monuments in one magnificent place, because of their appreciation to the died officers and soldiers.
The first hgh school of commerce in Bulgaria was established in Svishtov (1873).
LANDMARKS
There are more than 120 archeological art and architecture monuments registered on the Svishtov territory that are of local and national significance. There are whole architecture ensembles preserved from the end of XVIII to the end of XIX century. Among the monuments that are giving a special significance of the town there are also numerous great cathedrals that are built by patriotic citizens of Svishtov.
“St. St. Peter and Paul” Monastery is built up in 1644. It is remarkable with its mural paintings where one may see the faces of its church donors Joan Mateus and his wife Elena.
“St. Prophet Ilia” Temple is built up in 1835. The massive walls and characteristic vault arches of the temple reveal an old architecture, whereas an excellent acoustic is obtained.
The Holy Transformation Temple is built up in 1836. The iconostasis of the temple is a sample of the art of carving and a monument of national significance. There are old silver forged icons that are keeping in the temple painted by Stoyan Kuyum-dzhi from Veles. In 1868 the First Bulgarian quire started its singing here.
"St.Trinity" Cathedral temple is built in 1867 by the famous Bulgarian master Kolyo Ficheto in the highest point of the town. The icons are painted by first Bulgarian non-clerical artist Nikolai Pavlovich, born in Svishtov. The belfry is finished in 1886 by Master Gencho Kanev and the bells are donated by the Russian Emperor Alexander the Second in 1877.
TRANSPORT
There are regular bus lines to
Rousse,
Pleven,
Veliko Tarnovo,
Lovech,
Biala and other smaller settlement within the region. The telephone of the bus station is +359 631/23205. Svishtov is the last station of the railway line Levski – Svishtov (Belene). The telephone of the town railway office is +359 631/22461. There is a river - port, too but since 1992 there have not been regular traveller’s transitions. There is a bus transport functioning in Svishtov too.
SURROUNDING AREAS
“Uspenie of the Holy Mother” Monastery is located on 3 km South East from the town and is renewed in the end of XVI century - the beginning of the XVII century and in 1904 the present temple is built up.
“St. St. Cyril and Methodius” church is built up in 1874 and is sanctified by the first Bulgarian bishop Ilarion Makariopolski.
The “Monuments” Park is situated at the distance of 4 km. east of the town in the locality of Tekirdere. The Russian – Turkish war of Liberation was initiated here. There was created white marble and granite monuments, and military attributes of that time, was preserved here.
Description
