Dryanovo is not one of Bulgaria's top popular tourist destinations - much to the delight of off-the-beaten-track travellers looking for authentic experiences away from the crowds and clichés of consumer society. The small town in the Balkan Mountains is a place of cosiness, tranquillity and above all - a trip back in time.

The old town is well preserved with its Renaissance houses and beautiful buildings from the late 19th century. Most notable is the bridge of the genius architect and builder Kolyu Ficheto, born in 1800 in Dryanovo, creator of some of the best iconic buildings in Bulgaria. It is no coincidence that Dryanovo is known as the town of Kolyu Ficheto.

The town has a museum dedicated to the legendary builder, which displays personal belongings as well as models of his unique architectural works. But the reasons to visit Dryanovo are more than one, says Deputy Mayor Nikolai Karagyozov. 

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, we started reminding people that in 1930, the city was declared a mountain resort precisely because of the favourable climate. People with respiratory problems, or 'weak nerves' as the old brochures used to say, were once sent here to rest and recuperate. We have wonderful eco trails with pleasant hikes, both short and longer."

Most of the trails start at the Dryanovo Monastery of St. Michael the Archangel, one of Bulgaria's most important spiritual and cultural centers. It was founded in the 13th century in a picturesque karst valley near the town.

"The Dryanovo Monastery is situated at the foot of high cliffs where there are marked routes for rock climbing, which is very popular in summer. There is even a rock climbing championship. From the monastery there is a trail to the village of Skalsko, where there are also such climbs. The place is great for tandem paragliding. And on one of the cliffs above the monastery there is a panoramic platform with the so-called "Love Bench" with a magnificent view of the gorge. We decided to put a sign there asking people to take photos and upload them to a specially created FB page."

The first railcar factory in Bulgaria, established in 1920, is located in Dryanovo, where we come across a curious museum tracing its history. And at the railway station in the neighbouring village of Tsareva Livada a vintage engine from 1911, manufactured in Germany, which worked until the 1970s, is exhibited as an attraction.

The cave near Dryanovo monastery offers a walk through the Paleolithic era. "You can visit the Bacho Kiro cave - it is extremely beautiful. You go there by two routes - short and long," says Nikolai Karagyozov. I highly reccomend the long route. The cave became known for its archaeological findings. It has been studied since the end of the 19th century, but with new technologies and thanks to an international team of scientists, it was discovered that the first homo sapiens in Europe lived in this cave. And what is even more surprising is that they coexisted for some time with Neanderthals, contrary to recent hypotheses."

Dryanovo is welcoming more and more guests. They are fascinated by the old town architecture and walks in the Dryanovo Balkan, where they immerse themselves in a world more beautiful and harmonious.

"Not only have we reached pre-pandemic levels of tourists and overnight stays, but we have even seen growth over the last year. People have returned to travel and our region attracts them with its pristine, secluded and peaceful nature," said Deputy Mayor Nikolai Karagyozov in conclusion.

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