Zlataritsa: Landscape, Cultural Heritage and Cuisine

River valleys, ridges and a broad valley plain define the Municipality of Zlataritsa. Zlataritsa is its main town; the municipality lies in the southeastern part of Veliko Tarnovo Province. Travelers looking to combine nature, local history and regional cuisine will find a range of ideas here for planning their trip.

Landscape between ridges and rivers

The terrain encompasses low mountains, hills and plains; most of it lies between 300 and 600 meters above sea level. Around two-thirds of the municipality lies on the northern foothills of the Elena Heights, which are cut through by the valleys of the Zlatarishka and Bebrovska rivers. Around the municipal center and the village of Rodina lie the broad, flat Veselina Plain and the lower reaches of the Zlatarishka. Four rivers flow through the municipality in total: the Zlatarishka, Veselina, Bebrovska and Stara Reka.

The highest point in the municipality is Mount Kulata, at 901 meters, south of Delova Mahala on the border with the Municipality of Elena. The varied elevations and valleys give the landscape several different facets, from the foothills of the Elena Heights to the flat Veselina Plain.

Museums, a church and fortresses

The town museum exhibition traces the settlement’s development from its founding to the present day, offering insight into Zlataritsa’s cultural heritage and past. The museum is housed in a restored former schoolhouse dating from 1860. The building is an architectural monument from the Bulgarian National Revival period.

The Museum of Ethnic Groups focuses on material culture: tools, implements, traditional clothing and other objects representing the Bulgarians, Roma, Vlachs, Pomaks and Turks of the municipality. St. Nicholas Church in Zlataritsa is also a notable architectural monument, known for its frescoes, icons and architectural style.

South of the center of Zlataritsa, on the left bank of the Barzitsa River, lies the Thracian and Late Antique fortress of Makaveya, 6.19 kilometers away in a straight line. The medieval fortress of Bratovanovgrad lies opposite Makaveya and 5.68 kilometers south of the center, also in a straight line. Its hill is bordered to the west by the Zlatariška River; the surviving walls are more than two meters thick. The condition and accessibility of the sites may change. Check local conditions before visiting.

Festivals and regional cuisine

The traditional Gardener’s Soup Day is held in September in the Chernychkite meadows. The event features soup cooked outdoors, music, songs, dances and customs—an opportunity to discover local culinary and folk traditions. Exact dates and the program may vary. In November, Zlataritsa also hosts a National Food Day focused on pickles and rakia. Competitions feature homemade pickles and rakia; here too, dates and program details may vary.

In Kalaydzhii, regional dishes and products that visitors can sample include lamb roasted on a spit or in an oven, klin, patatnik, homemade yogurt and cheese. In the village of Gorsko Novo Selo, the Hotul Bunar winery cultivates around 200 decares of vineyards; tours and wine tastings are available on site. Visitor arrangements, food offerings and tasting options may change. If you are planning a culinary visit, check in advance what is currently available.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

The municipality has paved road connections to Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Lyaskovets and Elena. Check your route and road conditions before setting out. This selection can help you choose the right base for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Zlataritsa, Slivovitsa, Gorna Oryahovitza, Elena, Svishtov, Strazhitza, Polski Trambesh, Veliko Tarnovo.

Back to the main travel overview: Veliko Tarnovo Province.