What's around?
Yovkovtsi Dam
Yovkovtsi Dam is located on the Veselina River, about 5 km. away. from the town of Elena. Built in 1979, it is one of the largest reservoirs in Bulgaria. The dam is named after one of the villages that was destroyed during its construction and is now under its waters. The area is suitable for sport fishing, and there is a horse base in the immediate vicinity, which makes it an ideal place for picnics, recreation and tourism.
Plakovsky Monastery "St. Elijah"
Plakovski Monastery "St. Elijah" is located near the village of Plakovo in the Elenski Balkan, 18 km. from the town of Veliko Tarnovo. The monastery was probably founded in 1280, but soon after it was destroyed. In the following centuries, it was repeatedly rebuilt and destroyed. Its restoration began again in 1845, and in 1865 Kolyo Ficheto built a 26-meter bell tower. The Plakov Monastery has been declared a cultural monument.
Christ Waterfall
Hristovski waterfall is located on the river Miykovska, near the village of Ruhovtsi in the Elenski Balkan. It was declared a protected natural site in 1974. The waterfall is 9 m. high. Its water descends picturesquely, crashing into the rocks. It is reached by a specially built eco-path, and the surrounding area offers extensive meadows, ideal for recreation in nature.
Popnikolova house
Popnikolova house is located in the town of Elena and was built around 1830. It was declared an architectural and construction monument and is a characteristic example of Renaissance architecture. The special thing about it is that each subsequent floor is issued above the previous one, which gives a unique look to the building. Today, the house has been completely restored and functions as a museum and scientific base in paleontology at Sofia University.
House Museum "Hilarion" Makariopolski"
House-museum "Hilarion Makariopolski" in the town of Elena was built between 1710 and 1715. In its courtyard are the "the Haji Christ" fountain and a monument to the fighter for Bulgarian church independence. It is one of the most interesting houses in the city, with high historical and architectural value, a representative of the rich venison homes. Despite the restoration, interior furnishings and personal belongings of Hilarion Makariopolski have been preserved.
Architectural-Historical Complex "Daskalovnitsa"
Architectural-historical complex "Daskalovnitsa" is a cultural monument of national importance, preserving the spirit of the Renaissance. Built in 1843, it is known for the fact that it houses the first grade school in Bulgaria. The building impresses with its Renaissance architecture - massive stone foundations, wooden beams and ornaments characteristic of the era. Today, the "Daskalovnitsa" is a museum that reflects the importance of education and the contribution of local educators to Bulgarian culture and identity.
