Central Bulgaria, Gabrovo serves as the administrative and economic hub for both the Gabrovo Municipality and the Gabrovo Province. It sprawls gracefully along the Yantra River, lying snugly at the northern foothills of the Shipka section of the Balkan Mountains. Just a short distance away, in the Uzana locality, you’ll find the geographical center of Bulgaria—a detail both symbolic and fascinating.
A City Steeped in Humor and Ingenuity
Gabrovo’s residents are renowned for their wit and humor, as immortalized in the famous Gabrovo jokes. The city hosts an annual Humor and Satire Carnival, a spectacle that blends laughter with cultural pride. Beyond humor, the city’s legacy includes engineering marvels, bridges, numerous monuments, and streets stretching endlessly.
Fun fact? Gabrovo is the longest city in Bulgaria, stretching 25 kilometers from the Yabalka neighborhood to the Smirnenski Dam.
The Name and Its Roots
The earliest recorded name, Gabruva, appears in 1477, while the modern name, Gabrovo, emerged in the 17th century. Historical records dating back to 1704 mention the village, with a request for repairs to the St. Petka Church, underscoring the deep roots of faith and community. The name itself derives from the hornbeam tree (Gabur in Bulgarian), a symbol of resilience and strength.
Legends of Foundation
One legend claims that Gabrovo was founded about 250 years ago by a blacksmith named Racho Kovacha. He supposedly set up his forge under a hornbeam tree, and the settlement gradually grew around him. While this tale is widely embraced, other, less popular legends also hint at early settlers’ industrious spirit.
A Strategic Medieval Outpost
Emerging during the Middle Ages, Gabrovo was strategically located near Balkan mountain passes. Just 2 kilometers east lies the Gradishte Fortress, dating back to late antiquity and early medieval times (4th–6th century). Archaeological discoveries—gold and copper coins from the reigns of Constantine the Great and Justin II—highlight its historical significance.
The Gradishte Fortress
Archaeological digs reveal a 4-kilometer-long defensive wall, densely packed residential structures, garrison quarters, and three watchtowers. At its summit stood a grand temple, built in the 4th century, later expanded with a baptistery. Though frequently destroyed and rebuilt, the fortress stood as a bulwark until Bulgaria succumbed to Ottoman rule.
Ottoman Era: Struggles and Tenacity
During Ottoman rule, Gabrovo maintained its craftsmanship and trade traditions, with records from 1704 confirming the existence of St. Petka Church, a beacon of faith through tumultuous times. By the 19th century, Gabrovo’s 26 crafts—from blacksmithing and pottery to textile production—thrived, making it a bustling hub of activity.
Evliya Çelebi’s Impressions
The famed Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi noted Gabrovo as a defiant and unruly settlement. His accounts describe locals attacking Turkish couriers and armed groups, earning the city a reputation as a hotbed of rebellion.
The Dawn of Modernity
In 1860, Gabrovo was officially declared a city, evolving rapidly into a center of industry and education. By 1882, the city was home to Bulgaria’s first textile factory, built by Ivan Kalpazanov and Vasily Karagyozov, earning it the moniker “Bulgarian Manchester.”
Education and Enlightenment
Gabrovo’s cultural renaissance began with the establishment of Bulgaria’s first secular school in 1835. Later, this school evolved into the prestigious Aprilov High School, a beacon of learning and progress. Residents of Gabrovo actively participated in national liberation efforts, from the uprising of Captain Dyado Nikola to the revolutionary committees established by Vasil Levski.
Industrial and Cultural Flourishing
Following Bulgaria’s liberation in 1878, Gabrovo cemented its position as a textile powerhouse. The ingenuity of its people extended to the construction of Bulgaria’s first hydroelectric power plant, lighting up the city in 1906. Even today, Gabrovo’s reputation for thrift and wit is celebrated globally, with the House of Humor and Satire standing as a testament to its unique spirit.
Between Wars and New Horizons
In the interwar years, Gabrovo continued its ascent, contributing both to national defense and economic innovation. During the Balkan Wars, its sons fought valiantly, while the city itself became a melting pot of entrepreneurial and cultural vigor.
A City That Bridges History and Modernity
Gabrovo’s legacy is woven from the threads of its rich history, resilience, and relentless progress. From ancient fortresses to thriving industries, it embodies the spirit of a people who have faced countless challenges with humor, ingenuity, and determination.
