A Hidden Gem in Western Bulgaria
In the mountainous expanse of Western Bulgaria, the village of Anton boasts a rich history intertwined with nature and human resilience. Formerly known as Lŭdzhene, a name derived from the Turkish word “lŭdzha,” meaning mineral spring or bath, the village’s identity has been shaped by the flow of water—both literal and metaphorical.
The Mystery of the Vanished Mineral Springs
In bygone times, Anton was celebrated for its mineral springs. However, a catastrophic earthquake caused these life-giving waters to retreat into the earth’s depths. According to local lore, the springs reemerged far away in the town of Strelcha and its environs. Despite this loss, Anton remains renowned for its rivers and natural springs, a legacy immortalized in the village’s coat of arms, which prominently features water as a symbol of pride and perseverance.
A Tribute to a Revolutionary Past
In 1950, the village underwent a name change, honoring the communist Stefan Minev, known by his alias Anton. A prominent partisan and the subject of the stirring poem “Ballad of the Communist” by Veselin Andreev, Anton’s name carries the weight of a revolutionary spirit and the complex history of Bulgaria’s mid-20th century.
Geography and Natural Wonders
A Mountainous Haven
Located 89 kilometers east of Sofia along the Sub-Balkan route, Anton is cradled by rugged terrain. Its land stretches over 76.1 square kilometers, bordered by the municipalities of Pirdop, Teteven, Karlovo, and Koprivshtitsa. Within its territory lies the Vŭrtopa region, part of the majestic Central Balkan National Park. The western ridge of Koznitsa adds both geographical and historical significance to the village.
Rivers and Waterfalls
A striking feature of Anton is its abundance of rivers. Seven streams traverse the village, while the larger municipality hosts 14 rivers in total. These waterways shape the landscape and offer opportunities for agriculture and exploration. Among the natural marvels are the modest Antonovski Waterfall, unique earthen pyramids, and numerous artificial mounds, many of which date back to the Thracian era.
A Glimpse into the Past
Ancient Roots and Thracian Legacy
Anton’s lands have been inhabited since ancient times, including the Thracian period and the medieval era. Burial mounds scattered across the area hint at a long-standing connection to the past. A remarkable discovery of a gold coin from the reign of Emperor Leo I (457–474 AD) attests to the village’s vitality during the Early Byzantine era.
The St. Elijah Monastery
In the 4th century, a grand monastery and scriptorium dedicated to St. Elijah rose near the village. This spiritual and cultural center flourished until 1700, when it was destroyed by Ottoman forces. The ruins of the impressive Ehlenska Basilica remain a testament to its former grandeur and are the most significant historical landmark in the region.
A Borderland of Nations
After the Treaty of Berlin fractured the brief unity of San Stefano Bulgaria, Anton found itself on the border between the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. For seven years, it lay beyond the Principality’s reach until the historic unification in 1885. The Topolnitsa River and its tributary, the Grammatik River, served as the boundary, marking a turbulent chapter in the region’s history.
Cultural Heritage
The Church of St. Elijah
Built in 1895, the Church of St. Elijah stands as a beacon of faith and tradition. Its frescoes, painted by the Debar artists Hristo Blagoev and his nephew Serafim, once adorned its walls, though many were later obscured. A surviving inscription beneath the icons of Prophets David and Isaiah reads, “H. B. and S. M. Blagoevi 1901–1903,” preserving their legacy.
A Village of Natural and Historical Riches
Anton is more than a picturesque village; it is a living archive of Bulgaria’s natural splendor and historical depth. From its rivers and ruins to its legends and legacy, Anton invites visitors to immerse themselves in a narrative as flowing and intricate as its many waterways.
