What to visit

Regional Historical Museum

The Regional Historical Museum – Gabrovo presents the rich history of Gabrovo and the region from the Paleolithic era to the present day. Housed in a beautiful building of national cultural significance, built in 1904, the museum preserves over 100,000 items, including the first Bulgarian 20-lev banknote, traditional clothing and accessories, numismatic collections, weapons from the Ottoman period and the flag of the first factory in the Principality of Bulgaria after the Liberation.

National Museum of Educatio

The National Museum of Education is located in the building of the National Aprilov High School and presents the history of Bulgarian education from the 9th century until today. The exhibition includes five halls, the personal library of Vasil Aprilov and a reconstruction of the mutual school. The museum is part of the "Explore Bulgaria - 100 National Tourist Sites" movement under No. 19a.

Dechkova House

Dechkov House in Gabrovo presents urban life from the late 19th century to the 1940s in the town’s only preserved representative Revival-period home.

Orlovets Sport Hall

Sports Hall “Orlovets” is the largest indoor sports venue in Gabrovo and one of the city’s emblematic locations for major events. Opened in 1994, the hall stands out with its scale, modern sports facilities, and multifunctional character, hosting sports competitions, concerts, cultural events, and public gatherings over the years.

Aprilov- Palauzov Regional Library

Regional Library “Aprilov–Palauzov” – Gabrovo is the largest public library in the region and an important cultural and educational center with a long-standing history. With its rich collection, modern information services, online access to catalogs, and awards recognizing its contribution, it continues to be a significant center of knowledge and literary heritage in Gabrovo.

Astronomical observatory and planetarium

The Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium – Gabrovo is a unique place in central Bulgaria that combines science, education, and inspiration for all lovers of the starry sky. With its star hall, telescopes, and observations of celestial objects, it is an attractive center for visitors who want to discover the mysteries of the Universe.

Racho Stoyanov Drama Theatre

Racho Stoyanov Drama Theatre in Gabrovo is a leading cultural institution with a rich history connected to the city’s theatrical traditions dating back to 1923. With a strong focus on Bulgarian drama and comedy, international appearances, prestigious awards, and established festivals, the theatre holds an important place in the cultural life of Gabrovo and Bulgaria.

State Puppet Theater

The Gabrovo Puppet Theatre is among the most significant centers of puppet art in Bulgaria, with its origins linked to the work of Neno Milchev Hristov. Granted professional status in 1963 and housed in a building specially designed for puppet theatre, it has established Gabrovo as an important cultural center for children’s audiences in Central Northern Bulgaria.

Art Gallery “Hristo Tsokev”

Hristo Tsokev Art Gallery in Gabrovo preserves valuable works by some of the most significant Bulgarian painters and sculptors. With its rich permanent exhibition, traditional shows, and prestigious forums such as the “Bozhentsi” plein air and the “Bridges” painting triennial, the gallery is an important cultural center in the city.

Aprilov National High School

The National Aprilov High School in Gabrovo is the successor to the First Bulgarian Secular School, opened on January 2, 1835. Established through donations from patriotic citizens of Gabrovo, it has become a symbol of Bulgarian education and continues to uphold its high prestige today through the excellent achievements of its students.

Emanuil Manolov House of Culture

House of Culture "Emanuil Manolov" is an emblematic cultural centre in Gabrovo, built in 1959-1964. It impresses with bas-reliefs, monumental frescoes and refined interior, and today it is a stage for concerts, performances and schools for children and youth.

Gradishte fortress

Gradishte is a popular recreation spot just 3 km from Gabrovo, with a wide meadow, a children’s playground, restaurants and plenty of picnic areas. An eco-trail leads to the Late Antique fortress of Gradishte, where you can see preserved wall remains, early Christian churches and enjoy panoramic views toward Gabrovo, the Shipka Pass area and Botev Peak.