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Vidin – Bulgaria’s northern gate



Cities situated on the banks of big rivers usually have a special atmosphere. They seem like big ships ready to sail off, but still cannot separate from their ancient past. The Bulgarian northern city of Vidin is one of those. The city is very attractive for lovers of cultural tourism thanks to the preserved monuments and historical sites but other guests would also like this city. Here is what Mayor Rumen Vidov said:



“Vidin was the first big Danubean port in Bulgaria and it is situated on crossroads. Currently a bridge between Vidin and the Romanian city of Calafat is under construction. We are also working on a project for reconstruction of the city airport. That is why people often say Vidin is the northern gate to Bulgaria. It is one of the most interesting and ancient cities in the country.”



All school textbooks in Bulgaria contain photos of the most popular historical site in Vidin – the Baba Vida Fortress. Situated on the bank of the river, the fortress was used for protection of the city during the Medieval Ages. The Kaleto Fortress is another historical landmark.



“During 2011, a unique project for development of tourism in Bulgaria will be implemented,” Rumen Vidov says. “It aims at turning the Kaleto Fortress into a popular tourist destination. A modern complex for welcoming the tourists will be built and guides will be dressed as if coming from medieval times. Information will be provided in 7 languages. We are to implement other tourist projects together with the Romanian municipality of Kalafat.”

It is true that the Danube River makes Vidin an attractive tourist destination. In the city park near the river tourist enjoy the beautiful scenery. The riverbanks are also a paradise for lovers of fishing. Nearby are the remains of the ancient Roman town of Raciaria. The St. Demetrius Church in the city is the second biggest church after the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. The Day of St. Demetrius – October 26, is also the city holiday. Vidin is also a city that hosts a number of festivals and celebrations. Citizens of Vidin still remember the Vienna style balls that took place in the military club in the city, which awaits its guests from all over the world.

For the poorest part of Bulgaria it looks stunning

Oddy

I agree... Vidin looks lovely.. probably worth a visit...

Thanks

My favorite favorite place in all of Bulgaria. We always go up to Vidin every year for a couple of days, very nice hotel in the Ana Kristina which is in the park overlooking the Danube. It takes us about 8 hours to drive there from Burgas but well worth it. Link to the hotel [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Vidin can look beautiful at times and I am pleased to read that some members actually visit the area.

In order to improve the lives of some that live here I have been developing another 'string to the bow' - tourism. I have established VisitingVidin.com as a travel agency which hopes to bring tourist to this region. I have planned four trips so far;
a wine making week late September, Fishing, Self Sufficiency and Painting with a Bulgarian Maestro.

These holidays directly benefit local people as money is paid to them for their help, guidance, teaching and translation. Locals benefit from their knowledge and expertise.

For those who are thinking or are moving to this area I would like to save people money and time by offering advice regarding where to buy and who to use. Over the past three years we have wasted time and money.

Please visit [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and see what is happening.

best wishes
Mick

Sounds like a great idea if its to help those on most need. I'm not too sure about the telling people where to buy and who to use bit? but good luck anyway.

Thank you for your thoughts. I understand fears about 'who to use and where to go to buy' but it is only advice and hopefully it will encourage locals to be more professional when agreeing to do something.

I have enclosed, what I believe to be a great, holiday. Locals are remarkable at being self sufficient. I have learnt a great deal from them. We preserve soups, sauces, fruit, vegetables etc... I think people will learn a great deal. What do you think/

Self Sufficiency (Artisan Food) week with a difference
Six days and five nights
5th to 10th September 2011

"
Good taste is the excuse I've always given for leading such a bad life"
, said Oscar Wilde

For some, Self Sufficiency is an aspiration, for others the ‘good life’ is a way of life. The Vidin region and in particular the village of Novo Selo is abundant with an array of produce just right for preserving and storing. Local residents of this region preserve many items for winter storage;
Self Sufficiency is a way of life. You will watch and learn from those who have years of experience. You will understand and appreciate the subtle use of seasonings, herbs and natural ingredients. Growing, picking and preserving are not only rewarding experiences they are very satisfying too. There is something special about opening a jar of your own produce in the depth of winter.

Rising food prices, environmental impacts, food miles, sustainability and knowing-what-you-eat are all good reasons for becoming as self sufficient as possible. Your way of life will never be the same after learning how to be ‘Efficiently Self Sufficient’.

Day one -
• Arrive Sofia Airport – collected from the airport
• Travel to Vidin and the Rovno Hotel
• Welcome dinner at the hotel

Day two –
After breakfast, the day will include
• Guided tour of Vidin including a visit to the art and craft museum
• Visit to El Bi the local cheese and yoghurt manufacturer
• Lunch at Mystique restaurant, Vidin before heading off to the village of Novo Selo to see the art of pickling and comfiture. Many vegetables and fruits are pickled or turned into comfiture in this region. The techniques are unusual and foolproof. You will be pickling a variety of vegetables and converting fruits into comfiture under the guidance of a local resident.
• Demonstration – the making of two popular Bulgarian pastry items;
Banitsa and Makitsa. Both items will be prepared and baked by members of the local culture group
• Before heading back to Vidin we will start tomorrow’s bread making process
• Traditional Bulgarian dinner at a local restaurant
• Return to the Hotel

Day three –
After breakfast, the day will include
• Bread making. Collectively you will produce a variety of different breads. Bread is an important part of the Bulgarian diet and you will be preparing and baking celebration bread from this region. After this practical exercise you will be able to transfer the same techniques and produce bread at home.
• Lunch will include freshly baked bread, local cheeses and other regional specialities
• Compotting 1. Compotting over a wooden fire has been carried out in this region for centuries. Residents eat fruits such as pears, peaches and plums throughout the winter months as a result of compotting. The technique is simple and rewarding. It is possible that after this session you will never buy a tin of peaches ever again!
• Traditional Bulgarian dinner at a local restaurant
• Return to the Hotel


Day four –
After breakfast, the day will include
• Early start and a visit to Belogradchik to see the famous rocks of this region. Dating back to prehistoric times these rocks offer wonderful panoramic views of the Danubian plane
• Lunch in Belogradchik
• Back to Novo Selo for compotting 2. Similar to yesterday you will learn how to compot a variety of products based upon tomatoes and peppers. Many families grow significant amounts of tomatoes and peppers with the aim of turning them into soups and sauces for the winter.
• Presentation of singing and dancing by the local folk group
• Traditional Bulgarian dinner at a local restaurant
• Return to the Hotel

Day five –
• 8.30 am Coach to Sofia
• Hotel accommodation at the Hotel BudaPest, Sofia
• Lunch at the hotel
• After lunch, guided sight-seeing tour of Sofia, the Capital of Bulgaria
• A chance to shop in Sofia before returning to the hotel
• 7.30 pm transfer to local restaurant for dinner
• Return to the Hotel

Day six –
• Breakfast
• Transfer to the airport
• Flight home

Price
The price includes transfers from and to Sofia airport, breakfasts, lunches where indicated, all evening meals (excluding drinks), ingredients to produce self sufficiency items, transport in and around the region and entrance to Belogradchik rocks.

Single occupancy 335
Twin/double occupancy 296

Special information
As this visit is very much ‘hands-on’ and to ensure that you get as much from this trip as possible the organisers have restricted the number of participants to a maximum of 12 persons.

If anyone has specific dietary requirements please inform the organiser when you book.

Unfortunately Bulgaria is not very wheelchair friendly. However, every effort will be made to make your stay enjoyable.

[size=55:frd6n7ig]novinite

Bulgaria Vows to Invest in Poor Northwest Region

Bulgaria is to invest some BGN 35 M for the current programming period in the north-western Vidin region, one of the country's poorest.

This number was unveiled by Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov, who was present Thursday at the opening of a renovated road section between the city of Vidin and the town of Archar.

The total cost of the renovation project will amount some BGN 14.7 M, with 75% of the funds co-financed by the World Bank.

The BGN 35 M for Vidin region will be concentrated chiefly in infrastructure and tourist and historic sites in the region, said Borisov.

"
Bulgaria will also invest an additional BGN 50-60 M for the Danube Bridge 2,"
added the PM, referring to the second bridge over the Danube to link Bulgaria and Romania, which is currently under construction at Vidin and Calafat.

"
At the same time, the central government will not be able to financially support the Vidin municipality, as EU law prohibits that,"
added Borisov.

Months before the end of 2011, the Vidin local authorities had announced the municipality had exhausted its funds and could not pay its bills.

Speaking Thursday, Borisov slammed former Vidin mayor, Vladimir Toshev from his own GERB party, for mismanaging the city's affairs.

"
Vidin, like so many municipalities in Bulgaria, has been dismally ruled, so in October citizens were right to punish GERB and to elect the Bulgarian Socialist Party's candidate Gergo Gergov for mayor,"
said the PM.

Thank you for posting this message to me. I wasn't aware of his visit. It is true, it is one of the poorest areas of Bulgaria. Hopefully, with this money things will change. The real issue is not the money, it is needed, but how much will go into pockets to be never seen again!!

Mick