Village Uglen – A Curious History and the Magic of the Letter "Ъ"
As usual, I trusted „Through Mountains and Forests“ led by Stanoy Arabadzhiev. In the „Recommended companies I have traveled with“ section, you can read about the interesting personality Tony - as he introduces himself, „for friends.“.
A little grammar that is always curious and entertaining – the letter Ъ, ъ – „er golyám“ is the 27th in the Bulgarian alphabet. There is no name that starts with it. In Russian, it is called „tvyordyy znak“ – hard sign, and in Serbian – „debelyo yyer“.
In other grammars written in Cyrillic, they don't use it, even though they have specific letters for the sound Ъ.
In the Bulgarian language, there are only a few words that begin with the vowel "Ъ": ъглест, ъглов, ъгловат, ъгломер, ъглополовяща, ъгъл.
And here is the nameplate. Merry and cheerful. May graffiti gladden me... ☺
The village of Uglen is located in the Lovech Province of Bulgaria. Tourists are often impressed by its picturesque scenery, traditional Bulgarian architecture, and the tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding nature, including hills and forests, offers opportunities for hiking and exploring. The local culture and hospitality also contribute to a memorable experience for visitors.
The village is not far from Lukovit, about 122 km from Sofia. It is located between Pleven and Lovech, and because the people – though only 799 residents – have jobs, the houses here are beautiful: plastered and tidy.
The Roma community amazes me – clean homes with UPVC windows, modernly dressed people. So there are Roma like that too! I call peoples and races by their proper names and don't think it's offensive or discriminatory.
Upon entering the village grocery store, I happened to strike up a conversation with the saleswoman – a young woman who turned out to be the mayor's daughter. She shared that the Roma here don't steal, don't beg, and don't cause problems. People have jobs and invest in their homes – which are clean and tidy.
The Rock Bridge „The Hole“ - The Natural Symbol of Uglen
Here is the rock bridge „The Hole.“ Beneath its opening, there is a deep pool, and in the summer, local heroes love to jump into it.
The „Little Elephant“ Phenomenon and the Rock Wonders by the Vit River
Carved by wind and water, the whimsical sculptures are located on the right bank of the Vit River, right next to the first houses of the village.
We were lucky to have warm and clear weather to enjoy the „gentle“ bends of the Vit River. The sun shone on us, and there was no crunching of snow. We set off from Sofia at 7 AM in -11 degrees Celsius, but the weather rewarded us with cheerfulness and beautiful nature.
Tourist emotions and pleasant encounters along the route
I met the „tourist's cartridge“ – a thoughtful companion had made one for everyone in the group. Very sweet. It just looks like collagen. Inside is „firewater.“ Thanks for the original idea and the good rakia...
„Human“ Cave – A Tragic Memory of Turkish Slavery
I found very few memories and stories about the sinister cave. The local historian told us his version, and our guide told us a slightly different one.
The cave in the locality „Selishteto“ preserves bas-reliefs with the names of Bulgarians burned and suffocated alive, who sought refuge in it. To escape the atrocities of the enslavers, the villagers hid in the cave along with the elderly, women, and children.
A rifle accidentally went off and gave them away. According to some sources, the Bashi-bazouks blocked the entrance with sheaves, while according to others, this was done by the regular Turkish army as they retreated after the siege of Pleven.
Around 16 people tried to escape through one of the openings, but they were cut down.
Today, the descendants sacredly preserve the memory of the local residents.
„The Red Wall“ – the impressive panorama over the Vit River
After reflection, saddened, I continue towards the upper edge of the imposing rock formation „The Red Wall,“ hanging over the riverbank.
„The Spectacled“ Cave – labyrinths, bats, and adventures
Here is the „Spectacled“ cave. There are quite a few labyrinths. We are armed with headlamps, which doesn't stop me from hitting my head in at least two places.
We also came across a bat, but I couldn't capture it...
The temperature in the cave is at least 10 degrees Celsius – dry and warm.
A walk through the Vit River Canyon and its rocky riverbeds
The walk along the river is pleasant. The path winds past natural caves and whimsical sculptures of a wreath above the Rachkovtsi whirlpool.
The reverse path along the bank of the Vit River passes through canyons and riverbeds that challenge the senses and the imagination. There were no horsemen - with and without heads, gods, ships, strange towers, and all sorts of other fancies...
I wonder where I should look next – up or at my feet.
Midi, stones, and snow…
Why is it worth visiting the village of Uglen
After the beautiful sights, geographical „discoveries,“ and historical facts, I'm heading to Sofia with the feeling that I've rediscovered another beautiful and little-known corner of Bulgaria.
See more Author Maria Radeva here
Three cave entrances
