Webcam Sliven. Blue Stones Residential Complex
Sliven is a town famous, above all, for its picturesque surroundings. It is located at the southern foot of Mount Bolgarka (1181 meters) in the eastern part of the Stara Planina system. The Sliven Mountain or Karandila rises to the east. There are three small mountain rivers on the territory of the town - Novoselskaya, Selishnaya and Asnovskaya, which is apparently reflected in the name of the town.
It is known that in ancient times the area of Sliven was inhabited by the Thracian tribes, which became dependent on Macedonia under Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great (4th century BC). A permanent urban settlement appeared between the 7th and 9th centuries. Since that time, the fame of Sliven was brought by the local crafts. For example, the city was located in the so-called Rose Valley, where rose oil was produced. Unfortunately, at the end of the 19th century, this craft was abandoned and forgotten. Also, Sliven was famous for the production of abajiji - the production of rural working clothes, and gunsmithing workshops. During the Turkish domination (15th-19th centuries) Sliven was in a privileged position because falconers - falcon-trainers - lived here. Falconry was one of the favorite pastimes of the Turkish nobility.
Also in Sliven lived the dervendzhi, the guards of the mountain passes. These people later became the companions of Hadji Dimitar, a partisan who was born in Sliven and who led the fight against the Turks in the middle of the 19th century.
There are few architectural sights in Sliven. There are several ancient churches, monuments (including Hadji Dimitar). There is also a historical museum. In the center of the city there is a 600-year-old elm tree, which is considered a symbol of the city. Most tourists visit Sliven for nature recreation. The Blue Stones Nature Park with its waterfalls, bizarre rocks as well as recreation bases and hiking trails is a famous place for rock climbers, skiers and eco-tourists.
In the surrounding area there is a balneological resort at mineral springs, karst caves "Snake" and "Eagle", beech forests, mountain lakes, 8-meter waterfall Snake and Aglikina glade - an ancient gathering place for haiduks.
