Rousse

Rousse

Rousse is the largest Bulgarian port on the Danube river, with the glory of the most European of Bulgarian cities. Founded as Sexsaginta Prista (fleet station of sixty ships) by the Romans in 69, it has a major role in the formation of the Bulgarian identity during the centuries.

Rousse played an important role in the struggle for national liberation and independance of the Bulgarian Church, even more so as Bulgaria’s entranceway to modern Europe, becoming the biggest town and the uncrowned capital of Bulgaria in the late 19th century and the beginning of 20th century.

Rousse is notable for its cultural wealth, great achievements and diversity – over 200 architectural monuments, part of the Bulgarian architectural and cultural heritage. See the Sexsaginta Prista Roman Castle, the Profitable building (1902), an old theatre and one of the most beautiful buildings, the Regional Museum of History, the Regional Library.

The Monument of Liberty (1908–1911), built by the Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi, it gained significance as one of the city’s symbols, and now forms a part of her coat of arms.

The Pantheon of National Revival Heroes (1977) is a Bulgarian national monument and an ossuary of over 500 revolutionaries. An eternal fire burns under the gold-plated dome. The Pantheon is one of the 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.

The Museum of 19th century Lifestyle (Kaliopa’s House, 1864). Legend has it the house was bestowed upon the beautiful Kaliopa, the wife of the Prussian consul Kalish, by the regional governor Midhat Pasha, who was in love with her.

The Roman Catholic St Paul of the Cross Cathedral (1890). Designed by the Italian architect Valentino, the cathedral is a rare example of Gothic Revival architecture in the country. The interior is decorated with sculptures and stained glass windows.