Rusenski Lom Nature Park

Protected area in Bulgaria

43°41′45″N 26°1′43″E / 43.69583°N 26.02861°E / 43.69583; 26.02861Area3,408 hectares (8,420 acres)Established26 February 1970www.lomea.org

Rusenski Lom Nature Park (Bulgarian: Природен парк Русенски Лом) is a protected area in Ivanovo Municipality, Ruse Province, northern Bulgaria. The park was established on 26 February 1970, in order to protect the canyon of the Rusenski Lom, the last significant right tributary of the Danube.^[1] The park covers an area of 3,408 hectares (13.16 sq mi).^[2]

The area of the park was settled in the prehistory. Between the 12th and the 14th centuries, during the Second Bulgarian Empire, the area became attractive for monks and several cave monasteries were founded. As a result of this, it became a significant cultural center. After the Ottoman Empire conquered the area, they started to decay. The remains of the monasteries are now a part of the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo World Heritage Site located inside the park.^[3]

The canyon is isolated, allowing for the creation of a natural environment which combines features of Mediterranean and Central European fauna and flora. Much of the area is covered by forest.^[4]

The nature park is a major tourist attraction. Major activities in the park include visiting the rock-hewn churches, rafting, and visiting caves.^[5]

References

^ "За парка" (in Bulgarian). Rusenski Lom Nature Park. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
^ "Rusenski Lom Nature Park". Danube-Auen National Park. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
^ "Култура" (in Bulgarian). Rusenski Lom Nature Park. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
^ "Природа" (in Bulgarian). Rusenski Lom Nature Park. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
^ "Туризъм" (in Bulgarian). Rusenski Lom Nature Park. Retrieved 11 January 2017.