PAOK fans are traveling to Razgrad, Bulgaria for the match against Ludogorets. Discover what you can do if you find yourself there.
A small city in Bulgaria with a storied past, Razgrad lies in the northeast of the country in the valley of the Beli Lom River, in the heart of the Balkans. The city is built in an area influenced by Thrace and Roman civilization and has centuries of history.
Razgrad stands atop the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Abritus on the banks of the Beli Lom River,over a Thracian settlement dating to the 4th-5th century BC. The city is buzzing thanks to the match between PAOK and Ludogorets, taking place on December 11, for the 6th matchday of the League Phase of the Europa League at the Huvepharma Arena. If you find yourself there, it’s worth taking a stroll around the sights of this historic city to get to know it better.
The sights of Razgrad
Razgrad is a charming city that offers a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. One must-see is the ancient Roman fortress of Abritus, where you can step back in time and explore the ruins of a once-flourishing city.
Stroll through the center of Razgrad and discover the parks and Vazrazhdane (Revival) Square, as well as Momina Chesma (Maiden’s Fountain), with its namesake sculpture of a young woman. Admire the Old Clock Tower from 1864 overlooking Nezavisimost Square and wander the Varosha quarter, the old town of Razgrad with preserved traditional houses.
Don’t miss the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases the region’s cultural heritage through captivating exhibits and artifacts. Razgrad is also home to the striking Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture that attests to the city’s diverse history. Completed in 1616, it is one of the largest Ottoman mosques in Bulgaria and across the Balkans. A smaller yet significant mosque for the city is the Ahmed Bey Mosque, built in the late 1500s.
Visit the church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra, an Orthodox church built in 1860 on the site of an earlier one. It features many woodcarvings dating from the 1860s-1870s. Other sights include the Mausoleum-Ossuary of the Liberators (1879-1880), as well as the Ikonomovits family house, which is now a museum.
If you have time to venture beyond the city, about 42 km northwest of Razgrad lies the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari from the 3rd century BC, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For nature lovers, the picturesque village of Voden is a perfect escape, offering tranquil landscapes and a chance to experience the region’s traditional rural life. If you have time for a road trip, in about an hour and a half by car you’ll reach Varna, the largest city and a summer resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
