Vidin, Bulgaria

By Glen Bruels
This is part of a series called Pan European Sojourn 2023
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After the longest sailing day on the Danube, we arrived in the regal town of Viden, located in northwestern Bulgaria. This area has been continuously inhabited since the time of the Romans because of it’s strategic positioning in a bend in the Danube across from Romania. Consequently, it has been known as the “Danube’s Eternal Guardian.” We took a walking tour of the city. The most significant structure there was Baba Vida fortress — considered the best preserved in Bulgaria. The fort was built on the ruins of the ancient town of Bononia, with subsequent additions by the Bulgarians, the Austro Hungarians, and the Ottoman Turks. A separate warehouse was built by the Ottomans for food and ammunition storage that today houses gravestones dating back to Roman times. After independence through the fort was used by the Army and people weren’t allowed in. After excavations and renovation, the fort was finally opened in the late 1950s. We also visited the Triangle of Religious Tolerance, made up of synagogue, mosque, and the Orthodox Bishopric’s church and complex. Only the latter one is still used for religious purposes — the others are now civic spaces. The tolerance comment is important though. While Bulgaria was allied with the Germans in World War II, they refused to send their Jewish population to Germany or any of the other concentration camps. I believe they are the only European country to do that. Finally, there are still a number of monuments that were erected by the Soviets that still remain standing. They are focused on anti-fascist messages. We finished the evening with a troupe of local dancers and singers, performing traditional songs and dances. A short, but interesting stop.

A monument to Soviet greatness and anti-fascism.
Getting into the act.
Baba Vida fortress.
Panoramic views of the Danube.
From one tower to another.
Roman gravestone.
I was sitting with my arms in back of me and who should stick his head through? My new buddy!
The newly renovated synagogue. Most of the Jewish people from this area migrated to Israel after WW II. It was only recently that the synagogue was renovated and turned into a public space.
Angry Soviets.
This entry was posted in Bulgaria, Europe, Travel
Glen Bruels

I am a traveler and sometimes clay sculptor, following a long career working in consulting. My work allowed me to travel the world extensively and I was hooked. Today, I travel with my wife/best friend to explore new places, meet new people, and learn new things.

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