Omurtag

The town of Omurtag belongs to Targovishte district. It is situated in northeast Bulgaria, at the foot (altitude of 500 m) of the northern flank of the Eastern Stara Planina Mountain, 24km from Turgovishte, 66km from Shumen, 43km from Popovo and 36km from Kotel. The population of Omurtag is 8759 (the town is administrative center of 45 settlements with total population 32861) (21/07/2005). There are deposits of rock-salt in the vicinity. Several eco-trails have been established in the municipality, which pass though beautiful sites, along rivers and historical monuments, chalets. Yastrebino Memorial Complex lies to the east of Omurtag. Other landmark of Omurtag are remains from the Chalcolythic and Neolithic Ages in the vicinity. In the 9th century Khan Omurtag, after whom the town was named, reconstructed the fortress in the locality of Irindzhik, dated to the late Antiquity. Crafts and stock-breeding were developed during the Revival Period. Cultural landmarks: History Museum (the space suit of Alexander Alexandrov, a Bulgarian astronaut, can be found among the exhibits); houses of the National Revival period; The house of Ivanka Hadzhijkata (it is historical monument); Menzilishka drinking fountain (1779); The Curch Saint Dimitar (1860 with its valuable murals and icons); a Roman bridge 4 km away from the town; a forest park. Area Code: + 605