Ichtiman: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Near Ihtiman lies the late antique Markova Mehana fortress. It formed part of the defensive system of Trajan's Gate and is associated with the Battle of 986 between Tsar Samuel and Basil II. Those wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Ichtiman can then continue their search for accommodation.

History and Culture

At Trajan's Gate, the information centre of the Stenos fortress offers guided explanations, an exhibition hall, a presentation room, as well as maps and souvenirs related to the fortress. The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Ihtiman was built in 1835.

The Historical Museum of Ihtiman first opened around 1951 with an ethnographic exhibition about the Ihtiman region and comprises archaeological, ethnographic and National Revival sections. The Ihtiman City Gallery is housed in a former Roman and later Ottoman bathhouse and presents exhibitions featuring local woodcarvers, artists and other creative people. Chitalishte Slantse organises cultural events and provides training in music, foreign languages and dance.

Landscape and Nature

Ihtiman lies in a basin surrounded by the Ihtiman Sredna Gora. Ihtiman Municipality has hilly foothill terrain and lies in the Ihtiman Basin, whose average elevation is 650 metres.

In the village of Borika in Ihtiman Municipality, the Borika Botanical Garden presents around 600 plant species from every continent except Australia. Pre-arranged group visits include tours of rare and unusual species with an explanatory talk. For individual visits, the garden offers rest areas, two water-lily ponds with ornamental fish and a visitor centre.

Excursion Destinations and Activities

Shindar Hut offers 16 beds, a fireplace, an outdoor barbecue and bathrooms. Near Ihtiman, the Iskar Hunting Estate at the Iskar Reservoir offers photo safaris. Also near Ihtiman, the Air Sofia Golf and Hotel Complex offers an 18-hole course, a driving range with a classroom and two practice greens.

Transport and Routes

The E-80, the Trakia Motorway and the Sofia–Plovdiv–Svilengrad railway line pass through Ihtiman Municipality. Nadezhda Hut can be reached from the Trakia Motorway via the Ihtiman and Muhovo turn-off or from Mirovo railway station.

Other destinations: Vakarel, Paunovo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ihtiman.