Ruse

Introducing Ruse

Cultured Ruse (roo-seh), the fifth-biggest city in Bulgaria, is far more than just a point of passage to Romania, though for many it’s just a stop on the way to or from Bucharest. Yet with its grand square enlivened by cafés and Austro-Hungarian–influenced architecture, often illuminated to great effect at night, Ruse is a very appealing and lively town with a rich and varied history. This past is abundantly displayed in several museums, and in its ruined Roman fortress, standing guard high over the Danube.

Indeed, considering that Ruse features such sites, and boasts the best dining and nightlife in northern Bulgaria, there’s plenty to keep you for a few days. Ruse’s also a base for visiting the nearby rock monasteries and other attractions at Rusenski Lom Nature Park.

Already a key Balkan commercial transport hub, there are ambitious plans to build a new industrial zone south of Ruse, as well as a foreign-owned car factory, indicating that the city’s economic importance is still growing – though such developments are not particularly encouraging for the local environment.

For more information on local wineries.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009