# Rakovski

Rakovski is a town in Central South Bulgaria, not far from Plovdiv. It's the largest predominantly Roman Catholic town in Bulgaria and home to several beautiful Catholic churches. Its heritage is deeply ingrained in the local culture, with various religious festivals and events held throughout the year. This vibrant Catholic presence adds a distinctive cultural layer to Rakovski, making it an interesting destination for those interested in religious history and architecture.

## Understand

Rakovski is about 20 km (12 mi) north-east of Plovdiv, in the Upper Thracian Plain, with a population of about 14,000 (2021). It was established in 1966 by merging three villages: General Nikolaevo, Sekirovo, and Parchevich, and named after the prominent Bulgarian revolutionary Georgi Sava Rakovski. The area around Rakovski has a rich history, with traces of human settlement dating back to the Chalcolithic period. There are remains of an ancient settlement and a Roman road located southeast of the town.
During the Middle Ages, the region was part of the border between the Bulgarian and the Byzantine Empire. The latter started settling Paulicians in the area - members of a Christian sect that was considered heretical by the established Church. In the late 14th century, the Ottoman Empire invaded and many Paulicians fled north, to Nikopol on the Danube, where they were later converted to Catholicism by missionaries from Chiprovtsi. Afterwards, many returned to their native places, bringing back their new faith. Today, the majority of Rakovski's population still professes Roman Catholicism. The town's three neighborhoods each have their own Roman Catholic churches, with the churches in General Nikolaevo and Sekirovo being among the largest Roman Catholic places of worship in the region.

## Get in

The nearest major airport is in Plovdiv (PDV), about 30 km (19 mi) away. Plovdiv is also the nearest major railway station, well-connected to other cities in Bulgaria.

### By bus

Hebros Bus operates a shuttle line between Rakovski and Plovdiv, with about a dozen trips daily and a trip duration of about 40 min, so it's completely possible to do a day trip by bus. In Plovdiv buses start from Bus Station North (Sever). In Rakovski, buses stop in the Sekirovo quarter, i.e. some distance from the town centre (in the General Nikolaevo quarter).

### By car

Rakovski is easily accessible by car. It is located about 25 km northeast of Plovdiv. The drive from Plovdiv to Rakovski takes around 30 minutes via Route 56.

### By bicycle

For the more adventurous, Rakovski can be reached by bicycle from nearby towns and cities. The relatively flat terrain and scenic countryside make for an enjoyable ride. Ensure you have a detailed map or GPS device, as signage may be limited in some areas.

### Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a common and generally safe mode of travel in Bulgaria. If you're on a budget or looking for an adventure, you can try hitchhiking to Rakovski. Standing at the edge of town with a sign indicating your destination is usually effective. It's always good to have a basic knowledge of Bulgarian or a translation app to help with communication.

## Get around

Rakovski has retained is a small town and many of its sights are within walking distance of each other, though the three villages that formed the town did not merged - they remain separate quarters with some distance between them. There's about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) between the centres of the two largest components, about a 30-min walk, and there's a children's park and a monument en route (see below).

## See

* 42.27961424.9533071 Park with Fairy Tale Characters (Парк с приказни герои). (updated Jul 2024)
* 42.28897124.9684052 Catholic Church 'Sacred Heart of Jesus' (Католическа църква "Пресвето сърце Исусово"). (updated Jul 2024)
* 42.27132924.9442183 Catholic Church 'St. Archangel Michael' (Католическа църква "Св. Архангел Михаил"). (updated Jul 2024)
* 42.27050224.9078784 Catholic Church 'Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary' (Католическа църква "Непорочно зачатие на Дева Мария"). (updated Jul 2024)
* 42.27991724.949125 Monument to the Fallen in the Wars (Паметник на загиналите във войните). (updated Jul 2024)
* 42.2714524.9429516 Europe Square (Площад "Европа"). (updated Jul 2024)
* 42.28011424.9496467 Monument to G.S. Rakovski (Паметник на Г.С.Раковски). (updated Jul 2024)
* 42.28834224.9680588 Bas-relief of the Clergymen Bosilkov, Romanov, and Mankin (Барелеф на духовниците Босилков, Романов и Манкин). (updated Jul 2024)
* 42.28810624.9684919 People's Community Center 'Sts. Cyril and Methodius-1908' (Народно читалище 'Св. св. Кирил и Методий-1908'). (updated Jul 2024)

## Go next

* Just 30 km away, Plovdiv is one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, known for its ancient Roman theater, charming old town, and vibrant cultural scene. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts and art lovers.
* Located about 50 km from Rakovski, Hisarya is famous for its mineral springs and well-preserved Roman ruins. It's a great destination for relaxation and exploring ancient history.
* Approximately 100 km from Rakovski, Koprivshtitsa is a picturesque town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a rich revolutionary history. It's perfect for a day trip to experience traditional Bulgarian culture.
* Situated around 60 km from Rakovski, Bachkovo Monastery is one of the largest and oldest Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria. It's nestled in the scenic Rhodope Mountains and offers a peaceful retreat.