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Svishtov

Coordinates:43°37′N25°21′E/ 43.617°N 25.350°E/43.617; 25.350
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Svishtov
Свищов
Town
Church of the Holy Trinity (1867) designed by Kolyo Ficheto
Church of the Holy Trinity(1867) designed byKolyo Ficheto
Coat of arms of Svishtov
Coat of arms
Svishtov is located in Bulgaria
Svishtov
Svishtov
Location of Svishtov
Coordinates:43°37′N25°21′E/ 43.617°N 25.350°E/43.617; 25.350
CountryBulgaria
Province
(Oblast)		Veliko Tarnovo
Government
• MayorGencho Bozhinov Genchev
Area
• Town110.721 km2(42.750 sq mi)
Elevation
88 m (289 ft)
Population
(2020)[1][2][3]
• Town26,093
• Density240/km2(610/sq mi)
•Urban
44,359
DemonymSvishtovian
Time zoneUTC+2(EET)
• Summer (DST)UTC+3(EEST)
Postal Code
5250
Area code0631
Websitesvishtov.bg/index_en.php

Svishtov(Bulgarian:Свищов[sfiʃˈtɔf])is a townin northernBulgaria,located inVeliko Tarnovo Provinceon the right bank of theDanube riveropposite theRomaniantown ofZimnicea.It is the administrative centre of the homonymousSvishtov Municipality.The town is the second-largest in the province after the city ofVeliko Tarnovoand beforeGorna Oryahovitsa.

Court in Svishtov

Name[edit]

The origins of the name Svishtov can be found in its old Bulgarian variation Sveshtniy (Свѣщний), deriving from the wordsveshtorsvyasht(свѣщ), meaning "candle". This was due to the existence of a lighthouse in the city. The previous name Sistova was first mentioned inthe peace treatythat ended theAustro-Turkish Warin 1791, when Bulgaria was still under Ottoman rule. This name was chosen instead of the Turkish wordZigit.During theOttoman rule of Bulgariathe town was also known as Ziștovi and in Romanian as Șiștova.

Geography[edit]

Svishtov is situated in northern centralBulgariaon the right bank of theDanuberiver in its southernmost point, across fromZimnicea,Romania. The town lies 237 kilometres (147 miles) north-east of the capitalSofia,and 251 kilometres (156 miles) west of the majorBlack Seaport ofVarna.Other important cities in the region arePleven80 kilometres (50 miles) away, andRuse90 kilometres (56 miles) away.

The port of Svishtov is the southernmost harbor on the Danube. It is served around the clock by the Svishtov-Zimnich ferry — a regular operationRo-ro ferryboatacross the Danube between Svishtov andZimnicea.The ferry shortens the road path to and from Turkey to Central and Western Europe by 140 kilometres (87 miles) when compared to the traditional route over theDanube Bridgeat Ruse-Giurgiu and allows a time gain of nearly four hours thus avoiding the traffic in and around the city ofBucharest.

History[edit]

Further information:Novae (fortress)
House-museum ofAleko Konstantinov

Svishtov is identified with theRomancolonyNovaementioned byPtolemy.[4]The emperor Vespasian sent thelegion I Italicathere 70 AD and Novae served as the legion's base for centuries. Novae served as a base of operations for Roman campaigns against Barbarian tribes includingTrajan's Dacian Wars,and the last time duringMaurice's Balkan campaigns.The legion was also responsible for bridge construction over the Danube.

The colony of Novae was the residence of St.Lupus of Novae.

For a short time the place was the main city for the Ostrogoths ofTheodoric the Great.Theodoric occupiedSingidunumin 471 and, after plundering Macedonia and Greece, settled in Novae (the modern Svishtov), on the lower Danube, in 483, where he remained till he transferred the sphere of his activities to Italy ten years later.

It was destroyed some time after 613, as shown by coin founds minted up to this date.

The Treaty of Sistova ended the last Austro-Turkish war (1787–91). Brokered by Great Britain, Prussia and the Netherlands,[1] it was signed in Sistova (modern Svishtov) in present-day Bulgaria on 4 August 1791.[2] The treaty was written in French and Turkish.[1]

During one of the Russo-Turkish Wars in 19th century, Svishtov has been burnt down to the ground during the retreat of the Russian Army. The city fortress has been destroyed and the population has been forced to leave the city and move across the river Danube. It was done by the order of General Nikolay Kamenskij and executed by General Guillaume Emmanuel Guignard de Saint-Priest. The event has taken place on September 27, 1810 (Sept 14, according to Julian Calendar). Account in regards of that event has been given by Dr. Dimitar Pavlovich in his book "The life of Dimitar Hadzhivasilev", published in 1906 and in the biography book of General Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov. A year later the restoration of the city has started with the efforts by few returned natives from Svishtov. The funding of the first street projects has been secured by donated profit, made from vineyard production. In few years the city was completely rebuilt and back to life as one of the main ports on Danube river. In 1829 half of the city was burned again during the next war between Russia and Ottoman Empire, by the order of General Dibich. Soon everything was restored. Svishtov became the home education and newly founded schools, sponsored by generous donors, citizens of Svishtov who built the first vocational school of trade and the University of Svishtov, Academy of Economics, first secular education school, etc.

Svishtov is known as the first town to be liberated during theRusso-Turkish War, 1877-78,since the largest part of theImperial Russian Armyforced the Danube nearby. In January 1878 a correspondent ofThe Timesof London noted that, because of the war, "Sistova does not present its former animated appearance, although there is much more movement here than I expected,... with roast turkeys, chickens, and all other delicacies of the season on thebill of fare"of the" numerous restaurants in the town. "[5]

On 4 March 1977, Svishtov suffered major structural damage in theVrancea earthquake,including the collapse of three apartment blocks in which over 100 people were killed.

Svishtov CoveinLivingston Islandin theSouth Shetland Islands,Antarcticais named for the town of Svishtov.

Religion[edit]

Еthnographic museum in Svishtov

The main religion in Svishtov isEastern Orthodox Christianity.There is also a small group ofRoman Catholicsthat have migrated from the surrounding villages ofOresh,Dragomirovoand the town ofBelene,and small group of Muslims.

Politics[edit]

The mayor of Svishtov Municipality is Gencho Bozhinov Genchev.

Education[edit]

Higher education[edit]

D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics

The D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics was established in 1936 with decree-law signed by Boris III. Since then Svishtov has become an academician town.

Professional education[edit]

State commercial high school "Dimitar Hadjivasilev"

State commercial high school "Dimitar Hadjivasilev" is the first vocational school in Bulgaria. The first commercial school was established in 1883, with decision of the National Assembly.

Transport[edit]

Port Svishtov

In the area of the town had a port since the 16th century. Port Svishtov was built in 1906.

Economy[edit]

The main industries in the town of Svishtov include imports and exports via the harbor, electronics, chemical manufacturing, and wheat production. The town's University of Economics is also a major economic draw. Additionally, there are a large number of European tourists, particularly from Romania, who frequent Svishtov because of its relatively lower prices.

Monument to the fallen of the 16th colonial infantry division of the French army (1918)

Landmarks and Interesting places[edit]

One of the most beautiful places around the town of Svishtov is the unique river valley (1 to 2 km (1 to 1 mi) away from the town) which hosts the monastery of Svishtov; the region called Pametnitsite /Паметниците(The Monuments) on the banks of theDanubeand the park around the old fortress in the centre the town.

Community center "Elenka and Kiril D. Avramovi - 1856", first community center in Bulgaria

The House-museum of the Bulgarian novelistAleko Konstantinovis one of the top100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.

Another place of interest in town is the region called Мanastira /Манастира(The monastery) 5 kilometres (3 miles) south-east of the town. The name of this place comes from the monastery, that is there. Its name is "Shroud of the Holy Mother" (also known as "Virgin Mary’s Winding Sheet" ). It has a church named "The Assumption of Virgin Mary" and 2 residential buildings.

Mineral water springs[edit]

"Toplata Voda" was originally drilled for petrol in the 1980s, but instead of petrol they found one of the famous sources of thermal water springs in North Bulgaria. The same source is feeding the balneo centers such as Pulski Trumbesh, Ovcha Mogila, well known from many years. The place is next toPersina,also see Persina's official website.[6]The spring has a small pool and the water comes from it at 48 degrees Celsius. In the pool it is 44–45 degrees. The place is 5 kilometers west from the city.

Sun clock in Svishtov

Climate[edit]

Svishtov has ahumid subtropical climatewith considerable continental influences. The summer lasts five months, from May to September. Winters start in early December and last until March.

Climate data for Svishtov, Bulgaria (2000-2014)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 2.6
(36.7) 		5.3
(41.5) 		12.8
(55.0) 		19.1
(66.4) 		25.7
(78.3) 		28.9
(84.0) 		31.4
(88.5) 		31.3
(88.3) 		25.5
(77.9) 		18.5
(65.3) 		10.9
(51.6) 		4.3
(39.7) 		18.0
(64.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 0.2
(32.4) 		1.7
(35.1) 		7.9
(46.2) 		13.7
(56.7) 		20.3
(68.5) 		24.0
(75.2) 		26.3
(79.3) 		26.3
(79.3) 		21.3
(70.3) 		13.8
(56.8) 		7.7
(45.9) 		1.6
(34.9) 		13.8
(56.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −2.4
(27.7) 		−1.9
(28.6) 		3.0
(37.4) 		8.3
(46.9) 		14.2
(57.6) 		18.0
(64.4) 		20.1
(68.2) 		20.2
(68.4) 		16.1
(61.0) 		9.1
(48.4) 		4.4
(39.9) 		−1.2
(29.8) 		9.0
(48.2)
Source: Stringmeteo[7]

International relations[edit]

See also:List of twin towns and sister cities in Bulgaria

Literature[edit]

  1. Stoyan Arshinkov - "Dear Motherland", Tsvetan Radoslavov Hadjidenkov, Sofia, BAS, 1985
  2. V. Atseva, "Archive of Nikolai Pavlovich", 1852 - 1894, ed. BAS, 1980
  3. Angel Balashev - Svishtov 60 and more years ago - Sofia 2007, Multiprint EOOD
  4. Lachezar Georgiev - Twice hung on the gallows (Botev's Chetnik Sava Penev) - Sofia, 1992
  5. Ivan Gunev - Emanuil Vaskidovich and his Slavic-Bulgarian secular school - ed. Patriotic Front, Sofia, 1987
  6. Dr. Racho Kazanski - Sprouts for the new revival - under the ashes of spiritual ruin - Sofia
  7. Georgi Karpachev - The House Museum, the Grand Duke, Vladimir Alexandrovich in the village of Gorna Studena - Sofia P. Glushkov printing house, 1907
  8. Margarita Kovacheva - Dragan Tsankov - public figure, politician, diplomat, 1878 - Sofia, Science and Art, 1982
  9. Yordan Nikolov - The first Bulgarian choir (local memories) - Svishtov, AD Panichkov, 1925
  10. Julia Nikolova, Tsv. Again - Vasil Manchev, memories
  11. Julia Nikolova - "Eat with dignity" - Svishtov in the XIX century and the first decade of the XX century - personalities, events, facts - ed. Ivray, 2006
  12. Nikolai D. Pavlovich - Nikolai Pavlovich 1835 - 1894 - Sofia, Science and Art, 1955
  13. Parvoleta Prokopova, Yanko Apostolov - Svishtov, Sofia Press 1977
  14. Vasil Radkov - Nests of Conspiracy Sparks of Curiosity - Fifth Donevski, ed. Abagar V. Tarnovo, 2006
  15. Radko Radkov - Svishtov - cultural and historical landmarks, ed. Abagar, V. Tarnovo, 2007
  16. Dr. N. Sakarov - Commercial and economic importance of Svishtov - ed. Svishtov Friendship in Sofia, 1928
  17. Dr. Maria Tosheva - History of Health Care in Svishtov - Svishtov Academic Publishing House "Tsenov", 2004
  18. Doncho Tuzharov - Hearth of Science and Patriotism (50 years of VFSI "DA Tsenov", Svishtov) - Sofia, 1986
  19. Georgi Hristov - "Svishtov in the past (86 - 1877)", ed. Svishtov, PA Slavkvov 1936
  20. Hristo Tsekov - Dimitar Tsenovich - Sofia Bulgarika, 1997
  21. Hristo Tsekov - The Confession of Botev's Chetnik Ivanitsa Danchev - Sofia Bulgarika, 1998
  22. A series of "diaries and memories of Bulgarian history", ed. team - Peter Neykov (diplomat), memoirs, ed. Patriotic Front, Sofia 1990
  23. Svishtov in the Renaissance - 1934 Phototype edition - 1994/6
  24. Greetings from Svishtov, ed. Svishtov Municipality, 2007
  25. Svishtov - pages from his Revival past and the Liberation of Bulgaria (125 years since the declaration of the Russo-Turkish War) - Svishtov, 2002
  26. Dimitar Vassilev State Trade High School, Svishtov - Jubilee Collection 1884 - 1934, Svishtov, P.A. Slavkov, 1935
  27. Archpriest Stefan Ganchev, contribution to its history - Svishtov, PA Slavkov, 1929. Phototype edition, republished by the Aleko Konstantinov Foundation, Svishtov, 1996.
  28. Jubilee collection "100 years of the State Trade High School" D. Vassilev” - 1884 - 1984, Svishtov, 1984
  29. Jubilee collection of the Svishtov Chitalishte 1856 - 1931
  30. Jubilee collection of the first Bulgarian community center - "Elenka and Kiril D. Avramovi in Svishtov, 1856 - 1956

Twin towns – Sister cities[edit]

Svishtov istwinnedwith:

References[edit]

  1. ^(in English)Bulgarian National Statistical Institute - towns in 2009
  2. ^(in English)„WorldCityPopulation “
  3. ^""pop-stat.mashke.org"".Mashke.org.Retrieved9 November2017.
  4. ^Chisholm, Hugh,ed. (1911)."Sistova".Encyclopædia Britannica.Vol. 25 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 161.
  5. ^"The Danube,"The Times,January 25, 1878, page 5
  6. ^"Persina Park".Persina.bg.Retrieved9 November2017.
  7. ^Николов, Иван."Климатични данни » България".Stringmeteo.Retrieved9 November2017.
  8. ^"Partnerstwo Samorządów Siłą Europy".Europa Miast(in Polish). Archived fromthe originalon 9 August 2016.Retrieved13 August2013.
  9. ^"Dębica -Miasta Partnerskie"[Dębica - Partnership Cities].Rząd Miejski w Dębicy - Współpraca - Europa Miast [Dębica town council in cooperation with Europa Miast](in Polish). Archived fromthe originalon 2011-10-11.Retrieved13 August2013.

External links[edit]

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