Troyan is one of the most picturesque and beautiful towns with an exceptionally rich historical and cultural inheritance. The town is situated in North Bulgaria 160 km away from Sofia, 300 km away from Varna and 140 km away from Plovdiv. It is located on both banks of the Beli Osam river and has a strategic position which is determined by the Troyan Pass that connects North with South Bulgaria. The town arised somewhere at the beginning of 15th century after Bulgaria had fallen under Ottoman domination. The name of the town comes from the ancient Roman road “Via Trayana” which crosses the Balkan Range and connects Misia with Thrace and the Aegean Sea. The town holiday of Troyan is on 14th of October- the day of St. Petka Paraskevathe heavenly protector of the town. It`s also a tradition in town to celebrate St. Spiridon- the protector of craftsmen, which is held by the Museum of national artistic crafts and applied arts and the Fair of crafts in Troyan. The craftsmen from all over Bulgaria celebrate this day. Ten kilometers south-east of Troyan at the north foot of the Troyan mountain is situated the biggest monastery in the Balkan Range- the Troyan monastery “ The Assumption”. Since its formation during 17th century, the monastery became one of the most valuable Christian and cultural monuments for the Bulgarian people. Only 20 km away from Troyan is the upland region of Bekleme. Here you can find the best biathlon and ski-running racing track which has a length of 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 km. The Bekleme has three tow-lifts and three tracks for those who like winter sports. The reserve “Kozya stena”(“Goat Wall”) is situated in the Kozya stena mountain and is an authentic botanical paradise. Inside the reserve are protected more than 40 different kinds of rare plant species. One of the most remarkable representatives is the white star of the mountain- the edelweiss of the Balkan Range. The reserve is within the borders of the Central Balkan National Park.