Settlement:
Town/Village:
Gradets is a village situated in South-eastern Bulgaria. It is part of Kotel Municipality, Sliven region.
There are two more villages in Bulgaria with the same name. They are located in Kostinbrod Municipality, Sofia region and Vidin Municipality, Vidin region.
Gradets is about 37 km north-east from town of Sliven, 16 km south-east from town of Kotel, 12 km in the same direction from village of Zheravna, 106 km north-west from town of Burgas and 339 km east from city of Sofia.
Its population is approximately 4100 people.
Village of Gradets is located in the Eastern Balkan Mountain, at the valley of Luda Kamchiya River. Stidovo Mountain is in south-western direction. The climate characterizes with short winter and cool summer. The sea altitude is 680 m.
Gradets comprises a town hall, a church, a comprehensive school, a kindergarten, a community centre with library, health services, a police officer, a post box, several shops, a pharmacy, a computer club. Two petrol and gas stations and car wash service work in the village. Two hotels in traditional Bulgarian style welcome guests round-the-year.
The population is oriented mainly to the extraction of 'gradeshki' stones - specific limestone tiles used in the construction for wainscoting and floor covering. Agriculture is developed in the private farms.
The architecture of Gradets is in unique Bulgarian Revival style. The old wooden houses and nice cobblestone streets shape a museum that managed to preserve many architectural masterpieces. The local church of St Iliya is an interesting place as well.
The village reveals splendid view to the beautiful lines of Stidovo Mountain.
The walls of the old Roman 'Kale' (fortress) still stay in the village. It is located in the most strategic place for surveillance of the area. Luda Kamchiya River passes under it. The river is suitable for fishing and sun-bathing as well.
In close proximity are the architectural reserves of Zheravna and Kotel, which are part of the 100 National Tourist Objects of the Bulgarian Tourist Union.
'Sinite kamani' Natural park in town of Slliven is a perfect place for recreation, sport and tourism.
Internet source and pictures: www.wikipedia.org