Vola Peak

Okolchitsa Peak (1048 m) is located in the Vratsa Balkans, not far from the village of Chelopek, about 20 km from Vratsa. A monument was erected at the top in honor of the feat of the revolutionary Hristo Botev and his detachment - who died in 1876 for the Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule.

The place for the erection of the monument was chosen in 1901 by a special commission, in which 9 of Botev's rebels also participated. A place was chosen that was accessible and closest to the last battle of the detachment in 1876.

The monument was erected in 1926 and is a reinforced concrete volunteer cross. It was placed on Kolova Polyana, now known as Boteva Polyana. In 1947 it was decided to transform the cross into a five-pointed star, and in 1991 it regained its original appearance.

The monument is 26.60 m high, and at its base is the chapel "St. Georgi ”. It is included in the list of the Hundred National Tourist Sites. The beautiful nature around the monument and the rich history of the region attract many tourists and guests from the country and abroad.

Every year on June 2, a nationwide pilgrimage is held at the foot of the monument, attended by heads of state and thousands of Botev pilgrims. Here ends the national tourist march on the way of Botev's detachment "Kozloduy - Okolchitsa", which has been held since 1946 without interruption.

Okolchitsa Peak is a favorite place of hang gliders from the country and abroad and a favorite place for recreation during the weekend.