Пътешествие във времето: парк „Кайлъка“ в Плевен преди и сега

The emblem of Pleven. A paradise. A favourite place for walks and relaxation. Whatever we can say about Park Kaylaka Pleven, it will be not enough. The park is located to the south of the city centre and covers an impressive area of 10,000 acres. Translated from Turkish, Kaylak means Kamenets or stone valley.

If there’s one place you’ll visit while on holiday in Pleven, let it be Kaylaka Park. Built in the natural gorge of the Tuchenica River, it has been declared a protected area. A huge variety of animal and plant species can be found on its territory.

For millennia, the river has carved through the limestone cliffs. As a result, cliffs ranging from 20 to 30 metres have emerged. The natural canyon contains plant and animal species that are unique to our country and the Balkans. The Red Book of Bulgaria lists some of the birds that live in the area. In the center, uncommon Himalayan pines can be seen. And Lebanon cedar flourishes in the park. The surrounding terrain also includes tall chestnut trees.

Once upon a time...

The Liberation War of 1877-1878 was significant not just in the city’s history, but also in that of the park. The Russians dispatched General Totleben to blockade the river. As a result, the area remained without water, and the Ottoman troops abandoned the territory of today’s Pleven. This barrier was known as Totleben’s Wall and consisted of two enormous dams. Today, a full-length monument to the General remains there.

In 1946, Ivan Vinarov, a renowned Pleven citizen, formed a building committee. For three decades, community residents and numerous volunteers worked together to create Stone Valley into a great park for pleasure and sports.

In 1958, the forester Boris Pariskov was given the task to undertake landscaping. 2 million saplings were prepared and planted to turn the park into the perfect place for recreation.

For the period 1963-1964, 300 permanent workers were hired to care for and maintain Pleven’s Kaylaka Park.

Kaylaka Park today

Even today, the park provides numerous options for a pleasant visit. Dams, lakes with boats, and water wheels are just a few examples. Children can play on the playgrounds, and the high cliffs offer opportunities for rock climbing. Families can visit Pleven Zoo or play tennis. During the summer months, the Summer Theatre Pleven in the park hosts numerous concerts. It also houses the country’s one-of-a-kind Wine Museum. Its collection is organized into five cave galleries. The remains of Storgosia, a late antique and early Byzantine castle and town, can also be found at the park’s entrance.

Park Hotel Kaylaka is located here, in the embrace of the wonderful greenery.

At one with nature: Park Hotel Kaylaka

Since 1957, the Park Hotel Kaylaka has been an integral part of the park’s heritage. The hotel was established in the middle of the nineteenth century and immediately became one of Pleven’s top hotels. During the years of socialism, it housed numerous government delegations. For many years, the hotel’s restaurant was the only venue where Pleven residents could sample European food and listen to live music. In 2021, the restaurant will be open to the public. The Park Hotel Kaylaka has been entirely renovated.

The hotel’s philosophy incorporates sustainability and environmental stewardship. Park Hotel Kaylaka is powered by solar electricity. There are charging stations for cars and glass recycling devices. Plastics are used sparingly, and cosmetics in the rooms come in biodegradable packaging.

4-star comfort and excellent event facilities

Located in the heart of the park, the hotel offers its guests the unique opportunity to be close to nature while not depriving themselves of modern amenities and comfort. Accommodation options include double room, studio, suite.

The hotel is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy their holiday without parting with their four-legged friends. Pets are welcome at the Park Hotel Kaylaka. Guests travelling with their tail dogs will find accessories and specially prepared treats for them.

A large outdoor pool is available to guests year-round. Heat pumps ensure a pleasant water temperature even outside the summer months. A spa will soon open, adding to the chances for leisure and recreation in the natural world.

The hotel offers excellent opportunities not only for holidays in Pleven, but also for organizing events. Park Hotel Kaylaka is a preferred host for family celebrations and business events. Weddings, birthdays, christenings, proms can be organized in the four-star complex. The three multifunctional halls also allow for business events. The halls have different capacities and sizes, and the menus for coffee breaks are the work of Chef Tokev.

Culinary delight: Refined flavours and selected drinks

Restaurant Kaylaka – For decades, restaurant Kaylaka has been a place that Pleven residents visited for its cozy atmosphere and unique cuisine. Today, the concept of the restaurant does not betray the traditions. The main restaurant charms with its elegant atmosphere and menu, created by chef Andre Tokev. In his specially designed menu traditional Bulgarian dishes and European specialties find a new interpretation.

Kaylaka Winery – The winery reopened at the end of 2023. In a contemporary and sophisticated setting, guests can sample a special selection of over 60 Bulgarian wines and 40 varieties of liquor. The menu includes seasonal choices of fresh food, which are based on Chef Tokev’s recipe. Wine tastings and synchronized decanting sessions with sommelier Mihail Markovski and his colleagues are planned.

Chertoga Bar – If you are a lover of unusual experiences, you will undoubtedly love Chertoga Bar. It is located in a cave behind the hotel. Apart from its unusual interior, it impresses with excellent signature cocktails and good music. Chertoga Bar opened in 2022 after a hiatus of many years. When it was founded in 1969, it was the centre of Pleven’s intelligentsia.

*The team of Park Hotel Kaylaka would like to express special thanks to the creators of the Facebook page “Old Pleven” for the photos provided.