Zheravna

Zheravna is a village in central eastern Bulgaria located 579 meters above sea level. It is an architectural reserve of national importance consisting of more than 200 wooden houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period (18th and 19th century) The village emerged between the 12th and 14th centuries, and by the 18th century had grown to become a cultural and handicraft centre. As of September 2005 the village had a population of 460. Each year, about 20,000 tourists visit the village, which is set in a small valley at the southern foot of the eastern Balkan Mountains. The highest peak is Razboyna at 1128 meters abovesea level and is located 6 km west of the village. There are many uninhabited houses in the town, and many fountains and old mills are preserved. The area is rich in water resources with springs and rivers supplied by rain and melting snow. Animal diversity is great and includes wild boar, roe deer, red deer, jackal, wolf, rabbit, quail, partridge and others. The climate is a typical mountain climate with an early autumn, very cold winter, and late spring 57.5% of the days in the year are windless.