Svishtov (Bulgaria)

Svishtov is a Danube River cruise port and town in northern Bulgaria (Veliko Tarnovo Province), opposite the Romanian town Zimnicea. The town has population around 30,000, ranking it province's 2nd largest - after Veliko Tarnovo.

The town was founded in the 16th century. Port Svishtov was built in 1906. It is the southernmost harbour on Danube River and is served by Svishtov-Zimnich ferry (regularly scheduled Ro-Ro boat service between Svishtov and Zimnicea). This passenger and cargo shipping service shortens the road path Turkey-Central-Western Europe by 140 km (87 ml) when compared to the route over Danube Bridge (Ruse-Giurgiu) and also allows a time gain of around 4 hours by avoiding the traffic in and around Bucharest (Romania's capital).

City's main industries include river shipping (imports/exports through the harbor), chemical manufacturing, wheat production, electronics, tourism (many tourists, particularly from Romania).

One of the prettiest sites around the town is the river valley (1-2 km away from Svishtov) which shelters the monastery. This region (called Pametnitsite) is located on the banks of Danube. There is a park around the old fortress (central downtown). The House-museum of Bulgarian novelist Aleko Konstantinov (1863-1897) is among the top 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria. Another unique place to visit is Мanastira region - approx 5 km (3 ml) southeast of the town.