Gabrovo is a city in Central Bulgaria. It is a centre of Gabrovo province. It is situated at the foot of the central Balkan Mountains, in the valley of the Yantra River, and is known as an international capital of humour and satire , as well as noted for its Bulgarian National Revival architecture. Gabrovo is also known as the longest town in Bulgaria, stretching over 25 km along the Yantra, yet reaching only 1 km in width at places. Near Gabrovo is located the geographic center of Bulgaria - Uzana. Through Gabrovo passes one of the most important transport connections – Pan-European corridor № 9 .
According to the most widespread legend, Gabrovo was founded by a young blacksmith called Racho, close to whose fireplace a hornbeam (габър, gabar in Bulgarian) rose, so the settlement acquired its name. After the Ottoman invasion of the Balkans in the 14th century, the demographic position of Gabrovo changed significantly, as it was the only settlement in a considerably large geographic area and an attractive place for Bulgarians fleeing from the conquered capital and neighbouring fortresses. It turned from a village into a small town (palanka) and began to develop as an economic, cultural and spiritual centre.
The climate is humid-continental with cold winter and warm summer. There are mostly north and northwest winds and high sunshine continuance. Average annual air`s temperature is 10° С. In higher mountain peaks snow cover stays for over 110 days.
Places of interest in Gabrovo include House of Humour and Satire and Aprilov High School. In Gabrovo Province sites include architectural reserve Bozhentsi, Ethnographic Complex Etara, Dryanovo Monastery and Sokolski Monastery. Uzana, a local winter resort is some 22 km away. Hiking is widely available in the Central Balkan National Park. For admirers of historical tourism Shipka Memorial is a must-see