Cultural- Historical Heritage

The region territory has been settled since ancient time, and different tribes and people left evidence of their existence and culture. Neolith settlements, were found 7-6 thousand years BC. Mounts have been examined in Ovcharovo, Polyanitsa, Podgoritsa, Targovishte. ‘Polyanitsa’ and ‘Ovcharovo’ cultures have been identified. The existence of city organization has been found of ‘Polyanitsa’ since the end of early neolith. Bronze settlements have been found in Omourtag, Ossikovo, Miladinovtsy and Drinovo. Near Kralevo village has been found the famous in whole world ‘Kralevo treasure’ from III century BC, and it consists of two parts horse-trappings with gold ornaments and funeral gifts- adornments. Near Draganovets remains of basilica have been found, with a nave and four aisles, of Byzantine period, built over Thracian sanctuary. The limestone monastery near Krepcha village is unique. On the church walls, in the graveyard and round the cells are engraved drawings, runic signs, Cyrillic and Hebrew scripts. The Cyrillic scripts are the oldest epigraphic monuments of that century- 921. Fortress and settlements near Targovishte, Dolna Kabda, Omourtag show that the region took considerable place in the life of First and Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It is believed that in the area of Krumovo Kale fortress, has been located the ancient town of Misionis. In the village of Cherkovna ancient church from XIII-XIVC, has been found, with ceramic ornaments, like Kings’ and Episcopal churches.
In Omourtag, from the old town, ‘St.Dimitar’ church, 1851 and ‘Mendilishka’ fountain,1779, and some national style houses from the Bulgarian Revival, have been preserved. The atmosphere of the old craftsmen street, with restored houses from the Revival, is kept in Tarovishte, some of the houses are museums now.
Today in the historic museums in Popovo, Omourtag and Targovishte exhibitions of photos and ceramic items, reminding of the historic past of the region, can be seen. 151 cultural monuments and 907 archeological monuments exist in the region. The Art gallery in Targovishte and the fifth exhibitions in Antonovo, Opaka, Popovo, are interesting to be seen. Different cultural happenings of national and international character, exhibitions, festivals, pleinairs, take place in the region.