Vidin, Bulgaria - City on the Danube River

Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Vidin, Bulgaria

Ancient Fortress and Walls of Baba Vida Are Hightlight of Vidin

Vidin has existed for over 2000 years in the same location in Bulgaria. The small town is economically depressed, but has a lovely, tree-lined city park along the Danube that leads from the cruise ship dock to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress built by the Bulgars in the 10th to the 13th centuries. Baba Vida is one of the last remaining intact Bulgar fortresses.

Vidin also has intact sections of the city wall, a large downtown square, and a lively city market, so it's a fun place to spend a few hours exploring on foot. Some of the old buildings along the river are quite impressive, and the architecture of the town is an interesting blend of many cultures such as Roman, Bulgarian, Turk, Communist, and modern.

Our eastern European river Viking Neptune cruise on the Danube spent the day docked in Vidin. We toured the famous rock formations of nearby Belogradchik in the morning, returned to the ship for lunch, and enjoyed strolling around the town during our leisure time in the afternoon.

This memorial reflects the feelings of many Bulgarians towards the Communist repression.

Vidin, Bulgaria Downtown City Square

The town square of Vidin is very large and a good pedestrian walking area. Unfortunately, because of the depressed economy, many of the stores are vacant.

Building in Downtown Vidin, Bulgaria

Vidin City Park on the Danube River in Vidin, Bulgaria

This whimsical sculpture is found in the city park in Vidin.

Nikola Petrov Art Gallery in Vidin, Bulgaria

The Nikola Petrov Art Gallery was founded in 1961 in this building built in the late 19th century. The art gallery houses over 1300 works.

Sky House in Vidin, Bulgaria

This lovely house sits on the city park, not far from the Danube River flowing through Vidin.

Posters of the Dead in Vidin, Bulgaria

Traditionally, pictures of deceased Bulgarians are often posted on trees or bulletin boards in towns such as Vidin. They serve as a death notice and obituary.

Old Jewish Synagogue in Vidin, Bulgaria

This synagogue built from 1888-1894 is seriously deteriorated and has been used for over 50 years. Efforts to restore the building have not been successful.

Ancient City Wall of Vidin, Bulgaria

The Romans built the walls in the 3rd century, the Bulgars fortified them in the 10th to 14th centuries, and the Ottomans upgraded them in the 17th century.

Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin, Bulgaria

Baba Vida was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Like the city walls, it was restored by the Ottomans in the 17th century.