Varbitsa Pass (Bulgarian: Върбишки проход [vɐrˈbiʃki ˈprɔxot]) is a mountain pass in the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in Bulgaria. It connects Shumen and Petolachka crossroads.
Varbitsa Pass | |
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Elevation | 900 m (2,953 ft) |
Traversed by | Road |
Location | Bulgaria |
Range | Balkan Mountains |
Coordinates | 42°55′39″N 26°40′6″E / 42.92750°N 26.66833°E |
The famous Battle of Pliska was fought in the pass on July 26, 811 between the armies of Bulgarian Empire led by Khan Krum and the Byzantine Empire under Nicephorus I which ended with a decisive Bulgarian victory and the death of the Byzantine Emperor.[1][2]