Vratsata is a gorge (gorge) of the river Leva (right tributary of the river Botunya, from the Ogosta basin) in the northeastern part of Vratsa Mountain (part of the Western Stara Planina), in the municipality of Vratsa.
The gorge of the river starts northeast of the village of Zgorigrad at 465 m above sea level, heads northeast and after about 3 km ends in the southwestern part of the town of Vratsa at 393 m above sea level. Thus, its average altitude is about 428 m. It is indented in the Apto-Urgon limestones of the northern thigh of the Zgorigrad anticline. The gorge is especially beautiful with its impressive sheer cliffs. It was declared a natural landmark in 1964 with an area of 2 hectares and is part of the Vratsa Balkan Nature Park.
The gorge is a symbol of the town of Vratsa and gave its name. In the Middle Ages it was called Vratitsa and in it are preserved the remains of the medieval fortress Vratitsa (X - XII century).
About 18 km southwest of it is Parshevitsa hut, and 12.6 km northwest - Ledenika Cave and the eponymous tourist complex.
The sheer cliffs of Vratsa are the highest on the Balkan Peninsula (over 400 meters) and are the most popular alpine site in Bulgaria. They are divided into Central Wall, Eastern and Zgorigrad Massif.
More than 140 alpine routes with different categories of difficulty have been traced along them, some of which are emblematic of Bulgarian mountaineering - "Mirrors", "Second Congress", "Winkel", "Dog's Tooth" and others. The specifics of the rock relief and the safety requirements have necessitated the re-equipment of the tours with modern wedges in recent years.
Climbing routes in the area exceed 300.
The initial section of 3.8 km of the third-class Republican road III-1002 from Vratsa to the Ledenika cave passes through the gorge.