Koprivshtitsa – an atmospheric medieval museum town

Koprivshtitsa is a small town founded in the 14th century at an altitude of over 1600 meters above sea level. To this day, this place, located at the foot of the highest peak of the Sredna Gora (Bogdan), immerses its visitors in the Bulgarian Renaissance era. Among its cozy quarters (mahala), you can visit over 250 different monuments, museums, and historical sites, which silently narrate the history of the Bulgarian people.

Houses with red tiles, long fences (duvari), and unique fountains (sources of water in the form of monuments) on winding cobblestone streets invite exploration of the cultural heart of Bulgaria.

The town is divided by the Topolnitsa River, crossed by numerous arched bridges, each with its own name and history. A unique feature of this place is the many historical markers in the form of plaques and inscriptions on walls, fences, and even bridges.

The town was founded in the 14th century by merchants, shepherds, and artisans within the territory of the Ottoman Empire. Traders from Asia and Europe visited here, and the locals adopted features from various cultures.

For example, on the streets, monuments, and fountains, you can see drawings, symbols, and structures with features borrowed from Greeks, Ottomans, Jews, and other ethnicities. The town became one of the cultural centers of Bulgaria.

The Ottomans attempted to burn the town three times, but the wealthy residents paid them off and then rebuilt Koprivshtitsa. As a result, this place became a center of revolution – a popular uprising against Turkish rule. The Bulgarian uprising was one of the causes of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. The locals honor the history of their heroes, which is commemorated on many monuments and memorials in the area.

The Colorful Houses Are Not Just for Beauty

The Ottomans attempted to burn the town three times, but the wealthy residents paid them off and then rebuilt Koprivshtitsa. As a result, this place became a center of revolution – a popular uprising against Turkish rule. The Bulgarian uprising was one of the causes of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. The locals honor the history of their heroes, which is commemorated on many monuments and memorials in the area.

The Appearance of Buildings in Koprivshtitsa Remains Unchanged

In this museum town, all houses preserve the atmosphere and the architectural style of the 14th century. The area is characterized by buildings with tiled roofs and brightly painted walls. You can stay in a restored house or a new building in the national style.

The Layout of Koprivshtitsa Has Not Changed Since Its Foundation

The town consists of just five quarters, or "mahalas" as the locals call them. Each area covers a large space and consists of big yards with gardens, separated by fences. The locals are friendly and sociable, so there are gates in the stone fences (duvari) to visit neighbors.

Historical monuments recounting the era of revolution in Bulgaria

Before the uprising, Georgi Benkovski was a merchant, assistant to the Persian consul, and a polyglot (fluent in seven languages). The monument captures the spirit and a moment from the hero's life – the architect depicted him riding around the surroundings, rallying people into a unified army. The statue stands symbolically on a pedestal made of five granite slabs, each engraved with an inscription. The base of the monument represents five centuries of bondage, and the inscription "Become slaves, I do not want the yoke" reflects the activist's resolve. From the pedestal, there is a beautiful view of the surroundings.

Here, you can learn about the life and activities of the young revolutionary and the Bulgarian people as a whole. Inside the house, there are exhibits showcasing the history of Todor Kableshkov and the events that led to the Russo-Turkish War. Nearby, there are several interesting monuments.

This architectural monument of the city was built by a master from Plovdiv and is surrounded by a green garden and a stone fence. The house is decorated with original ornaments and frescoes. Inside, the ethnographic museum features exhibits of traditional Bulgarian rugs, household items, and clothing.

The home of a shepherd and woolen fabric master is a masterpiece of past architecture. The exterior of the house is adorned with frescoes depicting cities with which the Koprivshtitsa merchants traded, such as Alexandria, Cairo, and Constantinople. Inside, the walls and ceilings are decorated with patterns, drawings, and medallions showcasing stunning views, as well as furnished with the household items of the home's original owners. All elements have been preserved since the house's construction, and the exhibition of the original design reveals the true beauty of the building.

• By bus

  • From Sofia station. Sofia-Koprivshtitsa (109 km)

    Ticket price 5 EUR (465 RUB)

    Travel time 2 hours 45 minutes

• By train

  • From Sofia station. Sofia-Koprivshtitsa (115 km)

    Ticket price 3-5 EUR (280-465 RUB)

    Travel time 2 hours 17 minutes

  • From Filipovo station. Plovdiv-Koprivshtitsa (61 km)

    Ticket price 2-4 EUR (185-375 RUB)

    Travel time 1 hour 14 minutes

  • From Varna station. Varna-Koprivshtitsa (386 km)

    Ticket price 8-13 EUR (745-1215 RUB)

    Travel time 6 hours 28 minutes

  • From Sofia station. Burgas-Koprivshtitsa (297 km)

    Ticket price 7-11 EUR (655-1025 RUB)

    Travel time 4 hours 26 minutes

  Attention! From the station to the city, you can take a taxi for 10 EUR (935 RUB) or a bus for 5 EUR (465 RUB).

• By car

  • Sofia – Koprivshtitsa

  • Plovdiv – Koprivshtitsa

  • Varna – Koprivshtitsa

  • Burgas – Koprivshtitsa