Bulgaria Inside

Karlovo is situated in central Bulgaria, in the northern part of the Karlovo valley. The town is situated 123 km away from Sofia and 55 km away from Plovdiv in the foot of Stara Planina Mountain.

According to historic evidence, Thracians populated that territory in ancient times. A road connected the Black Sea region to Serdika and passed through the region of present-day Karlovo. Many fortresses provided security and some remains can still be seen near Karlovo today.

Several settlements and fortresses existed on the territory of the contemporary town. In the 15th century, the Ottoman ruler gave the village of Soushenitsa to the commander Karlu Ali Bei. He probably gave Karlovo its name. The oldest landmark in the town, the mosque of Kourshoum, dates back to this period.

During the revival period, Karlovo turned into a craftsmen center. Locals practiced more than 30 crafts and traded inside the Ottoman empire and in other countries.

Karlovo changed after the end of this period. In 1839, St. Bogoroditsa church appeared. Another church, St. Nikolai, was constructed in 1847. A school and a community center were set up, as well.

After Bulgaria’s liberation, Karlovo saw its peaks and downfalls. Its best period came after the end of World War II. It became a trade, culture and military center that had many factories.

Many famous Bulgarians were born in Karlovo. Most well-known among them is the revolutionary Vassil Levski. The father of Bulgarian revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev was also born there.

Kalrovo has many landmarks to show to tourists. Levski’s house is the biggest one. The house has its authentic looks preserved.

The history museum is situated in the old part of town. It features a rich collection and is found in the building of the old school, which itself is an interesting landmark.

St. Bogoroditsa and St. Nikola church are two other interesting landmarks in the old part of town.

Locals have many intriguing celebrations and commemoration days. July 18 is Levski’s birth day, while February 19 was the day he died. Karlovo has its own carnival. Residents also celebrate the day of the rose on the first Saturday of June.

Interesting landmarks can also be found in the region surrounding the town. Raiskoto Pruskalo, the biggest waterfall in the country, Dzhendema preserve, Souhata cave and the preserves of Steneto, Stara Reka and Chamdzha are situated nearby.

The spa resort of Banya is located 14 km away from Karlovo. The mineral water springs have proven healing power.