Bulgaria Inside

Hidden in the Karnobat valley, nearly 50 km away from the city of Bourgas, is the town of Karnobat. The municipality’s territory is only 806 sq m and its population is 28 843 people, 19 401 of which live in the town itself.

Karnobat has witnessed many historic events. The fortress of Markeli is situated seven km away from the town and was the site of one of the most important struggles between Bulgarians and Byzantines. Many battles took place there in the 8th and 9th centuries. Han Kroum turned the fortress into one of the most important fortifications south of Stara Planina.

Since the 15th century, the town acted as an administrative and commerce center. During the revival, it turned into a center of culture and enlightenment. Karnobat residents took active part in the struggle for religious independence.

The town still preserves its spirit and has numerous landmarks to show to visitors.

Make sure to visit the house of Dimitur Polianov, the only preserved revival-period house in Karnobat. The house of the writer preserves many manuscripts, drawings and Polianov’s personal belongings.

St. Ioan Bogoslov church is another Karnobat landmark. It was constructed in 1881 over the remains of an old church that Ottomans burned down.

The old part of town houses a clock tower that was constructed in 1874 to honor Karnobat’s prosperity after the revival period.

Near the clock tower, visitors can see Sinanbeiov Hamam or the Turkish bath. It is one of the few constructions of this specific type preserved in southern Bulgaria. Yet, the bath is currently closed for visitors.

Chernata Dzhamia, or Black Mosque impresses visitors with its architecture. It was constructed in 1821.

If you are interested in museums, Karnobat has several options to offer you. In 1921, Atanas Karaivanov put together the first archaeological collection in the town. Today, Karnobat’s history museum has five divisions named Archaeology, Ethnography, Art, Nature and History. Nature collection features some endangered on a global scale bird species.

Nature lovers can explore the vicinities of Karnobat.

Kostenska church is situated 20 km away from Karnobat. The church is known for its revival period architecture style.

Straldzhansko swamp was known in the past as Bulgaria’s biggest internal lake. It is situated 15 km away from Karnobat and is of great interest to bird lovers who can observe swans, herons, wild ducks and other species.

Some unusual plants can be observed in Lalikoto preserved area near the village of Venets.

Karnobat is well known for some of the best wines and rakia drinks made in Bulgaria. The region favors the cultivation of peaches, grapes and raspberries.

Fishing, hunting and eco tourism have also been developed in the area. The forests near Karnobat feature numerous herbs and mushrooms.