published on 14.12.2007, 13:59 Author: Denitsa Paskaleva Article rating:
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Koprivshtitsa is found in the valley of Topolchitsa River, in the middle of Sredna Gora. Many legends have been told about the creation of the town. According to one, the town was found at a crossing, where the roads from Zlatitsa, Pirdop and Klisoura to Strelcha and Panaguyrishte met.
The spot was covered by green meadows and the nearby river made them fertile. Travelers and shepherds often stopped there. One old Bulgarian family decided to settle in the area. This led to the creation of Koprivshtitsa. Each family that settled there got a nickname based on occupation. These nicknames were used to name Koprivshtitsa’s neighborhoods.
Another legend tells that the town was the creation of a Rila boyar. The boyar settled in the region, where herd could graze. She liked the place and decided to ask the sultan to make her ruler. The sultan gave her official document that granted the boyar much authority. Koprivshtitsa was called ‘the lady’s meadow’ a name that Turks used later on.
Yet another legend has been told. This one focuses on Bulgarian migrants, the descendants of big families, who decided to settle in the region after the beginning of the Ottoman rule. The three shepherds named Lambo, Toroman and Arntin were among these people and founded three of the town’s neighborhoods.
All legends state that Koprivshtitsa was created shortly before the Second Bulgarian Kingdom ended. Some believe that the town was created by Turnovo boyars, who escaped from the old capital after it was conquered. The local dialect resembles the one in Turnovo.
Koprivshtitsa suffered three conflagrations in the period from 1793 to 1810. Locals escaped and moved to Plovdiv, Kazanluk, Edirne. Some left for Moldova. After the third fire, Koprivshtitsa was almost entirely destroyed. The construction of the new town began after that.
The new town slowly grew. Locals constructed bridges, churches and a community center under the name Neophit Rilski. Later, the center got the name of the local benefactor Nenko Palaveev. A number of icons and Gospels were purchased during that period. Locals started educating youngsters, who later on turned into revolutionaries. Some of the well-known Bulgarian revolutionaries from Koprivshtitsa are Todor Kableshkov, Liuben Karavelov, Georgi Benkovski, Naiden Gerov, Yoakim Grouev.
Today, Koprivshtitsa attracts many tourists. Most go there to experience the old, traditional architecture, culture and traditions. Over the past few years, the town has developed as a tourism destination and its architecture and historic heritage got a boost from the newly constructed and comfortable accommodation opportunities.
Hidden in the folds of the mountain, Koprivshtitsa offers comfortable and quiet rest. You can stay in the small, family-type hotels. All of them have been constructed in traditional style and have large, colorful yards.
The clean air and the mountain climate produce a cool summer without the heat of the city. During the summer, the region is suitable for picnics and walks. A few routes in the region will take you to beautiful mountain spots without too much effort and climbing. Winter fails offering good tourism opportunities but the sunny days are suitable for walks. Though it is snowy, Koprivshtitsa has not developed skiing opportunities. The town still misses ski tracks and lifts. Yet, the snow, smoking chimneys, the smell of traditional dishes and the traditional music give specific charm to winter-time Koprivshtitsa.
One of Koprivshtitsa’s landmarks is the town’s symbol, namely the Apriltsi mausoleum. The monument honors all revolutionaries who died in the April uprising. Professor P. Tsvetkov’s project was used to set up the monument and work lasted from 1926 to 1928. The local benefactor named Nenko Palaveev provided funding for the project.
The monument is pyramid shaped. It has two floors. The first floor features a charnel- house and the upper level is a small chapel. An engraved marble stone has been placed there. The writing says “to commemorate the April uprising in 1876, which gave birth to the Bulgarian freedom. Created in 1926 by Nenko Palaveev.” The monument can be seen in the central part of Koprivshtitsa, on 20 April square.
Georgi Benkovski’s monument is the tallest landmark of the town. The figure is 11-m high and represents Benkovski on a horse. Five stones, representing the five centuries of Ottoman presence in Bulgaria have been placed in the base of the monument. Benkovski’s words “wake up, slaves! I do not want yoke!” have been engraved there. Hristo Tanev and architect P. Tatarov are the two people who worked on this huge monument that appears to be out of scale.
The author of the so called blood letter, Todor Kableshkov, has also been commemorated. Kableshkov organized and led the April uprising and manage to overtake the Ottoman town-hall. His monument is located close to Kableshkov’s house that has been turned into a museum. The monument is 2.9 m high and can be seen inside a small garden. The sculptor Yordan Gavrilov and architects Georgi Papagalov and Ivan Nikolov worked on the monument.
First Gun (pyrva poushka) monument is the work of architect Doudoulov and was created in 1928. The monument has rectangular shape. A bronze low relief in the middle of the stone represents a Koprivshtitsa revolutionary carrying a gun. A bell can be seen in the background. The text “ the seven of you: Georgi Tihanek, Velyo Sirekut, Georgi Kamenarcheto, Velyo Mirchev, Nedelio Tihanek, Ivan Fournadzhiata, Ilia Nenchov- you shot at this spot the first bullet to counter the five centuries of yoke and you carried the wreath of the rebel’s glory. Your country will honor you forever.” The monument has been truly placed at the spot where the first bullet of the April uprising was shot. Georgi Tihanek killed an Ottoman soldier named Kara Hussein. The event took place on April 20 1876.
One of the most beautiful monuments in Bulgaria, the mother’s monument, is also located in Koprivshtitsa. This masterpiece is the work of Professor Ivan Lazarov and was created in 1934. The monument represents the figure of an elderly woman, who sadly waits for her child to come back at the doorsteps of her house. This figure is very realistic and sensual and truly affects visitors. The front side carries the verses of the poet Dimcho Debelyanov “in silent stupor she awaits the comeback of her child.”
The monument was initially located close to the grave of Dimcho Debelyanov, in the yard of Sveta Bogoroditsa church. In 1940 the nose of the figure broke off and renovation works were rather unsuccessful. A replica was placed close to the grave in 1969 and the original statue was moved in the yard of the poet’s house. It can still be seen there today.
Many of the houses in Koprivshtitsa have been turned into museums. The house of Liuben and Petko Karavelovi is one such building. It is located close to the river in a spacious yard. Three houses can be seen there- the summer and winter houses and the agricultural building.
The winter house was constructed first, before a conflagration in Koprivshtitsa. This building has one floor and several rooms. Construction took place in 1810. An agriculture building appeared 10 years later. An exhibition made of Liuben Karavelov’s belongings has been placed there. His printing press is one of the most interesting items. The machine was used in 1871 to print several newspapers, Knowledge magazine and Flag newspaper. The first Bulgarian constitution was also printed on this machine shortly after the country got its freedom.
In 1835, the summer house appeared. This building has two floors and a huge terrace. Petko Karavelov’s belongings can be seen there. He is Liyben’s smaller brother and a well-known politician. The belongings of Lora, Petko’s daughter and wife of the poet Peyo Yavorov can also be seen there.
Dimcho Debelyanov’s house is also open for visitors. It was constructed in 1830 by the poet’s grandfather. The building has two floors and is known for the very low first floor ceiling. Various items and personal belongings, among which the poet’s cradle, have been preserved.
One of the most outstanding revolutionary houses in the town is Todor Kableshkov’s. Gencho Mladenov, a local master, worked on the project, following the architecture typical for Plovdiv. The building is symmetrical and constructed around the central circular hall.
In 1935, Kableshkov’s house became one of the first buildings to be renovated in the town. It houses artifacts that were initially to be placed in Koprivshtitsa’s museum. Today the house has been filled with books, photographs and other objects connected to Kableshkov’s life.
Oslekova house hosts the town’s ethnographic museum. It is also one of the town’s architecture monuments. This house has also been created following Plovdiv style. Oslekova house is located in a narrow yard and has a huge cellar, ground floor and first floor. Construction took place in 1856. The Samokov master Ousta Mincho created the house for Nencho Nikolov Oslekov. Rich wall paintings and decorations enchant visitors. Wood carvings also reveal unbelievable level of craftsmanship. Various ethnographic objects can be seen there, among which, jewelry, collections of knitted clothes and fine lace created using horse fur.
The house is of both architectural and historic importance. Nencho Oslekov, the owner, was a rich merchant. Before starting his trade activities, Oslekov collected taxes. During that period his wealth increased and Oslekov changed his social status. Yet, he remained active in revolutionary activities. The hall of his house was used for the creation of revolutionary uniforms. After the April uprising failure, on June 27 1876, Oslekov was captured and hanged in Plovdiv.
Liutova house is located in Sredna Mahala. The house was constructed in 1854 by Plovdiv builders for Stefan Topalov. The construction lacks impressive façade but has outstanding internal decorations. An older layer of paintings was probably created after the construction of the house. It was covered by a second layer that can still be seen today in all rooms.
In 1906, the local merchant Petko Liutov purchased the house. He gave the construction its name.
The ground floor features a permanent carpet exhibition. Maria Boudourva, a master of contemporary arts donated part of the collection. Her contemporary works are colorful and made of wool. They can be used as floor covers or heavy blankets. All works are home-made and created using specific methods. Natural dyes were used to color the wool.
Areas near Koprivshtitsa are interesting for tourists, as well. The town of Strelcha has long been known for its healing mineral springs and rose oil production. The village of Starosel is one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries. Other interesting sites in the area include the resort of Panagiurski Koloni and the region of Barikadite.
The spot was covered by green meadows and the nearby river made them fertile. Travelers and shepherds often stopped there. One old Bulgarian family decided to settle in the area. This led to the creation of Koprivshtitsa. Each family that settled there got a nickname based on occupation. These nicknames were used to name Koprivshtitsa’s neighborhoods.
Another legend tells that the town was the creation of a Rila boyar. The boyar settled in the region, where herd could graze. She liked the place and decided to ask the sultan to make her ruler. The sultan gave her official document that granted the boyar much authority. Koprivshtitsa was called ‘the lady’s meadow’ a name that Turks used later on.
Yet another legend has been told. This one focuses on Bulgarian migrants, the descendants of big families, who decided to settle in the region after the beginning of the Ottoman rule. The three shepherds named Lambo, Toroman and Arntin were among these people and founded three of the town’s neighborhoods.
All legends state that Koprivshtitsa was created shortly before the Second Bulgarian Kingdom ended. Some believe that the town was created by Turnovo boyars, who escaped from the old capital after it was conquered. The local dialect resembles the one in Turnovo.
Koprivshtitsa suffered three conflagrations in the period from 1793 to 1810. Locals escaped and moved to Plovdiv, Kazanluk, Edirne. Some left for Moldova. After the third fire, Koprivshtitsa was almost entirely destroyed. The construction of the new town began after that.
The new town slowly grew. Locals constructed bridges, churches and a community center under the name Neophit Rilski. Later, the center got the name of the local benefactor Nenko Palaveev. A number of icons and Gospels were purchased during that period. Locals started educating youngsters, who later on turned into revolutionaries. Some of the well-known Bulgarian revolutionaries from Koprivshtitsa are Todor Kableshkov, Liuben Karavelov, Georgi Benkovski, Naiden Gerov, Yoakim Grouev.
Today, Koprivshtitsa attracts many tourists. Most go there to experience the old, traditional architecture, culture and traditions. Over the past few years, the town has developed as a tourism destination and its architecture and historic heritage got a boost from the newly constructed and comfortable accommodation opportunities.
Hidden in the folds of the mountain, Koprivshtitsa offers comfortable and quiet rest. You can stay in the small, family-type hotels. All of them have been constructed in traditional style and have large, colorful yards.
The clean air and the mountain climate produce a cool summer without the heat of the city. During the summer, the region is suitable for picnics and walks. A few routes in the region will take you to beautiful mountain spots without too much effort and climbing. Winter fails offering good tourism opportunities but the sunny days are suitable for walks. Though it is snowy, Koprivshtitsa has not developed skiing opportunities. The town still misses ski tracks and lifts. Yet, the snow, smoking chimneys, the smell of traditional dishes and the traditional music give specific charm to winter-time Koprivshtitsa.
One of Koprivshtitsa’s landmarks is the town’s symbol, namely the Apriltsi mausoleum. The monument honors all revolutionaries who died in the April uprising. Professor P. Tsvetkov’s project was used to set up the monument and work lasted from 1926 to 1928. The local benefactor named Nenko Palaveev provided funding for the project.
The monument is pyramid shaped. It has two floors. The first floor features a charnel- house and the upper level is a small chapel. An engraved marble stone has been placed there. The writing says “to commemorate the April uprising in 1876, which gave birth to the Bulgarian freedom. Created in 1926 by Nenko Palaveev.” The monument can be seen in the central part of Koprivshtitsa, on 20 April square.
Georgi Benkovski’s monument is the tallest landmark of the town. The figure is 11-m high and represents Benkovski on a horse. Five stones, representing the five centuries of Ottoman presence in Bulgaria have been placed in the base of the monument. Benkovski’s words “wake up, slaves! I do not want yoke!” have been engraved there. Hristo Tanev and architect P. Tatarov are the two people who worked on this huge monument that appears to be out of scale.
The author of the so called blood letter, Todor Kableshkov, has also been commemorated. Kableshkov organized and led the April uprising and manage to overtake the Ottoman town-hall. His monument is located close to Kableshkov’s house that has been turned into a museum. The monument is 2.9 m high and can be seen inside a small garden. The sculptor Yordan Gavrilov and architects Georgi Papagalov and Ivan Nikolov worked on the monument.
First Gun (pyrva poushka) monument is the work of architect Doudoulov and was created in 1928. The monument has rectangular shape. A bronze low relief in the middle of the stone represents a Koprivshtitsa revolutionary carrying a gun. A bell can be seen in the background. The text “ the seven of you: Georgi Tihanek, Velyo Sirekut, Georgi Kamenarcheto, Velyo Mirchev, Nedelio Tihanek, Ivan Fournadzhiata, Ilia Nenchov- you shot at this spot the first bullet to counter the five centuries of yoke and you carried the wreath of the rebel’s glory. Your country will honor you forever.” The monument has been truly placed at the spot where the first bullet of the April uprising was shot. Georgi Tihanek killed an Ottoman soldier named Kara Hussein. The event took place on April 20 1876.
One of the most beautiful monuments in Bulgaria, the mother’s monument, is also located in Koprivshtitsa. This masterpiece is the work of Professor Ivan Lazarov and was created in 1934. The monument represents the figure of an elderly woman, who sadly waits for her child to come back at the doorsteps of her house. This figure is very realistic and sensual and truly affects visitors. The front side carries the verses of the poet Dimcho Debelyanov “in silent stupor she awaits the comeback of her child.”
The monument was initially located close to the grave of Dimcho Debelyanov, in the yard of Sveta Bogoroditsa church. In 1940 the nose of the figure broke off and renovation works were rather unsuccessful. A replica was placed close to the grave in 1969 and the original statue was moved in the yard of the poet’s house. It can still be seen there today.
Many of the houses in Koprivshtitsa have been turned into museums. The house of Liuben and Petko Karavelovi is one such building. It is located close to the river in a spacious yard. Three houses can be seen there- the summer and winter houses and the agricultural building.
The winter house was constructed first, before a conflagration in Koprivshtitsa. This building has one floor and several rooms. Construction took place in 1810. An agriculture building appeared 10 years later. An exhibition made of Liuben Karavelov’s belongings has been placed there. His printing press is one of the most interesting items. The machine was used in 1871 to print several newspapers, Knowledge magazine and Flag newspaper. The first Bulgarian constitution was also printed on this machine shortly after the country got its freedom.
In 1835, the summer house appeared. This building has two floors and a huge terrace. Petko Karavelov’s belongings can be seen there. He is Liyben’s smaller brother and a well-known politician. The belongings of Lora, Petko’s daughter and wife of the poet Peyo Yavorov can also be seen there.
Dimcho Debelyanov’s house is also open for visitors. It was constructed in 1830 by the poet’s grandfather. The building has two floors and is known for the very low first floor ceiling. Various items and personal belongings, among which the poet’s cradle, have been preserved.
One of the most outstanding revolutionary houses in the town is Todor Kableshkov’s. Gencho Mladenov, a local master, worked on the project, following the architecture typical for Plovdiv. The building is symmetrical and constructed around the central circular hall.
In 1935, Kableshkov’s house became one of the first buildings to be renovated in the town. It houses artifacts that were initially to be placed in Koprivshtitsa’s museum. Today the house has been filled with books, photographs and other objects connected to Kableshkov’s life.
Oslekova house hosts the town’s ethnographic museum. It is also one of the town’s architecture monuments. This house has also been created following Plovdiv style. Oslekova house is located in a narrow yard and has a huge cellar, ground floor and first floor. Construction took place in 1856. The Samokov master Ousta Mincho created the house for Nencho Nikolov Oslekov. Rich wall paintings and decorations enchant visitors. Wood carvings also reveal unbelievable level of craftsmanship. Various ethnographic objects can be seen there, among which, jewelry, collections of knitted clothes and fine lace created using horse fur.
The house is of both architectural and historic importance. Nencho Oslekov, the owner, was a rich merchant. Before starting his trade activities, Oslekov collected taxes. During that period his wealth increased and Oslekov changed his social status. Yet, he remained active in revolutionary activities. The hall of his house was used for the creation of revolutionary uniforms. After the April uprising failure, on June 27 1876, Oslekov was captured and hanged in Plovdiv.
Liutova house is located in Sredna Mahala. The house was constructed in 1854 by Plovdiv builders for Stefan Topalov. The construction lacks impressive façade but has outstanding internal decorations. An older layer of paintings was probably created after the construction of the house. It was covered by a second layer that can still be seen today in all rooms.
In 1906, the local merchant Petko Liutov purchased the house. He gave the construction its name.
The ground floor features a permanent carpet exhibition. Maria Boudourva, a master of contemporary arts donated part of the collection. Her contemporary works are colorful and made of wool. They can be used as floor covers or heavy blankets. All works are home-made and created using specific methods. Natural dyes were used to color the wool.
Areas near Koprivshtitsa are interesting for tourists, as well. The town of Strelcha has long been known for its healing mineral springs and rose oil production. The village of Starosel is one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries. Other interesting sites in the area include the resort of Panagiurski Koloni and the region of Barikadite.
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Koprivshtitsa is found in the valley of Topolchitsa River, in the middle of Sredna Gora. Many legends have been told about the creation of the town. According to one, the town was found at a crossing, where the roads from Zlatitsa, Pirdop and Klisoura to Strelcha and Panaguyrishte met.
The spot was covered by green meadows and the nearby river made them fertile. Travelers and shepherds often stopped there. One old Bulgarian family decided to settle in the area. This led to the creation of Koprivshtitsa. Each family that settled there got a nickname based on occupation. These nicknames were used to name Koprivshtitsa’s neighborhoods.
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