published on 29.09.2008, 17:03 Author: BulgariaInside Article rating:
Kotel is a beautiful small town in the eastern part of Stara Planina Mountain. It hides in a valley surrounded by steep cliffs. Many caves can be explored in the region.
The town is situated 50 km away from Sliven on the road to the villages of Ichera and Gradets. A second road that is nearly 18 km longer also leads there.
According to historians, Kotel is a relatively young town that appeared in the beginning of the Ottoman rule, or the 14th and 15th centuries. Refugees from destroyed settlements moved there. Kotel’s vicinities were populated since ancient time, as archaeological findings show.
Throughout time, Kotel became wealthier since its residents developed crafts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the town turned into important cultural and economic center. Local craftsmen benefited from some privileges since they were responsible for the provision of goods for the army. Local carpets and cloth were well known and are still popular today.
Wealth got locals interested in enlightenment. The first school in Kotel opened doors in 1812. Even today, Kotel is seen as a revival and culture center. Some well-known intellectuals and revolutionaries like Petur Beron, Georgi Sava Rakovski and Neofit Bozveli were born there.
After the liberation, Kotel suffered major devastation because of a fire. Only buildings in Galata district remained unharmed. The district still preserves revival-period houses. The rest of Kotel features new buildings.
Kotel’s residents today reach 7000 people. Tourism is the most developed industry in the region.
Landmarks in the region attract many Bulgarian and foreign visitors, especially during the summer months. Winter is often harsh and leading to road closure. The museum of natural science, Galatansko school and district and Kiorpeevata house are some of the must-sees.
The town was named an architecture preserve featuring more than 100 monuments of culture. The region near Kotel is also interesting with its villages like Zheravna, Medven, Katounishte, Itchera and Gradets.
The town is situated 50 km away from Sliven on the road to the villages of Ichera and Gradets. A second road that is nearly 18 km longer also leads there.
According to historians, Kotel is a relatively young town that appeared in the beginning of the Ottoman rule, or the 14th and 15th centuries. Refugees from destroyed settlements moved there. Kotel’s vicinities were populated since ancient time, as archaeological findings show.
Throughout time, Kotel became wealthier since its residents developed crafts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the town turned into important cultural and economic center. Local craftsmen benefited from some privileges since they were responsible for the provision of goods for the army. Local carpets and cloth were well known and are still popular today.
Wealth got locals interested in enlightenment. The first school in Kotel opened doors in 1812. Even today, Kotel is seen as a revival and culture center. Some well-known intellectuals and revolutionaries like Petur Beron, Georgi Sava Rakovski and Neofit Bozveli were born there.
After the liberation, Kotel suffered major devastation because of a fire. Only buildings in Galata district remained unharmed. The district still preserves revival-period houses. The rest of Kotel features new buildings.
Kotel’s residents today reach 7000 people. Tourism is the most developed industry in the region.
Landmarks in the region attract many Bulgarian and foreign visitors, especially during the summer months. Winter is often harsh and leading to road closure. The museum of natural science, Galatansko school and district and Kiorpeevata house are some of the must-sees.
The town was named an architecture preserve featuring more than 100 monuments of culture. The region near Kotel is also interesting with its villages like Zheravna, Medven, Katounishte, Itchera and Gradets.
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Kotel