published on 22.10.2008, 11:39 Author: Aneliya Stoyanova Article rating:
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Unique architecture and raspberry wine will welcome you in the village of Kovachevitsa. The village is situated in the Rhodope region, 23 km away from the town of Gotse Delchev. Only 40 people live permanently in the village but it livens up because of the numerous tourist visits.
The village appeared in the end of the 17th century. When people in the Rhodope region were forced to accept Islam, many escaped their villages and hid in the mountain areas. In this manner, separate districts formed and later turned into settlements.
Kovachevitsa had its independent self-governance during the Ottoman rule. During the revival period, the village turned into a spiritual and education center. It also functioned as a center of the Macedonian liberation struggles. Since the village was situated on the very border between Bulgaria and Turkey, it was liberated only in 1912 during the Balkan War.
Architecture in the village follows the revival period style. Local craftsmen, mostly self trained, worked on the buildings among which St. Nikola church that was set up in 1847. The church hosted the first school starting 1820. In 1854, Kovachevitsa got its village school where the young Nikola Kovachevski worked.
Its uniqueness turned Kovachevitsa into a historic and architectural preserve in 1977. A number of Bulgarian movies were filmed there, which made the village even more popular.
Kovachevitsa is also popular with the archaeological discoveries made in the region. Some of the findings date back to the Thracian period. A bronze headpiece and bronze chain armor dating back to the end of the 4th century BC were discovered there.
Locals are peaceful and welcoming, living calmly far away from the urban hectic style. They are willing to tell visitors more about the village and its history. A number of buildings have been turned into guest houses, where entire families work.
The village appeared in the end of the 17th century. When people in the Rhodope region were forced to accept Islam, many escaped their villages and hid in the mountain areas. In this manner, separate districts formed and later turned into settlements.
Kovachevitsa had its independent self-governance during the Ottoman rule. During the revival period, the village turned into a spiritual and education center. It also functioned as a center of the Macedonian liberation struggles. Since the village was situated on the very border between Bulgaria and Turkey, it was liberated only in 1912 during the Balkan War.
Architecture in the village follows the revival period style. Local craftsmen, mostly self trained, worked on the buildings among which St. Nikola church that was set up in 1847. The church hosted the first school starting 1820. In 1854, Kovachevitsa got its village school where the young Nikola Kovachevski worked.
Its uniqueness turned Kovachevitsa into a historic and architectural preserve in 1977. A number of Bulgarian movies were filmed there, which made the village even more popular.
Kovachevitsa is also popular with the archaeological discoveries made in the region. Some of the findings date back to the Thracian period. A bronze headpiece and bronze chain armor dating back to the end of the 4th century BC were discovered there.
Locals are peaceful and welcoming, living calmly far away from the urban hectic style. They are willing to tell visitors more about the village and its history. A number of buildings have been turned into guest houses, where entire families work.
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Kovachevitsa