Koprivshtitsa
Nestled in the heart of Sredna Gora Mountain at an altitude of 1,030 m is the picturesque museum town of Koprivshtitsa. The charming old town is known for the beauty of its surrounding nature, its impressive architecture, and its historical significance for Bulgarian culture. Throughout the year, many people visit Koprivshtitsa, attracted by the quintessential atmosphere of the Old Town, imbued with history, the various festivals and events, and the refreshing atmosphere of the beautiful mountain nature. The journey to Koprivshtitsa itself is a beautiful experience through the Sredna Gora mountains and reveals many spectacular and picturesque views.
Koprivshtitsa is located in the valley of the Topolnica River. Therefore, during the summer, the weather is cool and delightful. The sun heats up the mountain but the air in the valley remains cooler. Thus, while walking over the cobbled stone streets, a man can truly find inner peace and relaxation by enjoying the fresh mountain breeze and the tranquil atmosphere of the town. The walk around Koprivshtitsa's museum town feels like a real-time time travel to the past of this beautiful hidden mountain gem. During the summer, there are various festivals and concerts.
Some of the most notable festivals are the celebrations of Koprivshtitsa in the beginning of May, The National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore held once every 5 years between 12th and 15th August, The Golden Bulgarian Gaida, The Master of Arts festival, which was held for the first time in 2021, and throughout the year there are some other festivals. Thus, the quiet, beautiful Museum Town turns into a lively place where a man can hear music and joy from every corner of Koprivshtitsa, made by the many people coming from all over to enjoy the celebrations of the charming Museum Town.
Nevertheless, Koprivshtitsa is suitable for visits throughout the entire year. For instance, in the spring, when nature wakes up after the long winter dream, a man can truly appreciate the beauty of the surrounding environment, the bloom of the mountain flowers, the fresh smell of the lavish green areas of the region, and the divine songs of the birds coming from the forests not far away from the town.
During the autumn, visitors to Koprivshtitsa can experience the pure celebration of colours created by nature while travelling through the Sredna Gora mountain for a walk back to the past around the picturesque and colourful Museum-Town. The winters are cold, the beautiful houses and trees are covered with heavy snow. On sunny days, however, the town reveals its charming atmosphere, and the winter magic takes over the entire Koprivshtitsa.
Some of the most notable people born in Koprivshtitsa are: Nayden Gerov – writer, Yoakim Gruev – teacher and translator, Lyuben Karavelov – writer, Georgi Benkovski – revolutionary, Petko Karavelov – politician, Todor Kableshkov – revolutionary, Dimcho Debelyanov – poet. Nowadays, Koprivshtitsa has preserved the image of the Bulgarian Revival period. It was pronounced a museum town in 1952 and in 1971 became an architectural and historical reserve. Therefore, for every visitor of this charming town that wants to learn more about the history, it is recommended to visit the museum houses that reveal the true significance of Koprivshtitsa.