Koprivshtitza

One of the most charming small Bulgarian towns, still preserving the atmosphere of the National Revival period, is huddled in the mountain folds 111 km east of Sofia. The town is a unique combination of a legendary history and fascinating present. No other Bulgarian museum town boasts such a large number of houses and monuments - 383 in all, most of which have been restored to their original appearance. A unique collection of ethnographical treasures, old weapons, National Revival works of art, fine fretwork, house hold weaves and embroidery, national costumes and typical Bulgarian jewelry has also been preserved. It was here that the first bullet of the April Uprising against the Ottoman oppressors was fired in 1876.

And it is here that you will find the native places, now museums, of Todor Kableshkov and Georgi Benkovski, two of the organizers and leaders of the uprising; as well as of the poet Dimcho Debelyanov and writer Lyuben Karavelov. Koprivshtitza is the place where one can best trace the stages of evolution in Bulgarian National Revival architecture. The houses dated to the second half of the 19th century have exqusite painted facades and sunny verandahs, with carved ceilings and stylish European furnishings.