Kazanluk Things to Do

Disapointing visit. You can only see the copy. The original is closed. The explanations too are uninformative and uninteresting. The staff was not useful.

You are better off doing a virtual tour online for free and save yourself the time and money.

For a full review of the experience:
http://bulgarianow.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/the-thracian-tomb-of-kazanlak/

The Iskra Museum comprises two sections - the historical section and the art section. The historical part consists mostly of archaeological finds from the Thracian Valley with replicas of King Seuthes III's golden mask and ring, as well as the bronze head found in 2004, but the golden wreath from the 3rd century BOT is the original one. There are also countless of coins, from Philip of Macedonia, Roman emperors and so on, the oldest coin from 5th century BOT.
You are not permitted to take any photos at all whatever internet sites may tell!

Opening hours:
summer 09.00 - 18.00
winter 09.00 - 17.30
Entrance fees:
adults 3 Lv for only museum, 5 Lv if also the art section
students 1 Lv or 2 Lv respectively

4 more images

The tomb was discovered in 1944 and dates from the Hellenistic period, around the end of the 4th century BOT. The numerous burial mounds in the area (more than 500), together with the remains of Thracian settlements (including Seuthopolis, the only Thracian city that has been completely excavated, preserved and researched), show that the area was inhabited by a large Thracian population, which reached the height of its cultural development during the 5th - 3rd centuries BOT.

What we can see and visit today is what is said to be an exact copy of the original tomb which is regarded too valuable to keep opened and showed on a regular basis. It is possible, though, to visit after prior arrangements.

We enter the tomb through a narrow antechamber which takes us to the cylindrical burial chamber. This is of the so called beehive type. The walls and ceilings in both the antechamber and the burial chamber are painted. The central scenes in the burial chamber were from the beginning thought to depict a funeral feast, but later research says it is more likely to be a wedding feast since the couple has golden wreaths on their heads.

Opening hours:
May - October 09.00 - 17.00
in winter only after prior arrangements

Entrance fees:
adults 3 LV, students 1 Lv

photos 5 Lv, video 15 Lv

The Museum of Roses is situated some 3km north of town, along ul Osvobozhdenie. Bus #6 will take you there.
It explains in pictures and real tools the processing of the rose oil, which is a ~330 year old industry in Kazanluk. The museum was opened in 1984.
Opening hours:
May 10 - October 31 from 09.00 to 17.00
in winter after prior arrangement
Entrance fee:
adults 3Lv, students 1 Lv.

I didn't try to get there this time (must leave something to come back for!).

The park Tjulbeto is situated on a hill nearby Kazanluk. It is a silent and calm place. There is the most famous Thracian tomb in Bulgaria.
On foot (20-25 min): from the railstation walk straightforward on "Rozova dolina" street. Cross the central square and go along "Iskra" street (there is the Info point). In the end of the street you will see a church. When you get to the church and you can see the big white House of culture, turn right and walk 5-6 min to the hill "Tjulbeto". Go upstairs and you'll see the original Thracian tomb. It is possible for groups to enter inside. Otherwise you have to enter the replica- just ask someone where is The replica (in Bulgarian- "kopie").
There's no direct transportation to the tomb!

It's worth visiting the replica of The Thracian tomb (they don't allow anybody to visit the original tomb). There are many mural paintings dated from 4. century BC. The entrance fee is (4 leva (2 euro). There are souvenirs, post cards, attar of roses (rose oil).

4 more images

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Archeological Museum and the Art Gallery located in one and the same building.
Historical museum:
Tthere are some archeological finds from the Kazanluk area starting from the neolithis.
The most impressive exposition is the one with the finds of Seuthopolis - the antient Thracian city (on the place of today's Kazanluk) and from some of the toms in the Valley of the Thracian kings. (the original of the mask on the picture is exhibited in the Archeological Museum in Sofia, but there are other finds worth seeing in the local museum of history in Kazanluk).
Art Gallery:
there are a lot of works of Bulgarian artists and icons from 17-19th century exhibited there.

4 more images

Every year there is a Festival of Roses that takes place in Kazanluk in the first week of June. There are many cultural events at that time - concerts, folk dances, art exhibitions, different competitions, incl. Miss Queen of Roses, a procession.
The concluding part of the festival is at the weekend. And although the most of the museums and galleries are closed at the weekend (unless you've made an appointment in advance) at the time of the festival all of them are open.

1 more image

Shipka is a picturesque little village about 13 km from Kazanluk. The main sight here is the Nativity Memorial Church which was completed in 1902 and dedicated to the victims of the battles at Shipka Pass. The Church has been built in Russian style and you can see the golden domes from far away. The crypt holds the remains of many Russian soldiers who lost theirs lifes during the liberation war.
Opening times: 8.30am-7pm.

1 more image

Shipka Pass is a 1306m high pass over the Stara Planina mountains, about half an hour drive by bus from Kazanluk. It is a very important place for Bulgarian history. Four battles between Russian/Bulgarian troops and the Ottoman army took place here, killing thousands on both sides and resulting in success for the Russian/Bulgarian army. To commemorate those lost during the battle a monument was built on top of Mt. Stoletov (named after one of the Russian commanders) next to the pass.
You can go up the monument which houses an exhibition of paintings, medals, uniforms etc about the battles for 2 BGN.
Views from top of the monument are fantastic too!

This beautiful church was completed in 1834. The wooden iconostasis is supposed to be one of the most beautiful in the Balkans. The church is surrounded by a courtyard with lots of flowers, trees and benches.

2 more images

The Kulata Enthnographical Complex consists of two typical Bulgarian houses from the Revival period. They belonged to rose oil producers and you can also see some tools under a shed. The surrounding gardens are very beautiful very looked after.
At the end of your visit you have got the chance to to sample some rose jam and liquor (far too sweet for me).
Opening times: 8am-12pm, 1pm-6pm
Admission is 3 BGN

1 more image

The Thracian tomb is the most prominent of Kazanluk's sights. It was built in the 4th century BC for a Thracian ruler and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site. What makes is so unique compared other Thracian tombs are the beautiful murals which decorate the burial chamber.
A few metres from the original tomb is a one to one copy and a small museum for those who don't want to pay the 20 BGN entrance to the original. I must admit that I also just had a look at the copy for 3 BGN.
Both places are open daily from 10am to 5pm. If you want to visit the original ask at the museum should it be closed.

3 more images

Kazanluk is famous in Bulgaria and abroad as centre of The Valley of Roses. There is cultivation of roses. In every first weekend of June Kazanluk in the town caries out The Festival of Roses- it's very colourful and cheerful. During The festival there are masquerade, art performances, exhibitions, the competition Miss Rose.
7-TH AND 8 -TH OF JUNE 2008

3 more images

If you want to capture the true atmosphere of this quiet town just walk through it's streets to feel the peace & magic of this hidden town in the center of Bulgaria. You can see cafe's & bars at every turn and on every street you see.