Koprivshtitsa Favorites

Favorite thing: Koprivshitsa is an important example of the national Revival in Bulgaria. This period – sometimes called the Bulgaria renaissance – was a period of socio-economic development and national integration of the country under the Turks. The period started in 1762 and ended in 1878 as Bulgaria was liberated from the Turks. The period can be caracterized by three things, namely the typical ninetheenth century architecture, the literature – amongst which Botev and Vazov stand out – and the April Uprisal. Changes in society, freedom in economic traffic and religious freedom led to the formation of the nation and the creation of its common territorium. (For charerectics of the architecture see my Bulgaria page: general tips)

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Favorite thing: For the Photography lover this place is a heaven. It is a small labyrinth of cobble down streets going up and down, houses in bright colors and old walls. Around every corner there is an picturesque new street on a scenic background of green mountains and forests. You can spend hours strolling the streets of this village. Try to spend the night in town so that you have the town when it is not crowded by tourists, in the early morning or evening. And avoid the weekends, when the tourists come also. The whole town is a museum, it is a beauty, and certainly worth walking a round, not only concentrating on the highlights.

Favorite thing: You don’t need transportation to see the town. Everything is at walking distance. Take extra time for the six house museums. However, these museums are relatively small. The town can be visited in one or two days. The town is located on the river Topolnitsa and the stream of Byala. Post office and a telephone center near the Karalov square. And south of that squre, on the other side of the river you also find a market and cafés. As I was in Koprivshitsa the house museums were for free. But they normally charge only a small amound, 1 euro. A combined ticked for all six houses costs 2,50 euro. There are two sorts of house types in Koprivshtitsa. The ninetheenth century houses with stone ground floor and wooden upper floor. The richer decorated were build around the 1850’s, influenced by the baroque houses in Plovdiv., having big salons with carved ceilings and lots of colors. The house museums may appear to look all the same, so if you are not deeply interested in architecture, a visit to one of them could be satisfying. You should choose then the Lyutov house. Photographing outside the houses is allowed. Not inside (or pay extra, although they are not severe with that). Tickets can be bought at the housemuseums and the souvenirshop. The housemuseums are open from 9.30 am till 5.30 pm.

Favorite thing: Koprivshitsa is located around the mainsquare, the ploshtad 20 april. Here you find also the Tourist information Center (koprivshtitsa@hotmail.com) . The center is open from 9 am to 1 pm and from 1.30 pm till 6 pm. The mainsquare at evenings is not very vivid. At the DSK bank you can change money and at the Heroes Internet Agency, on the other side of the river, you can use internet. Take enough cash with you. As I was in town, the bank was closed and I couldn’t use a ATM so I was without money. Fortunately some friendly young travellers who went with me to Veliko Tarnovo lend me money, otherwise I would have been stuked. If you are interested in cultural events check at the Hadzhi Nencho Center (Hadzhi Nencho Palaveev 78).