WOX TRAVEL CONTEST | WEEK 9 | A Journey Through Time and Vibrancy

Koprivshtitsa is one of those enchanting towns that take us back in time with its magic. If every traveler exploring Europe always focuses on neighborhoods called the Old Town, in Koprivshtitsa, there is no need to search for one because the entire town is in the Renaissance style. Many significant events happened for the first time in Koprivshtitsa. Here, the first shot of the April Uprising was fired, marking the beginning of the most important chapter in Bulgarian history. Even though it was unsuccessful, it gave courage to the people to continue their struggle for liberation from Turkish slavery. Bulgaria was under Turkish rule for 500 years!

The town can be explored in one day if you're moving quickly. However, I recommend renting a house or a room to fully immerse yourself in the Renaissance atmosphere.

Oslekov House - This is the first house-museum, built between 1853-1856 by order of the local wealthy man Nencho Oslеkov, who was involved in preparing the April Uprising. Inside, you can find the clothing worn by the insurgents. He was among the captured rebels sentenced to death after the failure of the April Uprising. The house opened its doors as an ethnographic museum in 1956. Today, we can see the typical traditional way of life, local crafts, and various costumes. The interior of the house is preserved with all its elements! It's a must see 😍

The 'First Gun' Bridge is one of the many similar bridges in Koprivshtitsa, but it has become a national symbol because it was here that the first shot of the April Uprising in 1876 was fired.

In this house, the brothers Lyuben Karavelov and Petko Karavelov were born, leaving a deep mark on Bulgarian history. Lyuben, as a journalist and ideologist of the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee, and Petko as a politician who served as Prime Minister of Bulgaria four times. The complex represents the architecture of Koprivshtitsa during the first half of the 19th century

Much more can be written, as there are many famous houses, but my goal is not to give you a history lesson, but to explore this picturesque town and show you its charm. 💗

This is Koprivshtitsa's old church. The church was erected on the spot of an older one that got burnt down. It was built in just 11 days, but the bell tower was constructed much later, in 1896

Koprivshtitsa possesses a mysterious charm that intensifies with every step along its narrow cobblestone streets. Countless charming houses await you, each of them housing peculiar collections of ethnographic treasures, exquisite woodcarvings, finely woven textiles for daily life, delightful embroideries, and traditional costumes. Pay attention to the chimneys, as the taller they are, the wealthier the homeowner used to be.

What's very specific about these houses is that they are made of stone and wood, always incorporating wooden beams.

A shop that sells many old cups, bottles, jugs, and traditional Bulgarian clothing.

Typical for most houses are the flowers. You can see for yourself the lovely atmosphere they create.

People here pay great attention to small details and definitely know how to truly transport us back in time. Everything is well thought out and carefully placed.

Traditional Bulgarian weaving. It is handcrafted using one or two hooks, and prices are usually quite high.

A restaurant in a traditional style. The beans are prepared with Bulgarian spices and are a traditional dish in Bulgarian cuisine. Served in a typical Bulgarian clay pot

The colorful houses, the streets, the atmosphere, the history, and the warm hospitality of the people attract tourists from all over the world. The best time to visit Koprivshtitsa is from mid-April to the end of October since the town is in a mountainous region. During the rest of the year, it is very cold.

Much history, much coziness, much vibrancy, clean mountain air, wonderful food—well, that's Koprivshtitsa. Enjoy 💕