Koprivshtitsa (population: 2400 people) is a charming historic town in central Bulgaria, situated at 1030 m. a. s. l. and lying on the Topolnitsa River among the Sredna Gora mountains. It was one of the centres of the heroic April Uprising against the Turks in 1876 and is known for its authentic Bulgarian architecture and for its folk music festivals, making it a very popular tourist destination. Koprivshtitsa is one of the characteristic Bulgarian towns, still preserving the atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival period of the 18-th and 19-th century. The town boasts a large number of architectural monuments from that period - 383 in all, most of which have been restored to their original appearance. Collections of ethnographic treasures, old weapons, National Revival works of art, fine fretwork, household weaves and embroidery, national costumes and typical Bulgarian jewelry has also been preserved. It was here that the first shot of the April Uprising against the Ottoman domination was fired in 1876.
Since 1965 the National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore takes place approximately every 5 years in Koprivshtitsa, gathering musicians, artists and craftsmen from all over Bulgaria. Featuring thousands of performing artists in a pastoral setting in the hills above the town, the Koprivshtitsa festival is the only significant Bulgarian music event focusing on amateur performances.
In Koprivshtitsa walk along the cobbled stone streets, weaving through an authentic atmosphere from the 19-th century. Visit several impressive house-museums from the Bulgarian National Revival period where one can feel the spirit of the heroic past of this remarkable town. Have lunch in a tarditional restaurant by the peaceful waters of Topolnitsa River in the centre of Koprivshtitsa, followed by a transfer back to Plovdiv.
Trip duration: 5.5-6 hours
