15 Activities
The Hidden Gem and Museum Town of Koprivshtitsa
Starts from
Sofia
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
15
Duration
15 hours
Length
155 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Sofia
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
15 hours
Length
155 mi
Desi Kadra
Travel Expert
- - Visit the Neolithic Parc museum to learn how our ancestors used to live.
- - Visit the House museums of Koprivshtitsa to learn how politicians, artists and philosophers lived.
- - Get your hands dirty and learn how to make bread the traditional way.
On this trip you will be amazed at the craftsmanship of Bulgarian architecture and art, and feel the true patriotic spirit of Bulgarians who helped to free the country. Experience how important locals of the 19th century in Bulgaria used to live during the uprising of the country from the Ottoman rule. You will try authentic local cuisine at the local “mehana” and feel the peace, beauty and tranquility of living in a small town by the mountains. And for the bonus part - learn how to make break the old school way. A great day trip for the family.
On this trip you will be amazed at the craftsmanship of Bulgarian architecture and art, and feel the true patriotic spirit of Bulgarians who helped to free the country. Experience how important locals of the 19th century in Bulgaria used to live during the uprising of the country from the Ottoman rule. You will try authentic local cuisine at the local “mehana” and feel the peace, beauty and tranquility of living in a small town by the mountains. And for the bonus part - learn how to make break the old school way. A great day trip for the family.
Desi Kadra
Travel Expert
- - Visit the Neolithic Parc museum to learn how our ancestors used to live.
- - Visit the House museums of Koprivshtitsa to learn how politicians, artists and philosophers lived.
- - Get your hands dirty and learn how to make bread the traditional way.
Day Itinerary
15 Activities
Day 1
155 mi2 mi
Experience the Rebel Bulgarian Spirit and History of the town Koprivshtitsa
The town of Koprivshtitsa is one of the hidden gems of Bulgaria. It contains a rich history of the country during the Bulgarian revival period of the 19th century and the great April uprising in 1986, where some of the most important politicians, artists, philosophers lived here, right next to the town’s merchants, medics and teachers. There was no hierarchy. Just a peaceful community of people who had big hopes for their country.
Visiting this town feels like walking through a huge museum, as all of the buildings and old houses are beautifully built, each with its own character, just like the original owners. Today you will experience how true locals lived here in the 19th century. On the way to the town you will also visit a pre-historic Neolithic area, that was discovered by archeologists some time ago and allows you to see what life was back in that age. A truly mesmerising trip that will allow you to learn much about Bulgarian history and warrior spirit.
Visiting this town feels like walking through a huge museum, as all of the buildings and old houses are beautifully built, each with its own character, just like the original owners. Today you will experience how true locals lived here in the 19th century. On the way to the town you will also visit a pre-historic Neolithic area, that was discovered by archeologists some time ago and allows you to see what life was back in that age. A truly mesmerising trip that will allow you to learn much about Bulgarian history and warrior spirit.
42.7 mi
1 hr 10 min
10:2030 min
Chapel St. St. Constantine and Helena area TAUSHANITSA
Church
Open Details
Stop off at this beautiful chapel, built on a small hill near Mirkovo, that provides incredible panoramic views of the region. It can be accessed by car 300 meters from the main road on a partially gravelled road. Great to see the sunrise or sunsets from here. Breath in the fresh mountain air, before continuing on the road.
5.3 mi
15 min
11:051 hr
Archaeological Park "Topolnitsa"
Landmark
Open Details
Next we will take a detour to this fascinating museum park that provides real-life examples of living from the Neolithic Period. This place was found upon by accident, when archeologists were digging up an orchard by the local river of Topolnitsa and came across a mound from the Neolithic era. Here you will be able to experience what life was back in that ear, by visiting the small hut houses, see what objects were used for a daily life that we now so often take for granted. A great place to visit with the whole family.
Open Hours: Everyday 09:30-18:00
Open Hours: Everyday 09:30-18:00
27.5 mi
50 min
13:005 min
Parking Garage
Parking
Open Details
Park your car here to enjoy the town on foot.
0.1 mi
5 min
13:101 hr 30 min
Restaurant Bulgaria
Restaurant
Open Details
Perfect central location for a lunch with amazing atmosphere and a fire inside for those chilly days. They offer traditional Bulgarian cuisine, wonderful beer and great views of the town.
Open Hours: Tue-Sun: 12:00-00:00 Monday: closed
Open Hours: Tue-Sun: 12:00-00:00 Monday: closed
0.1 mi
5 min
14:5045 min
House Museum “Lyuben Karavelov”
Museum
Open Details
This is a museum town, where almost every old house has been converted into a museum as an example of traditional Bulgarian living. The most important house to visit is perhaps the one of Luben Karavelov. He was an important politician in his time who stood by his morals and provided a great example of leadership. This museum provides a great insight into his humble and simple life, where you could even feel the energy that occupied this place. Spend some time here learning about the history of Bulgaria.
Open Hours: Wed-Mon: 09:30-17:30 Tuesday: closed
Open Hours: Wed-Mon: 09:30-17:30 Tuesday: closed
0.4 mi
10 min
15:4515 min
Паметник на Любен Каравелов
Open Details
On your way to your next visit, stop off at the memorial of Luben Karavelov, to see the real-size statue of the man himself.
0.5 mi
10 min
16:101 hr
Музей на хляба и традиционните храни
Museum
Open Details
Perhaps the most exciting part of today’s trip is visiting the Bread Museum. You have to book your session here in advance as the museum is only open for pre-bookings. While here, you get to learn and try out for yourself traditional bread making using firewood stove and making it all from scratch. A truly delightful experienc, that will get you practicing your baking skills the old school way. A definite must if you are visiting the town.
Open Hours: 09:00-17:00
For information on bookings, visit here
Open Hours: 09:00-17:00
For information on bookings, visit here
0.4 mi
10 min
17:2030 min
Statue of Georgi Benkovski
Landmark
Open Details
Visit the Georgi Benkovski monument located above the town, which provides incredible views of the town and Sredna Gora mountains in the background. You will be fascinated at the level of detail and craftsmanship that the statue was crafted with. Here you really get to feel the true Bulgarian spirit that survived all the hardships that this culture has gone through.
On the front of the monument is inscribed the word "stavaite", which translates to "stand up", as in to stand up for yourself. Quite a powerful remark when used in the right context and judging by the likes of the people who occupied this town, it is evident that warrior spirit was certainly alive here.
On the front of the monument is inscribed the word "stavaite", which translates to "stand up", as in to stand up for yourself. Quite a powerful remark when used in the right context and judging by the likes of the people who occupied this town, it is evident that warrior spirit was certainly alive here.
0.2 mi
5 min
18:0045 min
Riverside Park "Topolnitsa"
Park
Open Details
Right through the middle of the town, runs a narrow little park from the north to the south side. Walk through the park to experience the charm and beauty of the town as well as it’s picturesque cobble-stoned bridges.
On the other side of the park you will also come across many beautiful house-museums that you can visit or admire from the outside for their stunning architecture and wall art.
On the other side of the park you will also come across many beautiful house-museums that you can visit or admire from the outside for their stunning architecture and wall art.
0.3 mi
10 min
18:551 hr 30 min
механа "Под Старата Круша"
Restaurant
Open Details
Famously known as a “mehana”, meaning the local eatery, is a well known place amongst the locals of the town. It offers incredible traditional Bulgarian dishes like shkembe chorba and shops salata, complete with lots of flavour and homemade ingredients with plenty of meat and veggie options.
A fun fact - the name of the restaurant, which literally translates to “Under the Yoke”, is also the name of a famous Bulgarian novel by poet Ivan Vazov, a classic historical novel written in 1888 during the months of the April uprising in 1876
Open Hours: Tue-Sat: 08:30-00:00 Monday: 09:00-00:00 Sunday: all day
A fun fact - the name of the restaurant, which literally translates to “Under the Yoke”, is also the name of a famous Bulgarian novel by poet Ivan Vazov, a classic historical novel written in 1888 during the months of the April uprising in 1876
Open Hours: Tue-Sat: 08:30-00:00 Monday: 09:00-00:00 Sunday: all day
0.4 mi
10 min
20:355 min
Parking Garage
Parking
Open Details
Pick up your car and prepare for your trip back to Sofia.
9 mi
20 min
21:0030 min
Skumsale Thracian Megalith Site
Museum
Open Details
On your way back, stop of at this fascinating rock formations, to see the place that Bulgaria’s ancestors used to make rituals and celebrations. A wonderful place for a walk, located very close to the main road Strelcha - Koprivshtitsa. Here you can feel the past millennia and the mysterious energy of the ancients who inhabited it.
43.1 mi
1 hr 20 min
22:5010 min
Параклис "Света Троица"
Church
Open Details
Stop off for a breather at this lovely viewpoint of the mountain, where there is also a tiny Orthodox church to admire.
27.7 mi
40 min
23:50