Things to do in Kazanlâk
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Tomb
In hilly Tyulbe Park, just up from the Kulata Ethnological Complex, is a very large and very locked tomb, built in the 4th century BC for a Thracian ruler. Discovered during the construction of a bomb shelter in 1944, the tomb is now a Unesco World Heritage site. Along the dromos (vaulted entry corridor) is a double frieze with battle scenes. The burial chamber is 12m in diameter, and covered by a beehive dome typical of those built by the Thracians between the 3rd and 5th centuries BC. The dome contains several murals that feature events such as a funeral feast and chariot race.
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Museum of the Roses
The grandly named Research Institute for Roses, Aromatic & Medicinal Plants houses this tiny museum. The photos and displays explain (in Bulgarian only) the 300-year-old method of cultivating the roses, picking their petals and processing the oil. The attached shop sells rose oils, perfumes, shampoos, liqueurs, tea bags and jams. The museum is 3km north of the centre up ul Osvobozhdenie; take a taxi (3 lv one way), or bus 3 from Kazanlâk’s main square. Guided tours (rates negotiable) are available in English and French, but ring first about opening times in winter.
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Kulata Ethnological Complex
Just down from Tyulbe Park and the Thracian tomb, you’ll find the appealing Kulata (Tower) district, site of the Kulata Ethnological Complex. A replica of a one-storey peasant’s home and wooden sheds with agricultural implements and carts are among the rustic exhibits. A courtyard leads to the two-storey House of Hadzhi Eno, built by a wealthy rose merchant in Bulgarian National Revival–period style. Some explanations in German and English are given, and you may be invited by the caretaker to sample some rose tea, liquor or jam.
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Museum
Considering that you get basically the same experience from seeing the full-scale tomb replica in the nearby museum, most visitors choose not to cough up the 20 lv required for getting the real thing opened up, which is probably just as well. The staff who will guide you around the faux tomb are friendly and speak good English and can answer whatever questions you may have.
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Museum & Art Gallery
The town’s museum & art gallery displays extensive archaeological finds including pottery, jewellery and tools from excavations carried out at several Thracian tombs, including the one in Tyulbe Park. All explanations are in Bulgarian, so the brochure (2 lv) in English, French or German is helpful.
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Restaurant Moskva
This very busy and efficiently run place off the other side of the square is most popular at lunch, when you take a tray and get in line, choosing from a variety of Balkan specialities. It’s smartly outfitted and clean, and there’s also a bar.
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Arizona Cocktail Bar
Arizona Cocktail Bar. This popular nightspot with both an outdoor terrace and indoor bar serves over 50 different cocktails, made and transported by friendly bar hands. It usually only gets busy after midnight.
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Banicharnitsa Violeta Asenova
Kazanlâk’s best breakfast nook is this tiny hole-in-the-wall place opposite the open market, serving a variety of flaky cheese (and other) pies from the banitsa and byurek family of Balkan pastry.
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Bulgaran
This tourist-friendly restaurant up near the Hotel Zornitsa has a big menu of tasty Bulgarian specialities but perhaps overdoes it on the traditional-costume front, though service is friendly.
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New York Pub Pizza & Grill
This very popular restaurant-pub right on the square has a big menu, serving everything from pizza to fish and grills. It’s not gourmet, but the locals like it.
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Cocktail Bar Hollywood
This slick and very popular curbside bar of the Grand Hotel has two rooms, disco balls, strobe lights and tiger skin couches; as stylish as it gets in Kazanlâk.
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