Things to do in Koprivshtitsa
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Hiking in the Sredna Gora
The Sredna Gora (Central Range) mountains are spread over 6000 sq km from Iskâr Gorge (near Sofia) to the Tundzha Valley (south of Yambol). The highest peak is Mt Bogdan (1603m) near Koprivshtitsa.
The Mountains of Bulgaria by Julian Perry provides a detailed description of the popular two- or three-day hike from Hisar (Hisarya) to Koprivshtitsa (or vice versa).
No dedicated map of the Sredna Gora is available, but most of the mountains and hiking routes are included in the map of Stara Planina that is published by Kartografia. The map of Koprivshtitsa, published by Domino and available in the village, includes a small, but clear, map with five enticing hiking routes arou…
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Oslekov House
Oslekov House was built by Oslekov, a rich merchant who was killed in the line of duty during the 1876 April Uprising. Oslekov House was built between 1853 and 1856, and is arguably the best example of Bulgarian National Revival–period architecture in Koprivshtitsa, with a triple-arched entrance, spacious interior, stylish furniture and brightly coloured walls. Woodcarved ceilings, collections of 19th-century costumes, paintings and jewellery add to the experience. Several woodcarvings, some of which were bought during Oslekov’s extensive travels, are also on display.
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Dyado Liben
Astonishingly big, this traditional restaurant housed in a mansion dating from 1852 is a wonderfully atmospheric – and inexpensive – place for a hearty evening meal. Management says it can seat 100 people, all in a warren of halls graced with ornate painted walls and heavy, worn wood floors. There’s even a circular room where tables orbit a huge, column-like traditional stove extending from floor to ceiling. Find it just across the bridge leading from the main square inside the facing courtyard.
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Church of Uspenie Bogorodichno
The Church of Uspenie Bogorodichno on ul Dimcho Debelyanov, built in 1817, is usually closed, but visitors can peer through the window and wander around the gardens. The church grounds contain Kableshkov's grave, and, in the upper section, Debelyanov's grave. A poignant statue features Debelyanov's mother anxiously awaiting his return, and reads 'I die and am yet born again in light'.
Beside the park along ul Hadzhi Nencho Palaveev is the Sveta Kiril & Metodii School, built in 1837.
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Karavelov House
Karavelov House was occupied by the parents of the eminent Lyuben Karavelov (1834–79), a journalist and printer who worked for expatriate Bulgarian revolutionary groups based in Russia, Serbia and Romania. He was also the first chairman of the Bulgarian Central Revolutionary Committee. A printing press where various seditious newspapers of Karavelov’s were produced is among the exhibits. The three separate buildings were constructed between 1810 and 1835.
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Nazdrave Restaurant
This cosy place on the opposite bank of the river is good for an evening meal, and has a relaxing summertime terrace – better than sitting indoors when the loud and decidedly non-traditional Bulgarian pop blares from the TV. The Nazdrave is also a great breakfast nook, with crepes accompanied by local strawberry jam and, if you can handle the sourness, very thick, village-fresh ovcho kiselo mlyako (sheep’s-milk yoghurt).
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Benkovski House
Built in 1831 on a southeastern hillside, Benkovski House is associated with the dashing Georgi Benkovski (1843–76), a rebel cavalry commander who led many successful battles until dying in a Turkish ambush. Above the house, and easy to spot from the village centre, is a huge equestrian statue of Benkovski on horseback; climb up to it for the excellent views over the entire valley.
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Kableshkov House
A well-travelled man of means, Todor Kableshkov (1851–76) is revered as having (probably) been the person who fired the first shot in anger to start the 1876 uprising against the Turks. His former home, the glorious Kableshkov House, dates back to 1845 and has numerous exhibits about the April Uprising. Kableshkov’s grave can also be seen in the grounds of the Church of Uspenie Bogorodichno.
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Debelyanov House
Debelyanov House is dedicated to Dimcho Debelyanov (1887–1916), a great poet who penned outstanding works before tragically dying in WWI. Built in 1830, the house features a pretty garden and numerous displays about Debelyanov, but the expected period furniture is scarce and the ceilings low. Debelyanov’s grave can be seen in the grounds of the Church of Uspenie Bogorodichno.
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Lyutov House
Also called Topalov House, after the original owner, Lyutov House was built in 1854 in a style that mimicked Plovdiv’s characteristic baroque houses. It’s Koprivshtitsa’s best-preserved house-museum, featuring a lavish salon with intricately carved ceilings; the landscapes painted on them were created by Mr Lyutov himself. The lower floor contains an exhibit of locally made felt cloths.
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Craft Shop
The souvenir shops surrounding the main square are fairly generic. If you want a specific memento of Koprivshtitsa, snatch up a felt-cloth carpet or bag; examples are on display inside Lyutov House. At the Craft Shop, visitors can see locals producing felt-cloth products, some of which are sold next door.
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House-Museums
Koprivshtitsa boasts six house-museums, of which some are closed either on Monday or Tuesday (all operate Wednesday through Sunday). A combined ticket for all six museums is available at the souvenir shop Kupchinitsa two doors up the hill from the Tourist Information Centre; most of the museums also sell them.
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Pod Starata Krusha
Right next to the bus station, this cosy little tavern is a nice choice for a traditional evening meal or a quick breakfast (it even has Turkish coffee) before your bus departs. Renowned Targovista wine from the Veliko Târnovo area is served, accompanied by traditional Bulgarian music.
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Mehana 20 April
This friendly place, on the edge of the square of the same name and close to the Tourist Information Centre, offers a short menu of traditional Koprivshtitsa dishes, as well as deliciously done freshwater fish. Dining is enjoyed indoors or (much better) in an attractive back courtyard.
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Mehana Starite Borove
The best place for a summertime drink, the Starite Borove is hidden along a laneway near the main square, close to the shady park. The food is decent, but not as good as some of the other places.
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Chuchura
Another restaurant over near the bus stop, the Chuchura’s terrace makes a fine spot for alfresco dining. Food is good and there’s a small hotel attached, too.
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