Shipka

Introducing Shipka

The tiny mountain village of Shipka, impressively set in the foothills of steep mountains, is most famous for its proximity to the famousShipka Pass. This, the one good route through the Stara Planina, was the site of one of the most decisive battles of the Russo-Turkish War to liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Aside from the bucolic peacefulness of the very sleepy village, the exquisite Shipka Monastery with its golden dome, and the Freedom Monument (dedicated to the soldiers who died fighting the Turks) makes this a great day trip from Kazanlâk. While this can be accomplished most easily by car, it’s perfectly feasible to use buses – which will bring you up close and personal with amiable village locals, returning from town with their bags bulging with the day’s shopping.

Shipka is now also world-famous for some amazing archaeological remains found here. In 2004, a 2400-year-old burial shrine for Thracian King Seutus III was uncovered nearby, containing vast amounts of Thracian gold and a unique golden mask. The site is still being excavated, while at the time of writing the loot had been triumphantly sent on tour to various world museums. While tourists can still see the physical remains of the tomb, the immense value of the gold means that its permanent residence will be in Sofia, where, even Shipka locals admit, it can be better safeguarded and preserved.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009