The village-museum of Koprivshtitsa

Koprivshtitsa is a small town and 19th-century village museum situated in a picturesque valley among the mountains in the central part of Bulgaria.

One of the most picturesque old villages in Bulgaria was founded in the 14th century, when Bulgaria fell under Ottoman rule. It is an architectural ensemble of 250 decorated houses, dating from the period of the Bulgarian Renaissance. Artistic renaissance, but also political. It was here that in April 1876 the insurrection against the Ottomans was declared which then led to the liberation of Bulgaria.

Koprivshtitsa, this village with a name so difficult to pronounce, is nevertheless lined with cobbled alleys and magnificent trees. Its National Awakening-style house-museums are colored in blue, orange and red, with interior courtyards immersed in greenery and tall stone walls.

You can walk around the village to admire the architecture of the beautiful houses, the cobbled streets, the fountains and meet the locals, for a trip back in time.

Or visit the homes of famous Bulgarians, who played an important role in the history of Bulgaria.

Another option that we recommend is to take a hike around the city to enjoy the mountainous landscape.

Koprivshtitsa is shrouded in myths and legends related to the origins of the city:

The first legend says that where the roads between three villages crossed were fairy meadows. A family with their herds called “jupa” decides to settle here. Thus was born the colony, which later became Koprivshtitsa. Over the years, the number of inhabitants increases and to this day one of the districts of the city is called Jupata.

The second legend says that the lush meadows of the region attract the attention of a boyar woman, who decides it is an excellent place for herding. She asks for a decree from the sultan, by which she becomes the ruler of the village, and the sultan gives her the first name Avratalan (meaning “lawn of the Lady”). The village enjoys great privileges thanks to its sovereign. Here, a Turk with a shod horse did not set foot and the inhabitants were allowed to bear arms. Due to her great merit, the boyar woman was called The Sultan.

Another legend has it that the city was founded by refugees who are the descendants of great Bulgarian merchant families (which would to some extent explain why so many famous people were born here). Among the refugees were three pastors named Lambo, Toroman and Arnautin. They created families that have grown over the years and today neighborhoods bear their names: Toroman Mahala, Lambovska and Arnaut Mahala.

Check out our tours with visit to Koprivshtitsa or ask us to organize your tailor-made trip:

• Tour CULTURE & TRADITIONS / 8 days

https://karistour.com/packages/culture-traditions/

• Tour The Greater Balkan / 6 Days

https://karistour.com/packages/the-greater-balkan-6-days/