Karlovo

The largest city in the eastern part of the Rose Valley is Karlovo, with a population of 30,000. Like Kalofer, Karlovo was also established during the Ottoman period and was rebuilt in the 19th century. But unlike nearby Kalofer, its ancient center has been preserved and contains over a hundred houses from the revival period (19th century). In some houses, there is a reconstruction of traditional handicraft workshops. The city lies at the foot of the mountains and has waterfalls and nature trails nearby, making it a pleasant place to visit—especially when the roses are in bloom.

Most of Karlovo’s fame stems from the fact that it is the birthplace of Levski, the leader of the Bulgarian rebellion movement and the founder of the underground network that laid the groundwork for the uprising. In the center of the city is Levski’s house, which has been turned into a museum, and not far from it is a small historical museum.

Adjacent to Karlovo is the town of Sopot, home to nearly 10,000 people. These are two neighboring towns, but each has its own hero. If Karlovo is associated with Levski, then Sopot is associated with Ivan Vazov, the most famous and important Bulgarian writer. He was born in Sopot and was also one of the leaders of the rebellion. However, unlike Levski or Botev, he was not killed or executed; he lived to old age and managed to write many important works about the struggle for independence, the burden of slavery, and humanity’s yearning and fight for freedom.

In the heart of Sopot is Vazov’s house, which has become a museum. Not far from it are an ethnographic museum and a cultural center, but the most beautiful part of the town lies above it, where there is a lovely park with a reconstructed flour mill. At the top is a small and beautiful men’s monastery that was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century (Aliya Monastery), and next to it is a cable car that ascends to the heights of the Balkan Mountains.

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