Сопот, Сопот, кътче мило,
под Балкана си се скрило,
там където розата цъфти,
там където Вазовият паметник блести.
Сопот – мой роден град,
ти за мен ще си останеш,
по-красив от пролетта
и от зелената гора!
Mirela Kuncheva
(13 years old from the city of Sopot)
I wouldn't start my story about this extraordinary Bulgarian city without rhymes, and here I found the beautiful poems of the little Miss Mirela Kuncheva, a native of Sopot, which I really, really liked and with which I start my journey through this wonderful Balkan region.
The first three words of one of Vazov's most patriotic poems are erected in the Trapeto area near the "Pokrov Bogorodichen" chapel.
I am a Bulgarian
I am sitting next to "I am Bulgarian" - a unique inscription made of huge 3-meter stone letters, which can be seen from all points of the city, as well as from the Sub-Balkan road, and in my head the Vazov poems sound.
This 40-meter sculptural composition was erected in honor of Ivan Vazov, and all around there are unfolded Vazov books with his works and information boards with the history of Sopot.
"Borova Gora" street leads to Trapeto hill, and you can leave your car nearby, as I did.
The panorama to the city and to the entire Stremska valley is impressive!
You stand near the inscription and sigh with excitement. Our lovely homeland is beautiful, no doubt! It is overflowing with amazing history!
You can lose here an hour, two, a day, a week, a month...
Of course I filmed it for you! Enjoy it!
I stand here stunned, I stand here amazed, I look at the city and I remember that over the years my beloved Sopot has had the names Uzun šehir, which means Long City, Akce Klise, which means White Church, even Vazovgrad, but today it has again preserved the Old Slavic Sopot , which means a roaring stream or even a spring.
Yes, the name Sopot just fits it - after all, almost every street has a fountain that pours ice-cold water for thirsty throats, and along the cobblestones, stone chutes lead the clear mountain water to the river.
As a settlement, Sopot's history began about three millennia ago. Remains of settlement life from the time of the Old Iron Age (Halstatt culture) have been found within the boundaries of the city itself and on its land.
At the time of the Odrysian Kingdom, there were at least three settlements on the city's land. The finds of coins of the Thracian rulers Seutus II and Seutus III, as well as Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great, Philip III Aridaeus and Lysimachus, discovered in the area of the Sopot railway station speak eloquently about this. Both bronze and silver coins of a large denomination - tetradrachms - have been found.
After the invasions of the Goths (Getae), the settlement moved east to the Holy Trinity area, where coins and objects from the time of the emperors Zeno and Anastasius were found.
When the Ottomans invaded the Bulgarian lands at the end of the 14th century, they called the city Uzun şehir (Long City), because its three districts spread out at a distance of about 10 kilometers from each other.
The city offered stubborn resistance to the Ottoman Turks during their invasion of our lands, which is why it was completely destroyed. Its name, although corrupted to Göpsa according to Turkish linguistic norms and laws, remained as the name of the administrative unit nahiya (neighborhood) even until the Liberation. Although it was ruined, the city and its population did not instill confidence in the conqueror, and for this reason, as a Nakhi center, the Turks founded neighboring Karlovo at the beginning of the 15th century, building the Kurshum Mosque, which has been preserved to this day in its center. The land of Karlovo was dedicated to this mosque for maintenance (i.e. waqfified) with the Vaqfname of Ali Karlazade for the said mosque in 1479. There, Sopot is also mentioned for the first time under its other name - Akce Klise (White Church), with which name the city was recorded in all Ottoman registers until the Liberation, and with which it was described in the novel "Under the Yoke" by Ivan Vazov. Despite everything, the Bulgarian population continues to use the name Sopot, as evidenced by preserved records in church books, the earliest of which is from 1585.
From that time is the Church of the Holy Virgin, known as the Upper Church, which was burned in 1877 by the Turks.
Today, in this place, I found a chapel "Pokrov Bogorodichen" - right opposite the composition "I am Bulgarian".
From Trapeto hill I take the path in the direction of the Revival Church "Holy Saints Apostles Peter and Paul".
On the trail, the Vase rhymes make me extremely pleasant company.
Vazov was born and raised here - in the city of Sopot, and his works are so real, alive and fiery!
The lower church was the name of the parish church "Holy Saints Peter and Paul", built at the base of the historic Trapeto hill, whose ruined walls could be seen until 1944.
Without even breathing, I arrive in front of the Church Fountain located in front of
Revival Church "Holy Apostles Peter and Paul"
The Revival Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, which is a parish church, is located in the central part of the city of Sopot.
It was built in 1846 under the direction of the master builder Nikola Hristov Troyanov (1775 - 1862), a representative of the late Baroque style in the Bratsigov architectural school.
Virgin Monastery (metoch)
After the construction of the revival church next to the older spiritual center - the Virgin's monastery (metoch), the metoch continued to be the center of cultural life in Sopot and even grew into a kind of spiritual and educational complex.
Virgin Monastery "Introduction of the Virgin Mary" (metoch) has been declared an immovable cultural value (NCC) / cultural monument with the category of national significance - folk antiquities and architectural-construction NCC.
Virgin Monastery "Introduction of the Virgin" (metoch) is site number 43 of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria.
From Metoh, I enter the doors of Radino School.
Girls' (Radino) School
In 1850, in the middle of the churchyard, south of the Revival Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, a girls' mutual school, known as the Radino School, opened its doors, which is considered the successor of the cell school in the neighboring girls' metoch.
It was opened with the help of the great Sopot patriot Kiril Nektariev and is one of the first girls' schools in Bulgaria.
What an amazing story it hides!
I say goodbye to the Radino School and head in the direction of the Ethnographic and Craft Center "Sopot Guild".
The center is located minutes from Radino School.
Ethnographic and Craft Center "Sopot Guild"
Ethnographic and craft center "Sopot Guild" is located in two revival houses - "Budinata kashta" and "Zagubanski" house in the center of Sopot, where the heirs of the old masters demonstrate and pass on their experience.
It is managed by the "Ivan Vazov" House-Museum and the Association of Sopot Craftsmen and Connoisseurs of Arts and Crafts.
Other interesting buildings in Sopot from the Renaissance period are Fratevata, Shosevata, Hadji Manchovata and Tumbalievata house.
From the Ethnographic and Craft Center "Sopot Guild" I quickly reach "Ivan Vazov" Square, in the middle of which stands a monument to the patriarch of Bulgarian literature.
Here I recall the poems with which Ivan Vazov himself describes his hometown.
Печално, бащино огнище,
печалний граде, роден мой,
любима люлко, пепелище
на скъпи радости безброй,
към теб душата ми стреми се,
въздиша – твой нали съм син?
И днеска виждам пак: дими се
над нисък покрив бял комин.
Там – наший дом благословени,
там кътът роден, кътът мил,
магнит за спомени свещени,
където аз съм се родил;
де майка млада с грижи мили
обсипвала ме и с любов,
де растох и набирах сили
за бурите да съм готов:
и дворчето ни дълго, тясно,
чучура с бистрата вода,
и чемишира виждам ясно,
и люлеката край зида.
Аз виждам и школото мило
белнàло се на оня рът,
душа ми детска закърмило
с любов към бога и светът:
зад него – Трапето, де млади
играли сме по голий хълм,
и вази виждам водопади
балкански, чувам ваший гръм!
И тебе, манастирьо, сгушен
в планински рай със твоя бор –
рай сенчаст, тих, приют радушен
на воля, хлад и птичи хор;
и тебе там, засипан замък,
и вас над него, върхове –
о Остро бърдо, Петков камък,
Амбарице, де ветрове
отнасяли са мойта шапка,
на гости колчем идях вам:
при ваший вид сърце ми тряпка,
душа ми пее като в храм!
О горди планини, де мощни
орли се вият в син простор,
във ваште пазухи разкошни
аз пак прониквам с жаден взор.
Не вий, не вашта красота ли
да съм певец причина бе?
И таз любов у мен запали
към родната земя, небе?
И всичко, всичко скъпо мене
сега го виждам отдалек –
поема сладостно виденье,
с душа ми свързано навек!
"Sopot"
Ivan Vazov
Opposite "Ivan Vazov" square is the birthplace of the writer.
Vazov was born on July 9, 1850 in the city of Sopot in the old house of his family.
House-Museum "Ivan Vazov"
Vazov's house was built sometime in the 18th century by Vazov's great-grandfather.
During the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation, the Vase House was burned down along with almost the entire city.
In 1964, the "Ivan Vazov" house-museum was declared a cultural monument of national importance.
House-Museum "Ivan Vazov" is site number 43 of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria.
The Vazovi family was large and close-knit.
In addition to the name of the patriarch of Bulgarian literature, the names of his brothers are also written in golden letters in Bulgarian history.
Monuments to Major General Georgi Vazov and Lieutenant General Vladimir Vazov
The memorial complex of Lieutenant General Georgi Vazov and Major General Vladimir Vazov is the work of the sculptor Dishko Dishkov.
The memorial complex is made up of the busts of the two Bulgarian generals, presented in their military uniforms.
I find it on the main boulevard, just before Ivan Vazov Square.
From the monuments of the two brothers, I raise my head and look at the Balkans behind them. After that, I return again to the composition "I am a Bulgarian", get into my car and drive along Borova Gora Street in the direction of Dyado Stoyanova Vodenitsa, which is 1.3 kilometers (about 5 minutes by car) in the northwest direction .
Ah, Sopot! - I exclaim with enthusiasm and take a deep breath, standing again in my thoughts in front of the huge Balkan and the lush green Monastery meadow, spread out between the starting station of the chair lift and the Sopot male monastery "Ascension of the Lord" or "Sveti Spas".
Wow, that's beautiful!
Majestic, green, mighty, leaning against the sky where heavy rain clouds caress it. And the canyon formed on the Manastirska River has cut through and perfectly shaped the slopes in an incomparable and captivating way.
Wow, that's beautiful!
My favorite Sopot!
You are full of history!
Balkan legends heroic whispers,
above him the moon shines full,
stars again decorate the sky like diamonds,
and countless birds fly through the woods.
A place for which grandfather Vazov wrote rhymes...
I felt the call of the Balkans, I will soon be at the foot of Stara Planina.
The first stop on my way is the authentic mill of grandfather Stoyan from Vaz's novel "Under the Yoke".
Dyado Stoyanova mill
Dyado Stoyanova Vodenitsa is located next to the road leading to the start station of the chairlift, in the northwest end of the town.
The historical mill is operational and shows the interior of a typical Karadzheika mill.
In it is grandfather Stoyan's room with its preserved interior, as well as the office.
Near the mill is also the marked beloved stone on which the folk poet sat.
From Grandfather Stoyanova Vodenitsa, I head to the Sopot Men's Monastery "Vaznesenie Gospodne", which is located nearby.
The bas-relief of the Deacon of Liberty greets me from the wall of the monastery.
The monastery is located opposite Dyado Stoyanova water mill and is located on the left bank of Manastirska Reka.
Sopot Men's Monastery "Ascension of the Lord", known as "Holy Spas"
In the Sopot men's monastery, Levski created the first monastic revolutionary committee as early as 1869, chaired by the abbot Father Raphael, a friend of the Deacon.
On December 7, 1858, he accepted monasticism and the name Ignatius right here in the monastery under the mantle of Hieromonk Cyril.
In 1869, the Sopot Revolutionary Committee was also established. This sign is placed on the spot where the home of Todor Koshnikov, chairman of the revolutionary committee founded by Levski, once stood.
During his visits to this region, the Deacon of Freedom always preferred to stay and meet his mother in Sopot, rather than in his native Karlovo.
The year of the foundation of the monastery remains unknown. It was burned and destroyed many times. It is in its current form from 1879.
During the Renaissance, the monastery had a cell school and a singing school.
The Ascension Men's Monastery of Sopot was visited by the eminent writer Neofit Rilski.
The path to the majestic and so charming Sopot waterfall on the Manastirska River starts from the Ascension Men's Monastery in Sopot.
Here is the heart of the waterfall, which constantly beats in time with the Balkans.
How to get to the city of Sopot?
Sopot is a city in Central Bulgaria, Plovdiv district. It is located about 5 kilometers west of the town of Karlovo.
The city is the administrative center of the Sopot municipality.
Sopot is located in the fertile Stremska Valley at 510 meters above sea level, literally nestled in the incredibly beautiful southern slopes of the Stara Planina.
The name of the city comes from the Proto-Slavic word sopot, which means a roaring stream, spring.
Near the town is the starting station of the chair lift to the "Nezabravka" hut, which is the longest in the Balkans.
There are many lodges in the surroundings of Sopot, which can be reached by marked trails. One of them is Nezabravka hut (3 hours). Various tourist routes start from it. You can head to Mount Levski (2 hours), "Ambaritsa" hut (3 hours) and "Dermenka" hut (3 hours).
In the Pochivaloto area there are conditions for paragliding and it is there that the intermediate station (at 1,389 meters above sea level) of the ropeway to the "Nezabravka" hut in Stara Planina is located.
Sopot is the most famous airbase in Bulgaria. It is located at the southern foot of Stara planina.
National, international and world paragliding competitions are held every year in the city of Sopot on the territory of the Shambala European Center for Extreme Sports and Meditation.
The Sub-Balkan road* passes through the city, and Sopot is also close to road II-64 Karlovo - Plovdiv.
*Republican road I-6, better known as the Sub-Balkan road, is a first-class road from the Republic road network of Bulgaria with a direction from west to east, crossing the territory of nine districts: Kyustendilska, Pernishka, Sofia region, Sofiaska, Plovdivska, Starozagorska, Sliven, Yambol and Burgas.
Its total length is 508.5 km, which makes it the longest national road in Bulgaria.
Sopot stands at:
134 kilometers (about 2 hours by car) from the capital
65 kilometers (about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv
370 kilometers (about 4 hours and 44 minutes by car) from the city of Varna
298 kilometers (about 2 hours and 58 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas
Sopot is connected by bus lines to Karlovo and the surrounding villages. From Karlovo, at small intervals, there are buses leading to Ivan Vazov's hometown.
The address of the Sopot bus station is 75 Ivan Vazov Blvd.
Sopot railway station is connected to the Sofia-Karlovo-Burgas line.
You will find it about a kilometer south of the city and it is served by regular public transport.
What can be visited nearby?
The nearest town to Sopot is the town of Karlovo - located 5 kilometers (about 6 minutes by car) to the east.
In Karlovo, I recommend taking a walk to the Ethnographic Complex "Old Karlovo".
It includes five houses - cultural monuments of remarkable cultural value. These are:
Each of the houses gives birth to its own unique message that directs the guest in different directions, provokes desires and memories in him, makes him dream.
The integrity of the architectural ensemble is unique and inimitable, and every visitor could feel that great revival spirit that still roams the narrow cobbled streets of "Old Karlovo".
Ethnographic complex "Old Karlovo" is site number 44b of the 100 national tourist sites.
In Karlovo, I recommend taking a walk to the beautiful Suchurum waterfall.
Only about 40 kilometers northwest of the city of Karlovo (about 50 minutes by car) you will find the Freedom Arch monument, which is erected on the Goraltepe peak (1595 meters) near the Troyan pass (Troyan - Karnare pass).
From here, there are incredible panoramic views of Northern and Southern Bulgaria.
Only 24 kilometers west of the town of Karlovo (about 27 minutes by car) is the rose-scented village of Rozino, where thousands of fragrant roses bloom in spring.
Just 33 kilometers west of the city of Karlovo (about 35 minutes by car) you will find the historic town of Klisura.
Returning back in the direction of the Sub-Balkan road, continue in the direction of the city of Burgas.
You will soon see that the path forks. Continue straight without taking the turn that will take you to the Sub-Balkan Road. A path through the forest starts from the place, which will take you to the monument of Apriltsi, towering in the area of Zli dol, erected in 1961 in honor of the 85th anniversary of those memorable events.
Just 3.7 kilometers west of the town of Klisura (about 5 minutes by car) you will find the beautiful Klisura Waterfall.
Only 10 kilometers west of Klisursky waterfall (about 8 minutes by car) on the Podbalkansky road itself is the charming Antonovsky waterfall (also Antonsky waterfall or the Butterfly).
Near the Antonovsky waterfall is the peaceful, green and so beautiful village of Anton.
Just 6 kilometers west of the village of Anton (about 9 minutes by car) you will find the majestic ruins of the Elenska Basilica, which you should not miss in any case.
Near the ruins of the Elenska Basilica, as a memory of the destroyed Bulgarian monastery, in 2010, the "St. Ilia" chapel was erected and consecrated.
Just 5 kilometers south of the village of Anton (about 6 minutes by car) is the picturesque Midland jewel of Dushantsi.
Let your walk also take you to the beautiful church "St. St. Cyril and Methodius".
Dušanci is a delightful place in every season! Proof of this is the magnificent photo moments with the wonderful Christmas and New Year decorations, bringing so much delight to our senses!
At the end of the village, don't miss to turn left, where the authentic Roman Kufarita Bridge awaits you.
Continuing after the Kufarita bridge, the road will take you to the "St. George" chapel above Dushantsi, from where you will enjoy a wonderful view of the entire Zlatishko-Pirdop valley.
The road after the village will take you to Dushantsi Reservoir - magnificent in every season - in autumn, in winter and on the border between spring and summer. Enjoy it!
Just 13 kilometers west of the village of Anton (about 15 minutes by car) you will find the town of Zlatitsa.
In the city center, be sure to have a lot of fun in the "Grandfather's Glove" park.
Very close to Grandfather's Glove Park is the old clock tower.
From the old clock tower, head towards the northeastern part of Zlatitsa, north of the railway line, where "Stara planina" street is located. Taking it, you will soon find yourself outside the northern outskirts in the foothills of the Balkans, where the rumble will tell you that you are approaching Zlatiski Waterfall.
In the immediate vicinity of the waterfall itself are the stairs that will take you to the chapel of St. St. Cyric and Iulita. The place offers an extremely beautiful view of the entire Zlatishko-Pirdop valley.
If you continue to the left past the waterfall, you will find yourself at the Ascension Monastery and Spasovo Kladchenche.
Gergana fountain in the town of Zlatica, inspired by Slaveykov's "Fountain of the Whitefoot", is located about one kilometer south of the city center on Medet Street, not far from the last houses, on the road leading to the area of the same name, in the direction the village of Panagyurski colonies and the town of Panagyurishte.
Only 11 kilometers west of the town of Zlatica (about 13 minutes by car) you will find the uniquely beautiful and so arranged village of Chavdar.
Near the village are the uniquely beautiful and easily accessible Kazanite waterfalls - a natural phenomenon of five charming and beautiful waterfalls on the Bererei river, descending from a height of 15 meters, forming a cascade of clear ice water.
In Chavdar, an annual assembly is held on Mount Sveta Petka, which is located above the village. The locality is named after the patron saint of the village, Saint Petka.
The place is not accidental, because the view from it is extraordinary. From there you can see the entire Zlatishka valley, even the Topolnitsa river. A chapel "St. Petka" was built there.
Archaeological Park "Topolnitsa" is also located nearby.
All the unsurpassed beauty of the Zlatishko-Pirdopski historical region is collected in a single route "Wonders of the Zlatishko-Pirdopski region", prepared by me for you with a lot of love and which is a wonderful idea for the weekend!
All of the ideas presented here are totally relevant and doable within a weekend!
Only 20 kilometers south of the village of Anton (about 26 minutes by car) is the Archaeological-Historical Reserve City-Museum of Koprivshtitsa - site number 75 of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria.
Near the town, I suggest you visit the impressively beautiful and so charming Koprivshtitsa station.
In Koprivshtitsa, you must take time and visit the Revival Church "St. Nicholas".
A walk through the green pastures around the city of Koprivshtitsa will shake you out of the gray everyday life and give you a positive boost, and I highly recommend it!
On a vast territory, located between the picturesque towns of Koprivshtitsa and Strelcha, you will find several ancient megalithic sanctuaries - Skumsale, Isara, Kiselitsa, Kulata.
Just 21 kilometers south of the town of Koprivshtitsa (about 25 minutes by car) you will find the charming jewel of Strelcha.
In the town of Strelcha, you can enjoy the singing and dancing fountain "The Ballerina".
Don't forget to bow your head near the majestic temple-monument "St. Archangel Michael" that rises in the city of Strelcha.
Only 11 kilometers south of the city of Karlovo (about 12 minutes by car) you will find the city of Banya - a source of health and beauty.
In the city of Banya, you can visit the Royal Palace.
And also to enjoy a charming bath walk while thousands of red roses bloom around.
12 kilometers east of Banya (about 18 minutes by car) is the charming Domlyan Reservoir, which is a great idea for a walk.
Uniquely beautiful rose bushes bloom in the village of Domlyan, which you can explore.
Just 16 kilometers southeast of the village of Domlyan (about 23 minutes by car) you will find the Svezhen Architectural and Historical Reserve.
In the village of Svezhen you can visit the church "Holy Apostles Peter and Paul".
You can visit the ruins of the old Church of St. George, near which foundations have been discovered - remains of cells plastered with mud plaster on the walls, which are supposed to have been inhabited by the scribes-calligraphers of the Adjarian School of Literature.
Just 11 kilometers southeast of the village of Svezhen (about 16 minutes by car) you will find the village of Babek. "Babek" dam is located nearby, near which you can take a wonderful walk.
22 kilometers south of the village of Svezhen (about 29 minutes by car) is the town of Brezovo.
In Brezovo, on a weekday, stop by the municipality to see the exhibition dedicated to Beethoven's best portraitist - Mincho Katsarov.
Another great Bulgarian artist - Zlatyo Boyadzhiev - is from Brezovo. His house in the city of Brezovo is open to the public and anyone who wants to can see it.
In Brezovo, you should not miss visiting the old school in Brezovo - one of the first secular schools in Bulgarian lands.
Directly opposite the school building stands the church "Saint Dimitar", built in 1843.
Only about 26 kilometers from the village of Svezhen (about 39 minutes by car) you can explore Kutela.
Quite nearby is also a natural landmark "Kitchest Gabor".
The village of Turia is located 8 kilometers north of the natural landmark "Kichest Gabar" (about 9 minutes by car).
In the village of Turia, you can explore the birthplace of Chudomir.
On the square in front of Chudomir's home, you can see a monument to the Chetnik Tsanko Minkov Dechev, born in Turia Botev - the Committee.
In the village of Turia, you can cross an authentic Roman bridge "Scocca".
Only 25 kilometers south of the city of Karlovo (about 26 minutes by car) you will find the green and peaceful Hisarya.
Hisarya offers its guests diverse and impressive attractions, which I have summarized in the following great itinerary ideas that everyone can benefit from:
Just 20 kilometers east of the town of Karlovo (about 33 minutes by car) is the start of the "Byala Reka" eco-trail near the town of Kalofer.
40 kilometers east of the town of Karlovo (about 40 minutes by car) is the town of Pavel Banya - hot mineral springs and the scent of roses.
3 kilometers east of the city of Pavel Banya (about 40 minutes by car) you will find
the village of Viden.
The proud ruins of the wonderful church "St. Anastasius" still stand near the village.
Only 55 kilometers from the city of Karlovo (about 53 minutes by car) is the city of Kazanlak.
In Kazanlak, you can visit the rose museum.
After viewing the museum's rich exposition, I suggest you take a relaxing walk through the wonderful alleys of Rosarium Park in the city of Kazanlak.
In the city of Kazanlak, I suggest you also visit the church "Saint Ilia", also known as the Kulen church.
Only 5 kilometers south of the city of Kazanlak (about 8 minutes by car) is the village of Buzovgrad, from where the wonderful eco-trail adventure "Path through the Ages" begins.
You shouldn't miss it for anything in the world!
And as a finale, my dear friends,
you shouldn't miss a look
the special album with photo moments –
discovered, experienced, captured and shared with you!