I was fascinated a year back when I came across photos of the remote town of Koprivshtitsa which also happens to be a UNESCO Heritage site. So, I set it as a priority visit to travel from Sofia to Koprivshtitsa whenever back to Bulgaria. With family members who temporarily stay here, I finally made it. During my two-week stay, we arranged to spend a weekend here.

The ride from Sofia to Koprivshtitsa was pleasant throughout, but no matter the number of attempts I had to pronounce the name correctly, I am utterly incapable of doing it. Just for the record, it stands for ‘nettle’ in Bulgarian -in a way fits its historic character.

From Sofia to Koprivshtitsa

Koprivshtitsa is located in the heart of the Sredna Gora mountain range and was declared a museum city in 1952 and between 1793 and 1819, and burnt on no fewer than three times.

Our short trip end of March 2018, was nothing short of impressive!  The winding road led us through green pastures and valleys, with rugged snowy mountain-tops surrounding us. Finally, we are here, and I cannot believe my eyes. How perfectly does the city sit in harmony with its calm surroundings and how lucky I feel that I am here at last!

We booked two rooms at the brand new Once Upon a Time Koprivshtitsa Guesthouse which was not difficult at all to find, and very close to Koprivshtitsa Museums too. Up in the rooms next, we were in a hurry, unpacking and storing everything, and with no delay, we were soon out exploring the town.

From Sofia to Koprivshtitsa

Wholly filled with excitement on this lovely day! We walked through slope-clambering cobbled streets and lanes admiring the symmetrical brightly painted traditional architecture.

Immaculately preserved inside and out, houses built from bricks and wooden beams show the Bulgarian revival period architecture of the 19th century.

From Sofia to Koprivshtitsa

Bridges are another stunning scenery to enjoy, quaint and visually attractive over brooks. It is impressive how the well-weathered charms of the past have not been harmed by tourism.

We savored the wood burning smells that filled the air on that late afternoon of Saturday, and the peacefulness and quiet of the town were affecting. What a poignant site that was!

Enjoying the great day’s stroll we passed by several small wooden doors and gates, most of them half broken down. Padlocks and rusted nails but also cracked plaster walls.

Behind small recessed glass-windows pots with plants within, and little cats looking out of windows behind the half-drawn curtains, and sounds of barking dogs echoing in the distance. We had dinner at the Galeria Restaurant that evening but weren’t that excited about the cuisine.

The next day, we woke up to a cloudy morning, but this did not prevent us from getting out for another stroll right after breakfast.

This small peaceful town makes you forget the world outside don’t you think?

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What do you think of the historic town of Koprivshtitsa? Do you think it is a place you would like to visit? I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment in the box below and I would help if I can.

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