Photo by: Teodora Toteva
Koprivshtitsa is a symbol of Bulgaria’s National Revival and is closely linked to the country’s struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. The town played a pivotal role in the April Uprising of 1876, an armed rebellion against Ottoman rule. It was here that the first shot of the uprising was fired. Although the rebellion was ultimately suppressed, it sparked international sympathy for Bulgaria’s cause, leading to eventual liberation. The town’s connection to this crucial moment in history is celebrated with monuments, plaques, and museums dedicated to the leaders and revolutionaries who lived and fought there.
Koprivshtitsa is known for its unique Bulgarian National Revival architecture, with colorful houses, stone walls, and wooden balconies that reflect traditional Bulgarian craftsmanship. These homes are decorated with intricate wood carvings and frescoes, and many of them are now museums open to the public.
Koprivshtitsa also hosts the National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore, a major cultural event held every five years. This festival is the largest of its kind in Bulgaria, bringing together musicians, dancers, and craftsmen from across the country to celebrate traditional Bulgarian folk culture. The town’s quaint setting makes it the perfect backdrop for this colorful and vibrant event.
Koprivshtitsa is about 110 km (68 miles) east of Sofia, and it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to get there.
If you are travelling from Sofia
By car – Take the A1 motorway (Trakia Highway) eastbound from Sofia towards Plovdiv. After about 85 km, take the exit for Koprivshtitsa. From the highway, it’s about a 25 km scenic drive on a secondary road into the town.
By train – Trains from Sofia to Koprivshtitsa run several times a day and are one of the most scenic and affordable ways to travel. The Koprivshtitsa Railway Station is located about 7 km outside of the town itself. From the station, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to the town center (around 10-15 minutes).