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In 1952, it was declared the only city-museum in the country, and since 1971 it has been an architectural and historical reserve, with a total of 388 architectural, historical, artistic, and ethnographic monuments. In 1978, it was recognized as a national architectural reserve of international importance and as an international tourist destination.
The architecture in Koprivshtitsa reflects the historical development growth of Bulgarian traditional architecture that can still be observed in its various forms at present. The first stages of its development closely resemble the architecture found in the communities of Zheravna, Tryavna, Samokov, Etropole, Tetevan, and other locations. In 1956, a museum directorate was established in Koprivshitsa with the goal of saving, preserving, and popularizing the town’s cultural and historical heritage. Among the museums and local attractions are The Oslekov House, The Lyutova House, The Todor Kableshkov Museum, The Dimcho Debelyanov Museum, The Georgi Benkovski Museum, and The Liuben Karavelov Museum.
Of interest is the church Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, built in 1817 on the site of an older church. Noteworthy is the fine woodworking of the bishop’s throne and the altar with its authentic icons.
Another interesting example of ecclesiastical architecture is The Saint Nikolay Cathedral, built in 1842-1843. The cathedral is notable for its murals done on Biblical themes.
Besides visiting its historic houses and enjoying the invigorating natural surroundings, visitors may refresh themselves at Koprivshtitsa’s more than 40 wells that were constructed during different eras. These wells are generally decorated with stones carvings of six-sided stars, sea creatures, flowers, and other images. Two of the oldest are the Benevska and Chalakova Wells.
Availability for visits: Paid, all year round, Mondays and Tuesdays museums are closed. Tourists may engage guides at the Bogdan Tourist Center. Guided tours are available in Bulgarian, English, and French.
Transport accessibility: The town of Koprivshtitsa is located in the heart of the Sredna Gora mountain range. It is 110 km from Sofia, 24 km from Pirdop, 22 km from Strelcha, and 90 km from Plovdiv.
Tourist infrastructure: hotels, restaurants offering typical Bulgarian dishes, shops
