City
Kalofer

Kalofer is a small town situated at the foot of Mount Botev, 17 km from Karlovo, 22 km from Sopot and 56 km from Plovdiv. Located near the National park "Central Balkan" is an original entrance to the park.

Legend has it that the area of today Kalofer was settled in the middle of the XVI century by a group of men led by Kalifer leader who attacked Turkish caravans passing. Because can`t deal with Kalifer chieftain and his men, the Sultan was forced to allow the rebels to settle in these lands, provided they stop attacking convoys. Legend also states that his men stole women for brides from the nearby town of Sopot.

In the following centuries Kalofer emerged as an important cultural and commercial center. Called "Alton Kalofer" (Golden Kalofer).

In Kalofer was born the famous Bulgarian poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev. Today his house turned into a memorial complex is one of the most interesting places to visit in the city. There you can learn a lot about the revolutionary history of Bulgaria and one of the main participants.

Tourists can visit the school Botyo Petkov (Hristo Botev's father) and learn more about the methods by which children were taught then, ride horseback or on foot to hike some of the horse or walking routes in the National Park or be participants in some of the traditional festivals. One of the most interesting festivals in the city is celebrating the Epiphany and the birth of Hristo Botev on January 6. Then play Kalofersko famous dance.

The newest museum in town is Kalofer house of history - a kind of ethnographic and cultural center, presenting its living heritage - weaving and traditional local rugs, traditional garments and festival costumes, musical instruments and reconstruction of a typical guest room.

Interesting in the city are also many existing churches, monasteries and chapels. Male and female Kalofer monasteries are the most important of them. Nunnery is located about 5-10 minutes walk from the city center and is surrounded by a beautiful courtyard. Male monastery is located about 15-20 minutes by car or 1 hour walk from the city center and is situated in a picturesque valley on the banks of White River, surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Accommodation opportunities in Kalofer are numerous - from traditional to contemporary revival house hotel and restaurant offering traditional Bulgarian cuisine and local specialties. Visitor Information Centre is managed and run by local Ecotourism Association "Central Balkan - Kalofer" and is open throughout the year. Employees at the center will help you in planning your trip and stay with booking or hiring a guide, and information about trails in the region. The visitor center is located on street: "Georgi Shopov" № 3