The most beautiful places in Bulgaria

Sopot is best known as the hometown of Ivan Vazov. This great writer left a real treasury of work, and impressed by his life people come to his native house, looking for the roots of his inspiration. My children were mostly looking for a stamp from the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria, but their stay there enriched not only their stamp booklet, but also their knowledge and love for Bulgaria. The words of his poem “I am a Bulgarian” echoed in their minds and planted seeds in their hearts, watered by the beauty of the city.

Sopot is located in Central Bulgaria in the fertile Stremska Valley, 5 km west of Karlovo and in close proximity to the first station of the longest Sky lift in the Balkans, which leads to the Central Balkan National Park and Nezabravka Chalet. The fresh air of the Balkan can also be felt in the town, and the cold clear mountain water can be tasted from the many fountains around Sopot. The very name of the town derives from the Proto-Slavic word “sopot” and means a rustling stream, a spring.

The history of the city dates back more than 3 millennia, and remains from the Old Iron Age have been found there. Under the city center lie massive Roman ruins. There are also similar ones in the Kairyaka area – these are the remains of the so-called Triangle Fortress. Another fortress in the immediate vicinity of Sopot is the medieval town of Kopsis – 2 km northwest of the town of Sopot, on the so-called “Golden Gate” Anevsko kale.  Its fortress walls rise majestically to a height of 12 meters and this is one of the best preserved fortresses from the period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.

During the National Revival, Sopot developed as an important craft and trade center and at that time they began to call the town Gerdzhik (i.e. beautiful) Sopot. The third New Bulgarian school in the country was established here in 1836, and shortly after it one of the largest Revival churches in the Bulgarian lands was built – the church of St. St. Apostles Peter and Paul”. The city perished in the flames of the Russo-Turkish War, but gradually regained its well-being and livelihood. Between 1950 and 1965, the city was named Vazovgrad, after which its historical name Sopot was returned again.

In 1955, a 5-meter monument of Ivan Vazov was erected in the city center, which is in close proximity to his native house. The house-museum of the patriarch of Bulgarian literature impressed us, although it was burned down in 1877 and we examined its restored copy. Here everyone can trace the most important periods of Vazov’s life and see his manuscripts. The rooms are small but cozy, unlike today’s spacious apartments overflowing with items. The garden is littered with flowers and is a wonderful place for photos. A small stream also passes through the yard, which is an additional attraction for children, and according to Feng Shui – the running water in the home leads to well-being and wealth. A great wealth was left with Ivan Vazov’s literature, and his hometown still enriches our hearts. Here the words come to life most easily: “everything Bulgarian and native, I love, keep dear to my heart.” Sopot is undoubtedly one of those places that make us proud of our homeland, hoping to keep this feeling in the rest of the country.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SOPOT:

Location: Sopot is located in Central Bulgaria, Plovdiv region, 5 km west of Karlovo and 136 km east of Sofia.
Area: 36.37 sq.km
Population: 8444 people (2024 data)
Official language: Bulgarian
Altitude: 417 m
Climate: moderate-continental climate with mild winters and moderately warm summers.
Time zone: UTC +2
Currency: BGN (BGN)
Additional information: http://www.sopot-municipality.com/