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Writer's pictureStefan Ivanov

The Metoh in the city of Zlatitsa - refuge of Vasil Levski

I am in my beloved Zlatitsa, driving through its narrow streets and frantically looking for a little-known curious old thing that has somehow eluded me in recent years and now I am in a hurry to catch up with the story.


Church "Saint Great Martyr George the Victorious" in the town of Zlatitsa
Church "Saint Great Martyr George the Victorious" in the town of Zlatitsa

My excellent landmark today is the church "Saint Great Martyr George the Victorious" - the white church of Zlatitsa, because, as it turned out, the old town I was headed for is not marked on Google Maps.

I stop in front of the temple, turn off the car engine, get out, lock it and start frantically looking around.


Zlatishki metoh
Zlatishki metoh

Here it is! Right across from the church "Saint Great Martyr George the Victorious".


Zlatishki metoh

I recognized the antiquity by the face of the Deacon, who marked this noble house in Zlatitsa.


Zlatishki metoh

It's locked, but I find a note on the old wooden door - with a name and a phone number.


Zlatishki metoh

What now?! It's early Sunday morning and I don't have an appointment! What to do?

However, I find courage (and audacity) and call the indicated number.

A very kind female voice reassures me and tells me to wait just a minute and it will be opened for me to take a look!

Well, that's amazing!

With great gratitude, warmth and light in my heart, I say words of appreciation!

After a few minutes, I already shake hands with the manager of the site, I endlessly apologize for the early Sunday class, but in her eyes I can only read the desire to help with a kind heart to promote it and to open the old doors of the shop.

Definitely an unknown antiquity, overflowing with history, which I am very eager to promote, so that every one of you, who are trembling for the Bulgarian heritage, will visit this golden home.


Zlatishki metoh

The story of the curator of the site was incredible - emotional and full of facts, and before I left I also received a special and heartfelt gift from her - "Necklace of Goldsmiths" by the wonderful Nikolay Mladenov, which I read in one sitting, so, dear friends, I will begin my story based entirely on the words that were shared with me and have been firmly etched in my mind and left a deep mark on my heart.

As you will see for yourself, I also managed to capture wonderful photo moments that will further support my story, giving it the necessary beauty, grace and subtle feelings.


Zlatishki metoh

The yard, carefully shaped and beautifully arranged, turns green in front of me, the gray-blue hills of Sštinska Sredna gora disappear against the horizon.

The editor's words gently caress my soul, so thirsty for Bulgarianness, history, glorious legends, brave legends, brave heroes, awake Bulgarians, spirituality, selflessness, humility and courage, and I - in feverish overexcitement, ecstatically absorb all this, while my heart goes crazy beating in the chest!


Zlatishki metoh

A monastic cell in Zlatica has existed since the 18th century, and in the second half of the century the town was repeatedly visited by taxidermists of the monasteries of Mount Athos.

According to data from the condicion of the Hilendar Monastery, in 1761 and 1764, Paisiy Hilendarski and his brother - Prohigumen Lavrentiy resided in Zlatitsa, who brought pilgrims from the city to the monastery.


Zlatishki metoh

At various times during the years of the Bulgarian revival, the metoh was also the property of the Rila Monastery, as evidenced by records of taxidiots visiting Zlatitsa and neighboring villages in its kondics.


Zlatishki metoh

The prosperity of the few Bulgarians, residents of Zlatitsa, is eloquently spoken by the visits and donations to the monastery in the following years - 1794, 1797, 1806 and 1809. Many times, Zlatitsa people also supported the largest Bulgarian monastery "St. Ivan Rilski" with funds, as only in in the period from 1840 to 1846, pilgrims from the city contributed 9,650 groshis to the coffers of the spiritual center.


Zlatishki metoh

As a thank you for the support, the monastery brotherhood named one of the rooms in the monastery "Zlatishka kilia", furnished with donations from residents of Zlatitsa.


Zlatishki metoh

According to documents stored in the Oriental Department of the "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" National Library, it is known that on November 2, 1834, the administration of the Ottoman state issued a copy of a deed for ownership of monastery properties in Zlatitsa. It is to this time that the erection of the metokha refers, which according to architectural data was probably built somewhere around the second quarter of the 19th century.


Zlatishki metoh

The building, which literally repeats the plan of the individual dwellings of that time, is two-story, with an external staircase to the second floor, which is slightly, with a bay window to the west and south, superimposed over the first. There is an extensive basement almost under the entire building.


Zlatishki metoh
The candle foundry

There are four rooms on the first floor, and the one on the street side was used as a candlestick, from which you enter a small room located in the northwest part of the building, which probably served as a warehouse.


Zlatishki metoh
The storage room

The candle foundry has two entrances - from the street (opposite the temple) and from the courtyard.


Златишки метох
The entrance from the street (opposite the temple)

A rather curious fact is connected with this part of the Metoh building.


Zlatishki metoh
The window (right) on the boards on the ground

A secret exit to the basement of the building exists next to a facility located in the center of the room's east wall.


Zlatishki metoh
The stairs on the inside of the dungeon and the pore from the previous photo moment

On the inner wall of the dungeon, several stone steps lead to the ceiling, i.e. to the floor of the room above - the candle foundry.

In the candle foundry, candles are prepared for the ritual activity of the priests in the "Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious" church and for drawing the population of Zlatitsa.


Zlatishki metoh

Before me is the great hearth for melting wax.



I share another interesting fact - on the hearth wall 120 years later, the original pencil notes from 1903 and 1906 are still clearly visible, visible and legible, showing how many candles were made in one day here .



In the candle foundry there is an exposition telling about the visits of Paisii Hilendarski and Vasil Levski to Zlatitsa.

The entrances to two of the remaining rooms (chambers) on the first floor are from the east side of the courtyard.


Zlatishki metoh

Until the construction of the grade school next to the metoh, (now non-existent) they served as classrooms.



During the April Uprising, one of them - the southern one - was used by the Turkish authorities as a prison.



Many inscriptions can be seen on the ceiling shingles - names written in flame. Relying on them is difficult, and in most cases impossible, due to the too wide and merging letters.


Zlatishki metoh

I climb the wooden steps to the second floor.

In front of me, the white church of Zlatitsa rises above the front door.


Zlatishki metoh

Currently, the rooms on the second floor present a mid-19th century setting.

From the staircase and a small covered porch, you enter a corridor on the second floor, from where there is access to a total of four rooms, one of which, used for food preparation, is a walk-through - from it you enter a small closet (storage).


Zlatishki metoh

An interesting element of the architecture of this chamber, commonly called vakashi, are the two fireplaces.


Zlatishki metoh
Vkashti

One was used to prepare feasts, and the other, which has a large stone slab, was used to bake loaves (bread).



This is a rare case in the Bulgarian Renaissance building tradition.


Zlatishki metoh
The stone plate for baking loaves (bread)

Two of the rooms - the bedroom and the nursery room - are smaller than the others.



Most representative and with a richly decorated ceiling with ornaments in the form of the sun, is the southwest room, which served for a long time as the residence of the local priest or abbot.


Zlatishki metoh
The ceiling with sun ornaments

Until the building was abandoned, it was also used for overnight stays for guests - mainly the Metropolitan of Lovčana, to which diocese Zlatishka parish belongs.


Zlatishki metoh
Analoy

The history of the meeting in Zlatitsa is intertwined with the national liberation struggles of our people.


Zlatishki metoh

It has been documented that during one of his tours of the Bulgarian lands, in the period from July 18 to 25, 1872 or part of that time, Vasil Levski stayed in Zlatitsa.

On several letters sent to him, he made notes of himself when he received them.


Zlatishki metoh

On July 18, on the letter of the chairman of the Etropolis Private Revolutionary Committee "Bochukooglu" - Todor Peev, addressed "To Aslan Dervishoglu Kardzhal in Zlatitsa", Levski wrote "Bochukooglu. No. 3 of 18 Yulia".

At the same address, he sent his letter of July 25 to the Deacon and Father Georgi Tutmannikov from the village of Jurovo.


Zlatishki metoh

At the general meeting of the revolutionary activists, held from April 29 to May 4, 1872, the secret revolutionary committee in Zlatitsa was represented by Todor Peev from Etropole. In the minutes of the meeting, he is recorded as a representative of 11 Private Revolutionary Committees, including that of Zlatitsa, referred to by his secret name - "Uzun Hassan".


Zlatishki metoh

Nikola Obretenov mentions that Todor Peev represented the private revolutionary committees in "Zlatitsa and its surroundings", i.e. those from Zlatishka kaza. Such were in the village of Bunovo, the village of Mirkovo, the village of Chelopech, Zlatitsa and Pirdop.

It is also known that Levski also visited Zlatitsa in 1870, during his third tour of the Bulgarian lands, when he left with Dimitar Obshti for Sofia, as well as during his trip at the end of November 1872, on the way from Pazardzhik. through Panagyurishte, Poibrene, the village of Mirkovo, Zlatitsa and Pirdop to his hometown of Karlovo.

It is not excluded that the secret exit from the candle foundry to the cellar of the menagerie ensured the safety of Levski during his visits to the center of the fortress.

The metoh is registered in the National Institute for Immovable Cultural Heritage as a cultural monument of local historical importance and is included in the list of sites by the Municipality of Zlatica.

For a long time, the metoh was in an unenviable condition.


Zlatishki metoh
Deliberately unrestored element of the facade to show the authenticity of antiquity

In the period 2018 - 2019, under the partnership program between the Municipality of Zlatica and "Aurubis Bulgaria", the building was mainly restored and opened for visits.

The restored metoch was inaugurated on July 18, 2019.

And you are all more than welcome here!

A source of information:


How to get to the town of Zlatica?

Zlatitsa is a city in Western Bulgaria. It is located in the Sofia region, near the town of Pirdop. The city is the administrative center of the Zlatitsa municipality.


View of Zlatitsa
View of Zlatitsa

The Sub-Balkan Road* crosses Zlatitsa.


*Republican road I-6, better known as the Sub-Balkan road, is a first-class road from the Republic road network of Bulgaria with a direction from west to east, passing through the territory of nine districts: Kyustendilska, Pernishka, Sofia district, Sofiaska, Plovdivska, Starozagorska, Sliven, Yambol and Burgas.

Its total length is 508.5 km, which makes it the longest national road in Bulgaria.


Zlatica stands at:

  • 77 kilometers (about 1 hour and 18 minutes by car) from the capital

  • 119 kilometers (about 1 hour and 55 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv

  • 441 kilometers (about 5 hours and 28 minutes by car) from the city of Varna

  • 317 kilometers (about 3 hours and 49 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas

  • 32 kilometers (about 37 minutes by car) from the town of Koprivshtitsa



Zlatitsa is a small town, nestled literally* between the southern slopes of the Balkans and the northern hills of Schtinska Sredna Gora, as well as between the connecting ridges of the two mountains Galabets and Koznitsa, in the middle of the highest of the Trans-Balkan fields - Zlatishko Pole, or as it is also called – The Golden Hollow.

*The distances to the two mountain ranges are extremely small. In the northern direction, parts of the town of Zlatitsa and the village of Tsrkvishte are at the very foot of the Zlatishko-Tetevenska Stara planina, and the villages of Karlievo and Petrich in the south - in Soschinska Sredna gora.


View of Zlatitsa and the entire Zlatishka Valley
View of Zlatitsa and the entire Zlatishka Valley

The town is located 680 meters above sea level. and occupies the central part of the Zlatishko-Pirdop valley, in the spacious and water-rich valley - here flow several rivers from the basin of the Topolnitsa River.

To the northwest is the city of Etropole, to the northeast – the city of Teteven, to the south – the city of Panagyurishte, to the east – the cities of Pirdop, Koprivshtitsa, Klisura, Sopot, Strelcha, Karlovo. To the west is the city of Elin Pelin and the capital.

Through the Zlatish Pass and the city of Etropole is the connection with Northern Bulgaria - Botevgrad, Pravets, Mezdra, Vratsa, Pleven.

Through Panagyurishte - to Pazardzhik and Plovdiv.

The most direct connection from Sofia to the sea passes through Zlatitsa.

On the railway line passing through the area are the two largest railway tunnels in Bulgaria - Koznitsa (6 kilometers) and Galabets (3 kilometers).


How to get to metoh in the city of Zlatica?

The Metoch in the city of Zlatitsa is not marked on Google Maps, that's why I'm giving a link to the church "Saint Great Martyr George Pobedonosets", located at the intersection of "Kiro Stoyanov" and "Bishop Sofroniy Vrachanski" streets.

The Metoh is located directly opposite the "Saint Great Martyr George the Victorious" church.



Before visiting, be sure to visit the site Metohut in Zlatitsa - refuge of Vasil Levski - ZLATICA (zlatitsa.com), where you will find a phone number and a contact person, through which you must arrange a day and time for your visit.


What else can be visited in Zlatica?

Zlatica is one of my favorite cities that I love to return to again and again!

In the city center, be sure to have a lot of fun at Grandfather's Glove Park.


Park "Grandfather's Glove" in the city of Zlatitsa
Park "Grandfather's Glove" in the city of Zlatitsa

Very close to the "Grandfather's Glove" park is the old clock tower of Zlatitsa.


The old clock tower in the town of Zlatica
The old clock tower in the town of Zlatica

From the old clock tower, head towards the northeastern part of Zlatitsa, north of the railway line, where "Stara planina" street is located. Taking it, you will soon find yourself outside the northern outskirts in the foothills of the Balkans, where the rumble will tell you that you are approaching Zlatiski Waterfall.


Zlatishki waterfall
Zlatishki waterfall

In the immediate vicinity of the waterfall itself are the stairs that will take you to the chapel of St. Cyric and Julita. The place offers an extremely beautiful view of the entire Zlatishka Valley.


Chapel "Saints Kirik and Julita" above the town of Zlatitsa
Chapel "Saints Kirik and Julita" above the town of Zlatitsa

If you continue to the left past the waterfall, you will find yourself at the "Holy Ascension" monastery complex.


Monastery complex "Holy Ascension of the Lord" near the town of Zlatitsa
Monastery complex "Holy Ascension of the Lord" near the town of Zlatitsa

Near the monastery complex, the clear mountain waters of Spasovo Kladenche flow year-round.


Spasovo well in the town of Zlatitsa
Spasovo well in the town of Zlatitsa

The "Gergana" fountain in the town of Zlatitsa, inspired by Slaveykov's "Fountain of the Whitefoot", is located about one kilometer south of the city center on "Medet" street, not far from the last houses, on the road leading to the area of the same name, in the direction the village of Panagyurski colonies and the town of Panagyurishte.


"Gergana" fountain in the town of Zlatitsa – inspired by the "Fountain of the Whitefoot"
"Gergana" fountain in the town of Zlatitsa – inspired by the "Fountain of the Whitefoot"

I wish you a wonderful golden adventure!

There is definitely a lot to visit here, no doubt!


What can be visited nearby?

Only 9 kilometers south of Zlatitsa (about 11 minutes by car) in the middle of the picturesque Medetski Prohod in Schtinska Sredna Gora is the "New Kemer" bridge.


The "New Kemer" bridge in Medetski Prohod in Sochtinska Sredna Gora
The "New Kemer" bridge in Medetski Prohod in Sochtinska Sredna Gora

23 kilometers south of Zlatitsa (about 28 minutes by car) in the middle of the inspiringly beautiful Schtinska Sredna Gora at an altitude of 1050 meters on a pass east of Mount Bratiya is the village of Panagyurski Colonies.


The lake with water lilies in the village of Panagyurski colonies
The lake with water lilies in the village of Panagyurski colonies

Only 15 kilometers south of the settlement of Panagyurski Colonies (about 18 minutes by car) is the struggling Panagyurishte.



April 20, summer 1876!


Riot!

Uprising!

To arms!


The ecstatic shouts of the freedom fighters announce this yard!



This is the Tuteva House in the city of Panagyurishte - the place where the April Uprising was announced!



Nearby is the Healing House, which you should not miss to visit.


Monument to Raina Knyagina in the city of Panagyurishte
Monument to Raina Knyagina in the city of Panagyurishte

From there, head to "Raina Knyaginya" square, where you will see the monument of a Bulgarian teacher and midwife - Raina (Raikya) Popgeorgieva Futekova-Dipcheva, who sewed the banner of the insurgents and embroidered the lion and the fiery motto with tinsel:


Freedom or death!


Nearby is also the Futek house - the birthplace of Raina Knyagina, which today has been turned into a museum.



House-museum "Raina Knyaginya" is site number 36 of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria.



You should not miss the incredibly interesting exposition of the Panagyurishte Historical Museum dedicated to the April Uprising, with original relics related to the heroic epic of April 1876.


Dudekova house in the town of Panagyurishte
Dudekova house in the town of Panagyurishte

The Dudekova house, part of the museum complex, is an architectural-historical landmark in Panagyurishte from the Renaissance era. There is an ethnographic-historical exposition reflecting the Renaissance way of life and culture.


Vault of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure
Vault of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure

There are dozens of Thracian mounds in the vicinity of the city. A burial of a Thracian chieftain was discovered in one of them - the "Mramor" mound.


A golden phial, part of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure
A golden phial, part of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure

Недалеч от нея през 1949 година е открито световноизвестното Панагюрско златно съкровище, датирано от периода IV – III век преди Христа.


Amphora-rhyton, part of the Golden Treasure of Panagyurishte
Amphora-rhyton, part of the Golden Treasure of Panagyurishte

The treasure was found by chance by the three bricklayer brothers Pavel, Petko and Mihail Dejkovi, while they were digging the ground for clay. It is made of pure gold and weighs 6.164 kilograms.


Stag-headed rhyton, part of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure
Stag-headed rhyton, part of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure

Copies of the nine unique golden vessels are exhibited in the historical museum in the city, and the originals travel around museums around the world and in Bulgaria.

A wonderful musical water attraction here are the uniquely beautiful, enchanted-magical and so colorful Panagyura fountains, which I definitely advise you to visit when you visit this beautiful city in the middle of the mountains.



You will witness one of three musical programs – a whirlwind, dizzying dance in which musical notes intertwine, dazzling light, tons of color and thousands of splashes of water!

What?! You do not believe me?! Well see for yourself!



The music in this video is by the talented Bulgarian composer, arranger and pianist Mitko Shterev, presented in a unique, beautiful and so colorful and impactful-visual way.

At the end of each year, Panagyurishte shines brightly decorated to welcome the Nativity of Christ.


Panagyurishte on the eve of the Christmas and New Year holidays
Panagyurishte on the eve of the Christmas and New Year holidays

On the road between Oborishte Historic District and the town of Panagyurishte, you will find the Bear's Head fountain on the right.


"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte
"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte

The iconic fountain was erected back in 1966 on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the April Uprising.


"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte

Passenger!

See the two rivers Panova and Asarel merged here under this bridge;

This is how the souls of our grandfathers merged in the summer of 1876 - there on the Panova River

MANURE

IN THE FIRST BULGARIAN GREAT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

for the liberation of Bulgaria.

Doff your hat, even from afar, and bow before you pass.

1928 year


"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte
The commemorative plaque of the watershed of the Panova and Asarel rivers, built into the rock by the road

Just 8 kilometers west of Panagyurishte on the road III-801 Panagyurishte - Vakarel, immediately after the Mechata Glava fountain, there is Oborishte Historic Site.


Oborishte historical area
Oborishte historical area

In case you are traveling in the direction from Panagyurishte to Vakarel, the turnoff is on the right.

Only 8 kilometers southwest of Oborishte Historic Site (about 11 minutes by car) is the village of Oborishte.


The Bulgarian tribagrenik above the village of Oborishte
The Bulgarian tribagrenik above the village of Oborishte

South of the village of Oborishte, the "Holy Virgin" chapel was built.


Chapel "Sveta Bogoroditsa" near the village of Oborishte
Chapel "Sveta Bogoroditsa" near the village of Oborishte

The most hardworking and skilled Bulgarian hands have turned the place into a real miracle with wonderful benches, a place for games for the little ones, green grass, majestic views, walking paths and a big green heart.


Oborishte village, Panagyurishte municipality
Oborishte village, Panagyurishte municipality

Only 10 kilometers south of the town of Panagyurishte (about 12 minutes by car) you will find the village of Banya, Panagyursko.


Monument to Pope Gruyo – Banski in the village of Banya, Panagyur region
Monument to Pope Gruyo – Banski in the village of Banya, Panagyur region

Resting in the village of Banya, in the midst of wild nature, complete silence and abundant mineral springs, is an exceptional pleasure that I invite you to share.


The spa of the village of Banya, Panagyursko
The spa of the village of Banya, Panagyursko

Cross over the bridge built over the Banska Luda Yana river and head towards the monastery church "Sveta Troitsa", rising in the middle of the Manastircheto area.


Holy Trinity Monastery Church, Banya village, Panagyur region
Holy Trinity Monastery Church, Banya village, Panagyur region

Passing the white temple, the path will take you up to Bansko Kale (Gradishteto), from where an impressive view of the entire village is revealed.


Panoramic view from Bansko Kale (Gradishteto) over the village of Banya, Panagyursko
Panoramic view from Bansko Kale (Gradishteto) over the village of Banya, Panagyursko

In Banya, you should definitely visit the emblematic Talpena house, also called Puleva house.


The Talpena house in the village of Banya, Panagyur region, also known as the Puleva house
The Talpena house in the village of Banya, Panagyur region, also known as the Puleva house

The house is a unique monument of residential architecture and dates back to the period from 1700 to 1725. It was the property of rich peasants from the Pulev family.

It is built of hand-hewn logs, hence the other name by which it is known.

The ancestors of the champions Kubrat and Tervel Pulevi are also from the Pulev family. According to village records, their grandfather Peter was born in Banya.

The Talpena house in the village of Banya, Panagyursko, also known as the Puleva house, has been declared a cultural monument and has a valuable architectural value, giving an insight into the life and past of Bantsi.


The native house of Pop Grujo Banski in the village of Banya, Panagyur region
The native house of Pop Grujo Banski in the village of Banya, Panagyur region

In Banya, you should not miss to visit the birthplace of Gruyu Trenchov, better known as Pop Gruyo - Bansky, Bulgarian revolutionary, participant in the April Uprising, voivode of the detachment and conjurer of the participants in the Oborishte Assembly.

Just 10 kilometers east of the town of Zlatica (about 14 minutes by car) are the majestic ruins of the Elenska Basilica, which you should definitely not miss.


Deer Basilica near the town of Pirdop
Deer Basilica near the town of Pirdop

Near the ruins of the Elenska Basilica, as a memory of the destroyed Bulgarian monastery, in 2010, the "St. Ilia" chapel was erected and consecrated.


Chapel "Saint Ilia" near the town of Pirdop
Chapel "Saint Ilia" near the town of Pirdop

Just 12 kilometers south-east of the town of Zlatica (about 14 minutes by car) is the picturesque Midland jewel of Dushantsi.


People's community center "Svetlina" in the village of Dushantsi
People's community center "Svetlina" in the village of Dushantsi

Let your walk also take you to the beautiful church "St. St. Cyril and Methodius".


Church "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" in the village of Dushantsi
Church "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" in the village of Dushantsi

Dushantsi is a delightful place in every season! Proof of this is the magnificent photo moments with the wonderful Christmas and New Year decorations, bringing so much delight to our senses!


Christmas and New Year decorations in the village of Dushantsi
Christmas and New Year decorations in the village of Dushantsi

At the end of the village, don't miss to turn left, where the authentic Roman Kufarita Bridge awaits you.


Authentic Roman bridge Kufarita in the village of Dushantsi
Authentic Roman bridge Kufarita in the village of Dushantsi

Continuing after the Kufarita bridge, the road will take you to the "St. George" chapel above Dushantsi, from where you will enjoy a wonderful view of the entire Zlatiška valley.


Chapel "St. George" above the village of Dushantsi
Chapel "St. George" above the village of Dushantsi

The road after the village will take you to the Dushantsi Reservoir – magnificent in every season!

A fairy tale in winter, when the old and vain Balkan has put on its thick white coat and is enjoying its reflections in the icy waters of the Dushantsi Reservoir.


"Dushantsi" dam in winter
"Dushantsi" dam in winter

Charming at the border between spring and summer, when everything around the Dushantsi Dam is lovely green and the freshness of the water enchants everything around!


"Dushantsi" dam between spring and summer
"Dushantsi" dam between spring and summer

Magical in autumn, when every leaf is a color and the magic reveals its colorful reflections in the palette of the water in the Dushantsi Reservoir.


"Dushantsi" dam in autumn
"Dushantsi" dam in autumn

Just 12 kilometers east of the town of Zlatica (about 14 minutes by car) lies the peaceful, green and oh-so-beautiful village of Anton.


Anton village
Anton village

Very close to the village on the Sub-Balkan road itself is the charming Antonovski Waterfall (also known as Antonovski Waterfall or the Butterfly).


Antonovsky waterfall
Antonovsky waterfall

All the unsurpassed beauty of the Zlatishko-Pirdopski historical region is collected in a single route "Wonders of the Zlatishko-Pirdopski region", prepared by me for you with a lot of love and which is a wonderful idea for the weekend!

All of the ideas presented here are totally relevant and doable within a weekend!



Only 32 kilometers south of the town of Zlatitsa (about 37 minutes by car) is the Koprivshtitsa City-Museum Archaeological-Historical Reserve - site number 75 of Bulgaria's 100 national tourist sites.


View over the Oslekova house in the town of Koprivshtitsa
View over the Oslekova house in the town of Koprivshtitsa

Near the town, I suggest you visit the impressively beautiful and so charming Koprivshtitsa station.


Koprivshtitsa railway station
Koprivshtitsa railway station

In Koprivshtitsa, you must take time and visit the Revival Church "St. Nicholas".


Revival Church "St. Nicholas" in Koprivshtitsa
Revival Church "St. Nicholas" in Koprivshtitsa

A walk through the green pastures around the city of Koprivshtitsa will shake you out of the gray everyday life and give you a positive boost, and I highly recommend it!


The green pastures around Koprivshtitsa
The green pastures around Koprivshtitsa

On a vast territory, located between the picturesque towns of Koprivshtitsa and Strelcha, you will find several ancient megalithic sanctuaries - Skumsale, Isara, Kiselitsa, Kulata.


Skumsale, Isara, Kiselitsa, Kulata - ancient megalithic sanctuaries, located between the picturesque towns of Koprivshtitsa and Strelcha
Skumsale, Isara, Kiselitsa, Kulata - ancient megalithic sanctuaries, located between the picturesque towns of Koprivshtitsa and Strelcha

Just 21 kilometers south of the town of Koprivshtitsa (about 25 minutes by car) you will find the charming jewel of Strelcha.



In the town of Strelcha, you can enjoy the singing and dancing fountain "The Ballerina".


Singing and dancing fountain "The Ballerina" in Strelcha
Singing and dancing fountain "The Ballerina" in Strelcha

Don't forget to bow your head near the majestic temple-monument "St. Archangel Michael" that rises in the city of Strelcha.


Church-monument "St. Archangel Michael" in the city of Strelcha
Church-monument "St. Archangel Michael" in the city of Strelcha

Just 32 kilometers east of the town of Zlatica (about 29 minutes by car) you will find the historic town of Klisura.


The city of Klisura
The city of Klisura

Returning back in the direction of the Sub-Balkan road, continue in the direction of the city of Burgas.

You will soon see that the path forks. Continue straight without taking the turn that will take you to the Sub-Balkan Road. A path through the forest starts from the place, which will take you to the monument of Apriltsi, towering in the area of Zli dol, erected in 1961 in honor of the 85th anniversary of those memorable events.


Monument to Apriltsi in the area of Zli dol near the town of Klisura
Monument to Apriltsi in the area of Zli dol near the town of Klisura

Just 3.7 kilometers west of the town of Klisura (about 5 minutes by car) you will find the beautiful Klisura Waterfall.


Klisura waterfall on the Sub-Balkan road near the town of Klisura
Klisura waterfall on the Sub-Balkan road near the town of Klisura

Сbut 9 kilometers east of the town of Klisura (about 10 minutes by car) is the rose-scented village of Rozino, near which thousands of fragrant roses bloom in spring.


Blooming butter roses near the village of Rozino, Plovdiv region
Rosino's roses

Only about 70 kilometers northeast of the town of Zlatica (about an hour and 13 minutes by car) you will find the Freedom Arch monument, which is erected on the Goraltepe mountain (1595 meters) near the Troyan pass (Troyan - Karnare pass).

From here, there are incredible panoramic views of Northern and Southern Bulgaria.


Liberty Arch Monument
Liberty Arch Monument

Just 57 kilometers east of the town of Zlatica (about 49 minutes by car) is the town of Sopot.

On the historic hill of Trapeto, where the Church of the Holy Mother of God, known as the Upper Church, burned down in 1877 by the Turks, today stood the Chapel of the Intercession of the Virgin - right across from the composition "I am Bulgarian".


"Pokrov Bogorodichen" chapel in the city of Sopot
"Pokrov Bogorodichen" chapel in the city of Sopot

If you take the path from Trapeto Hill in the direction of the Revival Church of Saints Saints Peter and Paul, you will find yourself in front of the church doors in no time.


Church "Holy Holy Apostles Peter and Paul" in the city of Sopot
Church "Holy Holy Apostles Peter and Paul" in the city of Sopot

After the construction of the revival church next to the older spiritual center - the Maiden's Monastery (metoch), this place continued to be the center of cultural life in Sopot and even grew into a kind of spiritual and educational complex.


Virgin Monastery "Introduction of the Virgin" (metoch)
Virgin Monastery "Introduction of the Virgin" (metoch)

Virgin Monastery "Introduction of the Virgin Mary" (metoch) has been declared an immovable cultural value (NCC) of national antiquity and an architectural and building monument of culture with the category of national importance.

Virgin Monastery "Introduction of the Virgin" (metoch) is site number 43 of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria.

In 1851, in the middle of the church yard, south of the Revival Church "Saints Saints Apostles Peter and Paul", a girls' mutual school, known as the Radino School, opened its doors, which is considered the successor of the cell school in the neighboring girls' metoch.


The girls' (Radino) school in the city of Sopot
The girls' (Radino) school in the city of Sopot

I say goodbye to the Radino School and head in the direction of the Ethnographic and Craft Center "Sopot Guild".


Ethnographic and Craft Center "Sopot Guild"
Ethnographic and Craft Center "Sopot Guild"

The patriarch of Bulgarian literature Ivan Vazov was born on July 9, 1850 in the city of Sopot in the old house of his family.


House-museum "Ivan Vazov" in the city of Sopot
House-museum "Ivan Vazov" in the city of Sopot

In 1964, the "Ivan Vazov" house-museum was declared a cultural monument of national importance.

House-Museum "Ivan Vazov" is site number 43 of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria.

I felt the call of the Balkans, I will soon be at the foot of Stara Planina.

The first stop on my way is the authentic mill of grandfather Stoyan from the Vase novel "Under the Yoke".

Dyadova Stoyanova vodenitsa is located next to the road leading to the starting station of the chairlift, in the northwest end of the town.


Dyado Stoyanova mill in the city of Sopot
Dyado Stoyanova mill in the city of Sopot

From Dyadova Stoyanova vodenitsa, I head to the Sopot men's monastery "Vaznesenie Gospodne", which is located nearby.

The path to the majestic and so charming Sopot waterfall on the Manastirska River starts from the Sopot Men's Monastery "Ascension of the Lord".


Sopot waterfall on the Manastirska river
Sopot waterfall on the Manastirska river

Here is the heart of the waterfall, which constantly beats in time with the Balkans.

Only 62 kilometers east of the town of Zlatica (about 57 minutes by car) is the town of Karlovo.

In Karlovo, I recommend taking a walk to the Ethnographic Complex "Old Karlovo".



It includes five houses - cultural monuments of remarkable cultural value. These are:



Each of the houses gives birth to its own unique message that directs the guest in different directions, provokes desires and memories in him, makes him dream.

The integrity of the architectural ensemble is unique and inimitable, and every visitor could feel that great revival spirit that still roams the narrow cobbled streets of "Old Karlovo".

Ethnographic complex "Old Karlovo" is site number 44b of the 100 national tourist sites.

In Karlovo, I recommend taking a walk to the beautiful Suchurum waterfall.


Suchurum waterfall in the town of Karlovo
Suchurum waterfall in the town of Karlovo

Only 54 kilometers east of the town of Klisura (about an hour and 4 minutes by car) is the beginning of the "Byala Reka" eco-trail near the town of Kalofer.



Only 11 kilometers west of the town of Zlatica (about 13 minutes by car) you will find the uniquely beautiful and so arranged village of Chavdar.


The composition "Birds" is by the talented artist Assoc. Dr. Momchil Mirchev
The composition "Birds" is by the talented artist Assoc. Dr. Momchil Mirchev

Near the village are the uniquely beautiful and easily accessible Kazanite waterfalls - a natural phenomenon of five charming and beautiful waterfalls on the Bererei river, descending from a height of 15 meters, forming a cascade of clear ice water.


Kazanite waterfalls near the village of Chavdar
Kazanite waterfalls near the village of Chavdar

In Chavdar, an annual assembly is held on Mount Sveta Petka, which is located above the village. The locality is named after the patron saint of the village, Saint Petka.

The place is not accidental, because the view from it is exceptional. From there you can see the entire Zlatishka valley, even the Topolnitsa river. A chapel "Sveta Petka" was built there.


Chapel "Sveta Petka" above the village of Chavdar
Chapel "Sveta Petka" above the village of Chavdar

Archaeological Park "Topolnitsa" is also located nearby.


Archaeological Park "Topolnitsa" above the village of Chavdar - a gateway to the Neolithic
Archaeological Park "Topolnitsa" above the village of Chavdar - a gateway to the Neolithic

And as a finale, my dear friends,

you shouldn't miss a look

the special album with photo moments –

discovered, experienced, captured and shared with you!



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