 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Regional tourist association Stara Planina 9, Opalchenska Street 5300 Gabrovo, Bulgaria tel./fax: +359 66/ 809 161 tel: +359 66/ 807 137 fax: +359 66/ 806 199 e-mail: office e-mail: info |
|
With the financial support of the Swiss government |
|
|
|
KAZANLAK - THE VALLEY OF ROSES AND THRACIAN
KINGS Municipality of Kazanlak occupies the picturesque Rose Valley at the
southern foothills of Stara Planina Mountains. Kazanlak valley is the
biggest and most beautiful of all sub-Balkan valleys. Its size is about
780 sq. km and its average altitude is 350 m above sea level. The Tundja
River, second biggest in Bulgaria, springs from the Kalofer Balkan and
runs through the whole area.Mild winter, with small number of snowy days, early spring, warm summer and cool autumn are typical for Kazanlak region. Western winds prevail. Summer rains are frequent, while the beginning of autumn is often dry.  The town of Kazanlak (pop.
54,000) is the economic and cultural center of the area, capital of
rose-production. It lies at 200 km from Sofia, 55 km from Karlovo, 48
km from Gabrovo, 32 km from Stara Zagora and 108 km from Plovdiv. Varna
is 309 km away, Burgas - 195 km and the Danube port of Ruse - 192 km
from the town. Kazanlak is a lively transport center. The major road
and railway Sofia - Karlovo - Burgas passes through here.  Bus
and railway stations are close to one another, at the southern part
of town. Regular bus lines run to Gabrovo, Lovech, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv
and Karlovo.Kazanlak occupies an important place on the economic map of the country. It develops armour production, food industry, the making the woolen and silk textiles, musical instruments, perfumery and cosmetics, pneumatic and hydraulic appliances. People grow cereals, oil-roses, vines and fruits; animal-breeding is also well-developed. The town hosts an institute for roses and other oil-giving and curative plants. HISTORY The first settlement under present-day town sprang in deep history - in Neolithic times (6th-5th century BC). Two centuries later, the lands in the upper course of Tundja were included in the kingdom of the Thracian ruler Sevt III (Odrissi State) and played important role in the historic development of Thrace during Hellenic epoch. When the Koprinka Dam was constructed, the Thracian town of Sevtopolis was uncovered and studied in detail. In Middle Ages, the valley was the administrative center of the Krunska Hora, ruled by the Bulgarian Eltimir. 
In 1370, the region fell under Ottoman rule. During the first decades
it played the role of a military fortress. Later on, it developed more
than 50 unique handicrafts: leather-, copper- and gold-processing, making
of wooden barrels, cloth and - mostly - rose production. Brought from
distant India via Persia, Syria and Turkey, the oil-giving rose found
here the best growing conditions. The first rose-trading company of
Doncho Papazov was opened in Kazanlak in 1820. In the 18th
century, the town became the center of Bulgarian rose-growing. Kazanlak
rose oil won golden medals at many different trade fairs - in Paris,
London, Philadelphia, Milan and others.During Russian - Turkish Liberation War (1877-1878), Kazanlak was one of the centers of the military action. After Liberation, textile industry developed quickly. Today's company of Rose Valley was established as a weaving factory back in 1890 by the Stainovi brothers. Good market positions obtained the aircraft industry (Kaproni factory) and military industry (Arsenal factory - 1924). In 1836, Neofit Bozveli introduced the mutual-learning system in Kazanlak; in 1860 the first Chitalishte (Community Center) was established, followed by the Iskra Chitalishte in 1873. Kazanlak Pedagogy School was opened in 1883, preparing hundreds of teachers for all over the country. They call Kazanlak the Town of 100 artists. Among them are Nenko Balkanski, Ivan Milev and Dechko Uzunov - a world famous Bulgarian painter, honorable member of international art academies. Many Bulgarian actors were also born here - Todor Mazarov, Stefan Getsov, Luna Davidkova, Lyubomir Kabakchiev, Vidin Daskslov, and others. The village of Turia, not far from Kazanlak, is the birthplace of the humorist Chudomir, also known as a talented caricature-maker and author of satiric poems - parodies. His portraits and figural compositions, collected in the book "Nashentsi" are a real key to the psychology of Bulgarian people. NATURE  Nature has combined here the beauty and glory of the Balkan with the
fertile valley of Tundja River. Warm mineral springs in the town of
Pavel Banya and the villages of Ovoshtnik and Yagoda make the area attractive
for all-year tourism.Tundja runs slowly through the Kazanlak Valley, close to the northern slopes of Sredna Gora. Southwest of Koprinka village, where Koprinka dam is located. Tundja river takes many tributaries in the Kazanlak Valley, the strongest and fastest coming from Stara Planina Mountains. The valleys of Tuja, Leshnitsa, Eninska and Maglijka Rivers, dug into the mountain slopes, are especially beautiful.  Various tree and grass species abound in the area of Kazanlak. Among these, most frequent are the oak, elm and walnut. An old walnut forest has survived near the village of Krun, and an ancient oak forest - next to the village of Tulovo. Along Tundja and Eninska River, one can see willow, poplar and alder. Many wild herbs with medicinal plants have also found their home here - thyme, tutsan, milfoil and marjoram. Climatic conditions and soils are especially favourable for growing oil roses, mint, lavender, basil and marigold. Animal wildlife is represented by the black polecat, badger, wild boar, hare, and squirrel; green wood-pecker, grey goose, wild duck, rock eagle, falcon. River waters are the home of the pike, chub, sheatfish, and carp. Leshnitsa Nature Reserve is located within the catchment area of Leshnitsa River near the village of Yasenovo and protects varied and specific ecosystems in the low-mountainous forest belt (Shipka Balkan), as well as habitats of rare and protected species. Forest ecosystems incorporate beech, oak, hornbeam and manna-ash. Beech forests reach as much as 160 years of age. The reserve offers shelter to the red deer, doe, wild boar, brown bear, marten, diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey. Nature reserve of Kamenshtitsa, near the village of Enina, keeps ecosystems of mixed deciduous forests aged 60-170 (beech, hornbeam, manna-ash, durmast, ash-tree and sycamore) and some habitats of rare and endangered plants and animals. Bears, red deer, does and wild boars live here. The protected site of Eninsko Zhdrelo covers the steep slopes above the course of Eninska River and combines forests with beautiful rock formations. The Bears is a natural phenomenon, protected rock formation near the Krun village. The Rose Valley, though very popular, is not a name one would find on any geographic map of Bulgaria. For centuries on end, this has been the region, producing the precious rose oil of Bulgaria. SUMMER AND WINTER  The varied natural mosaic of the area creates wonderful conditions for
recreation and sports during the whole year. The numerous mountain huts
in this part of Stara Planina are well equipped and suitable for vacations,
eco-camps, green schools, winter sports training, etc. In close proximity
to some of them, there are ski-drags and comfortable ski-runs, ski-equipment
available to rent.The surroundings of Kazanlak offer tourists the great opportunity to see a Bulgarian village and experience its way of life. The towns of Shipka and Maglizh, the villages of Enina, Tarnichene, Dunavtsi and Golyamo Dryanovo have preserved the typical sub-Balkan atmosphere. These settlements offer accommodation in the coziness and hospitality of Bulgarian homes, in combination with the homemade specialties from national cuisine. Clean Balkan air, clear waters, silence and peace add to the pleasure of experience. In the summer season, the dam of Koprinka is the preferred vacation place, offering opportunities for water sports, fishing and bathing. Surrounding cool pine forests and newly built hotels come to complete the unique atmosphere of this place. 
Offers from the surroundings of Kazanlak include walking and cycling,
alpinism, rock climbing and ski-tourism. Attractive high-mountain trails
are offered by experienced mountain guides. The airport, 4 km southeast
from the town, and the parachuting club offer everything necessary for
both amateur and professional parachuters. A local producer of delta
planers offers air-tours over the valley. The resort of Pavel Banya is to be found at 20 km west of Kazanlak, at the northern foothills of Sredna Gora. It is known for its curative seven springs, used ever since ancient times. 5 km southeast of Kazanlak and 2 km from the village of Ovoshtnik are the Kazanlak Mineral Baths - spa resort of local importance. Next to the Baths are constructed two mineral-water pools and bathing place. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE Kazanlak Municipality boasts an extremely rich cultural and historical heritage, gathered down the centuries at a real crossroad of highly developed cultures. The biggest treasure here are the sites from Antiquity and mostly the Thracian heritage. More than 90 monuments keep evidence of the contribution of local people to European civilization.  KAZANLAK TOMB is one of the nine Bulgarian sites, included in the UNESCO List of Historical and Architectural Monuments of World Importance. It is located in the northern part of Kazanlak and dates back to 4th-3rd century BC. Under the Svetitsata Hill, uncovered on August 19, 2004, a stone sarcophagus was found with a lot of golden samples of the rich Thracian culture (5th century BC). It is related to the name of the mighty ruler Terres - founder of the state of Odrissi tribe. The most significant finding from this tomb is the unique golden mask of impressive weight, probably belonging to King Terres, and a heavy golden ring bearing the figure of an athlete. The hill is connected to a lot of others, forming a complex that gave the region the name of THE VALLEY OF THRACIAN KINGS - evidence of the genius architectural skills of ancient Thracian population. THE TOMB OF THE THRACIAN KING SEVT III was discovered under the hill of Golyamata Kosmatka. Among the most valuable findings here are the bronze head of a bearded man with semi-precious stone eyes, many bronze and silver pots, a fine golden cup and golden wreath with oak leaves and acorns. 
In the old part of Kazanlak - Kulata Quarter, located near the world-famous
Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, lies the small romantic cobbled street of Mirska.
Here one can find the architectural monuments from the National Revival
Period, forming the ETHNOGRAPHIC KULATA COMPLEX. They take the
visitor back to the time of rich and unique culture of the Bulgarians
from Kazanlak area. Two of the houses host ethnographic expositions
- a rural house, sub-Balkan type, from the end of the 19th
century, and an urban house (Hadjienov's House) from the middle 19th
century, both telling about the mode of life of the that epoch.The Cathedral church of Sveti Yoan Predtecha dates back to 1844. Large part of the murals have been destroyed in 1877 but it was re-painted in 1936 by Stefan Ivanov, Nikola Marinov and Dechko Uzunov. Two of the medallions were painted by Chudomir. Among the milestones of Kazanlak history stand also the St. Trinity (1834) and St.Prophet Iliya Churches (1866), where in 1877 the Turkish invaders, coming with the army of Syuleiman Pasha killed 200 people from Kazanlak trying to find protection within the church. The Nunnery, during the Russian-Turkish War, was a hospital for wounded Russian officers. According to legend, in 1828 in the Kalofer Monastery lived a nun, who was born in Kazanlak. One night the Holy Mother came to her and told her to go back to Kazanlak and found a new monastery there. So she, together with seven other maids, settled in the house of the merchant Ivancho Klatnata, which became the first home of the nuns. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM PARK OF SHIPKA-BUZLUDJA IS A MEMORIAL COMPLEX,  comprising the monument church of Rozhdestvo Hristovo in the town of
Shipka, the museum park of Shipka with the Monument of Liberty on Mt.
Shipka, the Monument of Victory near the village of Sheinovo and the
Museum Park of Buzludja.
The monument church of Rozhdestvo Hristovo in the town of Shipka
is dedicated to the memory of those Russians and Bulgarians who fell
in the Russian-Turkish War. Its golden domes and the colourful fa?ade
stand against the green mountains and draw the attention of every passenger
traveling through the Shipka Pass.
There are few museums around the world, standing in the very center
of military actions, such is the National Museum Park of Shipka.
It covers the historical places related to the defense of the Shipka
Pass during the Liberation War (1877-1878): a complex of monuments,
restored defense positions, batteries and dug-outs. East of Shipka rises
another historical peak - Mt. Buzludja. The leader - Voivoda
Hadji Dimitar - led here a heroic battle with his small regiment
against the huge enemy army and was killed below Mt. Buzludja on July
30, 1868. The giant stone figure of the Voivoda keeps the memory of
this tragic battle alive.Another monument commemorating the heroism of Bulgarians and Russians is to be found near the village of Sheinovo. It was erected on the place where a spontaneous Parade of Freedom was held right after the surrender of the 30,000 Turkish army of Veissel Pasha on December 28, 1877. 
Among the interesting sites to visit in the municipality of Kazanlak
is the St.Paraskeva Church in the village of Enina (4
km), built during the reign of Tsar Ivan Assen II (around 1237) and
believed to be the oldest in the area. It was burnt and restored many
times during the years, and the foundations of an older, early-Christian
temple were discovered under the medieval ruins. As legend has it, in
1271 the relics of the saint Petka Bulgarska rested here for one night
on their way to the capital of Tarnovgrad. On that spot local people
then built a church in memory of the saint. The oldest written document
in Bulgarian (glagolitsa) alphabet - the Enina Apostle from 11th
century - was discovered here and is now kept at the National Library
in Sofia.At 15 km from Kazanlak stands another centuries-old fortress of the Bulgarian spirit - the Maglizh Monastery of Sveti Nikolai. The Iskra Historical Museum of Kazanlak (15, Iskra Str.) was established in 1901 and is one of the oldest museums in the country. It has more than 70,000 items to show. The museum hosts the Town Art Gallery, one of the oldest and richest in the country. It has collections of icons, engravings from the National Revival Period and decorative and applied arts. 
The Museum House of Petko Stainov shows personal belongings,
photo-materials and documents, the musical scores of many works of the
famous Bulgarian composer, who played an important role for the development
of national choir traditions.The one and only of its kind in Bulgaria, THE ROSE MUSEUM follows the development of traditional and modern rose-production in the country, since its emergence till nowadays. CRAFTS The oil rose occupies a very important place in the development of the whole Kazanlak region and it has been an integral part of the life of local population. The entrepreneurship and labour-loving of generations of rose-producers have preserved this unique livelihood till the present day. Since the National Revival Period, over 50 handicrafts and specific productions have developed here: gold-smithing, stone-cutting, wood-carving and wood-processing, making of wooden barrels and of baskets, lace-knitting, water- and full-milling, cart-making, armour and knife production, and others. Today, only a few of these have survived and are still developing. Kazanlak Valley has long ago been famous for the making of rakia and nut-oil, for the growing of oil roses and other ether/oil-yielding sorts of plants; for the production of fruits, vegetables, vines and sheep and buffalo dairy goods. FESTIVITIES 
Many traditional cultural events, enriching the life of local people,
have developed in Kazanlak for decades.The Rose Day, dedicated to the queen of all flowers, is held in Kazanlak every year, in the first week of June. It was celebrated for the first time in 1903 and was then devoted to beauty and charity. Today it is one of the most colourful events for the town and its guests, including the crowning of the Rose Queen, the traditional rituals of oil-gathering and boiling creating an authentic atmosphere, much fun, songs and dances from the Thracian lands, mummers' games. Participants in the International Folklore Festival, held parallel to the Rose Day, take active part in the lively parade along the streets of the town. 
Every year, between March 25 and April 01, Kazanlak welcomes the
Chudomir Holidays of culture, with a lot of concerts, exhibitions
and visiting theatrical shows.A wonderful attraction for local people and tourists is the spring custom of Sirni Zagovezni with mummers' parades in Pavel Banya and the villages of Dunavtsi, Turia, Tuja, Gabarevo and Tarnichene. The latter attracts many visitors for the working rose-distillery. 
Mysteries in the Valley is an unique demonstration of a ritual
coming from the times of ancient Thracians (4th-3rd
century BC). The show is performed after sun-set, at a natural stage
north of the world famous Thracian Tomb in Tyulbeto Park. This is a
sacred place, generating a lot of positive energy. The end of the ritual
is combined with a feast celebrating the new Thracian king. Visitors
taking part in the event, have the chance to taste wine and meat prepared
after original Thracian recipes, as well as the fruits of Thracian lands.TRADITIONAL CUISINE Rose Jam 
1 kg of sugar, 80 blossoms of Kazanlak rose, 5 tea-cups of water
and 1 spoonful of lemon acid are needed. Flower-cups are removed,
the yellowish parts of leaves are cut out and roses are washed with
cold water to remove the stamen. Then boiled in syrup prepared of the
sugar and water. When thicker, lemon acid is added and boiled for another
4-5 minutes. Cooled jam is poured into dry jars and kept at a cool place.Kazanlak Pinerlia 
Ingredients: 1 kg of flour, 4 eggs, 350 g yoghourt, 1 spoonful of
sugar, 1 tea-cup of oil, yeast (as two nuts), 200 g of white cheese.Yeast is dissolved in half cup of cool water. Two eggs, sugar and oil are added. Half of the flour is used to prepare dough, which is left at a warm place to rise. Risen dough is worked with the other half of the flour till soft, hands constantly dipped in oil. The ready dough is rolled out, little oil added and covered with a mixture of 2-3 eggs and the cheese. Shaped as roll, it is cut into equal pieces, which are left for a while to rise and then baked slowly. ACCOMMODATION |
|||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||
Council
Tourist Information Center  | ||
|  |
© 2003 RTA Stara Planina. All rights reserved. |
 |