House Museum "Hristo Botev"
First of all, it is a house-museum "Hristo Botev" (in the center), which is not his home - it burned down in the city's defeat. In 1942, the house in which the Bulgarian school boy Botyo Petkov lived was reminiscent of memories in the center of the town. Later, a new museum building was built in the courtyard. There is a marble bust of his mother's poet and sculptural figure. Also in the center is the restored building of the old Daskal Botevo school, and in the old high school on the first floor there is arranged an art gallery with works dedicated to Kalofer and Hristo Botev and the second floor is the Museum of Education. In front of the building is preserved the stone from which the young Botev pronounced his fiery speech on May 24, 1867 against the Turkish authorities, after which he was forced to emigrate. Next to the building is a bust-monument of the teacher Botyo Petkov. Nearby is the old Revival church "St. Virgin Mary ". In the courtyard was the modest church cell, which gave shelter to the Botsho teacher when he was a teacher in the city. In it was born Hristo Botev. Now there is only a commemorative plaque. From the central part of the city upwards leads a monumental staircase to the memorial complex, in the center of which stands the granite figure of Hristo Botev, the genius of Bulgaria, pronounced the prophetic words: "Whoever falls in battle for freedom, he does not die!" And confirmed himself Their meaning.
History and Traditions
A magnificent monument to the Kalifer Voivoda stands on the northwest end. Within the city interest are also: the stone bridges over the Tundzha River from the Renaissance, some of the old houses, the Virgin Monastery from 1738, the church "St. Atanas, the beautiful park called Boteva Polyana, and others.
6 km north, along the two banks of Tundzha, lies Panitsite resort. Starting point for Kalofer Mountain. Also at 6 km, but on the northwest, on the right bank of the Byala River, the "Kalofer Monastery" (now female) is nestled. Founded in 1640, several times burned down, restored in 1819 with a large monastery church. Today's monastery church dates from 1880, built on the foundations of the old church. The other buildings are newer.
In Kalofer, well preserved over the years, are the typical Bulgarian crafts and traditions. Visiting the studios for knitting the famous Kalofer lace abroad and weaving traditional rugs and kitets are part of the area's attractions. The typical Bulgarian dishes of the hosts will leave unforgettable memories of this end.
Landmarks
The upper reaches of the White River cut the fantastic canyon South Djendem, declared a nature reserve, in the bosom of the Balkan Mountains. Entry is possible only with alpine inventory. Especially for tourists there is an Eco Trail, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the charm of the impassable otherwise canyon. You can also rest on the specially built bivouac near the river.
Near the high mountain hut "Rai" is the highest waterfall in Bulgaria - the Rajsko praskalo (124 m), whose water jumps on the stone chest of the Staroplanin peak - Botev peak (2376 m). This true paradise can only be reached by foot or by a horse from Panitsite for about 4 hours. Besides the Central Balkan Mountains, Kalofer is a starting point for Sarnena Sredna Gora. From the railway station, along a marked tourist route, you can reach about 5 hours to the hut "Svezhen", over the village of the same name, the birthplace of Colonel Serafimov - a hero of the Balkan War. The village can also be reached by bus from Karlovo. From the hut "Svezhen" you can go east on the ridge of Sarnena Sredna Gora to the chalets "Bratan" and "Kavakliyka". Attractions for tourists are high-mountain guides with professional equipment. The valley of the Tundzha and the White River offer wonderful opportunities for picnics and fishing during the weekends.
Holidays
Staying in Christmas and New Year, Epiphany and Zagowez with traditional Kukeri performances as well as the Great Day, St. Kirik and June 2 - Botev's Day and many others will immerse you in various charms of the city. One of the most impressive feasts is the Jordan Day and the Birth of Hristo Botev when over 60-80 men and boys not only catch the cross but also play horo in the ice waters, singing traditional songs.
Most local residents are engaged in growing the oil-bearing rose, glorifying Bulgaria with the production of world-famous rose oil. At the beginning of June, tourists are invited to take part in a rose-picking, attending the Rose Festival, as well as a rose-walk, tasting pink jam, syrup, and even a rose of roses. This tradition has become an exciting experience that is remembered for a long time by everyone visiting Kalofer. Everyone finds a strange and different world!
