Kalofer - a quiet town of history and remarkable nature

Within the Region of Plovdiv, north of the city only 45 km or so through the hills of Surnena Gora, at the foot of the Middle Balkan Mountain Range you will discover Kalofer. This quiet town of about 4000 people on the Toundzha river is the birthplace of Hristo Botev, the noted Bulgarian revolutionary, poet, publicist and National hero. Kalofer was famous in the 19th century for its craftsmen and you will notice the intricatate stonework designs everywhere, even within the walkways of the town center. Even its stone bridges have been preserved.

Hristo Botev was born here on 6 January, 1848. In addition to this monument, the house of his birth and a museum, originally a school founded by his father, are all in the town's center. In the museum you can purchase copies of his published works and many souvenirs. There are photos, newspaper articles, his weapons, dress uniform and a Bulgarian flag of the period. A hotel is just a few steps from the compound if you would like to stay the night.

Kalofer Cultural Center is situated in the town's central area between the momument to Hristo Botev and the Hristo Botev home and museum compound.

This town has long been noted as a center of culture and education. The Cultural Center houses a cafe and other activites for residents and visitors alike.

Perhaps even more enticing than a night in a hotel is this former monastery, some few kilometers north of Kalofer at the entrance to the Dzenjema Reserve. Beyond these walls of what now serves as a hotel, is the Central Balkan National Park. It is common for visitors here to stay a week or more, lounging around one of the area's many lakes or hiking around this biosphere with its age-old beech, oak, fir and spruce. In this remarkable area some fortunate visitors see wild goats which are found only here in the Balkan Range. Many stand in awe of Raiskoto Praskalo waterfall; at 125 meters it is the highest one in Bulgaria. If you think of such a visit, be advised that during the summer months this hotel will probably be booked full for as much as one month in advance.