Which is the habitable place, established by voivode Kalifer, trough which Tundja river goes, surrounded from all sides by statuesque "Stara Planina" (The Balkan)? Kalofer of-cource! Its situated 17km from Karlovo, 56km from Plovdiv, 222km from Burgas, 300km from Varna and 164km from the capital - Sofia. As a new type of town Kalofer is established in the 16 century. From its very begining the town gains privileges, that are in help for preserving the typical character of the bulgarian town. In the begining of the establishing crafts, in the town are working about 1200 particles of knitting "gaytany" (ornaments knitted for the top cloth). In Kalofer traditional bulgarian holidays have always been celebrated and this tradition continues. Today the city has about 3600 people. The occupation of the people is agriculture farming, ecology and handcrafts. |
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Kalofer has its uncopyed beauty. During the winter there are loads of snow, during the summer you can see the meadow of "Chafarica", the abyss of "Djendema", the beauty of the Tundja river and many more. You will be stuned by the vivid mountain forests the proud mountain peaks and gorgeous river valleys. "Byala river" will tell you legends that lived here centures ago and will invite you to visit the Kalofer Male Monastery, who preserved the strength of the bulgarian religious spirit. The town is an important center for organized backpack tourism. You can make a trip to the "Central Balkan" National Park, towards "Rai" cabin, "Botev" mountain peak and many many more. In favour of the tourists, there are professional high-mountain guides, as well as professional equipment. By the riversides of Tundja river and Byala river, there are great possibilites for picnics.
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Kalofer is famous not only with its gorgeuos nature, but also with the beautiful monastery and churches. In the early morning the song of the church bells can be heard. A little street will take you to the Virgin female monastery heir of 4 older convents. Here graduates the first bulgarian female teacher Anastasiq Dimitrova. The male monastery is functional since 1640 and the female one since 1700. Today both are open for tourists in spite of the many fires caused by the turkish soldiers during the 500 year turkish slavery. Other sites that you must see are the navie museum-home of Hristo Botev and one of the first schools in Bugaria, founded by the father of Hristo Botev,Teacher Botio Petkov (Hristo Botev is one of the greatest bulgarian writers).
During the centuries, the typical crafts and traditions are preserved very well. If you visit the knitting workshops you will encouner the world's famous Kalofer lace, you will also find our traditional carpets and see how are they made. The hand-made souvenirs, copper attributes, wooden barrels, kegs and engraved knives, as well as the home cooked meals will remain forever in the memory of everyone who tries them.
Most ot the native people, as well as the hosts of "Cucovi House" hotel, grow the world's famous oil-yielding rose. In the beginning of June the visitors are offered to help in the gathering of roses, to visit the Rose Festival, and to see the place, where roses are distilled. They can also taste the"Jam of Roses", and even "Rose Rakiya". This tradition has turned into a exciting experience and is long remembered by every visitor. Everyone who comes in Kalofer finds a new different world.
