Kalofer

Kalofer is a small town in Bulgaria with lots of history. The town is perhaps most famous for being the home of the famous Bulgarian poet and revolutionary, Hristo Botev. His home in Kalofer is today a museum dedicated to his life and memory. You can read more about the museum here.

The town is very beautiful and has incredible views as it’s located at the foot of Botev peak and next to the Central Balkan National Park.

Aside from Hristo Botev’s home, you will also find the impressive monument of Bulgaria’s national hero on top of a hill overlooking the whole town. There’s a few steps to climb to reach it but when you do you will also be able to appreciate those amazing views. Every year on the 6th January the town holds celebrations to mark Hristo Botev’s birthday. And, on the 2nd June each year, air raid sirens sound across Bulgaria in memory of his life and his fight for freedom of Bulgaria. On this day many people visit the town and leave flowers on the monument as a sign of respect.

Spend a day walking around the town and visiting the museums and you will learn a lot about the history of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian revolution. If you’re anything like me you will probably get quite emotional learning about this, and if you’re Bulgarian, you know that you will feel an incredible sense of pride.