Kotel - Bulgaria

Kotel is situated in the valley of Kotlensko-Vurbishka mountain, part of Stara Planina Mountains. The town is at 500-550m altitude. It is surrounded by the Elenitsa, Tichanka. Suhi dol, Drianova Mahala. Razboina, Vetrila hills. It is 72km away north-east of Sliven. The town is mountain resort with national and international importance. Through the Kotlenski passage connects villages from both sides of Stara Planina.

Kotel is very old village. The location of Kotel makes favourable conditions for creating the town as mountain holiday village because it is surrounded by hills they protect it from strong winds and storms.

The climate in Kotel is very mild tempered by the Black Sea Coastal influence. The spring is soft but relatively dry. The summer is not hot, the mornings and evenings are fresh and cool. The autumn is nice and warm and there is a lot of snow in winter.

There is a delicious, cold and crystal water in Kotel from a natural spring. The Spring and the wonderful park and pine forest are a real adornment for the town and its surroundings. The spring is the major tourist attraction in Kotel. There is a wonderful garden full of flowers and trees, pine forest and a river. All this is combined in one place and it keeps its natural beauty. There are lots of caves in the region too.

In 1894 almost the whole town burned out. But 110 houses were saved from the fire and the properties renovated. The churches have been kept, too. The east and west part of the town were also saved.

In the west part there is a wonderful old house which is an Ethnographic museum. It calls "Bitova Kashta". On the left side are premises for cooking, eating , baking a bread. on the right side is the building where the families lived. It is beautiful two storey Bulgarian building. The rooms are in old Kotlen style and architecture. You can see there nice old and new dresses which characterise the town and region. There are amazing original covers, coverings, beddings, shakedowns. All these have been made by hand.

The streets are narrow and steep, covered by pavement with big river stones. Here you can see old Bulgarian houses from the middle of the 19 century. The houses usually have stone foundations and 2 wooden storeys. Every house has its own shop. Amazing woodcarvings, wood doors with decorations. The yard is big and covered with tiles. The gardens are clear, tidy and rich of flowers from early spring to late autumn. There is also a well in the centre of the gardens. From each house you can feel the tranquility and the piece of the old times.

Very interesting sightseeing in the town is " Galansko School". It has four storeys and the building has four class rooms.

In the east part of the town over Glogova river is situated the Old Church. It is a very old church which is now mausoleum.

In the north entrance of the town is a big, old, wooden two storied very attractive public house. This is the only one inn which has been saved. This building is very valuable historical monument. It is known as the "Mustafichkoviat Inn". On the first floor are enormous stores and on the second floor are the rooms where the travelers slept.

In Kotel is the " Natural Historical Museum"- there are many interesting kinds of flora and fauna.

4km away from Kotel is the most visited place Zlosten. There is an ancient fortress, amazing waterfalls, the whole region is covered by age-old woodland. "The Urush Wall" is very attractive and forms an inaccessible vertical walls.

You will be surprised to find a great variety of caves. If you are keen on climbing and like to visit caves this is the most appropriate place.

Kotel is tourist centre and in such close proximity to many picturesque and wonderful surroundings make the town to be one of the most preferred areas for rest and climbing.

Here also is held the International and National Festival for Folk Song. There are participants from all over the world.

Visit this exciting Bulgarian town!