Nestled at the foot of the southern slopes of the Stara Planina mountain range, Kalofer is a captivating town steeped in history and natural beauty. Situated 17 kilometers from Karlovo, with an altitude of 603 meters, it lies 22 kilometers from Sopot, 66 kilometers from Plovdiv, 228 kilometers from Burgas, 334 kilometers from Varna, and 159 kilometers from the capital, Sofia.
A Legendary Beginning
Legend has it that Kalofer was founded in 1533 by a group of men led by Kalifer Voivode. These men “ruled” this part of the Stara Planina, relentlessly ambushing Turkish caravans. The Sultan, unable to defeat Kalifer and his band, offered them a settlement in exchange for peace. Accepting this proposal, Kalifer and his men established themselves in what is now Kalofer. The legend also narrates how these men, lacking wives, “abducted” brides from the nearby town of Sopot. From its inception, Kalofer enjoyed privileges that preserved its distinctly Bulgarian character, celebrating traditional Bulgarian holidays without fail.
Cultural and Economic Growth
Over the centuries, Kalofer flourished into a significant cultural and commercial hub. Although the village was burned by Kardzhali bandits led by Indje Voivode in 1799 and again in 1804, it quickly recovered. By the mid-19th century, Kalofer was relatively wealthy, earning the nickname “Altyn Kalofer” (Golden Kalofer). Most residents were engaged in the production of frieze, and many worked in Istanbul as master tailors. American missionaries visiting in 1861 recorded that the town had 7,500 inhabitants, all Bulgarians.
Trials and Resilience
Kalofer faced its final devastation by Turkish forces in 1877, resulting in significant loss of life. Despite this, the townspeople, with remarkable resilience, rebuilt their town stone by stone, often working through the night. They typically began reconstruction with the church or monastery. Over time, the people of Kalofer developed survival mechanisms and a tenacity that still characterizes them today.
Natural Surroundings and Monuments
Surrounding Kalofer are the meadows of Chafadaritsa, the gorges of Dzhandema, Kupena, and the rivers Tundzha and Byala. The four-century-old Kalofer Monastery stands as a fortress of Bulgarian spiritual heritage. The town serves as a key point for many routes within the Central Balkan National Park, leading to Rai Hut, Botev Peak, the Rai Waterfall, and the Dzhandema Reserve.
The White River Eco-Trail
A special attraction is the White River Eco-Trail, built for tourists, which starts just beyond the Kalofer Monastery. This trail meanders through some of the most picturesque and safe parts of Dzhandema, stretching from an altitude of 570 to 630 meters over a length of 1.83 kilometers. The trail features excellent infrastructure, with interactive educational games for children and adults that showcase the local flora and fauna. The tour takes about an hour, crossing eight wooden bridges over the frothy rapids of the mountain river, forming a unique figure-eight path. The route follows the gorge of the Byala River, a tributary of Stryama, and leads to the Rai Hut. Along the way, visitors can see 11 unique plant species and an abundance of wildlife, including bears, wolves, wild goats, and imperial eagles. High-mountain guides with professional equipment are available to tourists. The banks of the Tundzha and Byala Rivers provide excellent picnic spots for weekends.
Kalofer is a town of rich history, cultural significance, and natural beauty, offering visitors a blend of legendary tales, resilience, and breathtaking landscapes.
