Nestled between the majestic ranges of Sredna Gora and the Balkan Mountains, Klisura is a small town in southern Bulgaria that holds immense historical and cultural importance. Located within the Karlovo Municipality in Plovdiv Province, Klisura sits close to the famed town of Koprivshtitsa, about 108 km from the capital, Sofia, near the border with Sofia Province.
A Cradle of Bulgarian Revolution: Klisura and the April Uprising
The Blood-Soaked Dawn of 1876
Klisura played a pivotal role in one of Bulgaria’s most defining historical moments — the April Uprising of 1876. The town is forever etched into national memory as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
One of Klisura’s native sons, Nikola Karadzhov, made history by delivering “The Bloody Letter” to the town — a revolutionary missive written by Todor Kableshkov, which marked the official start of the uprising. This act catalyzed a nationwide rebellion against the oppressive Ottoman rule.
The Tragedy of Zli Dol
Just outside Klisura lies Zli Dol, a solemn historical site and cultural landmark. It commemorates one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles of the uprising. On April 26, 1876, a large Ottoman force — mostly irregular soldiers known as bashi-bazouks, led by Tosun Bey, descended on Klisura.
The defenders, though brave, were vastly outnumbered. As the town fell, over 200 villagers — mostly women, children, and the elderly — were brutally massacred. Klisura was burned to the ground, and its surviving inhabitants fled, many retreating toward Koprivshtitsa.
The Heroism of Panayot Volov
As Klisura fell, Panayot Volov, a leading revolutionary, arrived with reinforcements from Koprivshtitsa. He regrouped retreating fighters and led a daring attack on the Ottoman troops from behind. Unfortunately, a sudden downpour soaked the rebels’ gunpowder, rendering their weapons useless. Volov and his men were forced to withdraw.
Architectural Heritage and Cultural Charm
Despite its tragic past, Klisura today retains the charm of the Bulgarian National Revival period. The town is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, with notable structures such as:
- Kalacheva House
- Chervenakova House
- Trufcheva House
- Pavurdzhiev Inn
- The Old Marketplace (Pazarishteto)
These buildings reflect the craftsmanship and spirit of the 19th century, making Klisura a living museum of Bulgaria’s rebirth.
A Cultural Legacy: Amateur Theater in Klisura
In 1978, Klisura saw the birth of a unique cultural initiative — the amateur theatrical studio “April 20, 1876”. Founded by Veselin Iliev, a dedicated teacher of Bulgarian language, literature, and French from Plovdiv, the studio was established to honor the town’s revolutionary spirit.
Iliev’s first production was “When the Seagulls Sleep” by Emil Manov. The play was staged on May 1, 1978, marking the inauguration of Klisura’s new community center and theater hall, further embedding the arts into the town’s post-liberation identity.
Klisura may be small in size, but its contribution to Bulgaria’s national identity is monumental. From fierce resistance during the April Uprising to the preservation of cultural traditions and revival-era architecture, Klisura stands proud as a beacon of courage, history, and heritage in the heart of the Balkan Mountains.