Geographical Marvel: The Gateway to Stara Planina
Perched at an altitude of 510 meters, Sopot graces the fertile Strem Valley, a serene embrace at the foothills of Stara Planina. Its strategic location places it 5 km west of Karlovo, 136 km east of Sofia, 63 km north of Plovdiv, and 61 km south of Troyan—a crossroads of culture and nature.
Close to the town lies the base station of the chairlift to the Nezabravka Chalet, the longest chairlift in the Balkans, offering a gateway to the mountain’s serene beauty.
A Cradle of Genius
Sopot is celebrated as the birthplace of Ivan Vazov, the great Bulgarian poet and writer, whose childhood and adolescence here deeply influenced his creative and life journeys.
Ancient Beginnings: A Journey Through Millennia
Prehistoric Roots
Sopot’s origins trace back three millennia, with evidence of life from the early Iron Age (Hallstatt culture). Just 7 km away lies the Dabene Chalcolithic Culture, famous for its golden treasures, hinting at even earlier habitation. During the Thracian Odrysian Kingdom, at least three settlements flourished in the area.
Discoveries near Sopot station include coins of Thracian kings Seuthes II and Seuthes III, and illustrious figures like Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great, and Lysimachus. The finds span bronze and silver tetradrachms, speaking to the town’s ancient vibrance. Beneath today’s Sopot lie Roman ruins, with remnants of fortifications like the “Triangular Fortress” (named for its shape) in the Kayryaka area.
Medieval Relocations and Conquests
Gothic invasions pushed early settlers eastward to the Sveti Troitsa area, where Byzantine coins and monastery ruins from the 9th–10th centuries have been unearthed. By the 10th century, the town moved to its present location, marked by the construction of the “St. Bogoroditsa” Church. It is later destroyed in 1877 and rebuilt as a chapel.
Under Byzantine chroniclers, the medieval town of Kopsis—the precursor to Sopot—was noted as the capital of the Smiłec brothers’ domain. Interestingly, its name, Sopot, reflects its Slavic roots, meaning “spout” or “spring.”
The Ottoman Era: Struggles and Resilience
During the Ottoman invasion in the late 14th century, the town earned the name Uzun Shehir (“Long City”) for its sprawling neighborhoods spanning 10 km. Despite fierce resistance, it was razed, leaving a legacy of defiance that persisted even as the Ottomans founded neighboring Karlovo.
Sopot’s population continued to honor its Bulgarian heritage, using its original name in church records as early as 1585. Over centuries, Sopot emerged as a center of crafts and commerce, earning the nickname “Little Manchester” for its production of woolens and dyes.
The Bulgarian Revival: A Flourishing Era
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Sopot thrived as an economic and cultural hub. Over 30 crafts, including weaving, knife-making, and glassblowing, propelled its growth.
- 1836: One of Bulgaria’s first secular schools was established.
- 1845: The monumental “St. Peter and Paul” Church was completed, a masterpiece of the Bratsigovo architectural school.
- 1870: The founding of the Ivan Vazov Community Center solidified Sopot’s role in the Bulgarian National Revival.
Devastation and Rebirth: The Russo-Turkish War
Sopot faced near destruction during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878). The town was burned, and its population of over 5,000 was decimated to fewer than 1,500 survivors. Yet, resilience prevailed:
- Russian aid of 5,000 rubles helped rebuild key landmarks, including the St. Peter and Paul Church and the Male Monastery of St. Spas.
- However, the “Upper Church” and other institutions remained in ruins for decades.
Modern History: Transformation and Growth
Economic Shifts
In 1883, Sopot witnessed Bulgaria’s first social uprising: the revolt of spinning women against imported factory yarn. Despite hardships, the town adapted, transitioning to carpet production, which revitalized its economy.
A Military Legacy
The establishment of the State Military Factory (1939) under King Boris III marked a turning point. During WWII, Sopot became a strategic industrial center, weathering a bombing raid in 1944 with minimal damage.
From 1950 to 1965, the town bore the name Vazovgrad in honor of its literary titan. Today, Sopot stands as a symbol of Bulgaria’s resilience, creativity, and cultural richness.
