Old Town Karlovo Complex

The Ancient Karlovo Architectural Complex is a unique cultural reserve that brings together five iconic National Revival houses, all designated as cultural monuments. The complex functions as a vibrant center for crafts and cultural traditions, where the past seamlessly meets the present. Visitors are welcomed by local guides who reveal the deep history of this historic town. The site offers an unforgettable experience, allowing every guest to connect with Bulgarian roots, experience the magic of ancestral craftsmanship, and step into a world of labor and spiritual harmony against the natural backdrop of the Balkan Mountains. The first stop in this magical world is the Buhalov Inn (Buhaloviyat Han) — a spiritual hub where every room delivers a distinct message through authentic household items like spinning wheels, hand-cards, and weaving looms. Here, guests can explore a restored library filled with historical and modern books, enjoy aromatic coffee brewed on sand, local sweets, Turkish delight, traditional rose brandy (gyulovitsa), or rose liqueur. The inn also offers the opportunity to dress in traditional costumes, participate in craft workshops for all ages, and witness the skill of modern masters in woodcarving, Kalofer lace, embroidery, weaving, and pottery. Right nearby is the House of Teacher and Scholar Rayno Popovich. Its cobblestone courtyard traces the footsteps of prominent historical figures, and its small prayer room is believed to be where the young Vasil Levski sang his first church chants. The house impresses with its beautifully carved wooden ceilings and offers visitors a chance to print an original document on an authentic printing press with a wax seal, or try writing with a quill and ink. The remaining sites reveal the aromatic and artistic essence of the region. The Patev House is entirely dedicated to the Karlovo oil-bearing rose and local herbs. Visitors can explore the quarters of the Queen of the Rose and the Lavender Fairy, taste Balkan herbal tea, and learn about the extraction of essential oils using a miniature distillery built on the principles of old traditional rose-stills. Right next to it stands the Patev Maaza House, built by Vasil Patev. The first floor houses a Tourist Information Center providing guidance for the region, while the second floor features a mini-museum of wax figures. This exhibition showcases life-like figures of Vasil Levski, his cousin and first democratically elected mayor Vasil Karaivanov, British historian Mercia MacDermott, and recent winners of the Queen of the Rose title, accompanied by a permanent exhibition of paintings depicting Old Karlovo. The complex is completed by the White Courtyard (Beliyat Dvor) — an inspiring space of fine arts immortalized in the paintings of the famous artist Nikola Tanev. Declared a cultural monument in 1964, this courtyard preserves the exceptional aesthetics of National Revival garden design, where prominent figures like Georgi Rakovski and Gavril Krastevich once studied, and where fine art traditions continue to inspire new generations today. The ethnographic complex is located at 31 Vasil Levski Street in the town of Karlovo. The site welcomes tourists year-round and operates seven days a week without a day off. The opening hours vary depending on the season. During the summer season, from April 1st to October 31st, the houses are open to the public from 9:15 AM to 6:00 PM. During the winter season, running from November 1st to March 31st, the complex accommodates visitors from 8:45 AM to 5:30 PM.