The town of Chepelare  
 
 
   
The town of Chepelare

The valley has been populated since ancient times, which was proved by lots of archeological finds.

An ancient Roman road from Plovdiv to the Aegean region passed through the Chepelarska river valley. The first inhabitant of this place was Belyo-Kehaya, who built his house in 1705.

In 1836 the Chepelare inhabitants built St. Atanas Church and 3 stone turrets within 40 days, supported by a troop of soldiers, sent by the Sultan to guard against the Bulgarian-Mohammedans (pomaks), who opposed the construction.

Later on a school was built up, while in 1867 a second temple - “Holy Virgin” - was inaugurated. The Berlin Treaty made Chepelare a borderline. After the Union of Eastern Roumelia with the Bulgarian Principality in 1885 the south border with Turkey was closed and the path of thousands of sheep herds to their winter pastures were barred. That force the local inhabitants to be more involved in timber business. Gradually, with the beginning of the 20th century and especially during the 30-ies and the 40-ies, Chepelare was turned into a resort site.
Nowadays Chepelare in one of most famost ski-resort town in Bulgaria . Nature's gifts and good geographical location attract many tourists, especially in winter. Only 2 km from the town are two ski runs (3,200 m and 5,200 m).

One should not miss the only Museum of Speleology in Bulgaria . The town also became famous as the birthplace of the Bulgarian Olympic champion of the biathlon from Nagano'98 – Ekaterina Dafovska. Also in Chepelare, is the only factory for ski and snowboard equipment in Bulgaria .
The town offers plenty of accommodation facilities. The family type 2- or 3-stars hotels prevail in this small town (their number exceeds 20), and they are associated in Chepelare Tourism Association.

 

 

 

 

 

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