Kalofer

Kalofer is a town in Bulgaria, situated in the Balkan Mountains in central Bulgaria. It is the administrative center of Kalofer Municipality, within Plovdiv Province. The town lies at the northern foothills of the range along the Tundzha River and serves as a gateway to ecotourism and hiking areas in the surrounding forests and peaks.

With roots tracing back to earlier periods, Kalofer developed significantly during the Bulgarian National Revival. It is best known as the birthplace of Hristo Botev, a celebrated Bulgarian poet and revolutionary. The Hristo Botev House-Museum preserves his early life and a collection related to his work, and other historic houses in the town illustrate traditional 19th-century architecture. The town’s religious sites include churches such as the Church of Saint Nicholas, reflecting Bulgarian Orthodox heritage.

The local economy relies on small-scale industry, forestry, and agriculture, with tourism tied to the natural scenery, cultural heritage, and proximity to the Balkan Mountains. Kalofer serves as a base for visitors exploring the Central Balkan National Park and nearby routes through the Beklemeto Pass. The town also maintains cultural traditions and crafts that contribute to its regional character.