PROPOSAL FOR A CAR TRIP – 3rd part

What to see if you travel along the Sub-Balkan Road

/ Republican road I-6 /

Sopot – Karlovo – Kalofer – Pavel Banya – Kazanlak PART 2

P A V E L B A N Y A

After Kalofer, driving along the Sub-Balkan road, be sure to stop in the town of. Pavel Banya. The town is close to Kazanlak (about 20 – 25 km), next to the Koprinka dam.

Pavel Banya is a relatively new settlement. Alongside the national wealth – the mineral water, the village developed, some holiday bases appeared. Since November 10, 1978 Pavel Banya has had the status of a town.

The settlement was named after Saint Apostle Paul and the youngest son of Emperor Alexander II – Grand Duke Pavel Alexandrovich.

NATURE

• Mineral Water and beautiful nature closed between the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora

Pavel Banya is a resort profiled for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, diseases of the peripheral nervous system, gynecological diseases, etc. There are seven spa complexes with mineral water. Be careful though, the water here is not suitable for spa treatments.

• Koprinka Dam

The Tundja River flows part of its waters into the beautiful Koprinka Dam. The shores are wonderful places for relaxation, picnics and walks in nature, fishing, water sports. The crystal clear waters are rich in fish, and pheasants and partridges often fly in the lush meadows and groves around the dam.

HISTORY

• The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is one of the places in Pavel Banya that deserves attention. This beautiful building with wonderful architecture, close to the centre of the resort attracts the eyes of tourists. It was built in 1920-1921, painted by masters of the Trevna School.

• The fountain with the Mother Monument and the Monument to the Fallen Finnish Soldiers in the Struggle for National Liberation

The fountain with the Mother Monument and the Monument to the Fallen Finnish Soldiers in the Struggle for National Liberation are among the landmarks in Pavel Banya with cultural and historical significance.

• The Two Elms

Also of interest are the last two remaining elms in Pavel Banya, perpetuating the history of the town. Now they are a work of art after their carving by the famous Pavel Banya carver Ivan Bubev, on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the founding of Pavel Banya.

In the past, the two elms were the advertising logo of Pavel Banya and the healing mineral waters; healed visitors hung their walking sticks and crutches here after being healed by the healing mineral water.

There are several tourist sites near Pavel Banya that deserve your attention:

• Cultural complex “s. Turia – village museum” / 4 km southwest of Pavel Banya/

The village of Turia is famous for its Kuker customs and festivals. It is the birthplace of the famous Bulgarian writer-humorist Chudomir.

• House-Museum of Chudomir

The native village of the patriarch of Bulgarian humor – Dimitar Hristov Chorbadzhiyski, better known as Chudomir, is of great interest to the guests of Pavel Banya.

There is a permanent exhibition in the “Nashentsi” Hall at the Chudomir Community Centre.

• Hornbeam

Near the village of Turia is one of the 18 centuries old trees in Bulgaria – Kichestia Gabar. This is a real natural treasure. The tree is rare and about 700 years old.

• Village of Skobelevo/11 km north of Pavel Banya/

Ethnographic Complex “Damascena”

EC “DAMASCENA” is the first private distillery in Bulgaria, established in 1991. Here every visitor can observe the production of essential oils, both by modern technologies and the way of production from 300 years ago. You can see the museum exhibition of production and storage of rose oil, as well as the ethnographic exhibition of traditional old crafts, characteristic for this end.

INTERESTING

In Pavel Banya and the region there are traditionally held Kuker processions, a celebration of the rose and mineral water, a celebration of the town, the election of the Queen “Rose” and the King “Mineral Water”.