Believe it or not, places like this still exist in the 21st century. Kovachevitsa looks exactly like a set for a historical drama. Some even call it the ‘Bulgarian Hollywood.’ Many famous Bulgarian movies use these ancient stone houses as a stunning backdrop. However, you must visit in person to truly feel the magic.
Time in the village seems to have slowed down. As you stroll through the streets, you suddenly travel back in time. Neither the crowds of tourists nor local business ambitions can change its soul. Kovachevitsa is a tale frozen in time—a story you will never get tired of.
When to visit Kovachevitsa in peace
To feel the magic of Kovachevitsa without the crowds, follow my advice:
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Weekdays: Visit from Tuesday to Thursday. The silence is tangible and prices are lower.
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Late Autumn: Mist covers the stone roofs. Kovachevitsa reveals its melancholic beauty.
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Winter: I love Kovachevitsa in winter. Enjoy the snow and a glass of wine by the fire.
As you step onto the steep, cobblestone streets of Kovachevitsa, you will immediately feel how the intrusive city noise gives way to a profound, mountainous silence. Most of the centuries-old houses have been meticulously restored with immense love and respect for the past, preserved within an architectural reserve that remains refreshingly free from modern concrete and kitsch. Today, the village has transformed into a prestigious artistic hub, where intellectuals, public figures, and film directors find inspiration amidst the timeless atmosphere of the Rhodope mountains .
Where to Stay and What to Eat
Weekend accommodation in Kovachevitsa is plentiful – you can rent a villa, put up at a guest house or at one of the family hotels. On the outside they are exactly the same as any other house here. But they offer all modern conveniences – wi-fi, satellite TV etc., though the furnishing is entirely in the original ancient style. The furniture is made of wood and owners use authentic fabrics and objects to add to the historical atmosphere. Kovachevitsa is also famed for its traditional Rhodope-style cooking.
Hominy, pot beans, homemade sausages attract the tourists who come here from all corners of the world to the local taverns. While the surrounding countryside offers an abundance of natural and historical landmarks. Not to mention the beautiful landscapes and the mountain pathways that can take you to places untouched by human hands.
Top things to experience in Kovachevitsa:
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Architectural Magic 🏠 – Wander among the massive stone houses that have stood firm for over 200 years.
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St. Nicholas Church ⛪ – Visit this impressive spiritual center with a unique bell tower.
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Cinematic Streets 🎬 – Explore the cobblestone alleys where some of the most famous Bulgarian movies were filmed.
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Blueberry Heaven 🫐 – Taste authentic homemade blueberry jam and herbal teas from the Rhodope mountains.
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Pure Silence 🤫 – Enjoy the rare mountain tranquility, far away from the noise of the big city.
The Village Museum
Located in the former school built in 1892, the museum displays the life of the past. You can see an original classroom with inkwells and old maps, as well as a weaving room with a 200-year-old loom. The museum also keeps a collection of old weapons related to the revolutionary movement.
Kovachevitsa: A Haven for Artists and Dreamers
The fairytale village of Kovachevitsa is a popular destination for more than just tourists. Today, many Bulgarian directors and public figures own houses here. Most of these buildings are 100 to 200 years old. Having a house in Kovachevitsa is now a matter of prestige. Owners love to talk about their renovations and quiet evenings by the open hearth. To experience all the wonders of this romantic village, I recommend staying for at least one night.
Here are the best accommodation options: Nevertheless, Kovachevitsa is not a snobbish place or at least not to the people who come here time and again, enchanted by its atmosphere, untouched by the passage of time. Even though some of the houses are now hotels, private villas, taverns or art galleries, it has lost nothing of its original style.
The Secrets of the 15th-Century Builders
History suggests that Kovachevitsa dates back to the 15th century. Legend says Christian settlers from Albania founded the village. Later, it grew into a prosperous center. However, the current look of Kovachevitsa comes from the 18th century.
That was a time when the local men were famed as talented builders. In the summer time they would go to earn money abroad – to France, Spain and Italy and in the winter they would be back home where they got down to work, never mind the blizzards and the freezing cold. And in the houses they built they would apply some of the novelties in European architecture and construction they had learnt. The sophisticated sewerage system was a veritable miracle. Vladimir Zhouglev, heir to one of the oldest families in the village says:
These local builders were true visionaries. They didn’t just work abroad; they brought their world-class skills back home to Kovachevitsa. This is why the village infrastructure is so unique. In fact, they started building the drainage system as soon as the very first house was finished.
Because of this, every home in Kovachevitsa had an indoor toilet. Each house featured three essential elements: a private bathroom, a sink, and a traditional bread oven. Even today, this 500-year-old system works perfectly without a single hitch. It is a true miracle of ancient engineering in the heart of Kovachevitsa.
The houses here are impressively solid. Unlike most buildings from the Bulgarian National Revival, these structures rise several stories high. They are perched closely together, almost hugging, to make the most of the limited mountain terrain.
Most of the wooden balconies (verandahs) open up to breathtaking views of the Rhodope Mountains. Up here, the air is crystal-clear. At night, the sky feels so close that you could almost reach out and touch the stars. It is pure magic.
How to get to Kovachevitsa from Sofia
By Car: The drive from Sofia takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Use the A3 highway to Blagoevgrad, then continue to Gotse Delchev. From there, follow the signs to Garmen and then head up to Kovachevitsa. The road is winding but beautiful.
By Public Transport: Take a bus from Sofia Central Bus Station to Gotse Delchev. Once there, look for a local minibus to Garmen. For the final 7 km to Kovachevitsa, it is easiest to take a local taxi, as bus schedules are limited.
Book Your Stay in the Magic of Kovachevitsa
Kovachevitsa is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. Since the village is a popular spot, I recommend booking your stay in advance. Use the map below to find the best hotels and guesthouses in the area, including SPA options in nearby Ognyanovo
