Kovachevitsa village

Kovachevitsa is a village somewhere down in the corner of Bulgaria, which seems to have been frozen in time. Despite its popularity, even on weekends you can find a side cobbled street where tall buildings cast a shadow and the flow of time seems to stand still.

Kovachevitsa is located in the Western Rhodopes and is best known for its beautiful over 200-year-old houses.

The architecture is specific. The main attraction here are the houses, built almost entirely of stone, including the roofs. This is the reason why the village has been declared an architectural-historical reserve. No need to go around them with a map – wander aimlessly, turn through the narrow alleys and enjoy the timelessness.

Already at the beginning of the village you will see the church “St. Nicholas” with its photogenic belfry, also stone and over 150 years old. The buildings in Kovachevitsa were built by the Kovachevitsa School of Architecture and Construction, which functioned until 1912 and was associated with the Bratsigov masters. Due to the uneven terrain, when viewed from different sides, the houses appear to have different numbers of floors. Most are 2-3 stories high, only the highest one is made of wood – all others are made of stone. The cattle lived on the lowest floor and food was stored, and the upper floors were for living.

It is believed that Kovacevica is at least 500 years old, as in the first official document where it is described (from the 15th century), it appears with a population of 17 people. In 1900 its population was 1,400 and it was a large and lively village. According to the latest official data, 49 people currently live permanently in Kovachevitsa.

Scenes from the movie “Measure according to mera” (1988) were filmed in Kovachevitsa. There are shops and pubs where you can eat or buy water and ice cream. There are also accommodations if you want to soak up the atmosphere of the past for longer.

Kovachevitsa is most easily accessible by car. It is located 23 km from Gotse Delchev and 120 km from Blagoevgrad.

If you are traveling to Kovachevitsa, take advantage of being in the area to see other interesting places – the neighboring village of Gorno Dryanovo is a lively place to walk, chat with the locals and have a coffee. Next on the road is the village of Leshten, which also has many traditional houses. If ancient villages inspire you, go to Dolen, which is also an architectural reserve.

Travel to Kovachevitsa from Sofia

About 220 km or 3 hours under normal conditions and calm driving. For those coming to Kovachevitsa for the first time, the road is Sofia-Bansko-G. Delchev, about 10 km before Gotse Delchev, at the entrance to the village of Gospodintsi, you turn off for the village of Ognyanovo. After you pass it, after the village of Marchevo is the fork for Kovachevitsa. Take the path that is straight up, not left. Next is a 25-minute ascent on a mountain road and passing through the villages of Leshten and Gorno Dryanovo. Kovachevitsa is the last village. Parking spaces in the village are limited, so park in a free space on the main street after the village centre. If you have little luggage, we recommend you to walk down to us. With a lot of luggage, it is possible to get off carefully by car near the house.

resource: https://www.nasamnatam.com/