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Chirpan

 

 
     The town of Chirpan (population: 20 468 inhabitants) is situated 180 meters above the sea level, on a hilly place formed on the southern slopes of  Sredna Gora Mountain, along the banks of the Tekirska River. It is located 201 km south-east from Sofia, 51 km east from  Plovdiv and 39 km south-west from Stara Zagora. It is an administrative centre. The municipality region covers an area of 524,025 decares with an average altitude of 400 m above the sea level. The climate in the region is temperately continental; soils are rich, thus conducive to the development of agriculture.
     Although scarce in natural resources, there are some sporadic deposits of non-metal minerals which are utilized for local needs. The natural mineral water springs are not utilized and provide a great opportunity for the outside investor interested in bottling and exporting quality natural spring water. Chirpan is the cultural and economic centre of this region and the residence of the municipal administration. Agriculture is the major sector of the regional economy with 279,000 decares of arable land owned and cultivated mostly by private cooperatives and partnerships.
     Chirpan is a birthplace of many eminent Bulgarian writers, musicians, revolutionaries, artists and etc. It is a birthplace of the revolutionaries Stoyo Filipov, Dimitar Matevski, Ivan Andonov, Manol Kolarov, etc. The town is the home of the eminent Bulgarian poet Peyo Javorov, the great folklore singer Atanaska Todorova, the well-known musician Emil Kamelarov and many other men of letter.
 
     History

     Chirpan is considered an heir to the Roman settlement Sherampol which was established close to the Roman town of Pizus (7 km north from today’s Chirpan). It has been accepted that Sherampol was established by fleeing refugees. According to historical documents the town came into existence on its today’s place in the XVth century. The present name Chirpan is supposed to be derived and adapted from the Roman name. It is connected with the Tekir well, around which the town was established. During the period of the Bulgarian Renaissance (the 18th – 19th century) the settlement had a town-type of structure with well developed agriculture and crafts. 
     After the Liberation of Bulgaria (1876), the people of Chirpan were among the first who struggled for the Union of Eastern Rumelia and Bulgarian Principality. Nowadays on the 6th of September (The Union of Bulgaria) Bulgarians celebrate the feast of the town. During the period after the Liberation crafts were in decay due to the loss of markets in the Turkish Empire but in their place vine growing and wine making witnessed a rapid development.
 
     Landmarks

     The house-museum of the eminent Bulgarian poet Peyo Javorov is of special interest in the town. It is situated in the central town part. It is open all year round and preserves documents, photos and items that illustrate the Javorov’s work and life. The History Museum is situated in a 2-storey building. It conducts historical, archeological and ethnographic studies in the region of Chirpan. The house of G. Danchov, situated in the centre (now an entertainment establishment offering Bulgarian dishes) is a supreme example of the Bulgarian Renaissance Art. Tiankov's House that hosts the town art gallery and Manchev's House that hosts an art gallery, stand out with their exceptional architectural design of the past century. The most interesting and best-preserved house from the beginning of the 20th century now hosts a bank office. Holy Mother Church, built in 1846 is one of the 4 oldest churches of its kind in the town. The other churches are: St. Archangel Michael, St. St. Kiril and Methodius, and St. Spas. 
 
     Festivals

     Every year, Chirpan celebrates the "January Days of Javorov" – a festival of literature and art in honor of the great poet. Every odd year the town witnesses the "National Contest for Country Music Performers – Atanaska Todorova" in memory of the great Chirpan-born singer. On the 6th of September people celebrate the feast of the town.
 
     Transport

     Chirpan is located on the major motorway and railway line Sofia-Plovdiv-Bourgas and maintains regular bus connection with Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Dimitrovgrad, Haskovo and other towns and settlements in the district and country. 
 
     Surroundings

     The spa resort of Merichleri is located 17 km east from Chirpan. Its mineral water is excellent for curing intestinal diseases of many kinds. The architectural site of Karasura is situated 6 km north-east from the town. In the village of Granit, 20 km from Chirpan, you can see the oldest tree (1600 years) in Bulgaria – Granitski oak. The natural phenomenon of "Kamennata Satba" (The Stone wedding) is situated 25 km northeast from the town. 
     The hunting park Yagach (5 km west from the town) is an excellent place for recreation, sports and hunting in wild land. The Ethnographic museum in the village of Spasovo is another spot of interest.