History and sights in Kazanka village, Stara Zagora region
Article published from tour.starazagora.net on 2007-08-01 00:00:00Category: Travel in Kazanka
The village of Kazanka is located 490 metres above sea level in the Sredna Gora Mountains, in an area of mountain peaks ranging from 600 m above sea level to the Rouya peak at 812 m above sea level. From the Rouya peak, you can view the Central Stara Planina Mountains and the Rose Valley of Kazanluk, where the Toundzha River flows. Visiting Kazanka also places you in the midst of major health and cultural centers such as the Stara Zagora Mineral Spa, just 7 km away and the cities of Stara Zagora and Kazanluk, both a short distance away.
History
Old legend has it that a settlement existed near Toplika Spring, 5 km northwest from the present village’s location, in an area with a road connecting Plovdiv and Karlovo with the Stara Zagora Mineral Spa and the city of Stara Zagora. However, the settlement was destroyed by the Turks around 1714 and seventeen families from the original settlement went on to establish a new settlement at the present site of the village, far from busy roads. The village, inhabited primarily with Bulgarians, was often invaded by Kurdzhalis and Bashi-Bazouks and many Bulgarian heroes identify this village as their birthplace, including Stoyan Dimov Terziev – Stoyan Voyvoda, a member of Botev’s detachment.
Grain production was the traditional occupation until the 1920s, with charcoal and rose production second. The inhabitants of Kazanka were the first to plant roses on the southern flanks of the Sredna Gora Mountains and, during the Liberation, the surrounding hills were covered with rose gardens. After the 1914 – 1918 war, however, the rose gardens were abandoned and replaced by tobacco production.
Sights
The village church was built in 1857 on the foundation of an older church built deep in the earth. A visit will acquaint you further with the efforts put forth by the inhabitants of local villages to cling to their faith.
You can also visit Kazaneto, a natural landmark located 2.5 km from Kazanka, where the narrowed river bed and falling water join to form cauldron-shaped hollows in the earth.