Shipka (Bulgarian: Шипка [ˈʃipkɐ], "Rosa canina") is a town in central Bulgaria, part of Kazanlak Municipality, Stara Zagora Province. It lies in the Central Balkan Mountains, at 42°42′N 25°23′E / 42.700°N 25.383°E, 650 metres above sea level. As of 2005, Shipka had a population of 1,398 and the mayor was Stoyan Ivanov.
Shipka
Шипка | |
|---|---|
.jpg) The Memorial Temple of the Birth of Christ | |
  Shipka Location of Shipka (town) | |
| Coordinates: 42°42′N 25°23′E / 42.700°N 25.383°E | |
| Country | Bulgaria |
| Provinces (Oblast) | Stara Zagora |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Stoyan Ivanov |
| Elevation | 650 m (2,130 ft) |
| Population (2005) | |
• Total | 1,398 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal Code | 6150 |
| Area code | 04324 |
| License plate | CT |
The town is known for being located near the historic Shipka Pass, the location of several key battles in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. Local sights include the Shipka Memorial (1934) on Stoletov Peak, the Buzludzha Monument, the Russian-style Shipka Memorial Church (1885–1902) and the recently discovered Thracian tomb Golyamata Kosmatka.
The population is overwhelmingly Eastern Orthodox and ethnically Bulgarian, with a notable minority of Karakachans (a Greek-speaking transhumant people of obscure origin).
Shipka Pass
editShipka Pass (Bulgarian: Шипченски проход, Shipchenski prohod) (el. 1150 m./3820 ft.) is 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from the town, and connects the town with Gabrovo.
During the Russo-Turkish War, Shipka Pass was the scene of a series of conflicts collectively named the Battle of Shipka Pass.
The Shipka Memorial (Bulgarian: паметник „Шипка“), a memorial to those who died for the Liberation of Bulgaria during the Battles of Shipka Pass, stands near the pass.
Notable buildings
editReferences
editExternal links
edit
Media related to Shipka at Wikimedia Commons
Shipka travel guide from Wikivoyage