Chirpan (20 468 citizens, 180 meters above sea level) is located in the central part of the Gornotrakiiska (Upper Thracian) Lowland mostly along the left bank of Tekirska River. It is located 201 km south-east of Sofia, 51 km east of Plovdiv and 39 km south-west of Stara Zagora. It is the birthplace of the great Bulgarian poet Peyo Yavorov.
History: Chirpan is considered the heir to the Roman settlement Sherampol, which was established close to the Roman town of Pizus (the Hissarluka Area close to the village of Rupkite, 7 kilometres to the north of todays Chirpan). It has been accepted that Sherampol (translated the city of nice friends) was established by fleeing refugees. The present name of the town is supposed to derive from the Roman Sheramnol although todays town emerged at a much later stage - most probably in the 17th century around Tekira Springs under the name of Dzherpan. During the Bulgarian Revival (18th - 19th century) the settlement grew as a town with well-developed agriculture and crafts. During the struggle for the independence of the Bulgarian Church it was the people of Chirpan who made the first sacrifices - Velko Boyadziyata and Kaba Ivan. After the Liberation crafts were in decay due to the loss of markets in the Ottoman Empire but in their place vine-growing and wine-making underwent a rapid development. The town was severely hit by the earthquake of 1928.
It is the birthplace of the great Bulgarian lyric and revolutionary Peyo Kracholov Yavorov, of the painter Georgi Danchov Zografina, one of Levskis comrades, of the painter Nikola Manev known far beyond Bulgarian borders and of the poet Dimitur Danailov.
Landmarks: The Museum of History and Archaeology. House-Museum P. K. Yavorov (22, Kracholovi Str., in the centre of the town). Among the personal belongings are the inkpot and the watch of the poet as well as a part of his library. The house of G. Danchov (the centre of the town, now an entertainment establishment offering Bulgarian cuisine) is a supreme example of Bulgarian Revival Art. Tyankovs House and Manchevs House stand out with their exceptional architectural design of the past century. One of the few remaining horse-driven mills in the country is preserved in the yard of the latter. Both houses are now modern restaurants with authentic 19th century interior, which make them unique attractions to all visitors. One of the most interesting and best-preserved houses from the beginning of the 20th century now hosts Bulbank Office. The Holy Mother Church, built in 1846 is one of the 4 oldest churches of its kind in the town.
Every year Chir-pan celebrates January Days of Yavorov - a festival of literature and art in honour of the great poet. Every odd year the town hosts the National Contest for Country Music Performers Ata-naska To-do-rova'" in memory of the great Chir-pan-born singer.
Accommodation: Chirpan Hotel (3-star, 9, Yavorov Str.). The town has good restaurants and entertainment facilities among which one may note the 3-star Park Tavern, located in the towns central park.
Tourist information - at the hotels, at the Town-Hall (1, Suedinenie Bld. at the very centre of Chirpan) as well as at Srednogorets Tourist Association (in the centre, tel.: 0416 2425).
Transport: Chirpan is located on the major motor- and railway line Sofia Plovdiv - Bourgas and maintains regular bus connections with Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Dimitrovgrad, Haskovo, Parvomai and other towns in the region. The bus station (Indu-stri-alen Quarter, P. K. Yavorov Str., tel.: 0416 3214, 2295) and the railway station are near in the eastern part of the town. All express and passenger trains stop at Chirpan railway station.
