Shipka (town)

This article is about a town in Bulgaria. For other definitions, see Shipka.
Shipka
Шипка
The Memorial Temple of the Birth of Christ
The Memorial Temple of the Birth of Christ
Shipka is located in Bulgaria
Shipka
Shipka
Location of Shipka (town)
Coordinates: 42°42′N 25°23′E / 42.700°N 25.383°E / 42.700; 25.383
CountryBulgaria
Provinces
(Oblast)		Stara Zagora
Government
 • MayorStoyan Ivanov
Elevation
650 m (2,130 ft)
Population
 (2005)
 • Total
1,398
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal Code
6150
Area code04324
License plateCT

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 / 42.700; 25.383, 650 metres above sea level. As of 2005, Shipka had a population of 1,398 and the mayor was Stoyan Ivanov.

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

Main article: Shipka Pass

Shipka 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

References

Media related to Shipka at Wikimedia Commons

Shipka travel guide from Wikivoyage