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
Shipka

Location of Shipka (town)

Coordinates: 42°42′N 25°23′E / 42.700°N 25.383°E / 42.700; 25.383Coordinates: 42°42′N 25°23′E / 42.700°N 25.383°E / 42.700; 25.383
Country Bulgaria
Provinces
(Oblast)
Stara Zagora
Government
  Mayor Stoyan Ivanov
Elevation 650 m (2,130 ft)
Population (2005)
  Total 1,398
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
  Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Postal Code 6150
Area code(s) 04324
License plate CT

Shipka (Bulgarian: Шипка, "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 has a population of 1,398 and the mayor is 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

    External links

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