Zheravna

Zheravna is one of the most picturesque villages from the Bulgarian National Revival period, situated in the Eastern Balkan Mountains within the Kotel Municipality, Sliven Province. Located approximately 15 km from Kotel, the village is renowned for its authentic architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful mountain scenery. Zheravna has been designated an architectural and historical reserve due to its exceptionally well-preserved Revival-era houses, characterized by wooden facades, stone foundations, and richly decorated interiors. The village preserves the atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival and attracts visitors seeking tranquility, history, and traditional Bulgarian culture. Today, Zheravna is a popular destination for cultural and rural tourism, romantic getaways, and nature retreats.

Zheravna impresses with its National Revival architecture, well-preserved wooden houses, and beautiful cobblestone streets. Among the most interesting landmarks are the Yordan Yovkov House-Museum, the Sava Filaretov House-Museum, the Rusi Chorbadzhi House-Museum, the Church of St. Nicholas, and the Old School known as the "Daskalolivnitsata" (School-Foundry) in nearby Kotel. Other places to visit in the area include the Natural History Museum in Kotel, the Zlosten locality, the picturesque village of Medven with the Sini Vir waterfall, and the architectural reserve of Katunishte. Nature lovers can enjoy walks along the forest trails of the Eastern Balkan Mountains and discover beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

One of Zheravna’s most famous events is the International Festival of Folk Costumes, which attracts visitors from both Bulgaria and abroad. The festival recreates the atmosphere of traditional Bulgarian life through folk costumes, music, dance, crafts, and authentic cuisine. The event transforms the village into a vibrant cultural hub, offering visitors the chance to experience Bulgarian traditions and folklore heritage firsthand. Zheravna offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from restored National Revival houses and family hotels to cozy guesthouses. Popular places to stay include the Zlatna Oresha complex, Kenara Guesthouse, and the Efendi complex. Many of the accommodations combine traditional architecture with modern amenities and offer a peaceful atmosphere, suitable for family vacations and romantic weekends.