Shipka (town)

Shipka (Шипка, "Rosa canina") is a town in central Bulgaria, part of Kazanlak Municipality, Stara Zagora Province. It lies in the Central Balkan Mountains, at 42.7°N, 25.38333°W, 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
Shipka Pass (Шипченски проход, Shipchenski prohod) (el. 1150 m./3820 ft.) is 13 km 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 (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

 * Shipka Memorial Church