Koprivshtitsa - a small town situated in the region of Sushtinska Sredna Gora in the valley of Topolnitza River - is a remarkable, unparalleled historic reserve.
Koprivshtitsa is a captivating mountain town, unique with its cobblestone alleys, houses painted in bright colors with expansive verandahs and picturesque eaves.
During the Ottoman rule, Koprivshtitsa withstood many a raid, it was reduced to ashes several times, its inhabitants were frequently robbed and driven away.
The wealthier townsfolk managed to “ransom” Koprivshtitsa from the Turkish rulers and win some special privileges, thus keeping the Bulgarian traditions and atmosphere of the town intact. 
In this way Koprivshtitsa was able to preserve its freedom-loving, patriotic spirit and hand it down to its children. Many Bulgarians who laid down their lives for the liberation of their motherland had been born here:
Todor Kableshkov and Georgi Benkovski – organizers and participants in the April Uprising which broke out in Koprivshtitsa on April 20, 1876. The Uprising gave voice to the desire and efforts of the Bulgarian people to win back its freedom after five centuries of Ottoman oppression. A lot of foreign journalists reported the events of the spring of 1876 and showed the world that there was a people on the Balkan Peninsula which had not lost its identity and strive for independence. Eventually, in 1878 Bulgaria won the freedom it had so long yearned for, at least partly helped by the publicity of the April Uprising and its subsequent brutal suppression.
Ljuben Karavelov – a Bulgarian poet, writer and revolutionary;
Petko Karavelov – a widely respected public and political figure;
Dimcho Debelianov  - a poet who wrote some of the most tender poems in Bulgarian literature;
Najden Gerov – a writer, publisher, man of letters, ethnologist and patriot;
Joakim Gruev – a teacher, fighter for religious independence, man of letters and a public man
Together with many other Bulgarians who took part in the wars of liberation and the two World Wars - teachers, artists, craftsmen.

The historians don't have united theory for the origins of Koprivshtitsa. Here are few of the most common theories:

The Legend of “The Jupa”

It is alleged that the roads connecting the towns Zlatitza, Pirdop, Strelcha and Panagurishte crossed exactly where the town of Koprishtitza is located.

Situated in a beautiful valley, covered with lush green grass, watered by several small streams; this locale was a perfect resting point for caravans, travelers and traders.

One Bulgarian family was attracted by the uplifting and inspiring nature of the region as well as its calm climate, and decided to settle in this area. This family union with its cattles was known as the "The Jupa". They started a new village. The family grew and the houses increased in numbers, and before you know it small clans began to develop. Almost every man in these clans received a nick name because of their skills, work traits, or unique behavior. There ware names like Tihanek (derived from the word quiet), Kozlek (derived from the word describing a goat keeper), and Lomek (derived from the word ruin). These names developed into neighborhood names, some of which exist to this day.

This theory is confirmed by the fact that the modern day Lambov’s neighborhood is still named "Jupa".

The noble lady from Rila

Another legend tells about a young woman who settled down in the area of today’s Koprivshtitsa, because she found the place ideal for raising cattle. Just after her arrival, she left for Ederne (modern day Odrin), where she obtained a decree from the sultan declaring her the proprietor of Koprivshtitsa, and meanwhile the village received substantial privileges. It is the first time in this decree that the sultan called Koprivshtitsa “Avratalan” - “woman’s meadow”, a name frequently used after that by the Turks.

The legend goes on to say that the Turks were allowed to pass through town only if their horses had horseshoes and that the villagers were permitted to carry guns, something unheard of in other towns during this period in time.

In a sign of gratitude, Koprivshtitsa’s residents called the lady Sultanka (in Bulgarian - feminine gender for sultan) and her heirs were called Sultanekovi for many years to come.

It is possible that these two versions of Koprivshtitsa’s founding to be connected. When the Zhoup’s family settled down the kinship ties were very close and that is why Koprivshtitsa’s villagers didn’t marry amongst themselves, but instead had to look for spouses in neighbouring towns. It is conceivable that someone from the Zhupa clan married a woman with noble origins.

Town Founded from Fugitives

There are some theories that after Bulgaria fell under Turkish rule, fugitives settled down in the area of today’s Koprivshtiza. These were descendents from Old Bulgarian families, traders and stock herders. Among them there were three shepherds - Lambo, Toroman and Arnautin (a name given to refugees from Macedonian area near Albania. These families founded small clans, which grew over the years and gave their names to the neighborhoods which still exist today - Toroman neighborhood, Lambovska and Arnaut neighborhood.

Koprivshtitsa and Kurdzhaliite

The privileges that were given to the people living in Koprivshtitsa allowed the local residents to keep their property even after Bulgaria fell under Turkish rule. The village’s riches were the target of Turkish bandits, also knows as kurdzhaliite, who attacked the village three times and caused its inhabitants to flee. Koprivshtitsa was set on fire in 1793, 1804 and 1809, however thanks to their patriotism, resolve and persistence Koprivshtitsa residents were able to preserve the magic and the charm of this town.