The historical town of Shipka is situated in the very heart of Bulgaria, at the foot of the legendary Shipka Pass. It is only 8 km away from the town of Kazanlak and 200 km away from the capital Sofia to the west and the Black Sea Coast to the east. The climate in Shipka is mild with moderate temperatures with very clean air and water. A small river passes through the town and makes it very attractive for tourists. A great attraction in Shipka is the Memorial Church of the Birth of Christ, devoted to those soldiers who lost their lives in the battle for Bulgarian freedom in August 1878 and January 1878. Their names are hewn into 34 marble plates. The golden domes and the bright decoration of the church façade, as well as the iconostasis made of lime and famous for its beautiful woodcarving attract people’s attention. There are 83 icons in the church donated by the Russian monastery in Athos, Greece. The bells are 17 with the biggest one being about 12 tons.