Karlovo (Карлово) is a town in central Bulgaria located in a fertile valley along the river Stryama at the southern foot of the Balkan Mountains. It is administratively part of Plovdiv Province and has a population of about 28,321 (as of 2005).

Karlovo is famous for the worldwide-known rose oil, which is grown there and used in producing perfume. In addition to this, Karlovo is the birthplace of Vasil Levski, the most distinguished Bulgarian to start preparing the national liberation from the Ottoman rule in the late 19th century. There is a museum and large monument dedicated to him. Karlovo is also a popular location for tourism in the region.

The town originated in the 14th century, but grew in importance in the 19th century as a centre of Bulgarian culture and revolutionary activity.

Notable natives

• Botyo Petkov (1815–1869), teacher and father of Hristo Botev
• Evlogi Georgiev (1819-1897), merchant, banker and undertaker
• Ivan Bogorov (c. 1820–1892), encyclopedist
• Vasil Levski (1837–1873), revolutionary and national hero of Bulgaria
• Hristo Prodanov (1943-1984), first Bulgarian to climb Mount Everest

Cities and towns in Bulgaria | Plovdiv Province

Карлово | Karlovo | Karłowo (Bułgaria) | Карлово | Karlıova, Bulgaristan