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The beautiful and picturesque town of Elena is located in the valley of the Elena river in the foothills of the Elena Balkan, 38 km from Veliko Tarnovo. The town was an important cultural, educational, commercial and crafts center for whole Bulgaria during its Revival period and the Elena-citizens, known for their fighting and unbending spirit participated in some of the most famous uprisings - the Velchova Zavera and the Tarnovo Uprising, which were done to overthrow the Ottoman rule. Not accidentally during the Revival, there were three churches in Elena, which was unheard of in any location in Bulgaria throughout the five centuries of Ottoman rule. Because of this, the town was called the 'Bulgarian Bethlehem'. The oldest of these churches is St. Nicholas from the 16th century. It was painted by the famous painters at that time David and Jacob, as the frescoes are of exceptional value and they are monuments of culture. The church of the Assumption of Theotokos is in the same courtyard. It is impressive in size - 33 m long, 21 m wide and 25 m high, making it one of the largest churches in the country to this day. Elena is one of the places in Bulgaria where the authentic Revival spirit is well preserved and revered. Walking around the town, every tourist will feel the enchantment of times long gone. Elena is rich in monuments; among them are 147 buildings, 6 000 ethnographic objects, 780 works of Revival and modern art, very old books. A part of this precious heritage is the home of the National Leader Ilarion Makariopolski - a typical representative of a luxurious, traditional Elena Revival house. Another symbol of the town is the Daskalolivnitsa - the first Bulgarian secondary school. The following landmarks are not less interesting: the Five Razsukanov Houses, representing an architectural ensemble of five houses under one roof; the Kamburov Khan Clock Tower, the Popnikolov house; the house of Jordan Hadzhipetkov. There are also natural sights near Elena that should not be missed, and for this purpose there are eco-trails built to the Markov Kamak, Raev Kamak Hristovski Waterfall, Kapinovo Monastery, etc. There are sport and tourism facilities available. Near the Chumerna Hut, there is a ski slope with a ski lift and wardrobe, there are eight grounds for orienteering and there is a possibility for mountain climbing near the hut of Bukovets. Many sports facilities are built in the town, which provides conditions for the training of professional teams and tournaments are held annually, as well as events such as the football on small doors, popular struggles, march to the Kapinovo Monastery, festival of the Elena Balkan and others. The Yovkotsi Dam is also nearby. It is suitable for fishing and water sports. Never mind whether the town visitors choose a classic hotel in Elena or a guest house, they will surely appreciate the perfect combination of traditional Revival architecture and modern comforts. Elena people are famous for their hospitality and will certainly dine with every person at their table, providing homemade yogurt, Elena local delicacies such as the Elena ham and other goodies that will tempt even the most ardent gastronomes.