Central Balkan National Park is one of the most valuable and largest protected areas in Europe. The Park was established for the conservation of the unique nature of the Central Stara Planina Mountains as well as for the preservation of the Balkan's culture and customs. The neighboring town of Kalofer (near Sofia, Bulgaria) is a unique mountain town accented by the Bulgarian Renaissance and is one of the few Bulgarian towns with a large number of operational churches, monasteries, and chapels.

 The Kalofer History House is a very important structure in the town to both the local population and tourists. The structure is a true living museum offering interactive displays while preserving and publicizing Bulgarian history. Visitors to the “House” can weave native carpets on an antique loom. Rooms in the house include a historic replica of a traditional living room and other displays show traditional costume and dress. The Tourism Cares Worldwide Grant aided in the restoration of the roof and windows of the Kalofer History House preserving the building for future generations of locals and visitors to enjoy. The “House” received the 2005 SKAL Eco-tourism Award and was third-runner up in the 2004 Conde Nast Eco-tourism Awards.

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