Territory: 88,852 ha
Population: 48,215
Population density: 56.8 inhabitants/sq. km
Number of settlements: 86
Smolyan Region is situated in Southern Bulgaria in the heart of Rhodopa Mountain upon a territory of 88,852 ha, 67% of which are covered with age-old coniferous forests. The earliest archaeological evidence from the Smolyan’s region dates back from the end of the Bronze Age - c. 13 BC. During the following two millennia the antique authors perceived the Rhodopes as a sacred Thracian mountain, the birthplace of Orpheus. The climate is considerably varied because of the relief of the area. The average annual temperature is between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius. The municipal center Smolyan, where are situated many apartments for rent in Bulgaria is 250 km away from the capital Sofia, and 100 km south from the second biggest city - Plovdiv and the charter flight airport in its vicinity. The province is largely populated by Bulgarian Muslims, as Muslims constitute 58,758 people out of the province's total 140,066, some 41,599 being Eastern Orthodox and a whole 39,003 deciding not to discuss their religion. The District is bounded by the regions of Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Kardzhali and Blagoevgrad, and to the south it borders on Greece. It is in the valley of the Cherna ("Black") and the Byala ("White") Rivers in the central Rhodopes at the foot of the mountains' highest part south of the popular ski resorts Pamporovo and Chepelare. The relief in the region is mountainous. It covers the eastern part of the Rhodope Mountains with venerable coniferous forests and pastures. The main road passing through the area is the Plovdiv–Smolyan highway. There are a lot of rivers that cross the area, the bigger of which being the Arda, the Vacha, the Chepelare, the Varbitza, the Cherna (Black) Reka and the Devin. Mineral water springs abound in the vicinity of Devin, the villages Smolyan Bani (Ladzha), Beden, Mihalkovo, Lyaskovo. The beautiful Smolyan lakes are located in the Smolyan kettle. The Dospat and Vacha dams offer excellent conditions for fishing. The nature of the Rhodope Mountains is perfect place for winter and summer tourism, rural tourism, hunting and ecotourism. Most of the populated areas are tourist centers offering many apartments for rent in Bulgaria. Some of the natural landmarks are the biosphere reserves of Kazanite, Soskovche, Momchil Dol and Amzovo, the rocky vaults of the Wonderful Bridges (Chudnite mostove), the Buinov and Trigrad gorges, the Devil’s Throat (Diavolskoto Garlo), Uhlovitsa and Yagodina caves. The Rhodope Mountains have been praised in folk songs as the holy mountain of the Thracians, the birthplace of the mythological Rhodope singer Orpheus, whose music charmed beasts and people alike. The lands were occupied by the Thracian tribes Bessi, Coylaleti and Satrai. Vestiges of ancient fortresses that once guarded the frontiers can be found near the villages of Shiroka Laka, Smilian and Gela (Gradishteto), on Mount Turlata. Of particular interest is the Rhodope house style – high-raised stone basement above, which projects the white-painted floor. The master builders were known not only in the region. They built houses by the Aegean Sea and on the Greek islands.
An idiosyncratic area in the Rhodopes is Rozhen. It is here where the distinctive band of bagpipers One Hundred Low-Tuned Bagpipes (Sto kaba gaidi) started its career and turned into the symbol of the gatherings. It is from where the Bulgarian song performed by Valia Balkanska was sent out into the space shuttle as a message to extra-terrestrial civilizations. Not far from Rozhen one can find the Rozhen astronomic observatory – the biggest one on the Balkans.
History
The earliest archaeological evidence from the Smolyan’s region dates buck from the end of the Bronze Age - c. 13th BC. During the following two millennia the antique authors perceived the Rhodopes as a sacred Thracian mountain, the birthplace of Orpheus. According to archaeological evidence, the area around Smolyan was first settled in the 2nd millennium BC. It acquired its name from the Slavic tribe of the Smolyani that settled in the region in the 7th century. Part of the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires during the Middle Ages, it was ruled by the 14th century Bulgarian feudal lord Momchil along with the whole Rhodopes for a while before being entirely subjugated by the Ottoman Empire. Smolyan remained under Ottoman rule for five centuries. The modern town of Smolyan was formed by the merger of three existing villages — Ustovo, Raykovo and Ezerovo — in 1960.
Natural resources
The territory of the Smolyan municipality is with a mountain relief, with an abundance of coniferous forests and pastures. The average altitude above sea level is about 1 000 m. The Rhodope relief is a combination of high ridges, divided by deep river valleys. The deep valley of the Vacha River divides the West Rhodopes in two parts: Batak-Dabrak and Perelik-Prespa. The Smolyan Hollow, in which the town of Smolyan is situated, is in the Perelik-Prespa part. It has a trough shape with a length 9 km and a width 5 km. The relief of the bottom is terraced, with amphitheatrically ordered slopes one above another, and ends with inaccessible Rhiolithic steep slopes, which lend the region an unusual beauty. Their prismatic weathering has lead to the formation of curious rock shapes. The rocky belt that fences the hollow from the west is called Golyamata Stena and Malkata Stena (the Big Wall and the Small Wall). In the southwest rises the highest summit of the Rhodopes Golyam Perelik (2191 m). The north boundary of the hollow is the part of Perelik called Bilo (Ridge), which ends by the Rozhen Pass (1428 m). In the south the valley is fenced by the elevation Kainadinski Rid.
MINERAL RESOURCES
The geological development and the relief are among the main prerequisites for the accumulation of mineral resources. West of Smolyan, downstream the Cherna River, there is an explored deposit of brown bituminous coal. Very important for the satisfaction of the local needs for non-metal mineral resources are the deposits of iolite, sandstone and limestone, which are used in building.
SOILS
The Smolyan municipality is situated in the zone of the brown forest soils and their subtypes. There occur dark brown forest soils, developed under spruce forests, and also clayed sandy soils and stony soils with a loose structure, which are poor in humus. They favour the growing of tobacco.
FLORA AND FAUNA
The mountain character of the region favors the growth of Middle European plant species. The highest-situated forest belt is of spruce, Scotch pine and beech with an under forest of whortleberries. The hollow is occupied with herbaceous vegetation, which is strongly changed and cultivated. A landmark of the region is the old plane-tree, which was brought from the Aegean region in 1720. Hares, foxes, roes and wild boars live in the forests. The rivers in Smolyan's surroundings are full of trout and barbels. The forest fund encompasses 621 011 decares, 470 380 decares of which are used for industrial purposes.
WATER RESOURCES
The Smolyan Hollow is drained by the Cherna River - a right tributary to the Arda River. The larger tributaries of the Cherna River are the rivers Gerzovitsa, Elinska, Kriva and Byala. The waters of the Karst springs Braloto, Sveti Ivan and Houbcha are used for the water supply of the town and the apartments for rent in Bulgaria in the area.
The Smolyan Lakes - the eyes of Orpheus' mountain - are lined in the north part of the hollow. They have a landslide origin. The highest-situated of the 20 lakes is the lake under the Sechimeka summit. It is also the deepest (4.5 m) and is 150 m long.
PROTECTED OBJECTS
There are four biosphere reserves in the municipality: Kazanite - a combination of wild nature and a virgin mixed forest, Soskovcheto - an age-old spruce forest and an unique landscape, Momchilovski Dol - a preserved primary pitch pine forest, and Amzovo - a habitat of the rare plant species stag's horn moss.
Climate
Almost the whole area falls into the temperately continental climatic area, but the climate is considerably varied because of the relief's influence. The climate as a whole is mountain, with a pronounced Aegean influence, which shows up to the Rozhen Saddle and the resort Pamporovo. The average annual temperature is between 10 and 12 degrees Centigrade, and on the ridges of Chernatitsa, Moursalitsa and Prespa it falls to 4-5 degrees. A decrease in the average January temperatures under the influence of the temperature inversion is typical of the hollow regions. In the winter the percentage of the chilly periods, depending on the altitude above sea level, the exposure of the slopes and other factors, reaches 26% for Smolyan. The winters are soft and snowy, there are no long and severe cold spells, which is due to the fencing slopes on the west and the north. The summers are cool and damp, and the autumns are long and warm - major factor attracting investors in apartments for rent in Bulgaria. The mountain is the reason for the increased negative ionization of the air in the region of the Smolyan Lakes.
Infrastructure
ROAD NETWORK
I class none
II class 35.0 km, republican road network
III class 156.1 km, republican road network
IV class 270.0 km, republican road network
The main thoroughfares are: Road II-86, Road III-197 and Road III-865. The transport scheme of the Smolyan municipality is served by 15 transport firms with 86 buses and 156 taxi cars. The telecommunication services are relatively good - there are around 20,000 telephone posts. All residential areas and apartments for rent in Bulgaria on the territory of the municipality have electric power and water supply: 99% of the water supply network is completed.
Agriculture
The agricultural land is only 24.6% of the municipality's territory. The cultivable land is 106 000 decares, including 21 000 decares of cornfields, 59 000 decares of meadows, 11 000 decares of commons and pastures. The agricultural lands are small-sized, scattered and far from the road network. The cultivable land is chiefly situated upon the mountain slopes and the river valleys. Potato production is the main branch of plant-growing in the region of the Smolyan municipality. The Rhodope potatoes are well-known for their quality all over the country. Unfortunately, there is no controlled market, which accounts for the reduction of the sown areas. There are several larger cattle and poultry farms on the municipality's territory.
Economy
Priority branch is the tourism development, with the whole product range and services to secure a year-round tourism offer and occupancy of apartments for rent in Bulgaria. The accents in winter are ski and snowboard sports and over the summer season- mountain trekking, biking and adventure tourism.
The Smolyan Local Government is modernizing its administration to meet new requirements for the public institutions. The citizens and business receive "one-stop shop" services through the front offices of administrative departments. The municipality was awarded with the EU Golden Stars of Town Twinning Prize in 2000 for the relations between Smolyan town and its German twin town of Suhl. 6,181 business entities have been registered, whereof 87 state-owned, 101 municipal and 5,993 private ones. The essential upstream industries in Smolyan Municipality are the light industry, comprising textile factories, tailoring enterprises, meat processing and dairy production enterprises, bread-making factories and bakeries. The production of cables and conductors is well developed. The machine tool plant is specialized in the production of machines and instruments, designed for the metal working and wood processing industries. The construction activities are characterized by closed production cycle - from the initial design to the end product. Wood production and wood processing are developed in line with the need to preserve and maintain the environmental balance. The available unemployed qualified work force and the potential fro closing the raw material-product cycle offer good investment opportunities in the furniture industry. Priority is ascribed to the tourism sector and investment in apartments for rent in Bulgaria. The municipality's economy is based on the manufacturing of ecologically clean products in all spheres. The municipality participates in the process of developing a tourist cluster in Smolyan Municipality. The farming land occupies barely 24.6% of the municipal territory. Potato harvesting is the key vegetable growing activity. The potatoes grown in the Rhodopes Region are well known throughout the country for their quality. The Smilianski type of beans is the hallmark of Smolyan owing to its characteristic features and unique taste. Private owners are involved in stockbreeding. There is a limited number of medium-sized stockbreeding and poultry farming farms on the territory of the municipality. Some of the most important enterprises are the following: The mainstay of the municipality's economy is the private firm "Gamakabel", which produces various kinds of cables with application in the country and abroad; Arexim ЕООD - machine building; ЕТ Elitex - tailoring industry; Dyulger ООD - construction industry; ZММ ООD - machine building; Rodopeya Belev ЕООD - dairy industry; Cocoimpex ООD, Pamporovo АD.
STRATEGIC PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
A number of tourism projects are under way in Smolyan Municipality: Tracing, informative designation and developing walkways for hiking mountain tours; Creation of zone for pedestrian tours and cave exploring along the upper course of the Arda River; 34 projects under the Beautiful Bulgaria Program. They are aimed at solving the unemployment problem, developing the tourism potential of the municipality, more specifically of the small population centers, promoting the small and medium-sized businesses and the apartments for rent in Bulgaria. Places and buildings, representing cultural or historical heritage, as well as those having a social function, have been renovated. The numerous natural sights turn Smolyan into a favorite place for tourism and recreation – factor attracting the tourist to lodge in holiday apartments for rent in Bulgaria. The project titled Development of Sports Tourism Centre Perelik is one of the priority infrastructure projects, aimed at the development of the municipality. The project envisages investments for the construction of eight ski run networks with overall horizontal length of 29,775 m, servicing zones occupying an overall area of 5 sq. km, with temporary catering establishments with seating capacity of 1,550 and places for emergency accommodation with capacity of 200 people, building of towing lifts and chair lifts of length of 25,000 m, parking lots, ski tracks, sanitary equipment. Smolyan Municipality provides investment opportunities, related to accommodation( apartments for rent in Bulgaria ), catering and entertainment facilities in the resort vacation spots - Raikovski Livadi, Ardashla, Stoikite, Smolyan lakes - all located in close proximity to Pamporovo Resort and the future Sports Tourism Centre Perelik. Smolyan Municipality is a member of: the Association of Rhodopes Municipalities, National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, Ecoenergy - Municipal Energy Efficiency Network, RODOPI Cross-border Euroregion, Towns of Change Network, jointly with 9 towns from Central and Eastern Europe. Twinned cities: Xanti Municipality - Greece, the town of Suhl - Germany, Pendik Municipality, Istanbul - Turkey, the town of Eilat - Israel, Syu Chang - China, Sluik - Byelorussia, Belits - Moldova, Chispesht Region, Budapest - Hungary and Martinsicuro - Italy. The municipality takes part in the application of the Towns of the Change program with the support of the World Bank and the Burtlesman foundation and of the program for aiding the development of tourism GTZ - German Society for Technical Cooperation. 48 218 people live in the Smolyan municipality, some of them lodge in apartments for rent in Bulgaria and the larger part of them live in the municipal centre - the town of Smolyan.
Tourisum
The favorable climatic conditions, the variety of the plant and the animal world, the preserved traditions, customs and architecture are factors favoring the development of international tourism and increasing the amount of occupancy in the apartments for rent in Bulgaria.
RHODOPE MOUNTAIN
The Rhodopes reminds of a sea of overwhelming dark green hills. The mountain welcomes you with beautiful panoramic views and crystal clear air. For thousands of years people have lived in harmony with nature, preserving in its folds virgin, still untouched by humans places of beauty and astonishing diversity of wild life. The Rhodopes are the country’s and the Balkan’s oldest dry land. Inhabited since ancient times, the earliest written evidence we find about the Rhodopes comes from Homer’s epic Iliad (VIII century BC). Numerous legends are associate this region with antiquity - the tales of Dionysius and his temple, of the mythical musician and singer Orpheus, whose music used to enchant humans, birds and beasts alike. He was born here in the Rhodopes, the mountain, which kept the memory of him forever. Even today the woods still re-echo with the sounds of Rhodopean bag-pipe and the magic voices of Rhodopean singers. Central Rhodopes Region, where Smolyan is located, offers excellent conditions for all-the-year-round tourism and long term occupancy of the apartments for rent in Bulgaria. The varied relief – high mountain peaks, surrounded by colorful meadows and centuries old fir and beech trees, long mountain chains encircled by tourist trails, stunning river canyons and swift mountain springs with crystal clear water, azure highland lakes, and picturesque karsts phenomena – caves, imposing rock formations and striking defiles scattered throughout this unusually attractive corner of Bulgaria. Newcomers and the tenants of the apartments for rent in Bulgaria to the Rhodope Mountains are enchanted by the picturesque villages amidst meadows vivid with the bright colors of flowers and wild berries. The Rhodopes are the ideal place for rest and relaxation. There are multiple opportunities for active recreation and tourism in Smolyan municipality. If you are an admirer of natural beauty, you can choose from the routes in the area for hiking and cave tourism in the upper stream of Arda River Valleyr, Smolyan lakes area, the villages of Gela , Stoikite and Shiroka Luka, as well as Haidushki Poliani area. Moreover, tourists are offered the unique opportunity to unveil the jealously guarded secrets of the mountain – treasures of beauty, seen only by those who dare accepting the challenges of speleological and rock climbing tours in Arda River valley or in the vicinity of Shiroka Luka village. Within the Central Rhodopes Region 100 protected sights have been registered One of them is a must see – Uhlovitsa cave and Soskovcheto Reserve established in 1968 in order to preserve the unique floral biodiversity. For those preferring mountain hiking, there is an eco-trail - "The Waterfalls Canyon". The trail crosses amongst the spruce-forest of the reserve and opens up numerous places to beautiful panorama sights towards the town.
SMOLYAN PLANETARIUM
The Star Hall of Smolyan Planetarium, the biggest in Bulgaria, offers projections of the sky and astronomical shows all the year round. Tourists can also visit the National Astronomical Observatory “Rozhen”, situated 30 km away from the municipality center.
ADVENTURES
Adrenaline seekers can enjoy sport activities like rock climbing, mountain biking and penetration in wild caves. These activities may be safely practiced only with a guide from Speleology and Extreme Tourism Club “Mursalitsa”, Centre for Mountain Sport and Tourism – Momchilovtsi and the Local Tourism Council in the village of Mogilitsa. Those who enjoy nature may opt for the eco- and tourist mountain trails in the area for walking and speleo tourism in the upper Arda River Valley, the region of the villages Stoikite, Shiroka Laka and Gela , or the area of Momchilovtsi village and Haidushki polyani. Those seeking adventure and challenge have the option to practice sports like rock climbing, mountain biking and penetration in wild caves. Special equipment and qualified guides can be booked through the Tourist Information Centre of Smolyan Municipality.
ACCOMODATION
Smolyan
Smolyan offers a variety of accommodation and lodging facilities. Tourists can choose between the luxury of five and four star hotels in the winter resort of Pamporovo, the comfort of the three star hotels in the resort and the in the city, or the cosiness and the typical atmosphere of small family hotels and apartments for rent in Bulgaria in the suburbia and the nearby rural settlements. Those preferring the mountain and mountain hiking activities may opt for the advantages of mountain chalets and apartments for rent in Bulgaria. Total capacity of accommodation facilities in the municipality amounts to 3200 daily, 1378 of which in the ski resort of Pamporovo, situated at just 15 km north of Smolyan, 1362 in the City of Smolyan and tits nearby village, and 304 lodging places in mountain chalets.
Pamporovo
Pamporovo is the second largest winter ski resort and the sunniest high mountain resort in Bulgaria is located only at a 15 km distance from Smolyan. It has various ski runs, designed both for experienced skiers and for beginners. The resort enjoys 240 sunny days a year. At an altitude of 1650 in its central part to 1926 m above the sea level at its highest – peak Snezhanka, only a day of skiing in Pamporovo is enough to get you a nice suntan. Its climate is mild, with a perceptible Mediterranean influence. The average annual temperature is 8.5 ° C and the average snow cover between 1.40 m and 1.50 m. The total length of its snow runs is 20 km with an average vertical drop of 285 and 476 meters, offering challenges for both novice and casual skiers, and the steep plunge, deserving its name “The Wall” – a real challenge for experienced ones. Beginners can benefit the services of the ski school whose instructors train thousands of skiers each season. The resort features also a half-pipe for snowboarding fans. The ski runs near the villages Mogilitsa, Gela and Momchilovtsi are designed for less experienced skiers. A snowboard park has been established near the village of Momchilovtsi. There are options for active recreation and tourism in the summer season. The region is famous for its numerous caves along the upper course of Arda River - Uhlovitsa, Nadarska, Golubovitsa, Garvanyovitsa, the passage cave Kaleto, Lednitsata. In summer Pamporovo is a perfect place for activity holidays offering walks of different difficulty and length. Those, preferring mountain biking, will also find a number of suitable tracks. The caves and their neighbouring areas are suitable for practicing extreme sports, such as rock climbing, mountain biking and exploring deserted caves. Local tourist associations and organizations provide the necessary outfit, equipment and well qualified guides. A number of eco and tourist walkways have been constructed and marked in the Zone for pedestrian tours and cave exploring along the Arda River valley in the following areas: Shiroka laka village, Gela village and Momchilovtsi village, the area of Haidushki polyani.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Why don’t you visit one of the cosy catering places in this region and you will be charmed by the hospitality of Rhodope people and you will be able to taste the superb dishes offered there! Dishes like patatnik, kachamak, klin, salad from beans, yogurt with wild strawberries and cranberries are only a part of the temptations of the traditional cooking of the Rhodopes region. Preparing and cooking some of them is a real ritual, the participation in which is a true attraction. The pleasure in standing by (the live coals) open fireplace in a meadow and rotating the lamb on the spit is long lasting memory. The Rhodpe pasty (klin) is unusual with its way of cooking and the components – rice, milk, cheese, butter, and in springtime leafs of spinach or dock. The beans soup can be tasted anywhere in Bulgaria, but only in the Rhodopes there is the famous Smilyan beans and kidney beans. The Smilyan bean is colored, not white, and the size of the bean is good enough for the Guiness Record Book.
MOUNTAIN HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS
Trail No. 1, 4 hrs.
Village of Shiroka laka – Prevala area – Smolian Lakes Chalet.
The trail starts from the center of the village in the direction of Pamporovo resort. Duration of passage is approximately 4 hours.
From May 20 till September15, Snezhanka peak is reachable from the centre of Pamporovo too, initially with Chair Lift No.1 up to Studenets chalet, and from that point with the Four-Chair Lift (No. 2) to the Snezhanka summit tower. Downhill from the peak to the Smolyan lakes you can take Lift Line No.4.
Trail No. 2
Village of Shiroka laka – Solishta village – Perelik Chalet
The route is a part of a marked trail with blue colour. The starting point is from the bridge by the State Forestry on the road to Solishta village. The Panoramic Road is 3 hours away from the village of Shiroka laka, and from there to Perelik chalet you reach for an hour and 15 min., the total length of the tour is 4 h 15 min.
Trail No. 3
Prevala area – Perelik Chalet – Stikal Village – Village Shiroka laka.
The Perelik chalet is situated at the foothills of Perelik peak in the Sovata area, at an altitude of 1960 above sea level. The hut is reachable by car via the road to Smolyan. The transit time from the Prevala area to the Hut is 2 hours walk. The rest of the route takes 3 hours.
Trail No. 4, 5 hrs.
Perelik Chalet – Lednitsata Chalet
The route is marked in red colour and is a part of the European E8 Route. The trail goes through the Mezargidik area, near the St. Kirik & Julita chapel, where the border line between Turkey and Bulgaria was passing till 1912. Lednitsata chalet is situated at the altitude of 1650 m and is open for tourists all the year round, however for visits over the winter season an arrangement should be made in advance.
Trail No. 5, 4 hrs.
Village of Shiroka laka – Zaevite hamlet – Village of Gela – Lednitsata Chalet.
From Shiroka Laka across Zaevite hamlet to the village of Gela is you can reach within 2 hrs. Over the last years the village of Gela has earned popularity as a tourist destination for summer and winter recreation. Lednitsata Chalet is 7 km away from Gela . The passage across steep mountain slopes takes 2 hrs.
Trail No. 6, 5 hours
Village of Gela – Village of Stikal - Perelik Chalet – Village of Gela
The route starts from the center of Gela village and after the last hamlet enters the forest and reaches to a wooden bridge (30 min). From that point the walk passes along a yellow forest trail, which in places transforms to a narrow path. Approximately 2 hours later you reach the St. Kirik & Julita chapel and in 20 min you reach the Perelik hut, situated at the foothill of Perelik peak (2191м) – the highest in the Rhodope mountain. The duration of the whole route is 3 hours . The return hike will take you 2 hours.
Trail No 7 , 8 hrs.
Lednitsata chalet – Mugla village - Chairite lakes area – Trigrad village
The start is from the Lednitsata hut in Southwestern direction along a trail, which is a part of E8, marked in red. The way passes through the areas – the Small Kekez and the Kiupria, Odabashiitsa and Kraevo (old Thracian settlement). From the forest near the village of Mugla there is a beautiful panoramic view to the hills along the border with Greece .
Trail No 8, 3:30 hrs
Shiroka laka village – Lednitsata cave - Lednitsata chalet
The trail starts along the road to Devin, and follows the blue marking. The trail to Lednitsata cave is З hours. The distance from the cave to the hut is 3 km and is passed for approximately 30 min.
Trail No 9
Shiroka laka village – Varbovo village – Izgrev hut
The route starts on the road to Devin along a trail marked with yellow and green colours. It passes through the village of Varbovo with its typical two floor houses with bow windows. The center of Shiroka laka is within 1 hour walking distance to the center of Varbovo. From the center of Varbovo village to Izgrev hut it is 3 hours. There are multiple opportunities you can take from the Izgrev hut:
Along the motorway to the town of Chepelare – 12 km to the Wonder bridges hut and the natural phenomenon – 4 hours and 30 min.
Through the Gluhite kamani area to the Stone bridges hut – 5 hours.
Through the Gluhite kamani area to the Persenk hut – 5 hours.
Trail No 10, 3:30 hrs.
Studenets Chalet – Prevala area – Perelik Chalet
In the direction of Studenets chalet, the red trail may be followed (2 km), starting from the centre of Pamporovo resort, or the chair lift starting from the bus terminal. The Students chalet is situated at the foothill of the Snezhanka peak (1730 m a.s.l.). The distance from Studenets chalet to the Prevala area is 1 hour 30 min. From there an asphalt road starts off to Perelik hut. This is a part of the Euro route E8, marked in red. It is 2 hours walk from the chalet to the Prevala area.
From Studenets chalet you can reach the area of the Smolyan lakes for 3 hours (red colour).
Trail No 11, 2:45 krs.
Shiroka laka village – St. Elena peak – Stoikite village
The route starts from the center of the village in the direction of Pamporovo. Initially the route goes along the motorway, further on it continues along a red trail. At the St. Elena peak the St. Konstantin and Elena chapel is situated. The distance from Shiroka laka to the peak is 1 hour and 30 min. From the St. Constantin and Elena chapel to the village of Stoikite it is 1 hour 15 min walk.
Trail No 12 , 4 hrs.
Srednogorets Peak – Fishing and BBQ complex “Ribarnika” – village of Smilyan .
This trails starts from the memorial monument on peak Srednogorets, dedicated to the liberation of the Rhodope region in 1912, and passes through the village of Polkovnik Serafimovo , then climbs down along the rivers of Serafimovska river to where it mouths into Arda river. Situated just at the fork, with majestick rock wall on one side and river terrace on the other, Ribarnika BBQ complex offers excellent opportunities for recreation. You can have a light snack or try your luck fishing trout. The rout continues to the west, up along the stream of Arda river to lead you to the first settlement of the Area for hiking and cave tourism in Upper Arda River Stream. Total duration of this passage is 4 hrs.
Trail No 1 3, 7 hrs.
Smillyan village – Kaleto Passage Cave – Kaleto Fortress Golubovitsa Caves – Mogilitsa village. This is a combined route, including biking and hiking passages. From Smilyan you head on an asphalt road to Mogilitsa. After a 25 minutes biking ride you reach a wooden bower, where you leave the bikes. From here you take down a short dirty road to the left, cross the river along a suspension bridge, and then climb up a steep forest slope that leads at the foot of Kaleto cave (30 min). Here the trail parts. If you take to the right, the trail will lead you to a watching platform and a barbeque place, built at an altitude of 1160 m. A splendid panorama to the valley of Arda river opens from here. You can observe the rare black storks, rock swallows, and swifts. There are habitats of the alpine rose, plant specie protected by law. The trail climbs down the southern slope to lead you back to the wooden bower where this passage started.
Trail No14,red colour, 6 hrs.
Village of Arda – Arda river spring s –– village of Arda
The starting point is situated in an easterly direction in the botanical gardens of the village of Arda . It crosses the village and climb to the countryside of “Korbanishte” from where it is easy to see the village of Arda , a part of the hamlet of Rechany, and Ardin peak. A dirt road takes us to the hamlet of Lugut, the birthplace of Valya Balkanska. The road continues at the foot of Kador peak. It turns into a path that reaches the way summerhouse. There we can have a rest and a sip of water before we go on conquering Ardin peak , 1650 metres high. At its foot the icy cold river Arda rises in the roots of a century-old beech. A summerhouse and a place for making Rhodope barbeques are built at the spring of Arda. The path slopes down to the hamlet of Bilyantsi from where an asphalt–paved road by the river Arda reaches the final destination – the village of Arda .
Trail No 15, 4 hrs.
Mogilitsa – Kiseltchovo Waterfall – Mogilitsa
It starts from an initial point in the village of Mogilitsa . WE walk north towards the place called Linden with a view of Mogilitsa and Kom peak. A narrow path leads us to the countryside of Burdo. A coniferous forest surrounds it .We start west along a dirt road, enter a deciduous forest, and reach the countryside of Usoina polyana from where all the settlements in the region can be seen. Nest the path continues to the village of Chershova reka. It gets through meadows and deciduous forests until it comes down to an asphalt-paved road passing through Chereshova reka and reaching a road fork. We set off to the left in the direction of the village of Kiselchovo . After crossing the village we get to a sharp turn on the left of which there is a continuation of a dirt road. On the left after 20 meters following this road thee is a constructed small wooden bridge over the river which is the beginning of the path to the waterfall. It passes through a mixed forest and glades studded with herbs and forest fruits. The path continues at places in the river, at places out of it along covered with green moss rocks towards a small gorge. It is enveloped with incredibly big wild geranium which fragrance will cast a spell on you. Then we reach the 4 meters waterfall. For those who enjoy being thrilled the route may continue through climbing to the upper two waterfalls which are a rare accessible spot. After the route goes on back to the village of Mogilitsa .
Trail No 16, 4 hrs.
Mogilitsa - Nadarska cave – Mogilitsa
The constructed starting point initiates our mountain trip. The path surrounded by a coniferous forest leads towards the village of Chereshova reka. It reaches a fountain and a summerhouse from where a path starts west taking us to Nadarska cave. After 30 minutes climbing up a rocky ground we gain a summerhouse with a beautiful view of the hamlet of Nadartsy and the medieval sanctuary at Kom peak. Approaching the cave you will need equipment with which your mountain guide will provide you. After visiting the cave the route goes on back to the village of Mogilitsa .
Trail No 17, 7 hours
Mogilitsa village – Burdo – Nadarska Cave – Uhlovitsa Cave – Mogilitsa village
It starts from an initial point in the village of Mogilitsa . We walk North towards the place called Ilinden with a view of Mogilitsa and Kom peak. A narrow path leads us to the countryside of Burdo. We start East along a dirt road, enter a deciduous forest, and reach the country side of Usoina polyana from where all the settlements of the region can be seen. Next the path continues to the village of Chereshova reka. It passes through meadows and a deciduous forest until it comes down to an asphalt-paved road passing through Chereshova Reka and reaching a road fork. We set off to the right in the direction of the village of Chereshovo . Then the road turns into a path that declines east to the left. It is rocky and we advance slowly. We come out on a craggy ridge from where we go on eastwards towards the countryside of Chikura. We keep on walking East to the hamlet of Uhlovitsa until we reach the summer residence “Agushevy konatsi”. An asphalt-paved road leads to Uhlovitsa hamlet. It is situated on the ridge of the mountains near Uhlovitsa cave famous for its karst forms and formations. After visiting the cave the route continues to Mogilitsa following the asphalt-paved road near the river Arda.
Trail No 18, 9 hrs.
Mogilitsa – Burdo – Borikovska cave – Thracian sanctuary – Arda – Mogilitsa
It starts from an initial point in the village of Mogilitsa . At the countryside of Burdo we set out west along the path towards a village called Borikovo in the Vicinity of which we will see the most interesting cave in the region – Borikovska cave. Besides the incredibly beautiful formations there are discovered a skull and bones of a cave-bear. During our walk it is allowed to take pictures of Borikovska cave to the ancient Thracian sanctuary over the village of Arda . It is not known exactly when it dates back to, but it is not less than 2 500 years old. The pretty village of Arda is a wonderful end of this 9 hours route.
Trail No 19, 7 hours
Mogilitsa village – Protected natural site “Padala” – Mogilitsa village.
The initial point of the route is in the centre of the village of Mogilitsa . We cross the Arda river along an ancient roman bridge which has miraculously survived through the ages. We walk past lush pastures that in ancient times echoed with the ring of the Rhodope sheep-bells. Gradually the path submerges us in the century-old pine forest of the defended countryside of Padala. We are in a spot of the Rhodopes – mysterious and ancient, enchantingly beautiful and eternal. Here we see everything that has preserved in the colours of the Rhodope fleecy- rug, we hear the melody of Orpheus’ lyre born out of the mountain’s harmony, the song of Delyu haidutin that flies towards the space. This meet with nature will remain forever in the traveller’s heart. He will feel the harmony inside and will reveal the most valuable thing – wideness and vividness of his own soul. The route is brief and easy, and it is suitable for children.
Trail No 20, 8 hours
Arda – Gozdevitsa – Kom peak – Arda
The initial point is in the village of Arda . We head for the hamlet of Gozdevitsa east of the village. The hamlet is about 2 km far from Arda at the west foot of Kom peak. The small Komska River flows under the village. The high conical peak wrapped with legends and sagas reveals in front of the traveler. One of the legends tells about an underground church located at Kom where in ancient tomes worshippers from a long way off came to receive the Eucharist – from Zlatograd as far as Gotsa Delchev. Thea appearing blue from west to north Krusha Mountain , Kukova polyana, Gloyam Perelik, Snejanka, Rojen, and Haidushky polyany can be seen from Kom peak. In fine weather the White Sea at the Island of Tasos gleaming in the golden rays of the morning sun is visible from here. In the pas the Bug Thracian road passed here. It took men working abroad, shepherds, and merchants to Drachma. Even the famous French traveler Paul Lucas passed it on his way to the White Sea Thrace. The route is appropriate for cycling and horse riding passages.
Ecology
Two stations for analysis of the pollution of atmospheric air of the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Waters - Smolyan function on the territory of the Smolyan municipality. The characteristics of sulphur dioxide, nitric dioxide, dust and lead aerosols are measured every day. Their average monthly concentrations are considerably below the safe norms.
The main sources of atmospheric air pollution are the motor transport and the domestic heating. The industrial sources are negligible. The orographic, climatic and meteorological conditions in the town of Smolyan's region do not bring forth conditions for a continuous stay of harmful substances in the ground layer of the atmosphere. The potential of the air basin is high and for that reason the degree of pollution is comparatively low.
WATERS
The water delivered for the drinking and domestic needs of the population is of the necessary quality and meets the requirements of the Bulgarian State Standard 2823/1983.
The receptacle of the town of Smolyan's waste waters is the Cherna River with a length 48 m and a catchment area of 260 км2.
The properties of the river waters are controlled by the Regional Inspectorate of the Environment and Waters - Smolyan through monthly sampling and analyses of various characteristics. The results of those analyses show that the waters of the Cherna River do not satisfy the requirements for a water intake of the 2nd category by the characteristics indissolved substances, nitrite and ammonium nitrogen, biological oxygen demand 5, etc.
For the purification of the town of Smolyan's waste waters and the restoration of the biological variety of the Cherna River, a design for a purification plant is being prepared.
SOILS
There are no seriously polluted soils in the municipality. Pollutions with heavy metals have not been discovered.
The relief and the climate contribute too much for the development of erosive processes in the agricultural terrains. There are considerable areas of eroded soils.
There are several damaged terrains as a result of quarrying. The preparation and application of designs for their re-cultivation are forthcoming.
Pollution of soils with domestic waste is observed in the villages with unorganized collection of solid waste. Small waste platforms form there.
RADIATION
An uranium deposit was exploited on the municipality's territory 10 km away from the town of Smolyan. Uranium ore was extracted there up to 1992. A project for conservation of the mines and re-cultivation of the affected terrains was applied.
The analyses of the natural background radiation and the surface waters are performed by the Regional Inspectorate of the Environment and Waters - Plovdiv. The measured values of the background radiation and the waters show a normal radiation situation.
Education
10 kindergartens, 6 of which are combined with nurseries, function on the territory of the Smolyan municipality. The Step by Step program, which has been applied for 4 years, is of special interest to the children.
The №1 “Slantse” Kindergarten combines the rich European tradition in small children's education with the theory and practice of the Early Start program from the USA.
The "Rodopchanche " Kindergarten, which was founded in 1948, has very good traditions in the preschool education. The pedagogical staff's aim is to turn the kindergarten into the House of Joy. Clubs of interests have been founded where the cooperation, the independence and the right of choice of the children, the teachers and the parents are stimulated.
4 primary and 3 general education secondary schools, a foreign language secondary school and a mathematical secondary school function in the town of Smolyan. All of them are municipal. There also function 6 state technical schools and a vocational secondary school of applied arts and Foreign Language Secondary School "Ivan Vazov"
The largest school in the Smolyan municipality is the First Secondary School "Sveti Kiril i Metodiy". 1 040 pupils from the 1st to the 12th class are educated there in 44 divisions. The divisions of the primary course are profiled into fine arts, choreography, music and early foreign language learning. There are specialized classrooms for all of these subjects and two computer rooms. After the 7th class the pupils are educated in the specialty Organizer in a Small Enterprise.
Culture
TRADITIONS
The municipality has a rich cultural and historical heritage, represented by Smolyan History Museum, where a constant exhibition is displayed under the following sections: Pre-history, Middle Ages, Arts and Crafts, Traditional Costumes, Ritual Requisites, as well as Tradition and Contemporary Trends. In Momchilovtsi there are a historical museum collection and an art gallery, whereas in Shiroka laka there is an ethnographic collection. The following house museums are open to visitors: House Museum of Laslo Nagy in Raikovo residential district, Hadjichoneva Kashta and Madjarovata Kashta in Ustovo residential district, Alibeeviya police office in Raikovo residential district. The City Art Gallery offers paintings of Bulgarian artists from the 1930s to the present day, as well as of world famous painters. Rhodope people value and are proud with the local handicrafts. The famous "100 bagpipes" orchestra, the State Folklore Performance Arts Ensemble "Rhodopa", the Youth Folklore Performance Arts Ensemble "Orpheus", as well as the numerous amateurs folklore groups preserve the traditions and promote the richness of the Rhodope folklore across Bulgaria and abroad. On the municipality's territory are situated the "Rozhen" Observatory - the largest national observatory on the Balkan Peninsula, and the best planetarium in Bulgaria, which is a member of the international organization Planetary Community, founded by Carl Seygan. Centres of preserved traditions and cultural life are the Rhodope Dramatic Theatre, the History Museum, which has an exclusively rich ethnographic collection, and the Art Gallery, which possesses pictures by the greatest Bulgarian painters. The children's and youth ensemble for folk songs and dances "Orpheus", founded in 1970, an active participant in national and international events, gives a great contribution to the learning, preservation and popularizing of the rich folk heritage of the Rhodopes. Smolyan is a host of the traditional Orpheus' Children's Folk Holidays and of the national folk fair "Rozhen". The largest church in southern Bulgaria, the Cathedral of Saint Vissarion of Smolyan, was inaugurated in the city in July 2006.
HANDY CRAFTS
In the past Smolyan was a famous craft center In the IX century the copper-smiths of Ustovo district have furbished the homes of Bulgarians all over the country, their trade expanded to the cities of Edirne and Xanthi. Nowadays the tradition of the coppersmiths and the blacksmiths is still alive. Momchilovtsi is a center of woodcarving, Mogilitsa -of the production of manually carved wine vessels - baklitsi. Almost in every settlement in the municipality there are women who still process wool and weave fabriks, as well as the popular long fleece rugs. However, they can only be witnessed in Smolyan, Shiroka Laka, Mogilitsa and Momchilovtsi, in the local handicrafts demonstration centers. Photo – 2-15.jpg
HISTORICAL MUSEUM - SMOLYAN
Founded in 1935 by the renowned Rhodope enlightener, man of letters and researcher Stoyou Nedelev Shishkov. Since 1983 it has been in a specially designed museum building with a built-up area of 2 085 sq. m in the new centre of the town of Smolyan. Over 150 000 museum items are stored in the museum. It has a rich numismatic collection, an arms collection and works dedicated to various themes from the Rhodopes by famous Bulgarian painters. There is also a unique collection "Phaleristics, Heraldry and Numismatics", donated to the museum by Retired Colonel Raicho Peev Harbaliev.
REGIONAL LIBRARY “NIKOLAY VRANCHEV”
The Regional Library “Nikolay Vranchev” - Smolyan is the largest library and information centre on the territory of the Smolyan district. The following specialized sections for services to the readers are situated upon an all-out area of 5 000 sq. M. The library possesses a rich enquiry equipment - catalogues, card indexes, etc. The construction of an automated library system based on the product CDS/ISIS-micro (UNESCO) started in 1998.
ART GALLERY - SMOLYAN
The art gallery in Smolyan was founded in 1964. In 1983, it moved into its new specially designed building, where it has 1 000 sq. m of exhibition area, stock storage rooms, workrooms, two laboratories - a conservation and restoration laboratory and a photographic darkroom, three studios - a graphic, a painting and a carpenter's studio specialized in manufacturing of frames. The gallery's art fund numbers about 2 000 works of painting, graphics and sculpture - by Bulgarian and foreign artists. The largest is the number of the works acquired from the "Rhodope" art exhibitions, which took place in Smolyan (1972, 1977, 1983, 1989), from other national or one-person exhibitions, through buying out the studios of artists or their heirs. The permanent exhibition of the Smolyan Art Gallery shows works of some of the most renowned representatives of the Bulgarian fine arts. The first hall shows the classics: the works of Vladimir Dimitrov-"The Master", Bencho Oreshkov, Nenko Balkanski, Zlatyou Boyajiev, David Perets, Vassil Barakov, Alexandar Moutafov, Pafael Mihailov, Dechko Ouzunov, Stoyan Venev, Ilia Beshkov, etc. In the next halls, the stages of the development of the Bulgarian fine arts and the continuity among the generations of the Bulgarian artists can be traced in the works of artists with different approaches to style and preferences in painting and plastics. Many of the works were inspired by the Rhodope nature, way of life and history and the rich local traditions. A special place among them has the collection "Orpheus in the Bulgarian Fine Arts'. It includes the small plastics of Valentin Starchev, Margarita Poueva and Dimitar Rashov, the paintings of Dobri Dobrev and Atanas Petsev, and the graphics of Petar Chouklev, Zdravko Zahariev, Zafir Yovchev and Atanas Neikov. The gallery possesses paintings by the Rhodope inhabitants Mihail Karapaounov, Dimitar Serezliev and Rouzhko Chelebiev. The Smolyan group of artists is also represented properly represented with works of its best representatives. Since 1981, the Art Gallery - Smolyan has been the host and organizer of the Autumn International Plenary of Painting, in which180 artists from over 25 countries have participated up to now, and have left 384 works. The plenary has become an affirmed form of creative communication between artists from all over the world, and the rich plenary collection is displayed in the gallery's permanent exhibition. The Art Gallery - Smolyan displays visiting collections in its halls, organizes hundreds of common and one-person exhibitions both in small settlements of the region and in prestigious galleries in the country and abroad.
EVENTS
Saint Jordan ’s Day (January 6 th), Smolyan
Related to the Christian Calendar. In the churches there is an official liturgy followed by a procession carrying the Holy Cross to perform the ceremony of throwing the cross in the nearest river. According to an old ritual the bravest and the strongest in faith from the congregation, who takes out the cross from the cold river waters will be healthy during the whole year.
“Pustove” (The First Sunday before Lent) in Raikovo, Smolyan town
These are festivities at the end of February or the beginning of March, when people gather in front of “Orpheevi gori” Community Club. Amateur groups from the Community Club, the “Zevzek” Club (Wise Cracker) and guest ensembles from the region are performing folklore dances and making attractive shows around orada - a big bonfire. There is bidding who is going to light the fire and contest for the best masquerade costume. At the end the bravest masked and dressed performers jump over the big bon fire to chase the evil. The ritual comes from the pagan rites connected with the end of the cold winter days and the refreshing advent of the springtime.
Thodor’s day in the village of Momchilovtsi
Kushia – horse races are organized in the village of Momchilovtsi dedicated to Thodor’s Day. The celebration takes place on the Saturday before the Long Lent. It is also known as the Horse Easter.
Masquerade games “Pess Ponedelnik” in Shiroka Luka
For years the carnival “Pess Ponedelnik” in Shiroka Luka attracts hundreds of tourists to the village. Each first weekend of March the Rhodopean village is becoming busy and lively with the chime of bells and the colour of masquerade costumes. Preparation s for the traditional games of kukery (mummers) begin from Friday evening. The local amateur group presents on the scene of the National School of Folklore Arts – Shiroka Luka the performance “Poprelka”. (The show is an animation illustrating the old tradition when all the women gather to have small talk and at the same time are busy with the crafts from old times). On Saturday students in the S chool of Arts make a concert. The masquerade carnival itself takes place on Sunday. The participants in the games, dressed in special costumes (goat and sheep furs and big bells tied around their waists) with attractive masks, armed with wooden swords make a show procession around the village performing various rituals. The main idea is to chase away the evil spirits on the eve of spring. Participating e nsembles come from other parts of the country – Plovdiv , Karlovo, Kazanlak, Blagoevgrad , as well as from foreign countries - Ireland and M a cedonia . The games finish with a ritual for purification of the kukeries in the river of Shiroka Luka .
May Cultural Festivities
take place yearly in the town of Smolyan and have a rich programme of cultural events – photo-exhibitions, concerts and literature presentations. The programme of the celebrations is published on the internet site of Smolyan municipality - http:// bulgaria.domino.bg/smolyan/ .
Gergyovden - St. George’s day (May 6 th)
The preparations for the holiday start from the previous day. The young maids pick herbs and blossoms of apple and quince, which are immersed in water for the night. On the next morning the members of family wash with this water, and the flowers are taken out of the water with wishing for health, luck, marriage and prosperity. Early in the morning the people wash their faces with mountain dew, and the young lads make cradles for the young lassies. On this holiday in every house the housewife makes a traditional Banitsa (pie) with herbs – so called prosopnik. The holiday is celebrated by both Christians and Muslims and is popular with the Muslim population as Aderlez. One can attend the celebrations in the villages near Smolyan.
“St. St. Constantine and Elena” ( May 21th) in Momchilovtsi village
Celebrations on occasion of the church holiday “St. St. Constantine and Elena” and a community reunion. The Christian holiday is also connected with organized singing contests and only on this day there is a live performance of the ritual “Traditional Rhodope Wedding” in Momchilovtsi. The celebrations continue with folklore amateur ensembles performing in the square, where there is also an exhibition of the local craftsmen.
Artisan Fair (June 26 th) in Mogilitsa village
Each year this small Rhodope village celebrates traditional crafts and the authentic folklore of the area with an Artisan Fair. The event includes performances of authentic folklore amateur troupes from Smolyan region and a bazaar of artisanproducts. Mogilitsa is one of the two centers – the other being Pavelsko village - of production of baklitsi (small wooden kegs) and of chabori (wooden vessels for storage of dairy products). In the crafts demonstration center you can watch hand weaving on the traditional horizontal loom and knitting of zunki (textile braids).
International Orpheus Youth Folk Festival
Every two years on the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of June an International Youth Folklore Festival for authentic folklore art is taking place in Smolyan, known as the “Orpheus Holidays”. The participants are children folk ensembles from all folk regions of the country – singers, instrumentalists and dancers. Since 2001 in the guest performers to the festival come also from the Balkan countries and Europe. Within the festival there are various events – revival of children folklore games, round tables. Special stages are set up in the open,
Holiday of St. Nedelia inGorno Raikovo, Smolyan (July 7 th)
Sanctuary-holiday with festivities. There is a lithurgy in the St. Nedelia church in Gorno Raikovo, Smolyan . The holiday continues on the amphitheatre in front of the “Balkanski prosvetitel” Community Club, where youth ensembles perform, church choirs sing psalms and folklore groups’ dance.
Ilinden (July 20 th)
Holiday of St. Illia. Community reunions in the villages of Levochevo, Arda and Chokmanovo, with the participation of folklore groups and performers from the region and the country. The animations are in the open and allow free access of tourists and guests to the village.
International Bagpipe Festin the village of Shiroka Luka
This is a traditional local festival during the month of July in Shiroka Luka. The festival is organized by the National School of Folklore Arts and the mayoralty of Shiroka Luka village. During the bag-pipe fest apart from enjoying the performances of the professionals the guests can also try their skills in playing the traditional musical instruments, which the students in the school learn to play.
Ilinden in Mugla village (1st August)
Community reunion and singing contest “Mid-summer” in Mugla village connected with old pagan rituals of predicting fortune on a wreath of flowers. On the evening before the celebration a lot of flowers are picked, beautiful bunches and wreaths are made and left for the night under the stars in the open. On the day of the festivities the flowers are dipped in a big cauldron in the middle of the village and lads, lassies and young brides take out the flowers from the water with songs and fortune telling by the wreaths, and wishes for health and cure. The village is famous for its flowers and medicinal herbs, most popular of which is the “Mursalski tee”, known as the Rhodope’s viagra. The plant is a Balkan endemite (it is only growing in this area in the whole Balkan peninsular).
Bagpipe contest in the village of Gela
The traditional local festival takes place during Ilinden (the first weekend of August). A bag-pipe contest is organized with the participation of bagpipe players from the Rhodopes, the country and abroad. Every year hundreds of tourists come to the village attracted by the dazzling concert of the bagpipes and the spectacular panoramic views from the high hills. The village situated at the foot of the highest mount of Goliam Perelik is recorded in the early Greek scriptures as the birthplace of Orpheus and a temple to Dionisius. The village amateur ensemble, called “Manol Radichev”, which conquered the hearts of audience at the International Festival of the Highland Song in Llangollen ( Wales ), is the most amusing part of the show. The famous Rhodopean Cheverme (lamb on the spit) is being cooked in the open in the meadows. Free access for tourists.
National Folklore Festival Rozhen
Folklore Festival held in Rozhen area. The folklore festival dates back to the time before the Liberation of the Rhodope region, when this area was unfairly cut off from Bulgaria by the San Stefano Treaty and left under the governance of the Ottoman empire . The families separated by the artificially set border met in a great community reunion in August in the area of Rozhen meadows. The people expressed their joy from meeting with their relatives in songs and dances, and their sorrow from being separated with the mournful sound of the bagpipes. The tradition was preserved after 1912 – the Liberation of the Rhodope mountain. The folklore festival is competing in popularity with the National Folklore Festival in Koprivshtitsa. The National Folklore Festival at Rozhen site is taking place every four years on the last Saturday and Sunday of August. Amateur folklore groups – singers, instrumentalists, dancers, story tellers and groups performing rituals come from all over the country to take part. They are performing in front of both Bulgarian and foreign audience and a professional jury. The performances take place on special stages set up in the open and allow free access of tourists.
Reunion of the community in the village of Smilyan
Each year on the last weekend of August in the village of Smilyan a traditional reunion of the families under the title “Home Fireplace”. For the occasion there is also a folklore programme of groups from the region – singers, instrumentalists and dancers, as well as performance of the group for authentic folklore of the Community House “Assen Zlatarov”. The performances are in the open and allow free access of tourists and guests in the village.
Smolyan Autumn Celebrations
The Celebrations are organized in October by Smolyan Municipality in commemoration of the Liberation of Rhodope Mountain. The festivities continue for a week.
Smilyan Beans Fest
Each year in November in Smilyan village a Beans Fest takes place. The village is famous as the biggest producer of kidney beans, which is popular throughout the country as Smilyan beans. Various competitions are carried out – for the best producer of beans, best applied-arts composition form beans, for best gastronomy dish prepared from Smilyan beans. All the restaurants in the village offer a free beans soup. The authentic folklore group performs a programme of various sketches connected with the growing of beans as a traditional occupation of population in the Rhodope Mountains. There are a number of important protected areas within the municipality, including the following 4 reserves: Soskovcheto - famous for the rich biodiversity and picturesque scenery; Каzanite - distinguished by its unique wild nature, virgin forest, comprising fir tree, Austrian pine, beech, spruce; Momchilovski Dol- created for the purposes of preserving the century-old Austrian pine forests, whereas Amzovo is for the purposes of maintaining and recovering the Loddon lily. The areas Padala and Rozhenski klabuch are protected under a less strict regime. A number of natural sights contribute to the image of the municipality, which has been recognized as a region endowed with beautiful natural scenery. Some of them are Momata, Glavata, Lyatnata gora, Chernoka,Dalboki dol, Katsinsko blato, the famous Smolyanski ezera (Smolyan lakes) and Smolyanski vodopad (Smolyan Waterfall), the rock massifs - Neviastata, Tourlata, Orfeevite Skali.
Sights of the Municipality
There are numerous cultural and historical or merely attractive objects in the municipality which are of interest to its visitors - the Ouhlovitsa Cave, the medieval castle Agoushevi Konatsi, the architectural and ethnographic reservation Shiroka Laka, etc.
The Srednogorets summit
It is connected with the epic battles of the 21st Sredna Gora infantry regiment under the command of Colonel Vladimir Serafimov, which led to the liberation of the Middle Rhodopes from the Ottoman oppression during the Balkan War in 1912.
The Rozhen area
A Karst no-drainage hollow connecting the Perelik and the Prespa parts of the Rhodopes. Altitude above sea level - 1 400-1 480m, area - 108 hectares. The area is historically connected with the Russian troops passing through it during the Russian Turkish War, with the protection of the population from the Ottoman oppression by the Rhodope rebels up to the region's liberation and especially with the activities of Captain Petko Voivoda. In 1878, the boundary line between Eastern Roumelia and the Ottoman Empire passed through Rozhen. It remained in Bulgaria as a border zone in 1912. The famous Rozhen Festival has taken place at Rozhen for more than 100 years. It started as a religious celebration, gradually expanded and in the middle of c. 20 it became an affirmed festival- singing competition of folk ensembles from the region. In 1993, it was proclaimed a National Festival-Singing competition, which takes place every 4 years. In 2000, it was proclaimed al-Bulgarian under the aegis of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Petar Stoyanov. It is attended by many Bulgarians living abroad.
The Historical Area Haidoushki Polyani (Rebels' Meadows)
It is 15 km northeastwards of the village of Slaveino. In the period of 1903-1908, it was the seat of the mixed Ahchachelebi detachment with a leader Peyou Shishmanov. It was then called Imaret Dere and was within the boundaries of the liberated Bulgarian territory. A majestic monument dedicated to the struggles for national liberation in the region was unveiled in 1963.
Architectural Reservation - village of Shiroka Laka
This is one of the best-preserved villages in the middle Rhodopes - not only the houses are preserved, but also the street network is almost intact. The houses are naturally grouped into several neigbourhoods - ensembles: Zgourovski Ensemble, Tsarkoven (Church) Ensemble, Charchiiska Oulitsa (Market Street), Koupishteto (the Pile) and Karovski Ensemble. Separate architectural monuments also exist outside the ensembles - houses, bridges, a church and chapels. The earliest houses are Captain Nikola's House(1802) and Vladishkata Kashta (the Bishop's House) (1829). Most of the others were built in the second half of 19 and the beginning if 20 centuries.
Architectural monuments in the town of Smolyan
Over 100 buildings possessing the merits of architectural monuments have been declared in the town of Smolyan. They are concentrated into several sections - an architectural complex in the "Dolno Raykovo" district, a National Revival architectural unit in the "" district and Tibolska Mahala in the "Dolno Raykovo" district. Besides, there are separate architectural and art monuments in the town: the houses Panagalovata Kashta (an architectural monument of national importance), Alibeeviyat Konak - the "Raykovo" district, Kelevskata Kashta and Vidrovata Kashta, the churches "Sveta Bogoroditsa" (St. Godmother) and "Sveti Nikola" (St. Nicolas) - the "Oustovo" district, etc. The architectural complex in the "Dolno Raykovo" district consists of three subdivisions: Cheshitska Mahala, Radeva Mahala and the houses forming the outward silhouette of the district. The Cheshitska Mahala neighbourhood is the National-Revival pride of Old Raikovo. (The National Revival in Bulgaria was a rough equivalent to the Renaissance.). An early Christian basilica in the Mogilata area by the town of Smolyan, c. 4-6 AD - an archaeological monument of national importance.
Architectural and Ethnographic Complex Agoushevi Konatsi
An architectural and art monument of national importance. One of the largest and most interesting feudal housing ensembles in Europe. It consists of two residential and several farm buildings. It was built from 1820 to 1842. It contains both the traits of the feudal aristocratic dwelling and some features typical of the National Revival manner of the Rhodope master builders. The museum exhibition "The Traditional folk Weaving in the Middle Rhodopes" is housed in the most impressive part of the architectural ensemble. A special attention is allocated to the primary processing of the basic materials, the preparation for weaving and the whole weaving process in its consecutive stages, and also of antique weaving techniques - knitting and half-weaving. Through the rich interior of this unique ensemble are shown the most typical in terms of composition, ornaments and colours fleecy rugs, pillowcases and other fabrics for domestic use from the basic ethnographic sub-regions of the Middle Rhodopes - Mogilitsa, Startsevo, Dospat, Zabardo and Shiroka Laka. Tools connected with the main sources of livelihood of the Middle Rhodope population - sheep-breeding and agriculture - are displayed in the covered part of the yard.
Smolyan lakes
Smolyan lakes - landslide lakes, situated at the entrance to the town in the direction of the Prevala peak. In earlier times the number of those “pearl-emerald” eyes of the Rhodopes reached 20, now there are only 7 left. The time laid alluviums and stones over the lakes and that were the reason why most of them are filled up.
“The Bride”
“The Bride” / Turluka – a part of the unique natural landscape of the Cherna River Valley, situated in close proximity of the town of Smolyan, in western direction.
The legend goes that once upon a time a girl, loved by one of the Karadja voivoda rebels, got a proposal for marriage by a Turkish Governor. She accepted the proposal, but in return she wanted to see for the last time her homeland before the wedding. She moved aside and then threw herself down the rock. Since then the rock was called “The Bride”.
The Cycamore Tree - Chinara
The tree was imported in the XIX century. The crown is with a diameter of 600 square meters. It is situated close to Sokolitsa Hotel – the old part of the town. The century-old tree is a part of the unique complex, consisting of mosque, Christian church with the only wooden bell tower in the territory of the municipality.
“Momata”- rock formation
Almost a kilometer away from the village of Shiroka Lucka there is a beautiful rock, resembling from far the silhouette of a standing maid with a distaff in the hand. Erosion and the influence of the external earth forces formed the rock, source of a wonderful legend.
“The Head”
“The Head” – a stone formation near the village of Shiroka Lucka. Viewed from the Eastern side the rock block resembles a human head in profile. The stone is 7 metres high and 5 metres wide.
Smolyan Waterfall is situated on Western direction from the town of Smolyan, not far from the flow of the smaller Kriva River into Cherna River. The waterfall is a part of constructed eco trail, starting from Soskovcheto preserve. Walking across the trail is permitted only by a guide.
“Nadarska” Cave
The cave is the oldest one in the region, situated 6 km. away from “Uhlovitsa” cave. It is a beautiful cave, which will show its secrets only to visitors with special equipment. “Nadarska” cave is not prepared for public and is unlit. Inside the cave the visitor is wrapped up by the mysterious darkness of the grotto, penetrated only by the flickering beam of the torch in his hand, catching the weird forms of stalagmites and stalactones.
Passage Cave “Caleto”
It is situated near the village of Koshnitsa and is one of the natural phenomena of the region. It represents a huge rock archway, leading to the peak where remains of the old fortress with the same name are found. Here tourists can go for a high adrenaline experience, trying a flight from the rocky arch into the open space above Arda river valley. The panoramic view opening for you is worth the effort, and all the special safety equipment is supplied on the spot.
“Golubovitsa” Caves – “Garga Dere Adventure Trail”
The complex of two grottos “ Golubovitsa ” and “ Garvanyovitsa ” near Koshnitsa village is interesting for those who look for extreme emotions. Visitors are admitted only with special equipment. You slide down along rope line with a guide , sail by boat , take a ride an alpine trolley, penetrate into wild caves, practice rapel 20 m above the waters of Essenna river.
“Borikovska” Cave
It is situated near the natural site Burdo. It is one of the longest caves in the region, and is not rich of karst formations. It is known for the findings of cave bear bones, dated back from prehistoric times.
“Lednitsata” cave
The cave is located in close proximity to the village of Shiroka luka, along the vale of Gorski Dol River. It was shaped by the force of tectonic movements that caused landslides and in the same time water was dissolving the limestone rocks and as a result a fabulous underground world was created. The grotto is more than 1400 m. long and is the 5-th deep in Bulgaria. An underground river passes underneath its bottom. For millions of years the underground forces have created all types of cave formation rock falls, drapes, pearl jams and many other peculiar forms resembling mythic heroes or animals. To reach the lowest floor, you have to go beyond 46 waterfalls. The name of the cave is associated with an interesting phenomenon: in summer due to the circulating air, in the entrance hall of the cave an enormous ice stalactite is shaped. Four kilometers away is located Lednitsata cottage. Visitors are admitted only with special equipment and under the supervision of qualified guides.
Municipality towns
Chepelare
Chepelare is a town in Smolyan Province in Southern Bulgaria. It is situated in the central part of the Rhodopes, on the banks of Chepelare River. Chepelare is a popular winter resort and a spot for lodgers in apartments for rent in Bulgaria with one of the longest ski runs in Southeastern Europe. It is situated near Pamporovo, another famous Bulgarian resort. The town has gained popularity for being the birthplace of biathlete Ekaterina Dafovska, Bulgaria's only Winter Olympics gold medal winner. Located near the town of Chepelare, the natural rocky phenomenon Wonderful Bridges is a popular sightseeing place for Bulgarian and foreign tourists.
Devin
Devin is a town in Smolyan Province in the very south of Bulgaria. It is located in the Central Rhodope Mountains in the valley of the Vacha 45 km from Smolyan. The first Bulgarian school in Devin was founded in 1914 and the Rodopska Prosveta Community Centre followed in 1923. The area is abundant in hot springs which attracts many tourist to lodge in the apartments for rent in Bulgaria near the spas. Popular brand of mineral water being sold under the name Devin.
Madan
Madan is a town with a population of 6,914, situated in the very south of Bulgaria in the Yellow Share of the Rhodope Mountains, in Smolyan Province. Madan is a part of Ardino Ridge, sloping down to the northeast between the rivers Arda and Varbitsa. In the central part of the Yellow Share rise the peaks Buchovitsa (1404 m), Veternitsa (1372 m) and Petrovitsa (1309 m). The end of the ridge is Alada Peak (1241 m). From all sides the Yellow Share is separated by mountain-spurs, whose segmentations are gradually sloping down and vanishing in the valleys of the rivers. The river system of the region is presented by the basins of the upper reaches of some of the longer rivers – to the north the basin of the Arda River with the headers Elhovska and Chepinska Rivers.
Rudozem
Rudozem is a town in southern Bulgaria, near the Greek border. It is located in the Rhodope Mountains, where the Elhovo and Chepino rivers flow into the Arda, and is part of Smolyan Province. The town's name, a compound word of Bulgarian ore and the root land refers to the wealth of the area in mineral resources.
Zlatograd
Zlatograd is a town in Bulgaria, 60 km from Smolyan, its name literally translates to Gold town. It is located in a valley between the eastern and central massif of the Rhodope Mountains. The Greek border lies just 5 km away from the town. Zlatograd municipality is spread on a territory of 175.8 km². It has common borders with the municipalities of Kirkovo and Dzhebel (to the east), Nedelino (to the north), Madan and Rudozem (to the west) and with the Republic of Greece (to the south) - on the borderline between Bulgaria and Greece). The municipality is included in the transient-Mediterranean climate region. The municipality is rich in underground resources. In the surroundings of Erma Reka there is a geothermal deposit of hot mineral water.
Shiroka Laka
Shiroka Laka is a village in the very south of Bulgaria, located in Smolyan municipality, Smolyan Province. It is a proclaimed architectural and folklore reserve and lies in the central Rhodope Mountains, 23 northwest of Smolyan, 16 km from Pamporovo and 22 southeast of Devin.The dominant and traditional religion in the village is Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the population is 573 (as of September 2005). Shiroka Laka lies at 1,206 m above sea level, at 41°41′N 24°35′E. The village exists at this place since the 17th century and was founded by Bulgarians fleeing from the forcible Islamization conducted by the Ottoman authorities of the time in the Rhodopes. Shiroka Laka is famous for its authentic Rhodopian houses set in tiers on both banks of the local river, many of them are apartments for rent in Bulgaria. The old houses were designed in the characteristic architectural style of the Rhodopes by the noted local building masters, and feature two storeys, oriels, built-in cupboards and a small cellar with a hiding place. The thick white walls hide the yard from the outisders' eyes. The yard is small and slab-covered and has a typical stone drinking fountain in the middle. Some of the most famous houses are those of the Zgurov, Uchikov and Grigorov families.The local Church of the Holy Mother of God was constructed in 1834 for 38 days according to the legend. It boasts an authentic iconostasis, possibly painted by apprentices of the brothers Dimitar and Zahari Zograf from Samokov, or even by the brothers themselves. The old school, built in 1835, is located near the church. There is one more church in the village, the Church of St Nicholas. Shiroka Laka is known not only for its old Bulgarian architecture, but also for its singing tradition and the kaba gaida, a local type of bagpipe. Some of the most prominent singers of Rhodopian music stem from the village, and many of the local families are well familiar with the style. A secondary school for folklore songs and instruments was founded in 1972. On the first Sunday of May, the village also hosts one of the best known kukeri (specific Bulgarian type of carnival) celebrations in the country, Pesponedelnik. On that day, people dressed as folklore monsters, carrying wooden swords and painted red dance around the village to drive out the evil spirits from the village, the homes and the peoples' souls. Their costumes are decorated with bulbs of garlic, beans and peppers and they wear a belt with characteristic Rhodopian bells attached to it.
