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The Rodopy Mountains are the most lyrical of Bulgarians
Mountains combining the relief of mild oval forms, the
colourful "rugs" of nature animated by the architecture
of picturesque villages and by the hospitality of the
people. What is typical for Rodopy Mountains is that
they are the most populated mountain in Bulgaria. Unlike
the other high (over 2000 meters) mountains in Bulgaria
there are many towns and villages (14 of them are
resorts) within the range. This fact provides essential
advantages for development of tourism. The best conifer
woods in Bulgaria are in the Rodopy mountains as well as
the best preserved natural environment in the country.
Fifteen reserves have been established, some of these
are included in UNESCO list. There are many mineral
water springs - a great natural wealth of the mountain.
Pamporovo is the second mountain winter resort in
the country after Borovets. It is located 1650 meters
above sea level in the Perelik range of the Western
Rodopies in one of the most beautiful places in this
mountain. The specific combination of natural conditions
makes the resort beautiful in summer and in winter alike
- the large spruce forests, picturesque meadows, strange
rocky forms and high peaks. The area is abundant in
natural slopes where many ski-runs have been built with
different category of difficulty, served by
sophisticated technical equipment. The resort offers 5
chair lifts, 13 tow-lifts and 17 500 meters ski-runs.
Pamporovo is 16 kilometers from the main town Smolyan,
picturesquely scattered in the narrow gorge of the Black
River, in the most beautiful part of the Rodopy
Mountains. It is about 260 kilometers south-east of
Sofia with its International Airport and 103 kilometers
south of Plovdiv - also have International Airport
functions in winter months. 16 kilometers to the north,
up above the town is situated the winter resort
Pamporovo. 10 kilometers west of the center of the town
is the region of Smolyan Lakes, known as the " emerald
eyes of the Rodopy Mountains" The whole region forms a
natural park of forests, meadows, hotels, a chalet,
chapels, lanes, the open-chair lift to Mt.
Snezhanka (Pamporovo) and picturesque vertical rocks.
10 kilometers north of the town of Smolyan is located
the extremely interesting village Momcilovtsi.
Its authentic Rodopy architecture, the local
historic-ethnographical museum, the interesting habits
and traditions, its mild and pleasant climate in all
seasons, the delicious local culinary gourmets, its
fantastic nature, the availability of a number of family
type of hotels and other appealing features turn the
village into a special site of domestic and
international tourism.
Nearby is located a village - museum named Shiroka Luka
(an architecture and ethnographic reserve) well known
not only in throughout Bulgaria, but abroad as well, for
its original Rodopy architectural style, musical
traditions and history. It is located on the two banks
of Shiroka Luka River. The architectural style of the
houses in the village belong to the type of a "Large
Rodopy house". They are two-storied, with bay windows
and high stone chimneys, thick walls, small windows,
forged doors, internal wooden staircase and a small
celler with a hiding place. The rooms have cupboards
hidden in the walls, closets, etc. The yards are small,
stone paved, with an outdoor drinking-fountain. All this
is built with exquisite taste in harmony with the
environment.
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Bulgaria, in the south-eastern
corner of Europe has just the right balance of
contrasts from the high mountain ranges to the Black Sea
coast. An astonishing diversity of landscapes and wildlife
with many old villages and towns with fascinating
architecture. Modern facilities are in place yet the roads
are empty and the people amazingly patient and helpful to
foreigners.No description of
this hidden jewel would be complete without reference to the
European Blue Riband beaches on the Black Sea coast
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