Travel Guide - Ethnography

SMOLYAN
The town of Smolyan is named after an ancient Slavic tribe and it keeps the mastery of the talented rhodopean architects. You can take a look at the Bulgarian national revival buildings - Meramova, Pangalova and Sarieva houses and Ali Bey konak, where now-a-days a charnel-house takes place. The town is a home for the Black river Bridge, built back in 18 century, as well as for the biggest planetarium in Bulgaria.

THE VILLAGE OF SHIROKA LAKA
This lovely small village keeps the spirit of the Bulgarian national revival times and the typical rhodopean architecture is still preserved there. Houses with old wooden balconies had perked along the cobblestone roads. Graceful women voices are enchanting the air. Unique Bulgarian customs and traditions are still represented. Here among the most famous spots are Kalaydzhiyska, Grigorova and Bogdanova houses. The most interesting attraction is the ethnographic museum, which takes place in the Sgurovski konak.

DEVIN
It is well know that from the ancient Thracian times this town is the keeper of the waters heeling powers and endows its visitors with health and relaxation. As for the number of mineral water springs the town has no equivalent in the country, neither on the whole Balkan Peninsula. The town is remarkable for the outstanding beauty of its nature and its extremely healthy climate. The hills, scattered with coniferous woods, keep the town safe from the severe cold North-west winds. There are a nearby hunting ground and a fishing center.

THE VILLAGE OF MOGILITSA
The village winds along the banks of Arda River. It is famous for its revival houses, among which with its 221 windows, 86 doors and 24 chimneys outstands the Agushevi konatsi. Its unique location, exclusive wood-carvings and diversity of color are a real proof for the skill of the Bulgarian masters.

ZLATOGRAD
This is the southernmost town in The Rhodopes, the birthplace of the legendary Bulgarian rebel Delyo. The town is a unique architectural reserve, where you can get lost in the Bulgarian customs and way of life of the 18th century. Over 120 architectural and archeological monuments are treasured there, among them you could see the most ancient church, found in The Rhodopes. The Museum of Communications equipment takes place here and it is the only one of its kind that could be found in Bulgaria.

SMILYAN
This is one of the oldest settlements in The Rhodopes. It is located on the southern slopes of the Kaynadinski hill, upon the upper reaches of the Arda River. One of the biggest Orthodox Churches in The Rhodopes stands here. The memories of its historical ups and downs are kept by the Old Clock Tower, once built by a Turkish noble.

THE VILLAGE OF MOMCHILOVTSI
The village lies in the heart of the mountains, at 1200 m above sea level. A great number of Bulgarian crafts, such as weaving, wood carving and the craft of coppersmiths, are still preserved here. When visiting the surrounding country, tourists are mostly interested in the miraculous Ayazmo and the St. St. Konstantin and Elena Church.