- TURY.CLUB
- Tourist Objects
- Bulgaria
- Smoljan region
- Rhodope Mountains (Orpheus Mountains)
The Rhodope Mountains (Orpheus Mountains) is a mountain range located on the Balkan Peninsula, more than 80% of its area (12,233 square kilometers) is located in southern Bulgaria, in the territory of the Kardzhali and Smolyan regions. The Rhodope Mountains is a labyrinth of mountain ranges with deep river gorges, ravines, rock formations and karst caves. Conventionally, the mountains are divided into Eastern and Western Rhodopes. The Western Rhodopes are taller, the highest mountain peaks are located here, including the Golyam Perelik peak (2191 meters above sea level), as well as the Trigradsky and Buinovsky gorges and some of the most beautiful caves in Europe - Yagodina, Bacho Kiro, Ukhlovitsa, Snezhanka and the Devil's Throat . The eastern part of the mountains is characterized by a lower relief - mid mountains and low mountains. Most of the mountains (800,000 hectares) are covered with dense oak, beech and coniferous forests, many rivers and streams flow here or originate, the largest of which are Mesta, Maritsa and Arda. The landscape of the most picturesque mountains of Bulgaria is rich and diverse - mountain lakes and waterfalls, flower glades and green valleys, mineral springs and mysterious caves. The Rhodopes are rich in historical and cultural attractions, here are the ruins of many ancient and medieval fortresses (Monyak, Ustra, Tsepina, Asenov and Momchilov fortress), ancient monasteries and churches (monasteries Bachkovsky, Batushevsky, Belastitsa, Byala Cherkva and Krichim), as well as traditional Bulgarian villages of the 18th-19th centuries. In the Eastern Rhodopes are the ruins of the ancient rocky city of Perperikon. In the city, the temple of the god Dionysus was erected, in which, according to legend, the oracle of Dionysus announced two fulfilled prophecies - one foreshadowed Alexander the Great as the conqueror of the world, the other foreshadowed the power of the Roman emperor Guy Julius Caesar. According to another legend, it was in the Rhodope Mountains that the mythical singer Orpheus was born, bewitching people and animals with his magical music. Today, the Rhodope Mountains is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria, ski and balneological resorts are open here, fascinating cycling and walking routes have been developed, hotels, campsites, restaurants have been built, folklore festivals are held (Orphic Mysteries, National Bagpipes Festival, Rozhensky Festival and others) . In Zlatograd, there is the only ethnographic complex in the Rhodope Mountains, where you can get acquainted with the centuries-old traditions of local craftsmen. Dospat and Batak reservoirs are a "paradise" for lovers of fishing and water sports. The combination of natural and historical attractions, mild climate and well-developed tourist infrastructure attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to the Rhodope Mountains.
