Ecotourism in Zlatograd

It is a southern municipality in the Republic of Bulgaria, located about 300 km from Sofia.

Combining geographical location and good natural resources with the enthusiasm and desire of the local people, the Municipality of Zlatograd strives for an economically and spiritually prosperous municipality preserving its cultural and historical heritage.

The great biodiversity, the unique natural landmarks and the preserved natural environment, unaffected by the negative influences of industrialization and urbanization, make ecotourism one of the priorities for development of the municipality.

Ethno-cultural area

The golden ethno-cultural area has been inhabited for millennia. The city itself has a centuries-old history. The archaeological sites and cultural monuments, encircled by the romantic charm of folk traditions and traditions, witness the ancient beginnings and the historical development.

To date, over a hundred monuments of culture have been preserved. The largest compact architectural reserve in the Rhodope Mountains has been preserved and restored since the Renaissance period. Traditional houses impress not only with their whiteness and round chimneys, but also with the peculiar combination of their architectural elements. The Zlatograd houses are built of stone, brick and wood, most often on three floors. Lipsticks are whitewashed, from where comes one of the town’s names during the Middle Ages – Belovedovo.

More than 100 are the declared monuments of culture preserved thanks to the Zlatograd people, who want to preserve their architectural richness, thus creating more prerequisites for the development of tourism.

One of the 100 national tourist sites in Bulgaria, which visitors of Zlatograd must visit, is the unique Ethnographic Area Complex located in one of the districts of Zlatograd, known as the “Old Town” – situated on the south bank of the Varbitsa River. it can be seen historical-ethnographic museum exposition, demonstration of traditional crafts and active water facilities – mill-karajeika, valyavitsa, molyvitsa The complex has the opportunity to meet and accommodate the guests to stay in 4 guest houses and ho wire to offer Zlatograd specialties in inns, taverns, winery and cafe Old Town.

Ethnographic Areal Complex

Walking through the Ethnographic Areal Complex takes visitors back in time. The atmosphere of the XIX century, created by the narrow streets and the exquisite white houses in the typical Zlatograd style, is complemented by works of artisan craftsmanship – tresti, witch, knife, sarach, goldsmith, coppermaker, woodcarver, weaver, potter, reproduced with historical credibility and revealing forgotten crafts.

In the exposition of the ethnographic museum, visitors can see exhibits related to the traditional lifestyle and clothing, archeological finds from four epochs – Thracian, Roman, Early Byzantine and the Bulgarian state.

Eco-paths, “off-road” and fishing

Lovers of trips and extreme experiences can enjoy “off-road”, hikes in the region on marked eco-paths with mountain guide, organized excursions to tourist sites of national and regional importance.

From Zlatograd and its surroundings there are several eco-paths and cycling routes, on which routes visitors can enjoy the well-preserved nature and explore various historical, cultural and architectural sites of local and national importance.

One of the eco-paths passes along the protected tree “Castanea sativa”, 278 years old – the oldest in the Smolyan region.

Another eco-trail follows the legend that tells about the legendary heydutin Delyo voivoda, born more than two centuries ago in Zlatograd.

One of the attractions in the area is the ostrich farm in the village of Starsevo, 9 km northwest of Zlatograd. Here visitors can learn interesting facts about fun birds, as well as taste specialties of ostrich or egg.

Another type of alternative tourism in the municipality of Zlatograd with good conditions for development is fishing. The most attractive places in this regard are: Yagnevo complex, where carp, trout and karakuda can be harvested, Ivailovgrad dam, where there are serious populations of carp, clover and squirrel, as well as karakuda and red-viper, Varbitsa river, where are mainly found on chub, barbel and crocus, and rarely brackets and caracas.

Points of interest

The object of cognitive tourism can be other places, located within the boundaries of the municipality or neighboring municipalities. In the “Belite Kamani” area above the village of Starsevo is located the largest sanctuary dedicated to God – Sun. The name derives from the stripped white limestone rocks from which the top is built. The natural phenomenon “Mushroom” near the village of Benkovski was formed as a result of the weathering of the rocks.

Other interesting sites are the church of St. George, the chapel of St. Athanasius, the church-monastery fortress on the peak of St. Sunday, Thracian sanctuaries and tombs of kings near the village of Benkovski.

Regarding cultural and historical heritage, the Municipality of Zlatograd is also an attractive tourist destination. Zlatograd is a village with rich culture and many centuries