The Rhodopes

Bachkovo Monastery click on image to view big picture

The Rhodope Mountains have been inhabited since antiquity. Native place of Orpheus, Dionisos, and other mythical deities, the mountain is still shrouded in mystery today. The Rhodope Mountains represent a huge labyrinth of ridges that have different lengths and expand in numerous directions, with deep river valleys, vast pastures and hollows. The highest peak is GoliWed, 22 August, 2007 16:56pecific character of the landscape, including caves (lagodina, Uhlovitza, and Cheleveshnitzite), rock bridges, canyons (Trigrad, and the Buynovo River), and rock phenomena (Chudnite Mostove and Zimzelen). The Rhodopes have an immense natural variety. They offer numerous mineral and Karst springs, dam-lake systems, ore deposits, more than 2000 vegetal species (of which 90 are Balkan endemic species), sub-Mediterranean vegetation at lower altitudes, fir and mixed forests at higher altitudes, relict and endemic plants, and rich animal diversity. The nature of the Rhodopes, together with numerous historical sites and the local populations preserved customs, rites and lifestyle, helps provide favorable opportunities for traditional and new forms of tourism - eco-tourism, rural tourism, specialized scientific tourism, ethno-tourism, and hobby tourism.

Bachkovo Monastery click on image to view big picture

The Bachkovo Monastery - the second most important monastery after the Rila Monastery - was built near the village of Bachkovo, in the heart of the Rhodopes. It was founded in 1083 by the Georgian Gregorios Bakuriani. At the end of the 11 th century, the Bachkovo school of learning emerged in the monastery. Precious icons and church plates are pre­served in the museum.

Bachkovo Monastery, paintings click on image to view big picture

Bachkovo Monastery click on image to view big picture