Rodopi Mountain

[Grimeto]

Rodopi Мountain

Mountain close to the stars


The mountain is called Rodopi because of the beautiful and clear stellar nights which are about 300 in the year. The clear sunny days are 270 in the year. For these reasons the Rodopi Mountain became the most significant astronomic center in Bulgaria. Near the city of Smolyan take place the largest Astronomical Observatory on the Balkans and the second by its size Planetarium in Europe (built in 1975).
The Rodopi Mountain is situated in the southern and south-western part of Bulgaria. 90 percent of its territory is covered with coniferous forest. There is a wide variety of animals and birds in the Rodopi Mountain. Unique nature reserves are built in order to protect the flora and fauna.

The Mountain had been inhabited by Thracian tribes since ancient times. According to a legend the mythical bard Orpheus lived in the Rodopi Mountain and created his musical compositions inspired by the beauty of the nature there. The tourists are also attracted by the historical monuments, records and natural landmarks. In this region are preserved hundreds of Thracian, ancient Greek and Roman fortresses, roads and temples. Fortresses, monasteries, churches and architectural complexes from the Middle Ages, a symbol of the Bulgarian culture through the ages, could be seen in the Rodopi Mountain. Tourist could visit the famous Christian centers in the place called Krastova gora and in the Bachkovski monastery.

Unique natural phenomena like Chudnite mostove (which means “the wonderful bridges”, near the city of Chepelare) and the amphitheatre lakes of Smolyan could be seen here. Specific caves have been created by the underground waters in the mountain. Caves like Diavolskoto garlo (meaning “the throat of the Devil”), Iagodinska cave in the gorge of Trigrad and Uhlovitza cave could be visited. At downstream of the river Cherna (meaning Black) tourists could see the phenomenon rock formations called Jinaka, Neviastata, Orfeeva skala and Sokolitza (meaning The Hero, The Bride and The Rock of Orpheus).

Some pictures:

1.Waterfall Slivodolsko Padalo-50m



2.Stone Forest /Vkamenenata Gora/ near village of Tatoul



3.Medieval Fortress Monjak, perched on the hilltop of extinct volcano



And here some photos from landmarks, included in adventure and historical roundtrips:

[ivete]

it looks great
does anyone know a good tour operator how can make us a trip to Rodopi this winter?