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Bulgaria is a country with a concentration of population mainly in the large regional cities, which is in addition to the speed of everyday life, also have their own charm. However, this subpage aims to introduce you to the small and cozy villages, most of which are related to our history. We will also show you cities of cultural and historical importance for our country.
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# 1 Dolen village
The village of Dolen is a cultural and historical reserve located in Western Rhodopes. The population numbers about 320 inhabitants, among whom there are Christians and Muslims. The village is the successor of the Old Thracian hamlets and is also located on an ancient Roman - Thracian road.
Dolen is also popular with the so - called "Dolen high pitched singing", known as the "sixt" Bulgarian intangible heritage and officially included in the representative list of UNESCO .
# 2 National Architectural Reserve - Zheravna
Zheravna is located in South-Eastern Bulgaria, municipality of Kotel with an altitude between 600 - 680 meters. There are two assumptions about the origin of the name. One is from the crane bird, and the other from the Old Slavic root of the word vodenitsa. Since 1964, Zheravna has been declared a national architectural reserve. The village has over 300 houses and about 500 inhabitants. Among the attractions are the museums of Yordan Yovkov (Bulgarian writer), Sava Filaretov (Bulgarian enlightened activist and public figure), Rusi Chorbadji (one of the richest and wealthiest residents of the village), the church "St. Nikolay", the Art Gallery. Along the streets, in addition to guesthouses, you will certainly find delicious delights from the local cuisine.
Interesting: Since 2008, the International Folk Costume Festival has been held here every year, which is becoming more and more popular and visited by both Bulgarians and foreigners.
#3 Kovachevitsa
Since 1977, Kovachevitsa has been declared an architectural-historical reserve in Southwest Bulgaria (Garmen Municipality). It is located at nearly 1000 m above sea level in the Western Rhodopes region. For the first time the name of the village is mentioned in the Ottoman registers between the 15th and 16th centuries, and during the Renaissance it was a center for the development of a number of crafts and educational work. Characteristic of the houses with over 200 years of history in Kovachevitsa are the stone walls, stone tiles and wooden fortifications on the upper floors. According to legend, its name comes from the wife of a migrant blacksmith Marko - Gina Kovachevitsa. After his death, his wise wife was sought near and far for advice, and probably hence the phrase "I go to the Kovachevitsa."
Interesting: The asphalt road in the direction of Gotse Delchev after about 10 km will take you to another interesting and picturesque authentic village - Leshten. Be sure to visit it too!