Vicinity
The town of Razlog
In Razlog, the traditions of Bulgarian Renaissance and culture are easily noticeable. Over 40 houses showcase the characteristic Renaissance architectural style called the Razlog-Chepin house. The old houses located downtown were built in the 1830's. They blend in the greenness of the surrounding parks, the freshness of abundant water and the panoramic views to the Pirin and Rila mountains. The Sveto Blagoveshtenie and St. George churches, the museum in the Parapun house and the Kipremakseva house are some of the places of interest.
The town of Belitsa
The picturesque mountain town of Belitsa is tucked between three majestic mountains - Rila, Pirin and Rhodopa, which preserve nature's majesty. The streets in Belitsa are lined with green trees, the houses and their yards are covered with flowers; the crystal clear air filled with mountain scents and the music of the river create an impression of timelessness and bygone days. Here in the slopes of the Rila forests is the Andrianov area, the home of the dancing bears which are under the personal protection of Bridget Bardot.
The town of Dobarsko
Dobarsko is located close to the Rila monastery. It boasts a 30-meter waterfall among a few places of interest. The St. Teodor Tiron and Teodor Stratilat church was built in 1614 according to some historians; others claim an even earlier date back in the 11th century A.D. The church is the home of the famous mural depicting Jesus Christ in a space rocket (http://www.dobarsko.org/en/istoriq.html). Then there is the legend surrounding the water spring in the church's yard. After the bloody Belasitsa battle in 1614 A.D. the blinded soldiers came here to cure their eyes with the water from that spring. Legend has it that that water helped Kliment Ohridski, a Bulgarian Renaissance scholar, restore his failing eyesight. The church's altar was made by a famous master from the Debar Art Tradition.
The town of Dobrinishte
Dobrinishte dates back to the Stone Age. There are archeological findings from Thracian and Roman times -- ceramic objects and coins from the time of Emperor Nero. During the period of 7-14 century A.D. Dobrinishte was a fortress town. Since times immemorial, it has been famous for its mineral springs. Dobrinishte has 17 mineral springs with water temperature ranging between 30 and 43 degrees C. Surrounded by three mountains -- Rila, Pirin and Rhodopa -- Dobrinishte is picturesque, its residents are welcoming, the nearby skiing trails are suitable for both beginning and expert skiers.
