Guide - The tourist region Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo

Dupnitsa Rila Boboshevo Project

Welcome to Destination Rila!

The tourist destination Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo

is a magnificent combination of breathtaking nature,

centuries-old traditions, fairytale myths and rich

historical heritage. Here everybody can find something

for himelf – those who seek serenity among the

centuries-old forests of the region, as well as those who

are fond of adventures and active relaxation. Destination

Rila charms with the numerous opportunities for cultural,

eco, pilgrimage and adventure tourism, which it offers to

its guests.

Welcome to the land of mythical nature!

municipalities are well maintained.

The biggest of the three towns – Dupnitsa – is famous for its ancient and interesting past, evidenced by the numerous historical sights – Thracian necropolises, Roman vaults, Medieval temples, etc. The nature and well arranged town parks are among the other advantages of the town and its surroundings.

The town of Rila is located along the only road which leads to one of the biggest cultural and religious sights in Bulgaria– the Rila Monastery. The magnificent nature around the town offers an exclusive diversity of activities for the free time – from long hikes in Rila Mountain to rafting in the rough waters of Rilska river.

The third largest town – Boboshevo, located on the border between the mountains Rila and Osogovo, is a successor of old cultures – Thracians and Romans. Boboshevo and the region impress with many religious monuments and breathtaking natural views. On the territory of Boboshevo Municipality, there are also two of the protected areas

for preservation of wild birds in Bulgaria – “Boboshevo”and “Skrino”.

In Dupnitsa, there are branches of most banks functioning on the territory of Bulgaria, and in the remaining settlements there are, with some exceptions, only ATMs (cash machines). You may receive useful information about the natural and cultural sights in the region, as well as about hotels, lodging places, catering establishments and how to get to the separate settlements at the Tourist Information Centre located in the town of Rila.

General information about the region

The tourist region Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo is located at about one hour`s drive from Bulgaria`s capital – Sofia and at two hours` drive from the border with the neighbouring Greece.

The region uses the benefits of Struma river and its feeders – Rilska, Dzherman, Bistritsa and Otovitsa, and the three mountains – Rila, Ruen and Vlahina. Within its limits is located one of Bulgaria`s symbols – the Rila Monastery “St. John of Rila”, dating back to the X century.

The relief of the region is extremely diverse – from plain to alpine, as it is mostly mountainous and semi-mountainous. This in turn determines the climate here – predominantly moderate-continental with Mediterranean influence, rushing in along

the valley of Struma river. The climate makes the region extremely attractive from a tourist point of view, with comparatively mild winter in the low sites, early spring and long summer. The territories located at higher altitude are remarkable for their typically mountain climate.

The convenient transport links ensure quick access to all tourist sights, located on the territory of the destination. Transportation opportunities include automobile and railway. Foreign tourists may arrive by plane at Sofia Airport, and then travel the remaining 60 km to Dupnitsa on «Struma» highway. It is the most important road artery in the region, part of the Pan-European International Transport Corridor No 4. The second-class roads within the limits of the separate

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www.go.dupnitsa.bgGUIDE

Destination Rila

builder`s, making of goat`s-hair rugs, bags, etc. The town’s industrialization began in the second half of XIX century, and in XX century Dupnitsa was one of the major tobacco-planting centers in Bulgaria, and that is the reason why it was included in the narrative of one of the most famous Bulgarian novels – “Tyutyun” (Tobacco) by Dimitar Dimov.

Today, Dupnitsa offers extremely good conditions for cultural and eco tourism. Within the town limits, tourists are interested in the Municipal Historical Museum which includes a great number of movable monuments of culture – museum exponents, the art gallery, which is

located in the building of a XVI-century mosque, built on the foundations of a Christian temple, and the Clock Tower dating back to XVIII century – symbol of the town. In Dupnitsa, there is also a monument-ossuary of the participants in the Balkan War, the Second Balkan War, and the First World War from the Seventh Rila Division. The churches “St. Great Martyr George the Conqueror”, “St. Nikola” and “Holy Mother of God” are attractive landmarks for those who are fond of pilgrimage tourism. In the Dupnitsa`s village of Cherven breg, there is the Late-Medieval temple “St. Spas” (God`s Ascension)

DupnitsaThe town of Dupnitsa is

located at the northwestern foot of Rila mountain, east of Konyavska mountain and south of Verila. Convenient transportation links connect it with the capital Sofia (63 km), as well as with two of the external borders of Bulgaria – Greece is 110 km, and Macedonia is 62 km away. Its location makes it a perfect destination for short excursions combining the magnificent nature of Rila, the urban comfort and the centuries-old history.

According to the historical references, settled life has

existed in Dupnitsa since the period of the Late stone age. In Dupnitsa and the surroundings were discovered traces of Thracian culture, ancient settlement and necropolis (graveyard), tomb from the Roman age. The archeological excavations in the area Kulata, the hill in the northeastern part of the town, revealed the foundations of a fortress that existed in IV-V century. For the first time Dupnitsa was mentioned in an Ottoman register of XV century. Further description of the town and its population was encountered in the notes of the travelers – the knight Arnold von Harff (XV century), Evliya Chelebi (ХVІІІ century) and Ami Boue (ХІХ century). In the pre-liberation age, the economic life of Dupnitsa was associated mainly with ore-mining. The crafts and trade also flourished. Different craft and guilt organizations existed - baker`s, furrier`s, homespun tailoring, smith`s,

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Destination Rila

Rila

Boboshevo

The town of Rila is an administrative center of the same-name municipality, located 28 km away from Dupnitsa and 20 km away from Rila Monastery.

The town dates back to the end of II century and the beginning of III century. The antique history of Rila is evidenced by the archeological findings – masonry overarched tomb from I-II century, remains of an ancient settlement with inscriptions in Greek language; altar from the end of II and the beginning of III century, domestic pottery, coins, etc.

The numerous eco routes and rivers in Rila mountain offer excellent conditions for eco and adventure tourism. Besides Rila Monastery, one must also visit the architectural complex “Babinska Mahala” (Grandmother`s neighborhood) including houses, monastery school and cemetery

church “St. Archangel Michael”, dating back to XII-XIII century, as well as the museum collection in the town of Rila, revealing the rich cultural-historial heritage of the town from ancient times until today.

The town of Boboshevo is located at the foot of Ruen mountain, 81 km away from Sofia and 19 km away from Dupnitsa.

Boboshevo is a settlement with long and interesting history. In Antiquity, to the north of the present town, in the area Madrishte, there had been a settlement. An important part of the region’s history is also the medieval fortress “Gradishteto”, remains of which are preserved until today. Boboshevo Municipality is known for the religious sights located on its territory. Here is the church of the Medieval monastery “St.

Dimitar” where St. John of Rila (St. John of Rila) took the monastic vows. The temple of “St. Todor” also dates back to X-XII century. Temples are preserved in the region from the period between XV and XVII centuries - “St. Iliya” and “St. Atanasiy” in Boboshevo, as well as “St. Petka” and “Saint Nikola” in the village of Vukovo. The church from the Bulgarian national revival “Nativity of Virgin Mary” impresses with its rich frescoes and 18 domes. Above the village of Skrino, there is one of the latest monasteries in Bulgaria – the Ruen Monastery “St. John of Rila”.

– monument of culture with preserved frescoes from XII-XIV century.

Dupnitsa and the region around the town are proud of more than one impressive natural landmark. The majestic play of nature has created the earth pyramides near the village of Dzherman. The Bistritsa waterfall, known also as Samokovishteto, is located near the path to “Ivan Vazov” mountain hostel in Rila, in a picturesque area of centuries-old coniferous forests. Going uphill in the mountain, nature-lovers may enjoy the breathtaking area “Morenite” (The Morains), which represents a stone morein, formerly the face of a solid glacier.

Leisure time and relaxation have their reserved place in Dupnitsa, and it is the latest and modern park in Bulgaria – “Rila”, located only 1.5 km

away from the town center, at the foot of the mountain that bears the same name. The park is an impressive project covering 280 decares, including a lake with water wheels, sportsgrounds, tennis courts, Olympian-size pool, small zoo, theatre stages, kids’ corner, picnic sites and many restaurants.

Through its territory passes the river Bistritsa, above which 8 bridges are built. Above the park, there is the chapel “St. Petka”. A special 1.2 km long bicycle lane leads to the park. For the visitors` convenience, there is a specialized parking lot, which makes the place extremely attractive for guests from Sofia and other towns as well.

For the lovers of extreme experiences, hang-glider flights are offered in the town.


Historical landmarks in the region

On the entire territory of the tourist region Dupnitsa – Rila –Boboshevo, there are preserved cultural and historical monuments, which is an evidence for its long history.

The Municipal Historical Museum in Dupnista was established in1992, and its beginning is associated with the establishment of the Archaeological Society of the town in the first decades of the last century. The museum

has a rich fund of museum exponents from all spheres of the material and spiritual culture of the town and its surroundings. To the museum, there is also an ethnographic exhibition, located in the house of Vasil Demirevski (Zhelyo), a prominent citizen of Dupnitsa. In the house, there are exponents of the urban and rural lifestyle displayed, as well as separate elements of the traditional material culture.

The town’s art gallery in Dupnitsa is housed in the building of a XVI-century mosque, built on the remains of an Orthodox church. The Gallery, which was declared an architectural monument of culture, has a collection of over one thousand works of art by notable authors from the district and the country.

The gallery`s fund also includes 37 works of the famous Bulgarian artist Vladimir Dimitrov – the Master. A beautiful garden around the former mosque offers relaxation close to Bistritsa river.

Above the central square in Dupnitsa, among a beautiful park, there is the Clock Tower - symbol of the town, dating back to 1782. It was initially built as a battle tower of the bey, and at the end of XVIII century it was turned into a clock tower.

In the area Kulata (the Bone-vault), located on a hill north of the town, there are preserved historical artifacts of several ages. The archeological researches in the area show that there has been built an early Byzantine fortress of V-VІ century, which had existed until ХІІ century. According to the legends, the Dupnitsa Fortress was later on built in this place, and destroyed by the Turkish Military Commander Lala Shahin. In 1994, in the area were laid the mortal remains of about 1200 officers, sergeants and soldiers of VІІ-th Rila infantry division, who had died in the Military hospital of the Municipality during the Balkan War, the Second Balkan War, and the First World War. A cross was erected on the hill in memory of the perished.

The architectural complex “Babinska Mahala” (Grandmother`s Neighborhood) in the town of Rila includes a total of 27 architectural monuments of culture – private homes, monastery school, and cemetery church that have preserved the colour of the

Bulgarian National Revival. The church “St. Archangel Mihail” dating back to XII-XIII century was built under the protection of Rila Monastery and was one of the few cross-in-sqaure churches preserved in Bulgaria. In the town of Rila, there is also a functioning museum collection which narrates through 240 photographs and 215 exponents the rich history of the town and the region.

The medieval fortress “Gradishteto” was located west of Boboshevo in the area Gorno Pole. Remains of a fortress wall are preserved, built of quarry rocks and mortar. The fortress dates back to the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

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Destination Rila

Rila MonasteryThe Rila holy cloister – one of

the symbols of Bulgaria, is located in the southwestern part of the country, 120 km away from Sofia and 41 km away from Blagoevgrad. Founded in X century by the Bulgarian hermit and St. John of Rila today the monastery has the status of a stavropighial monastery and is included in the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. With its impressive area of 8,800

sq. m. and over 300 premises, Rila Monastery ranks in the first place by size among the monasteries in Bulgaria.

Initially, the monastery was located near the cave which was chosen by John of Rila for his cloister. Through the centuries, it has been the spiritual, educational and cultural center of Bulgaria. The Rila Monastery has been in its current appearance since XIX century, as only the new part of the eastern monastery section was built in XX. The monastery has been destroyed and renovated many times during the years of its existence. In XIV century, it was restored by the Bulgarian ruler Hrelyo Dragovol, and the oldest building in the monastery is preserved from this period – the Hrelyo`s tower. In the troubled times of the Ottoman rule, the tower was used as fortification for the monks under attack. On the top fifth floor of the

24-meter high tower, there is the chapel “Preobrazhenie Gospodne” (“Transfiguration of God”), in which valuable frescoes from XIV century have been preserved.

On the place of the old monastery temple, in 1834 - 1837 was built the main central monastery church “Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno” /“The Birth of the Mother of God”. It is extremely beautiful – five-domed, cross-in-square, with two side chapels and three altar niches. The wood-carved iconostases and the wall-paintings by masters from Samokov and Bansko are impressive. In the church, there is also the coffin with the relics of the founder of the monastery St. John of Rila. Here is also the only famous self-portrait of the unsurpassed to this day icon-painter Zahari Zograf.

In the museum of the monastery are exhibited valuable examples of Bulgarian and foreign Othodox art from the period of ХIV-XIX century. The most impressive exponent is the wooden Rafail`s cross. 36 biblical scenes and over 600 miniature figures are depicted on it.

Among the sights of the holy cloister are the exposition of the monastery farm, the guest rooms from the Bulgarian national revival, the monastery kitchen, the ethnographic museum.

Part of the monastery complex are also the hermitages located beyond the monastery walls

“The Assumption of St. John of Rila” and “St. Luke the Evangelist” and the convents “Orlitsa” and “Pchelina”.

The monastery is located among the centuries-old forests of the natural park “Rila Monastery”. The nature here is extremely beautiful and the region offers many opportunities for walks, excursions or more serious mountain hikes.

The Rila Monastery is a functioning male monastery and offers rooms for accommodation of pilgrims. Opportunities for accommodation are also offered near the monastery.

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Destination Rila Destination Rila

Life and work of St John of Rila

The personality of St. John of Rila was initially associated with the region of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo. The legends about his deeds and his life have been spread by word of mouth from generation to another. St. John of Rila was born in the village of Skrino, today in Boboshevo Municipality, around the year 876. From early childhood he had expressed a strong faith in God. According to the chronicles, after the death of his parents he gave away what he had inherited from them, and decided to devote to monastic life. At first, he settled down in the monastery “St. Dimitar” which was located above the village of Skrino in the Middle Ages and after that was moved above the town of Boboshevo. There John of Rila received education and acquired religious and liturgical knowledge. The saint did not stay there long. After he became

a monk, John of Rila left the holy cloister and started living as a hermit in a cave located above the today`s Ruen Monastery where he spent 12 years of his life in prayers and isolation. Then the saint moved to Rila Mountain. The name of John of Rila became famous for healing the sick and the needy with his strong prayers. The legend tells that Tsar Petar learned about the holy hermit and wished to visit him. John of Rila declined respectfully the visit of the tsar and returned his gifts, but wrote his advises for him in a letter. This gesture of his increased his popularity incredibly and disciples-followers began to gather around him. In Х century, on the site of an old hermitage in the mountain, the Rila Monastery was founded and its first abbot was St. John of Rila himself. In the year 946, the saint passed away and was buried in the hermitage bearing his name, which can be seen even today.

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Religious sights in the region

The temples and monasteries within the limits of the tourist region Dupnitsa-Rila-Boboshevo have been known as the cradle of faith and education for hundreds of years. The oldest of the monasteries is the medieval “St. Dimitar”, located above Boboshevo, where John of Rila took the monastic vows. Today, only the church has remained from the monastery which is an architectural-artistic monument of culture of national significance. Frescoes of XV century are preserved there. One of the latest monasteries in Bulgaria – the Ruen Monastery, built in 2002, is located above the village of Skrino. Paths lead from the monastery to the cave in which John of Rila had settled after taking the monastic vows and to the area “Krasta” (The Cross) from which, according to the local legends, the saint flew towards Rila. The monastery strictly follows the example of a hermit’s life and visitors are not allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The monastery does not offer accommodation and visitors are expected to respect the monks` privacy and to dress properly for a visit to the holy closter.

The churches in the region are also magnificent monuments of culture. In the village of Cherven Breg, near Dupnitsa, there is the chapel “St. Spas” dating back to XVI

century. The cemetery church “St. Archangel Michael” in the town of Rila reveals frescoes of the end of XII and beginning of XIII century. In Boboshevo, three churches are preserved dating back to the Middle Ages – “St. Todor” (X-XI century), “St. Atanas” (XVI century) and “St. Iliya” (XVII century). The only functioning Christian temple in the town is the church “The Assumption of the Mother of God” of XIX century, which arouses admiration with its richly decorated walls and 18 domes. In the village of Vukovo, there is the small church “St. Petka” of XVI century and the parish church “St. Nikolay” (XVI century). Both temples are architectural-artistic monuments of national significance.


Destination Rila

Natural landmarks

The tourist destination Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo is endowed with exceptional natural resources and impresses with extraordinary natural phenomena which makes it highly appreciated by the lovers of natural landscapes and eco tourism. An ecopath starting from the Dupnitsa’s village of Bistritsa leads the keen mountaineers to the Seven Rila Lakes and “Ivan Vazov” mauntain hostel, passing through the unique natural landmarks – the area Morenite (Morains) and Bistritsa waterfall. The area “Morenite” represents a stone river located on a large area near Bistritsa river. The large blocks had been the face of a massive glacier in the past. Under

Morenite, above the village of Bistritsa, among centuries-old coniferous waters, there is the Bistritsa waterfall. The water of Bistritsa river falls down amphiteatrically from about 20 meters. The Dzherman pyramides represent earth shapes that impress with their colours, formed by the power of water and wind. The pyramides are located at the northwestern foot of Rila, on the territory of Dzherman village and hence is their name. The diverse shapes of stone phenomena are comparatively low, the biggest reach a height of 10 meters. Most of them strongly resemble cave stalagmites. The biggest one of the stone shapes was declared a natural landmark.

Reserved and protected areas

Several really valuable natural sites have been preserved on the territory of the tourist region Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo, within the limits of natural parks, reserves and protected areas.

Within the limits of Rila Municipality, there is the reserve “Rilomanastirska gora” (Rila Monastery Forest), covering an area of 3,676 hectars. It is a part of a forest territory with an average age of most tree species over 160 years, as some tree species reach up to 300 years. The reserve is very interesting in geomorphological terms. Very impressive is the region around Kirilova polyana (Kiril`s meadow) with the beautiful stone arc, including the peaks Kupenite, Lovnitsa, Zliyat Zab, Dvuglav, Iglata, Orlovets and Eleni Vrah. Another protected territoty in Rila Municipality is the natural park “Rila Monastery” with an area of 25,253.2 hectars of forests and alpine pastures. These territories include habitats of many valuable animal and plant species, such as Imperial Eagle, Vulture, Otter, Mole-rat, Balkan Lark etc. As for the plants, one may encounter endemits, such as Rila Primose, Rila Rhubarb, St. Ivan`s Mayweed. Here are one

of the most valuable in Europe massifs of Borisii Regis and Rila Oak.

The Aristotle`s migration route of birds passes along the valley of Struma river, which determines the preence of two protected zones for preservation of wild birds – “Skrino” and “Boboshevo”. Subject of preservation in the Boboshevo protected zone are the species Pern, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Red-backed shrike, Syrian Woodpecker, etc., and «Skrino» protected zone is of national importance for the preservation of White Stork, Eurasian Scops Owl, Common Kingfisher, Black Woodpecker, etc.


Adventure tourismFor the fans of adventure

tourism and active relaxation, the region of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo offers many opportunities for sport activities and emotions among nature. The mountains Rila, Ruen and Vlahina take up almost the entire territory of the region and offer to their guests a dense network of eco paths and diverse routes which reveal the beauty of local natural landmarks. One of the most popular destinations in Rila is the area Kirilova polyana (Kiril`s meadow) with the beautiful stone arc including the peaks Zliyat Zab, Iglata, Kupenite, Lovnitsa, Orlovets and Eleni Vrah, which are starting points for alpine climbings. The longer hikes involve overnight stays in the mountain which takes place in the hostels that function on the territory of the region. Another opportunity for spending the night is Rila Monastery which is also a starting point for several routes within the limits of the same-name natural park, as well as

a wonderful opportunity to combine adventure and cultural tourism. Rafting downstream the Rilska river and kayaking on Struma river are offered to those who seek a way to raise their adrenalin. The experience is very exciting in the months May and June when the rivers are most deep. The specific mountain relief of the region also provides an opportunity to practice rock climbing, ice climbing and mountain biking. Off-road tours, horse-riding and panoramic flights with hang-glider are also offered in the region.

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Rural tourism Becoming acquainted with

tourist region Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo involves a close meeting with its roots, cuisine, customs and atmosphere. The residents of the region are famous for their hospitality, and the calm rest in rural areas may be combined with long hikes, visits to cultural landmarks and pilgrimage tourism. The hands of old chefs prepare delicious meals and the typical for the region zelniks (leek pastries) and banitsas (pasties) from ecologically clean products. The culinary traditions of the region impress with the only meatless offering, which is made every year for the holiday of the church “St. Todor” in Boboshevo. On the mountain hills, one may gather healing herbs and in the rural gardens - delicious fruits and vegetables. The pleasure to create something with your own hands, to touch the land is desired by everybody who is pressed by the dynamics of urban daily life. Perfect starting

points for rest in the comfort of rural lifestyle are the towns of Rila and Boboshevo and the villages of Pastuh, Pastra, Smochevo and Samoranovo. The proverbial hospitality of the people here may be encountered in the local family hotels and guest houses, which will meet you as dear guests in a cosy atmosphere. They will willingly tell the history of the region, share the local myths and legends, and will help you organize an unforgettable vacation.

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Hunting and fishing

Cultural calendar

The geographical features of Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo region offer excellent conditions for hunting and fishing trips which may be combined with walks to the many cultural-historical and natural sights in the surrounding area.

The region is a preferred destination for keen fishermen. Opportunities for sport fishing are also offered. The rivers Struma, Rilska, Bistritsa and

Dzherman offer draught of Babushka fish (Rutilus rutilus), Crucian carp, Chub, Carp, White barbell, etc. In “Dyakovo” dam lake, located 15 km away from Dupnista, one may catch Carp, Sheat-fish, Crucian Carp, Perch, Trout, White fish, Rudd fish and Chab. In the region, there are also conditions for hunting of Wild boar, Deer, Rabbit, Fox, Partridges and Quail.

The programme of the cultural calendar for destination Rila includes mainly events of the traditional Bulgarian calendar, holidays and celebrations of local significance. Its main purpose is safeguarding and revival of local traditions and preservation of the cultural-historical heritage. The feast of St. John of Rila – October 19th is celebrated in the whole district, and in Dupnitsa it is also an official holiday of the town. The fair of Rila town is celebrated each year on the day of the Holy Spirit, and

Boboshevo celebrates its holiday in the last Saturday and Sunday of August. The May holidays of culture in Dupnitsa unify each year events of different genres, among which is also the International folklore festival “Peace for the Balkans”. Other significant events and celebrations in the region are the holidays Surva (Happy New Year), Babin Den (Grandmother`s Day), Todorov Den (Todor`s Day), Voditsi (Waters), as well as the professional holidays of crafts typical for the region.

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TOURIST PACKAGES

Two-day, Three-day and Four-day

tourist packages in the region

of Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo

GUIDE

Destination Rila

Two-day packageFollowing the Steps of History Themes Cultural tourism

Duration 2 days of active pursuits, 1 night

Seasonality The package is suitable for all seasons. Most suitable season: spring, summer, and autumn.Municipalities Dupnitsa and Boboshevo

Target groups The package is aimed at attracting tourists from the country and from foreign markets by presenting in an attractive and nontraditional manner the cultural heritage of the region.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and large groups of all ages. No special equipment or other preliminary preparation of participants required.

TOURIST PACKAGES

Day 110:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa10:30 Visit to the Municipal Historic Museum – with an option for a lecture about the history of the region11:30 Visit to the Art Gallery “Okoliiska kashta”12:30 Lunch in a lifestyle tavern with typical regional meals13:30 Departure for the village of Dzherman14:00 Visit to the earth pyramid near the village of Dzherman15:00 Visit to the temple “St. Spas” in the village of Cherven breg – the only preserved late Medieval church in Dupnitsa Municipality dating back to 150017:00 Visit to the latest and most modern park “Rila” near the town of Dupnitsa – with opportunity for diverse tourist attractions (water wheels, swimming-pool, small zoo, theatre stages) 19:30 Dinner with folklore programme – preliminary organization required

Day 208:30 Breakfast09:30 Visit to the Orthodox temples “St. Nikola”, “Holy Mother of God” and “St. Great Martyr George the Conqueror”, as well as the non-functioning mosque of XV-XVI century in the town of Dupnitsa11:00 Visit to the Clock tower and a short tour in the central part of Dupnitsa – with an option for a lecture about the history and famous people of the town12:00 Lunch with local cuisine meals13:00 Departure for the town of Boboshevo14:00 Visit to the Ruen Monastery “St. John of Rila” and the birthplace of St. John of Rila in the village of Skrino – with an option for a lecture about the life and deeds of the saint15:30 Visit to a protected area in the village of Skrino16:30 Departure

www.go.dupnitsa.bg

Two-day packageA Legend Comes to Life Themes Cultural tourism with an accent placed on the religious sights


Seasonality The package is suitable for all seasons. Most suitable season: spring, summer, and autumn.

Municipalities Rila

Target groups The package is suitable for both Bulgarian and foreign markets (including the Western European markets - Germany, UK, etc.). Specific target groups are also the Bulgarian emigrants abroad, as well as foreigners who are residents or visitors of Sofia.


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Day 110:00 Visit to the prehistoric settlement in the area “Chardako” near the village of Slatino where traces of life have been found from 5 thousand years B.C.11:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Rila 12:30 Lunch with local cuisine meals13:30 Visit to a masonry vault from I-II century, the museum collection in the town of Rila and architectural complex “Babinska mahala” – with an option for demonstration of local crafts upon preliminary request14:30 Visit to cemetery church “St. Archangel Michael” with frescoes dating back to XII-XIII century16:00 Visit to wine cellar in the village of Smochevo – with an option to taste local wines19:30 Dinner

Day 208:30 Breakfast09:30 Visit to convents “Orlitsa” (church St. Petar and Pavel”) and “Pchelino” (church “Uspenie Bogorodichno”) – part of the complex “Rila Monastery” 11:00 Arrival at the Rila Monastery and visit to the historic museum of the monastery 12:00 Lunch in the monastery kitchen13:00 A tour in Rila Monastery – with an option for a lecture about its history and the life of St. John of Rila14:00 Visit to hermitages “St. Evangelist Luke” and “St. John of Rila” where the first grave of the saint was located16:30 Departure

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TOURIST PACKAGES www.go.dupnitsa.bg


Two-day packageThe Spring of Local History Themes Cultural and Eco Tourism


Seasonality The package is suitable for all seasons. Most suitable season: late spring, summer, and autumn.Municipalities Boboshevo

Target groups The package is intended to present in an attractive manner the cultural heritage of the region, and in the same time to satisfy the needs for adventures in a natural environment, and includes thematic (ornithological) routes.


Day 110:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Boboshevo10:30 Visit to the Orthodox temples “St. Todor” X-XI century, “St. Atanas” XVI century, “St. Iliya” XVII century and “Uspenie / Assumption/ of the Holy Mother of God” XIX century – with an option for a lecture about the history and traditions in the region of Boboshevo12:30 Lunch with local meals13:30 Visit to the birthplace of St. John of Rila – village of Skrino, the Ruen Monastery “St. John of Rila” and the cave where the saint had lived – in the Ruen Monastery, no visitors are allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays16:30 Visit to the Boboshevo Monastery “St. Dimitar”19:30 Dinner

*In January, the feast of wine is celebrated in the town of Boboshevo.

Day 208:30 Breakfast09:30 Visit to protected zone for preservation of birds “Boboshevo” and an ornithological tour12:30 Lunch with typical regional meals13:00 Departure for the village of Vukovo13:30 Visit to the churches “St. Petka” and “St. Nikolay”, dating back to XVI century15:00 Departure


Two-day packageA Palette of Emotions

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Themes Ecotourism combined with extreme tourism


Seasonality The package is suitable for three seasons. Most suitable season: late spring, summer, and early autumn.

Municipalities Rila

Target groups The package is intended to satisfy the needs for active recreation, adventures in a natural environment and thematic routes, while giving an opportunity in an attractive manner to experience and touch the nature, culture and spirit of Destination Rila.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and medium groups. It is recommended that participants wear suitable equipment to ensure their comfort and safety during the trips and active pursuits.

Day 110:00 Visit to architectural complex “Babinska mahala” and monastery school from XIX - among the first in Bulgaria11:30 Lunch with local meals12:00 Trip on eco path “Vodopadi Bohemia” and visit to consecrated ground “St. Nedelya”. 15:30 Departure for the Rila Monastery16:00 A tour in the monastery – with an option for a lecture about the history of the Rila Monastery and the life of St. John of Rila16:30 Short trip to the hermitages “St. Evangelist Luke” and “St. John of Rila”19:30 Dinner and overnight stay at the monastery or some of the nearby complexes – unmarried couples are not allowed to sleep in the same room in the monastery

Day 208:30 Breakfast09:30 Departure for the town of Rila10:00 Extreme sports (rafting, horse riding, hang-glider or rock climbing) – by choice or depending on the season14:00 Lunch with typical regional meals15:00 Visit to cemetery church “St. Archangel Michael”15:30 Departure

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Three-day packageTraditions Speak Themes Cultural tourism with an accent placed on the ethnographic heritage

Duration 3 days of active pursuits, 2 nights

Seasonality The package is suitable for all seasons.

Municipalities Dupnitsa, Boboshevo and Rila

Target groups The package in intended for Bulgarian and foreign tourists interested in the Bulgarian folklore, traditions and cuisine, presenting in an attractive and nontraditional manner the cultural heritage of the region.


Day 110:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa10:30 Visit to the Municipal Historic Museum, the Art Gallery “Okoliiska kashta”, the Clock Tower and the ethnographic collection of the town 12:00 Lunch with local meals13:00 Visit to the area Kulata (the Bone-vault) – with an option for a lecture about the region’s history for groups or by preliminary arrangement15:00 Visit to the temple “St. Spas” in the village of Cherven breg – the only preserved late Medieval church in Dupnitsa Municipality dating back to 150016:30 A tour of the religious temples in the town of Dupnitsa – “St. Nikola”, “Holy Mother of God” and “St. Great Martyr George the Conqueror”, as well as the non-functioning mosque of XV-XVI century 19:30 Dinner with local meals and wines – with an option for folklore programme by preliminary arrangement

Day 208:30 Breakfast09:30 Departure for the town of Boboshevo10:00 Visit to the religious temples of the town, monastery “St. Dimitar” and the Ruen Monastery “St. John of Rila” – with an option for a guide’s lecture12:00 Lunch in the town of Boboshevo13:00 Departure for the Rila Monastery 14:00 Visit to convents “Orlitsa” (church “St. Petar and Pavel”) and “Pchelino” (church “Uspenie Bogorodichno”) – part of the complex “Rila Monastery”15:00 A tour in Rila Monastery – with an option for a lecture about the history of the monastery and the life of St. John of Rila16:00 Visit to the cave where St. John of Rila had lived19:00 Dinner and overnight stay at the monastery or some of the nearby complexes – unmarried couples are not allowed to sleep in the same room in the monastery

Day 308:30 Breakfast09:30 Departure for the town of Rila10:30 Visit to the ethnographic collection of the town12:00 Lunch in a traditional tavern13:00 Visit to architectural complex “Babinska mahala” – with an option for demonstration of local customs by preliminary arrangement14:00 Visit to cemetery church “St. Archangel Michael” with frescoes dating back to XII-XIII century14:30 Visit to wine cellar in the village of Smochevo – with an option to taste local wines17:00 Departure

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Destination Rila

Four-day packageThe Magic of Natural Wealth

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Seasonality The package is suitable for three seasons. Most suitable season: spring, summer, and early autumn.Municipalities Dupnitsa, Rila, Boboshevo

Target groups The product is intended to satisfy the needs for active recreation, adventures in a natural environment and thematic routes, while giving an opportunity in an attractive manner to experience and touch the nature, culture and spirit of Destination Rila.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and medium groups. It is recommended that participants wear suitable equipment to ensure their comfort and safety during the trips and active pursuits.

Day 110:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa10:30 Visit to the area Kulata (the Bone-vault) 11:30 Visit to the earth pyramid near the village of Dzherman12:30 Lunch with traditional regional meals13:30 Departure for the village of Bistritsa14:00 Visit to the Bistritsa waterfall and a tour in the area19:00 Dinner in the town of Dupnitsa

Day 207:30 Breakfast08:00 Departure for the Rila Monastery09:00 Trip on selected route (to the Fish Lakes, the Dry Lake, on dendrological route; to the Seven Rila Lakes) – each has a marking, different degree of difficulty and duration12:30 Lunch outdoors

*Return to the Rila Monastery (or the nearby lodging places) in case of short routes, or overnight stay in a mountain hostel for the longer routes

Day 308:00 Breakfast08:30 Departure for the town of Rila09:30 Extreme sports (rafting, horse riding, hang-glider or rock climbing) – by choice or depending on the season13:30 Lunch in a traditional tavern15:00 Visit to protected zone for preservation of birds “Boboshevo” – with an option for a lecture about the bird species in the region16:30 Departure for the town of Dupnitsa17:30 Accommodation in Dupnitsa and free time19:30 Dinner

Day 408:00 Breakfast08:30 Departure


Destination Rila

Four-day packageTo the Roots of HistoryThemes Eco and cultural tourism with an accent placed on the ethnographic heritage


Seasonality The package is suitable for three seasons. Most suitable season: spring, summer, and autumn.

Municipalities Dupnitsa, Boboshevo and Rila

Target groups The package in intended for Bulgarian and foreign tourists interested in the Bulgarian folklore, traditions and cuisine, and who also need active recreation and adventures in a natural environment.


Day 110:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa10:30 Visit to the Municipal Historic Museum – with an option for a lecture about the history of the region 11:30 Visit to the Art Gallery “Okoliiska kashta”12:30 Lunch with local meals13:30 Visit to the area Kulata (the Bone-vault) near Dupnitsa and the earth pyramid near the village of Dzherman16:00 A tour of the Orthodox temples in Dupnitsa – “St. Nikola”, “Holy Mother of God” and “St. Great Martyr George the Conqueror”, as well as the non-functioning mosque of XV-XVI century19:30 Dinner with local meals and wines

Day 208:30 Breakfast09:00 Departure for the town of Boboshevo09:30 Visit to the Boboshevo Monastery “St. Dimitar” and the Ruen Monastery “St. John of Rila”11:30 Visit to protected zone for preservation of birds “Boboshevo” 13:00 Lunch in Boboshevo with typical regional meals 14:00 Departure for the town of Rila14:30 Visit to wine cellar in the village of Smochevo16:00 Accommodation in the town of Rila16:30 Visit to the cultural and religious sights of the town – with an option for a guide’s lecture19:30 Dinner with folklore programme – on preliminary request

Day 308:30 Breakfast09:30 Departure for the Rila Monastery10:00 Visit to the historic museum to the monastery and the Hrelyo’s tower12:00 Lunch in the monastery kitchen13:00 Visit to hermitages “St. John of Rila” and “St. Luke” – short trip in the reserve “Rilomanastirska gora” on a marked route19:00 Dinner and overnight stay at the monastery or some of the nearby complexes – unmarried couples are not allowed to sleep in the same room in the monastery

Day 408:00 Breakfast08:30 Trip in the Natural Park “Rila Monastery”. Free time amidst nature.12:30 Lunch in a mountain hostel14:30 Visit to convents “Orlitsa” (church St. Petar and Pavel”) and “Pchelino” (church “Uspenie Bogorodichno”) – with an option for guide’s lectures16:30 Departure

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Destination Rila

Four-day packageAdventures amidst the Magical Nature

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Seasonality The package is suitable for three seasons. Most suitable season: spring, summer, and early autumn.

Municipalities Dupnitsa, Rila and Boboshevo

Target groups The product is intended to satisfy the needs for active recreation, adventures in a natural environment and thematic routes.

Preliminary preparation Suitable for small and medium groups. It is recommended that participants wear special equipment.

Day 110:00 Arrival and accommodation in the town of Rila 10:30 Extreme sports (rafting, horse riding, hang-glider or rock climbing) – by choice or depending on the season14:00 Lunch with local cuisine meals17:00 Visit to cultural sights in the town of Rila19:30 Dinner

Day 207:30 Breakfast08:00 Trip on a marked route from the Rila Monastery to mountain hostel “Ivan Vazov” and National park “Rila”, and accommodation in the hostel – the trip takes about 4 hours and 30 min.13:00 Lunch14:00 Free time amidst nature *upon request, climbing Vazov peak (Damga peak) – the trip takes about 1 hour 19:00 Dinner

Day 307:30 Breakfast08:00 Trip to the village of Bistritsa on a marked route – the trip takes about 5 hours and 30 min.13:30 Visit to the Bistritsa waterfall14:30 Lunch15:30 Visit to the earth pyramid near the village of Dzherman16:30 Accommodation in the town of Dupnitsa and free time *upon request, a short tour of the cultural sights of the town19:00 Dinner with local meals and wines

Day 408:00 Breakfast08:30 Departure for the town of Boboshevo09:30 Visit to the prehistoric settlement in the area “Chardako” near the village of Slatino12:30 Lunch13:30 Visit to protected zone “Skrino”, the birthplace of St. John of Rila – village of Skrino, and the Ruen Monastery “St. John of Rila”16:00 Departure

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Information TIC RilaVazrazhdane Sq. Phone: 0701/98 403, 0886 89 89 56E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Dupnitsa Railway StationPhone: 0701/218 366, 31 127

Dupnitsa Bus StationPhone: 0701/40 854

Guide - The tourist region Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo

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Transcript of Guide - The tourist region Dupnitsa – Rila – Boboshevo