Rupite is a small mountainous protected area in the southeastern part Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria, 10-12 kilometres northeast of Petrich, on the right bank of the Struma River. It is best known as the place where the Bulgarian prophet Baba Vanga lived and was buried. The area is in fact the crater of an extinct volcano, its appearance being shaped by the volcanic hill of Kozhuh, the thermal springs and Pchelina Hill.
The landscape of Rupite is dominated by the eminence of Kozhuh ("fur coat", taking its name from its shape resembling a fur coat thrown on) situated to the west. Although it is only 281 m high, it rises like a high mountain in the low and flat Petrich Plain. The eminence, which is part of the outskirts of the extinct volcano, consists of three small summits, of which the middle one is the highest. Volcanic rocks and rock pyramids can be observed at the foot of Kozhuh. Due to the eminence's interesting origin (often called "the only volcano in Bulgaria") and the abundance of rare species of the Bulgarian flora and fauna, Kozhuh is a proclaimed natural landmark since 1962. Remains of an ancient Thracian town called Petra, founded in the last quarter of the 4th century BC, were discovered at the south-western food of Kozhuh.
Apart from the eminence, Rupite is also known for the curative hot springs issuing in the area, with a temperature of 71-78°C and an average discharge of 35 l/sec. The climate in Rupite is very specific, transitional between continental and Mediterranean and featuring hot dry summers and mild winters, which is one of the reasons for the variety of rare plant species, 13 of which endangered in Bulgaria. 201 bird species inhabit the area, including a number of species typical for the Mediterranean that are not present in other areas of the country. Almost all of the snake species that can be observed in Bulgaria can be found in Rupite, as well as four species of tortoises and other animals that prefer relatively high temperatures.
The Church of St Petka was constructed at a site chosen by Baba Vanga in 1992 and has since then become a place of worship for many people and a renowned tourist attraction. The icons were created by the noted artist Svetlin Rusev and were not generally approved by the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church for being too realistic and not conforming to the canons. The house of Vanga can be seen nearby and a new monastery is being built.
The reserve is one of the largest biosphere reserves in Bulgaria. It is established in 1973 to preserve the northern coniferous forests of Bulgaria. In 1977 it was included in the list of biosphere reserves under the program "Man and Biosphere".
See on the mapWater Holes Cave is located in Apriltsi Municipality, within the Central Balkan National Park on the northern slope of the massif of Botev Mount.
See on the mapAlbotin monastery is an inactive Medieval rock monastery included in Vidin diocese.
See on the mapUzana - the heart of the Balkans. In its embrace, the mountains has kept this extraordinary place where you can fully take charge with power and hours to enjoy its grandeur and beauty of nature.Far from the urban vanity you will find abundance of colors and shades, serenity and peace of mind. Here the warbling of the birds and the whisper of wild grasslands will put a spell on you forever.
The natural phenomenon Chervenitsa is a molded boulder, rising more than 150 m above the terrace of the river Iskar in village of Kunino. It is located about 46 km east of Vratsa and approximately 120 km northeast of Sofia.
See on the mapThe Lopushanski monastery is located in the Balkan Mountain in the valley of Dalgodelska Ogosta river. It is operational and consists of a church, residential and farm buildings and a white stone fountain, all surrounded by a stone wall.
See on the mapA unique museum in the whole Eastern Europe dedicated to the production of salt by solar evaporation of sea water, Pomorie
See on the mapNatural Reserve Taukliman typical landslide with length of about 4 km, formed between the edge of the Dobrudzhansko plateau and the coast.
The Early Christian basilica Sveta Sofia is an active Orthodox church in the center of Sofia city. The church was probably built in the early VI century on the ruins of early Christian tombs from II - IV century and the ruins of two earlier churches from IV-V century. It is located among the necropolis of the ancient Serdica.
See on the map"Monyak" fortress is one of the largest and high located fortresses in the Rhodopes near the village of Shiroko pole, Kardzhali Region
See on the mapVakarelski monastery "St Petka" was found in XX century and now it is working occasionally. It was functioning as nunnery.
See on the mapA unique Thracian temple near the village of Nenkovo, Kardzhali Region
See on the mapThe megalithic complex "Gluhite kamani" is one of the largest Thracian sanctuaries since BC, whose strength continues to act today to anyone who visits it.
See on the mapA medieval fortress located on a picturesque cliff above Arda River near the village of Bashevo, Kardzhali Region
See on the mapThe monastery of Lazdha or Ivaylovrad monastery "St. Konstantin and Elena" is situated close to Ladzha quarter in the town of Ivaylovgrad
See on the mapRakovitsa monastery Sveta Troitsa was was found in X-XI century and during the Middle Ages was an important literary and cultural center in Bdin area.
See on the mapThe Hisar tomb is a late Roman family tomb built in the second half of the IV-th century.
See on the mapElenska basilica is early Christian temple that is preserved to nowadays and is situated in proximity to the town of Pirdop
See on the mapA unique monument of culture with extremely precious frescoes and icons included in UNESCO's list with the World Cultural Heritage, village of Dobarsko, Blagoevgrad Region
See on the mapOne of the oldest fortresses in Bulgaria located on a high mountain plateau above the town of Provadiya
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