Architectural
NICOPOLIS AD NESTUM, THE MUNICIPALITY OF GARMEN
The remains of the ancient Roman town of Nicopolis of Nestum lie in the south part of Garmen’s land, about 7 km to the east of Gotse Delchev. The original town occupied a territory of about 13 Ha, part of which has been excavated. As an important settlement in the past, with a glorious historical background, Nicopolis ad Nestum has been designated an Archeological and Architectural Monument of the Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
Here you can see the remains of two Christian basilicas, the foundations of public buildings and cultural facilities, tombs, etc.; and, strolling around, to treat yourselves to a really exciting journey towards the time of the Roman period on the Balkans.
Here you can see the remains of two Christian basilicas, the foundations of public buildings and cultural facilities, tombs, etc.; and, strolling around, to treat yourselves to a really exciting journey towards the time of the Roman period on the Balkans.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex– Marchevo – Garmen
Distance: 4,6 km
Car drive: 7 min
THE TOWN OF GOTSE DELCHEV
Situated along the Nevrocop
River’s banks at the southeast foothills of Middle Pirin Mountain, Gotse
Delchev enchants with its remarkable architecture and historical
background, preserved traditions and spectacular scenery.
The period of the Bulgarian National Revival is very important for the town’s development. In the 19th century the town of Nevrocop flourished and the crafts, such as saddler’s trade, bell making, goldsmith’s trade and aba (hard-wearing wool fabric) weaving, along with agriculture and cattle breeding, were booming. In 1951 the town was named Gotse Delchev to honour the prominent patriot and champion of liberty Gotse Delchev, one of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization’s leaders.
If you go for a stroll in the town, you will be able to see the craftsmen’s workshops in Zvancharska Street, to admire Rifat Bey Architectural Complex and one of the region’s oldest churches – St Archangel Michael’s Church, built in 1811 and remarkable for its iconography and woodcarving.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a walk in the Town Park! Having a surface area of 75,000 sq. m and entirely reconstructed and renovated, the Park is an area of outstanding luxuriant vegetation and modern infrastructure, which is definitely worth seeing.
In the Park you can see the bust of the world-famous Bulgarian poet and revolutionary P. K. Yavorov, who the first to become the town of Nevrocop’s mayor after the Liberation.
The period of the Bulgarian National Revival is very important for the town’s development. In the 19th century the town of Nevrocop flourished and the crafts, such as saddler’s trade, bell making, goldsmith’s trade and aba (hard-wearing wool fabric) weaving, along with agriculture and cattle breeding, were booming. In 1951 the town was named Gotse Delchev to honour the prominent patriot and champion of liberty Gotse Delchev, one of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization’s leaders.
If you go for a stroll in the town, you will be able to see the craftsmen’s workshops in Zvancharska Street, to admire Rifat Bey Architectural Complex and one of the region’s oldest churches – St Archangel Michael’s Church, built in 1811 and remarkable for its iconography and woodcarving.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a walk in the Town Park! Having a surface area of 75,000 sq. m and entirely reconstructed and renovated, the Park is an area of outstanding luxuriant vegetation and modern infrastructure, which is definitely worth seeing.
In the Park you can see the bust of the world-famous Bulgarian poet and revolutionary P. K. Yavorov, who the first to become the town of Nevrocop’s mayor after the Liberation.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Gotse Delchev
Distance: 3 km
Car drive: 7 min
THE MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY IN GOTSE DELCHEV
Created with the local residents’
assistance and the local sponsors’ support, the Municipal Museum of
History was opened to public in 1979. It is the unique in the
Municipality of Gotse Delchev center, dedicated to storing, studying and
promoting the impressive historical and cultural heritage of the
region. Here you can admire a rich assemblage of archeological artefacts
and historical memorabilia, as well as a significant collection of
objects and personal belongings, related to the region’s historical
background and ethnography.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Gotse Delchev
Distance: 3,5 km
Car drive: 7 min
ST DIMITAR’S FORTRESS, THE TOWN OF HADZHIDIMOVO
The Late Antiquity and medieval St
Dimitar’s Fortress is situated on its eponymous hill, 3 km away from the
town of Hadzhidimovo. On an area of about 2000 sq. m you are given the
great opportunity to see the remains of ramparts, siege-engine and
arsenal towers, as well as church’s foundations, on which St Dimitar’s
Chapel was built a few centuries later.
St Dimitar’s Fortress has been designated a Monument of Culture.
St Dimitar’s Fortress has been designated a Monument of Culture.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Koprivlen– Hadzhidimovo
Distance: 15 km
Car drive: 15 min
LESHTEN ARCHITECTURAL RESERVE
Located among the southeast
slopes of the Western Rhodopes, at an altitude of 960 m, the village of
Leshten boasts a unique combination of magnificent scenery, quaint
architecture from the period of Bulgarian National Revival, and
preserved customs and traditions. It has been designated an
Architectural Reserve.
Strolling along the cobblestone main street, you will inevitably be enchanted by the picturesque houses, their spacious yards and flower-rich gardens, as well as by the breathtaking scenery all around you. And, while admiring this romantic Bulgarian village, use the opportunity to visit two of Leshten’s most significant architectural monuments – St Paraskeva’s Church, built in 1836 and remarkable for its surprisingly bright frescoes, and the Monastery School – a center of learning during the time of Revival.
Strolling along the cobblestone main street, you will inevitably be enchanted by the picturesque houses, their spacious yards and flower-rich gardens, as well as by the breathtaking scenery all around you. And, while admiring this romantic Bulgarian village, use the opportunity to visit two of Leshten’s most significant architectural monuments – St Paraskeva’s Church, built in 1836 and remarkable for its surprisingly bright frescoes, and the Monastery School – a center of learning during the time of Revival.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Garmen – Leshten
Distance: 12 km
Car drive: 18 min
KOVACHEVITSA HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL RESERVE
Kovatcevitsa is one of those places, you
fall in love with at first sight. Situated among the steep and cut
through by the Kanina River Gorge slopes of the Western Rhodopes, at an
altitude of 1020 m, this mountain village enchants with both its
spectacular architecture and extraordinary symbiotic relationship with
the natural environment.
Designated a Historical and Architectural Reserve in 1977, Kovathevitsa makes anyone feel deeply moved by its spirit, romantic aura and friendly ambiance. The one of a kind architectural style of the village, its impressive historical background, preserved nature and traditions constitute that unique authentic atmosphere, which makes it one of the most favourite tourist destinations in Bulgaria. Each of the houses here whispers a legend, and each of the narrow cobblestone streets takes you back to the glory times of the Bulgarian National Revival. St Nicola’s Church, the first in the region of Nevrocop Monastery School, St George’s Chapel and every single house here - they are all a significant monument to Bulgarian self-taught genius and a precious legacy of the Bulgarian people.
Stroll along the streets of Kovachevitsa, pop into its cozy art galleries, pubs and restaurants in authentic style, admire the spectacular scenery, in one word – just experience the miraculous power of the wonder, known as Kovachevitsa!
Designated a Historical and Architectural Reserve in 1977, Kovathevitsa makes anyone feel deeply moved by its spirit, romantic aura and friendly ambiance. The one of a kind architectural style of the village, its impressive historical background, preserved nature and traditions constitute that unique authentic atmosphere, which makes it one of the most favourite tourist destinations in Bulgaria. Each of the houses here whispers a legend, and each of the narrow cobblestone streets takes you back to the glory times of the Bulgarian National Revival. St Nicola’s Church, the first in the region of Nevrocop Monastery School, St George’s Chapel and every single house here - they are all a significant monument to Bulgarian self-taught genius and a precious legacy of the Bulgarian people.
Stroll along the streets of Kovachevitsa, pop into its cozy art galleries, pubs and restaurants in authentic style, admire the spectacular scenery, in one word – just experience the miraculous power of the wonder, known as Kovachevitsa!
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Leshten – Gorno Dryanovo – Kovachevitsa
Distance: 19 km
Car drive: 35 min
DOLEN HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL RESERVE
Nestling between the gentle slopes of
the Southeastern Rhodopes, 28 km to the east of Gotse Delchev, Dolen
impresses and fascinates with its preserved architecture from the period
of the Bulgarian Revival and its authentic atmosphere.
Designated a Historical and Architectural Reserve in 1977, the present-day village of Dolen keeps its Revival spirit alive and boasts 70 preserved and restored Revival houses - each with its own character, fine and distinctive architectural groupings, such as the crossroads known as Kavalite and Nicolovskata Cheshma, Charshia Street and the unique, built in 1834 St Nicola’s Church, which shelters the Monastery School .You will inevitably be captivated by the pictorial icons, impressed by the church’s historical background and intrigued by the legends about its miraculous powers.
Designated a Historical and Architectural Reserve in 1977, the present-day village of Dolen keeps its Revival spirit alive and boasts 70 preserved and restored Revival houses - each with its own character, fine and distinctive architectural groupings, such as the crossroads known as Kavalite and Nicolovskata Cheshma, Charshia Street and the unique, built in 1834 St Nicola’s Church, which shelters the Monastery School .You will inevitably be captivated by the pictorial icons, impressed by the church’s historical background and intrigued by the legends about its miraculous powers.
Distance: 25 km
Car drive: 32 min
DELCHEVO ARCHITECTURAL RESERVE
Delchevo is located on the
south slopes of Pirin Mountain, at an altitude of 1050 m and only 9 km
away from the town of Gotse Delchev.
Founded in the 17th century alongside a Turkish chiflik (large farm), the village keeps even to this day the spirit and authentic atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival. Famous as a place where komiti (patriots, struggling against the oppressors) got together during the times of the Turkish domination, in 1934 the village of Yuch Duruk (three peaks) was named after Cotse Delchev – a significant revolutionary figure in Ottoman-ruled Macedonia and Thrace at the turn of the 20th century.
At the present time, the narrow cobblestone streets, the authentic Revival houses and the frescoed Assumption of the Mother of God Church give great character to the village, and alongside the breathtaking scenery, turn it into a popular tourist spot.
Founded in the 17th century alongside a Turkish chiflik (large farm), the village keeps even to this day the spirit and authentic atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival. Famous as a place where komiti (patriots, struggling against the oppressors) got together during the times of the Turkish domination, in 1934 the village of Yuch Duruk (three peaks) was named after Cotse Delchev – a significant revolutionary figure in Ottoman-ruled Macedonia and Thrace at the turn of the 20th century.
At the present time, the narrow cobblestone streets, the authentic Revival houses and the frescoed Assumption of the Mother of God Church give great character to the village, and alongside the breathtaking scenery, turn it into a popular tourist spot.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Gotse Delchev - Delchevo
Although there is an asphalted 9-kilometre road from Gotse Delchev to Delchevo, most tourists prefer to enjoy the scenic hike, which takes about 1 h 40 min.
Distance: 12 km
Car drive: 26 min
GRADISHTE HISTORICAL PARK, THE VILLAGE OF DOLNO DRYANOVO
Gradishte Historical Park is
located 5 km away from Dolno Dryanovo. It has been designated a Monument
of Culture with National Importance.
A splendid natural phenomenon, the Park attracts many nature worshippers and scientists, making them feel both enraptured by its beauty, and deeply fascinated to learn about its captivating historical background as a prehistoric settlement, a Thracian sanctuary, and a Late Antiquity sacred place.
Naturally protected by the steep slopes of a majestic canyon, the geomorphological formation known as Gradishte is a 200-are ridge with 3 prominent, sharply outlined rocky peaks. In some places the rocks form impressive profiles of a person’s face, as well as animal-, fish- and bird-shaped formations, creating a sublime, one of a kind stone wonder of nature.
As a Thracian sanctuary of noteworthy value, the place has all the features, typical for this kind of holy place: stone fence-in structures, repositories for God-dedicated gifts in the rocks’ fissures and cavities, earthenware altars. The significant for scientists building foundations and wall structures, which mark and fence in on the massive rock formations spots, which have been considered sacred by the ancient Thracians, do make the Park even more intriguing and contribute to the fact, that Gradishte is a place, which is definitely worth seeing.
A splendid natural phenomenon, the Park attracts many nature worshippers and scientists, making them feel both enraptured by its beauty, and deeply fascinated to learn about its captivating historical background as a prehistoric settlement, a Thracian sanctuary, and a Late Antiquity sacred place.
Naturally protected by the steep slopes of a majestic canyon, the geomorphological formation known as Gradishte is a 200-are ridge with 3 prominent, sharply outlined rocky peaks. In some places the rocks form impressive profiles of a person’s face, as well as animal-, fish- and bird-shaped formations, creating a sublime, one of a kind stone wonder of nature.
As a Thracian sanctuary of noteworthy value, the place has all the features, typical for this kind of holy place: stone fence-in structures, repositories for God-dedicated gifts in the rocks’ fissures and cavities, earthenware altars. The significant for scientists building foundations and wall structures, which mark and fence in on the massive rock formations spots, which have been considered sacred by the ancient Thracians, do make the Park even more intriguing and contribute to the fact, that Gradishte is a place, which is definitely worth seeing.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Marchevo – Garmen – Dabnitsa – Dolno Dryanovo
Gradishte Historical Park is located 5 km away from the village of Dolno Dryanovo, in the direction of the road to Satovcha and Dospat. It is advisable to park your car on the right of the road, near the stone water fountain and to walk for about 10-15 min to the Park.
Distance: 19 km
Car drive: 25 min
LATE ANTIQUITY AND MEDIEVAL MOMINA KULA (MAIDEN’S TOWER) FORTRESS
Momina Kula is a Late Antiquity and
medieval fortress, which lies in the land of the village of Kremen, in
one of the most narrow and spectacular parts of the Mesta River Gorge
known as Momina Klisura (Maiden’s Defile).
The Stronghold is perched on top of a sheer rock just above the main road. Despite the area of only 500 sq.m it takes up, the Fortress is remarkable for its well-preserved 8-metre-high ramparts to the west, watchtower remains, intriguing rock formations alongside, and magnificent scenery all around.
The Stronghold is perched on top of a sheer rock just above the main road. Despite the area of only 500 sq.m it takes up, the Fortress is remarkable for its well-preserved 8-metre-high ramparts to the west, watchtower remains, intriguing rock formations alongside, and magnificent scenery all around.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Gospodintsi – Momina Klisura
Driving from Gotse Delchev to Bansko, you can see the Fortress from the main road – it lies to the left of the road, between the villages of Gospodintsi and Mesta. To get to it, you have to walk along a path, which passes by some tumbledown houses and goes up, to take you to the Fortress. At a leisure pace, it takes about 20 min.
Nature
THE ANCIENT PLANE TREES IN THE VILLAGE OF GARMEN
The Ancient Plane Trees in
Garmen, also known as Zagradskite Plane Trees, represent the most
uncommon type of plane tree in Bulgaria – oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), which is a relict (from Latin relictus “left behind”; an object surviving in its primitive form).
Zagradskite Plane Trees are the only survivors from the non-existent at the present time, dense forest in the Mesta River Valley. Dating as far back as 600 years, with a height of about 24 m and a trunk girth at 10,46 m in circumference, they have been given Endangered Species Act protection, due to their age, measures, and spectacular beauty.
Zagradskite Plane Trees are the only survivors from the non-existent at the present time, dense forest in the Mesta River Valley. Dating as far back as 600 years, with a height of about 24 m and a trunk girth at 10,46 m in circumference, they have been given Endangered Species Act protection, due to their age, measures, and spectacular beauty.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Garmen
They are located on the left of the road Marchevo – Gotse Delchev, 0,5 km away from Garmen’s centre.
Distance: 4,6 km
Car drive: 6 min
THE BEAUTY SPOT KNOWN AS SINIA VIR (THE BLUE OXBOW LAKE), THE VILLAGE OF KOVACHEVITSA
The place known as Sinia Vir
is situated near Kovachevitsa, in a magnificent setting of majestic and
ancient pine forests and inaccessible in some places sheer rocks. Here,
the southeastern slopes of Dabrash Ridge are cut through by the
impressive, over 300-metre-deep the Kanina River Gorge. The Kanina’s
waters, flowing down the steep craggy slopes form a breathtaking cascade
of rapids and waterfalls, and, roaring, fall into dug out by the
waterpower, up to 5 meters deep cavities in the rocks. In them, the
crystal clear mountain water, reflecting the azure sky above, and the
evergreen pine forests around, obtains that splendid turquoise colour,
to which the sublime natural phenomenon owes its name.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Garmen – Leshten – Gorno Dryanovo – Kovachevitsa
The place known as Sinia Vir is hard to reach. There are 2 signposts which will provide you with information about the beauty spot’s location and how to get there; the 1st is in the center of Kovachevitsa, the 2nd – 4 km away, on the road to Beslet Public Commercial Forest. The place known as Beslet may be reached by car. After Beslet Sinia Vir is not accessible by car. It is able to be reached on foot only. The hike is exciting but tough. Thus you are strongly advised to hire a skillful guide and wear appropriate for mountain hiking clothes and footwear!
Churches
THE CHAPEL OF ST PAUL THE APOSTLE
In the region of Gotse Delchev, even till today, legends say that St
Paul the Apostle sanctified the Ognyanovo Thermal Springs himself,
praying to God that they would be blessed with healing properties and
miraculous powers. It is for that reason that the locals call them the
Sacred Chrism: in honour of the holy oils, blessed by the Church at a
sacred ceremony to signify the life-giving grace of the Holy Spirit and
bring spiritual and physical healing.
During the early Christianity Nicopolis ad Nestum was an episcopal
diocese. Ecclesiastical districts under the jurisdiction of a bishop
were most often established in places featuring first-hand spread of
Christianity, i.e. by the Apostle of Jesus Christ. An apostolic message,
fragments of history and legends have thereby become inextricably
interwined, inspiring Christians in Bulgaria with belief that during one
of his famous missions St Paul the Apostle preached the Word of God in
our lands.
The Chapel in recognition of St Paul’s apostolic mission is located at the courtyard of the Therma Vitae Health Resort.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Ognyanovo – Therma Vitae Health Resort
Distance: 7 km
Car drive: 10 min
MONASTERY OF GREAT MARTYR ST GEORGE THE VICTORIOUS, THE TOWN OF HADZHIDIMOVO
According to the annals, there
used to be a Christian sanctuary on the site of the present-day
monastery, dedicated to Saint George the Victorious. Burnt several times
by the oppressors during the time of Turkish domination, the religious
establishment was rebuilt in the 19th century and consecrated in 1865.
At the present time, Monastery of Great Martyr St George the Victorious enchants with its beauty, historical background and holy power. Under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Eparchy of Nevrocop (the Holy Metropolis of Nevrocop) and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, it is the 3rd largest monastery in the Southwest of Bulgaria and one of the Metropolitan of the Bulgarian Orthodox Metropolis of Nevrocop’s residencies.
At the present time, Monastery of Great Martyr St George the Victorious enchants with its beauty, historical background and holy power. Under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Eparchy of Nevrocop (the Holy Metropolis of Nevrocop) and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, it is the 3rd largest monastery in the Southwest of Bulgaria and one of the Metropolitan of the Bulgarian Orthodox Metropolis of Nevrocop’s residencies.
Route: Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex – Koprivlen – Hadzhidimovo
Distance: 15 km
Car drive: 18 min
Park
PARK
The Uva Nestum’s child-friendly park provides the perfect opportunity for invigorating strolls, blissful relaxation and recreational activities in fresh air.
Sport
TENNIS
The Uva Nestum Sports Centre provides two tennis courts. The high-performance synthetic grass tennis court surfacing, filled with silica sand, offers consistent playing characteristics, and perfectly suits both the singles and the doubles match preconditions. For the convenience of its users, the Sports Centre provides professional tennis ball machine, racquet and tennis ball rentals.
FOOTBALL
The Sports Centre also serves its players with a small sided football pitch of 40 by 20 meters, suitable for five-, six-, and seven-a-side football. It is excellently floodlit, ensuring perfect conditions for under-the-floodlight tennis and games of football.
Kids Club
KIDS CLUB
The Uva Nestum Kids Club includes indoor and outdoor play equipment to keep the little ones safe and entertained regardless of the weather.