Pamporovo Resort Winter 2011/2012

Since ancient times, the Rhodopi mountain has always been a mysterious and enigmatic mountain-the one of the mythical Orpheus and of the ancient Thracian tribe Besi-keepers of the famous Dionisos’ temple. The archeological excavations show that people have been living in this area approximately since XII century B.C. The remains of many Thracian fortresses are clear evidence, that there was rich social and cultural life in this area since ancient times. The are deposits in the region have favored the development of the metal manufacturing industry and of jewel art since ancient times. Mining continued to develop in the region even after it was conquered by the Romans.

The glass dishes, cups, buckles, coins and ceramics discovered during archeological excavations, dating from late Roman epoch (379-450 year), provide sufficient evidence for the continuing intensive economic life. During year 1911, archeologists discovered traces of a Roman bath as a result of the excavations made and at present, this is the only trace of town construction in the central Rhodopi mountain. The small mountain town Chepelare is situated in a picturesque way on the two banks of the river Chaya and you will see many gardens and flowers in it. There are century-old forests around, where you will hear Rhodopi folk songs and also high mountain pastures, which together with the crystal clear water of the river preserve the spirit of the ancient Rhodopi mountain. The present settlement was founded in year 1705, when Belio shepherd decided to build a house here. This municipality is located high in the mountains 1150 meters above sea level on a territory of 375 square kilometers.

When we speak about its location on the Earth, we must say that Chepelare town is located 24 degrees and 42 minutes east longitude from Greenwich meridian and 41 degrees and 44 minutes north latitude from the equator. The municipal center is located 230 kilometers away from Sofia City, 80 kilometers away from Plovdiv city and 10 kilometers away from Pamporovo resort. Greece is only 100 kilometers away and a new highway to Greece is being built at the moment.

The climate in this region

The climate here is temperate and transitory continental. There are four clearly distinguished seasons-spring, summer, autumn and winter. Chepelare is the sunniest town in Bulgaria-270 sunny days per year. The winter is mild and warm here to the great joy and pleasure of mountain holiday fans and the snow blanket remains here for comparatively long time, 80-120 days per year as its is 30-80 centimeters thick on the average. The spring sets in comparatively late and the summer is cool and fresh.

Archeologists have discovered a large number of medieval fortresses, settlements and necropolises dating from the period of the First and Second Bulgarian state (year 681-1393), as some were founded Thracian times. During the time of Bulgarian Revival (year 1762-1878) there was flourishing cultural and educational activity in the town of Chepelare and in the settlements nearby. The existing 14 temples and 72 chapels are clear evidence for that. Four of the churches were declared artistic monuments of culture of national importance and one of the churches and 15 chapels were declared monuments of culture of local importance.

The river Chepelarska

There are a great number of exhibitions, monuments and temples in the town and in the villages nearby, as they are waiting for their visitors and if you are a fan of cultural landmarks, you can see them. The only Museum of Rhodopi karst was opened in Chepelare town and it is the only such museum in the Balkans, as foreign tourists may also visit it. You will see there the beauty of caves and cave exhibits, preserved from the dawn of human history and there are 970 museum exhibits. You may visit the museum every day from 9 till 12 o’clock and in the afternoon from 13:30 h till 17:30 h, with the exception of Sunday and Monday. If you are a fan of sport, you may visit the Museum of ski and ski sport in Chepelare town, which reveals the rich history of ski and ski sport in the area of Chepelare municipality. You will see there 900 museum exhibits-ski, medals, cups, small flags, ski-shoes, placards and so on. Chepelare town is also the birth-place of the Olympic biathlon champion from the Winter Olympiad in Nagano’98-Ekaterina Dafovska.

The Museum of Rhodopi karst

The Orthodox church “Saint Anastasius the Great” is a major landmark among the temples in this town and it was built in year 1834 and during the following year 1835-it was sanctified by Plovdiv bishop Nikifor. During year 1841, an Orthodox primary school was built in its yard (the oldest school in Chepelare municipality). Another monument of culture here is the church “The Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary”, built and decorated with icon paintings in year 1866 and sanctified during the following year 1867 (16 July) by the chairman of the Bulgarian municipality in Plovdiv-archimandrite Damaskin (later bishop of Velesh). There is also a mosque and many chapels in Chepelare town. The only Museum of Spaleology in Europe is located in Chepelare town. A large number of photographs and other illustrative materials, as well as the rich collection of books, magazines and articles give detailed information about the history of cave science and will give you an idea about the unique beauty of the caves in the region. The only factory in Bulgaria for the manufacture of ski and snowboard is located in Chepelare town. The vicinity also will be of great interest to you, as you will see a great number of churches, chapels and mosques in the nearby villages like Pavelsko village, Hvoina village, Orehovo village, Zaburdo village, Ostritsa village, Progled village and in other villages. The fortress walls of Zarenitsa in Pavelsko village stand out among the sparse pine forest, situated on the left bank of Lyutidol and it is 5 kilometers east of Pavelsko village and 5 kilometers south of the resort Narechenski bani. There are also 45 caves near the same village and Cheleveshtnitsa is the biggest of them. You will see in the middle of the cave hall, in a big bowl dug out by falling drops, the most beautiful and majestic cave pearl ever found in Bulgarian caves, regarded as a natural phenomenon and as the most beautiful cave pearl. The cave “Cheleviashta hole” in Orehovo village, which was used as a hiding place by many Bulgarians during the years of Ottoman rule, is also a legendary site in Chepalare Municipality.

The river Chaya

Many Bulgarian people prefer to spend their leisure time in this sunny and tranquil town, located in Chepelare valley. Please, do not miss the chance to visit it during your spare time, so that you can enjoy its incredibly clean air and you may also taste the delicious local food specialties. If you have already visited this locality and had the pleasure to see the landmarks, please, do not hesitate to tell us about your adventures and impressions.