RAZLOG
Municipality
The Razlog Municipality (370sq.km,pop.21.682) encloses parts of the Razlog Col., the steep northern slopes of the Pirin Mountains and the southern slopes of South- Western Rila. The relief is complex and varied-it includes a broad plain (average altitude of 865 m) which contrasts sharply with the sheer alpine peaks of the Pirin Range (7 of which over 2.500-m). And the gradual rise of the Rila foothills, deeply furrowed by the beds of numerous mountain streams and rivers.
The town of Razlog (pop.13, 911) is the historically established economic, cultural and administrative center of the municipality. It is also the main transportation center of the Razlog Municipality and the surrounding municipalities as well. The town is situated in the western part of the Razlog Plain and is very convenient as a starting point for visiting picturesque places in both the Rila and Pirin Mountains. Razlog is famous for the grandiose folklore festival Pirin Peye (Pirin Sings) and for the 1st of January Koukeri (mummers) procession.
The village of Banya (pop.2.825) is a spa resort of local significance. Situated in picturesque surroundings, lying at the foot of Northern Pirin, it is rich in mineral water springs (72), has a good outdoor swimming pool and flower greenhouses, all of which makes it an attractive place for recreation and tourism.
The village of Dobarsko (pop.718) lies in the southern folds of the Rila Mountains. It is famous for its unique Cultural Monument of National Importance*(CMNI)-the Sveti Sveti Teodor Tiron I Teodor Stratilat Church (1614)-as well as for being the center of the Dobarsko Choral School in the past. A number of short and long trails fork out from Dobarsko and lead up into the high the Rila Mountains. The place becomes increasingly popular with tourists.
The Mountain Resort of Predela (12 km W of Razlog) is a broad saddle between Northern Pirin and the south- western Rila Mountains. Its vast meadows surrounded by old deciduous and coniferous forests offer breathtaking views towards the two highest mountains of Bulgaria. The existing tourist facilities (many of them departmental-over 1,000 beds). Are good and convenient for taking long walks around this area.
The past of the Razlog region has been determined to a great extent by the central position of the Razlog Col., which attracted the ancient Thracian tribes, the Satris and Diis, and later the Celts and the Slavs. The region was incorporated into Bulgaria in 847 by Khan Presian, and fell under Ottoman (Turkish) rule in 1382.The remains of an early Christian basilica near Razlog (4th c.) and the ruins of many churches and consecrated grounds dating back to the Middle Ages and the Ottoman Period. Near the town and the surrounding villages help us envision the heroic struggle of the Christian people for their faith. From ancient times the main sources of livelihood in this region were stock- breeding and agriculture. During the National Revival Period (19th c.), pottery making, stone cutting, black smithing and gold smithing and bell casting flourished in the town. The population of the Razlog region played an important role in the struggle for new Bulgarian education, for an independent Bulgarian Church and for National Liberation (from Ottoman occupation). The most turbulent events of the Kresna-Razlog Revolt (1878) and the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Revolt (1903) took place here. Compared to other parts of Bulgaria, the Razlog region has preserved to a greater extent the traditional customs and the spiritual cultures of the Bulgarian people (the first half of the 20th c.). In the ethnographic (traditional culture) aspect, every village in the region has its own features that deserve to be acknowledged for their aesthetic value.
A walk through Razlog and its beautiful park (a lake and fountains) presents an interesting and pleasant experience. There are 41 houses of the Razlog- Chepino architectural type representing the traditional National Revival style in Bulgarian architecture. The houses are designated today as Cultural Monuments*(CM). Most of them stand in the Macedonia Square and on the Vazrazhdane Street. The architecture of the 1930`s sets a distinctive character to the central square of Razlog. Parapounovata Kashta (Parapounov's House), situated in Macedonia Square (5min walk from the central square) is now a historical museum (Istoricheski Mouzei) .It gives the visitor a notion of the setting, the furnishing, and the mode of life in a typical Razlog house from the National Revival Period. Souvenirs made by local craftsmen are on sale there-traditional woven cloth and pieces of art, doll-mummers (Koukeri -traditional mummers in goat's skin). Mummers demonstrations (Koukeri dancing in the yard), together with arts and crafts exhibitions are also put on. The old church of Sveti Georgi (1834,CM*) is not attractive at first sight, but the murals and partially wood-carved iconostasis are of a great artistic value. The new Sveto Blagoveshtenie Church (The Holy Annunciation; 1939) is an impressive edifice, the painting of which continues today. The valyavitsa (fouling mill-cascades of falling water used to wash and thicken rugs) on the Yazo River (10min W of the center), still in use today, is also a traditional attraction. The workshops and houses of talented craftsmen, weavers, knitters and artists may be visited with the assistance of the museum curator. These artisans continue the centuries-old traditions in woodcarving, pottery and the weaving of textile materials. The pleasant atmosphere is also lent to Razlog by a number of taverns (mehanas) and small restaurants that are decorated in the old traditional style. Quite famous are delicious specialties of the local traditional cuisine: Kapama (meat, rice, and pickled cabbage stew), Chomlek (stewed potatoes and meat), Tselovarki (fried beet root), Shoupla (a kind of bread), Soulovrat (sandwiches with leeks, bacon, and cheese), baked Tsrakvarski beans, Sougrena Banitsa (pastry with cheese), etc.
Around Razlog, there are various natural attractions and archaeological sites, situated in scenic places. Some of the sites that you can visit in the Pirin Mountains include: the beautiful locality of Iztoka (6 km SW of the town: the road to the Yavorov Hut and a turn to the right-a track) where the Yazo and Iztoka Karst Springs rise from the mountain slopes, not far from the Spropadnaloto and Mechata Doupka Caves; the beautiful locality of Kroushe (7 km SW) known as the only habitat of Laserpicium archangelika in Bulgaria, where the remains of a late Roman and medieval settlement are to be found.Nearby one can see the ruins of the medieval churches known as Pisanata Tsarkva (the Painted Church) and Byalata Tsarkva (the White Church) and the Karst springs of Babina voda and Varbovets.Two more places not far from Razlog deserve attention: the beautiful Betolovoto locality (10 km SW by car) where you can stay at the Shooting Lodge or the Vang.L Club Hotel (bookings in advance), and the nearby Kalyata locality (9 km SW) with ruins of a late Roman fortress. An old track road starts from the Predela locality (the first turn on the right after descending from Predela starts) passes by the ruins of Pisanata Tsarkva and the Izvora Mineral Spring and reaches Bansko.
There are a number of places in the Rila Mountains that also deserve attention. Among them are: the Stolovatets locality (5 km W of Razlog), with the remains of a Thracian sanctuary, and the Katarino locality (7 km by car), with its warm mineral spring, the ruins of the late medieval church of Sveta Katerina.
The village of Banya (5 km E of Razlog) is extremely attractive with its open swimming pools with mineral water (one of Olympic size and one for children) which are next to the public baths. The Old Bath (1735,CM) is interesting with its architecture. The interior of the church of the Sveti Georgi (1834,CM) is of great artistic value. To enjoy fully your stay in Banya, you might find it interesting to visit the flower greenhouses, which are full of roses, carnations, dahlias, chrysanthemums, etc. The local icon-painters, wood -carvers, and the masters in weaving traditional textiles and embroidery also deserve attention. Diversity is provided by a visit to the fishing pools on the Malka Glazne and Pihla Rivers near the village. Scattered ruins of interesting archaeological sites from Thracian and medieval times can be see in the Mogilitsa, Rakovitsa, Dabeto, Lisicha Mogila and Orlovitsa localities, not far from Banya.
The village of Dobarsko (18 km of Razlog) is known from the time of the Rila Charter of Tsar Ivan Shishman (1378). The church of Sveti Sveti Teodor Tiron I Teodor Stratilat (1614) is one of the few remaining monuments of the 17th century, a national treasure of immense architectural and artistic value (CMNI*). Special interest represent the murals depicting the image of Christ in what some observers claim to be a jet rocket! The Sretenie Gospodne Church (Church of Candlemas) belongs to a later period (1860, CM); the icons in the royal row at the iconostasis are the work of Simeon D. Molerov, an outstanding representative of the Bansko School of Art. The beginning of the Dobarsko Choir School is referred to in a legend according to which a small group of the Tsar Samouil's 14 000 blinded captive soldiers (defeated in a battle by the victorious Byzantine Emperor Vassil II), settled in the village (1014). That was a special professional group of wandering blind singers who performed heroic songs and ballads. According to recent research, the Choir continued performing till the end of the 19th or even the beginning of the 20th century.
There are several sites near the village that deserve attention: the Shtrokaloto Waterfall of a small tributary of the Klinets River (10 min W); the small reservoir which is well stocked with fish (1 km by road);the Kopana Tsarkva locality(2 km NE) where the ruins of the chapel of Sveta Troitsa and a centuries-old black pine tree with weirdly twisted roots are found. Here one can also see the rock formation called Kostenourkata (the Turtle, 1 hour along a track) and the centuries old Doklyuva Ela (firtree, 7 km N). There are 8 consecrated grounds (each within 30-min walk) and 11 stone sinks fed by spring water and maintained by several generations of locals. The Dobarsko Hut (about 12 km N, along a track, RSg *) offers basic facilities. It is a good starting point for magnificent walking tours-to the Macedonia Hut (2 hrs, BSg), etc. Dobarsko is an ideal place for peaceful recreation.
The village of Bachevo (6 km N of Razlog) is situated at the southern foothills of South- Western Rila. Mineral springs are to be found in the Razhdavets locality (2.5 km SW of the village, track). The church of Sveti Dimitar (1835) was destroyed by fire in 1882,but has been subsequently rebuilt. There are many archaeological sites-ruins scattered near the village. Most interesting among them are the ruins of a late Roman fortress in the Gradishteto locality (about 5 km SE) and of a medieval church in the Marena locality (about 6 km NW, near the road to Perivol). The people from the village gather once a year near the rock formation known as Gergova Skala (Gergova Cliff, 1hour W) where they celebrate Gergyovden (St.George's Day, May6) with a kourban (lamb ritual dish symbolic offering). In the forests of the Perivol locality (7 km NW along a track road), you will find the Predela Game-Breeding Farm for wild goat, deer, bears, wild boar, and others which attracts hunters both from the country and abroad.
The villages of Godlevo (7 km of Razlog) and Dolno Draglishte (11 km NE) are situated at the picturesque foothills of South Western Rila. Their churches are of great artistic value. The historical site of Radonova Pozitsia is situated within 15 km NW of Godlevo (along a footpath), where the detachment of Radon Todev fought the Turkish army during the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Revolt.
The folklore, the traditional customs and events in the Razlog Municipality have there own original characteristics with a preserved authentic value that truly gives a great pleasure. There are several song and dance groups in Razlog, which perform authentic folklore. Among them are the Peroun Ensemble and the Children's Folklore Group at the Community Center (Chitalishte) in Razlog.
Some of the most attractive traditional celebrations can be a really delightful experience: the magnificent Pirin Peye (Pirin Sings) Festival, which is held every 4 years on the meadows of Predela with several thousands folklore performers from the Pirin region participating; the sourvakane (traditional greetings, decorated cornel tree used) and the spectacular Koukeri procession ( jan1, Razlog); Yordanovden (the Day of St.John, jan6-a cross is thrown in the river); and Babin Den (Midwives`Day, Jan 21);Todorovden (St.Todor`s Day, the first Saturday of Lent)-horse races near the village of Bachevo; and the horse races in the Katarino locality(the Saturday before March 22) are other interesting events held in March Velikden (E. Orthodox Easter-one week after the Catholic one) is attractively celebrated in Banya: the first day -the lyulka (cradle) custom in the Varvara locality, the 2nd day-a festive dinner, traditional dances and horse races in the Archangel locality. The Dobarsko village is renowned for its special celebrations of the Voditsi (waters) custom. It is the only place in Bulgaria where you can see the so-called koledouvane, a rite for health and fertility performed by women - vodenicharki (women performing millers` rituals) and not by men as the tradition is elsewhere. Gergyovden (St. George's Day, May 6) is also a traditional celebration connected with the custom of topene na kitkite (dipping the flowers) and a ritual lamb dish- offering (kourban).
Other important (not folklore) events include national holidays as March 3- Liberation Day (from Ottoman Occupation); May 24 - The Day of the Cyrillic Alphabet.
The nature of the Razlog Municipality is varied and very attractive. The municipality comprises a large part of the Pirin National Park (4,259.5 hectares of forests and 249 hectares of pastures). And the Rila National Park (2,735.6 hectares of forests and 2,300 hectares of pastures) designated to protect the unique landscape, the remarkable ecosystems and the great bio diversity of flora and fauna. Since 1983, the Pirin National Park has been included in the UNESCO Convention for the Preservation of World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites. The territory of the park within the municipality encompasses the Bayuvi Doupki - Dzhindzhiritsa Reserve, the largest biosphere reserve in Bulgaria (2,873 hectares). It is also famous for being the home of unique communities of white and black fir (Balkan Endemic species), most of the trees 200 to 300 years old with some specimens aged over 1000, and for the great variety of endemic (27 Bulgarian and 43 Balkan) and relict species. The biggest concentrations of alpine edelweiss and wild goat are also found in the reserve.
The Pirin and Rila Mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking. The most popular starting points for Pirin are Razlog, the Predela Pass (12 km W of the town) and the Yavorov Hut (10 km by car plus 8 km of track, RSg*). For Rila - Razlog, Predela, the village of Dobarsko (18 km of road N of Razlog) and the Dobarsko Hut (18 km to Dobarsko plus 12 km along a track, RSg*).
Several marked trails lead from Razlog to the Yavorov Hut (3 to 4.30 hrs. walks) and to the Predela Pass (3 to 5 hrs.) All of them offer magnificent views of the Razlog Plain and an abundance of forest fruit in summer.
The Predela Pass is very close to the especially attractive localities of Koulinoto, Tisheto, Betolovoto (in Pirin), and Mrazenitsa, Stolovatets, Katarino and Perivol (in Rila). From there, one can also visit the Yavorov Hut (6 hrs, RSg*), Macedonia Hut (8 hrs, RSg*) and the village of Dobarsko (8 hrs). There is also a ski - track here - 1,200 m long - medium difficulty.
From the Yavorov Hut, tourists can easily the source of Bela Reka (White River, 1 hour); the Okadenski Tsirkous (Okadenski Cirque) with the Souhindolsko Ezero (Souhindolsko Lake, 1.30 hrs, RSg*); the Pogledets locality (40 min), and Haidoushka Cheshma (Haidoushka Sink, 1.30 hrs). More demanding in terms of tenacity are the trails through Souhodolski Preval (Souhodolski Ridge) to the Razlozhki Souhodol Peak. The Kamenititsa Peak - Kamenitishki Preval - Kamenititsa Cirque, and back (6 hrs, RSg*), and to the Vihren Hut (8 hrs, RSg*) along the narrow and sheer Karst ridge called Koncheto (the Little Horse - there is a metal rope here for tourists' safety). The views from the main ridge of Northern Pirin towards the deep cirques of Kamenititsa, Bayuvi Doupki; Banski Souhodol, and the majestic outlook of the rocky alpine peaks, most of which are a challenge to climbers, are a truly unforgettable experience.