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  • Writer's pictureStefan Ivanov

Mechata Glava fountain by the road between the town of Panagyurishte and the village of Oborishte

Updated: Jun 28

Passenger!

See the two rivers Panova and Asarel merged here under this bridge;

This is how the souls of our grandfathers merged in the summer of 1876 - there on the Panova River

OBORISHTE

IN THE FIRST BULGARIAN GREAT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

for the liberation of Bulgaria.

Doff your hat, even from afar, and bow before you pass.

1928


"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte
The commemorative plaque of the watershed of the Panova and Asarel rivers, built into the rock by the road

This inscription was placed on a memorial plaque by the road between the town of Panagyurishte and the village of Oborishte, next to the confluence of the two rivers Panova and Asarel. The plaque was laid here in 1928 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the April Epic.


"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte

In 1966, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the April Epic, a fountain, known today as the "Bear's Head", was erected near the memorial plaque.


"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte
"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte

On the road between Oborishte Historic District and the town of Panagyurishte, you will find the Mechata Glava fountain on the right.


"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte

A note with a photo in issue 22 of the "Oborishte" newspaper dated August 20, 1966 also points to the specific year.


"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte

On the way to the Oborishte area, shortly after you pass the Groba area, on the initiative of the Regional Road Administration, a wonderfully beautiful fountain was created. The place has been developed into a park and now it is great for recreation and relaxation for travelers and nature lovers.


"Mechata Glava" fountain near the town of Panagyurishte

Very close by is also the deviation of the road leading to the historical area of Oborishte.


Oborishte historical area
The venue of the First Bulgarian National Assembly

Dear Readers of "Photo Moments", my detailed and detailed post about all those memorable events that took place here in this place, you will find by following the Oborishte Historic Site link.


How do you get to the Mechata Glava fountain?

Mechata Glava fountain is located in Central Bulgaria, in the northwestern part of the Pazardzhik region. It is located by the road III-801 Vakarel - Panagyurishte.


Mechata Glava Fountain stands at:

  • 100 kilometers (about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car) from the capital

  • 83 kilometers (about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv

  • 437 kilometers (about 5 hours by car) from the city of Varna

  • 322 kilometers (about 3 hours and 10 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas

  • 8 kilometers (about 11 minutes by car) from the town of Panagyurishte



How do you get to Oborishte Historic Area?

Oborishte historical area is located in Central Bulgaria, in the northwestern part of Pazardzhik district. It is located near road III-801 Vakarel - Panagyurishte.


The branch of road III-801 Vakarel – Panagyurishte for the Oborishte Historical Area
The branch of road III-801 Vakarel – Panagyurishte for the Oborishte Historical Area

At the junction of the road III-801 Vakarel - Panagyurishte there is a sign for the area with the inscription "Oborishte", the distance to the goal is also written - 3 kilometers.


The monument erected at the junction of the road III-801 Vakarel – Panagyurishte for the Oborishte Historical Area
The monument erected at the junction of the road III-801 Vakarel – Panagyurishte for the Oborishte Historical Area

At the fork between the two roads, a monument has been erected, representing a stylized lion, under which are crossed swords and revolvers.

In case you are traveling in the direction from Panagyurishte to Vakarel, the turnoff is on the right.


Oborishte historical area
The starting point of the tourist trail to Oborishte Historic Area

Oborishte historical area stands on:

  • 100 kilometers (about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car) from the capital

  • 83 kilometers (about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv

  • 437 kilometers (about 5 hours by car) from the city of Varna

  • 322 kilometers (about 3 hours and 10 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas

  • 8 kilometers (about 11 minutes by car) from the town of Panagyurishte



How to get to the city of Panagyurishte?

Panagyurishte is a city in Central Bulgaria, the administrative center of Panagyurishte municipality, Pazardzhik district.


National memorial complex "Apriltsi" in the city of Panagyurishte
National memorial complex "Apriltsi" in the city of Panagyurishte

Panagyurishte is located in a mountainous area - Sochtinska Sredna Gora, 43 kilometers (about 40 minutes by car) north of the regional town.


View of Panagyurishte from Apriltsi Memorial Complex
View of Panagyurishte from Apriltsi Memorial Complex

Panagyurishte is the administrative center of Panagyurishte municipality, which includes nine other settlements. Neighboring settlements are: the resort village of Panagyurski Kolonii (about 15 kilometers to the north), the village of Oborishte (about 10 kilometers to the west), the village of Banya (about 11 kilometers to the south), the village of Buta (about 8 kilometers to the south) and the town of Strelcha (about 12 kilometers to the east).


The lake with water lilies of Panagyurski colonies
The lake with water lilies of Panagyurski colonies

In the land of the city of Panagyurishte there is also a settlement of Panagyurski Colonies, which does not have its own land.


The cross above the city of Panagyurishte
The cross over the city

To the north of it, near the resort village of Panagyurski Kolonii, rises Mount Bratia (1519 meters above sea level).


The building of the public bath in the city of Panagyurishte
The building of the public bath in the city of Panagyurishte

The Panagyurska Luda Yana river flows through the city, which after the village of Popintsi joins the Strelchanska Luda Yana river and thus the Luda Yana river is formed.

"Panagyurishte" station is the last station on the Plovdiv - Panagyurishte railway line.


Dudekova house in the town of Panagyurishte
Gentle spring in Dudekova house

Highway 37 of the republican road network passes through the city, which connects Dospat (in the Rhodopes) through Zlatishki Prohod (in Stara Planina) with the main road A2 - highway "Hemus" (near the village of Jurovo, municipality of Pravets).


Panagyurishte stands at:


  • 94 kilometers (about 1 hour and 42 minutes by car) from the capital

  • 80 kilometers (about 1 hour and 11 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv

  • 421 kilometers (about 4 hours and 49 minutes by car) from the city of Varna

  • 314 kilometers (about 1 hour and 2 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas



What can be visited nearby?

Only 8 kilometers southwest of Oborishte Historic Site (about 11 minutes by car) is the village of Oborishte.


The Bulgarian tribagrenik above the village of Oborishte
The Bulgarian tribagrenik above the village of Oborishte

South of the village of Oborishte, the "Holy Virgin" chapel was built.


Chapel "Sveta Bogoroditsa" near the village of Oborishte
Chapel "Sveta Bogoroditsa" near the village of Oborishte

The most hardworking and skilled Bulgarian hands have turned the place into a real miracle with wonderful benches, a place for games for the little ones, green grass, majestic views, walking paths and a big green heart.


Oborishte village, Panagyurishte municipality
The heart of Oborishte village

Only 8 kilometers south-east of Oborishte Historic Site (about 11 minutes by car) is the struggling Panagyurishte.



April 20, summer 1876!

Riot!

Uprising!

To arms!

The ecstatic shouts of the freedom fighters announce this yard!



This is the Tuteva House in the city of Panagyurishte - the place where the April Uprising was announced!



Nearby is the Lekova House, which you should not miss to visit.


Monument to Raina Knyagina in the city of Panagyurishte
Monument to Raina Knyagina in the city of Panagyurishte

From there, head to "Raina Knyaginya" square, where you will see the monument of a Bulgarian teacher and midwife - Raina (Raikya) Popgeorgieva Futekova-Dipcheva, who sewed the banner of the insurgents and embroidered the lion and fiery motto with tinsel:


Freedom or death!


Nearby is also the Futek house - the birthplace of Raina Knyagina, which today has been turned into a museum.



House-museum "Raina Knyaginya" is site number 36 of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria.



You should not miss the incredibly interesting exposition of the Panagyurishte Historical Museum dedicated to the April Uprising, with original relics related to the heroic epic of April 1876.


Dudekova house in the town of Panagyurishte
Dudekova house in the town of Panagyurishte

Dudekova house, part of the museum complex, is an architectural-historical landmark in Panagyurishte from the Renaissance era. There is an ethnographic-historical exposition reflecting the Renaissance way of life and culture.


Vault of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure
Vault of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure

There are dozens of Thracian mounds in the vicinity of the city. A burial of a Thracian chieftain was discovered in one of them - the "Mramor" mound.


A golden phial, part of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure
A golden phial, part of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure

Not far from it, in 1949, the world-famous Panagyurishte gold treasure was discovered, dating from the IV-III century BC.


Amphora-rhyton, part of the Golden Treasure of Panagyurishte
Amphora-rhyton, part of the Golden Treasure of Panagyurishte

The treasure was found by chance by the three bricklayer brothers Pavel, Petko and Mihail Dejkovi, while they were digging the ground for clay. It is made of pure gold and weighs 6.164 kilograms.


Stag-headed rhyton, part of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure
Stag-headed rhyton, part of the Panagyurishte Golden Treasure

Copies of the nine unique golden vessels are exhibited in the historical museum in the city, and the originals travel around museums around the world and in Bulgaria.

A wonderful musical water attraction here are the uniquely beautiful, enchanted-magical and so colorful Panagyurishte fountains, which I definitely advise you to visit when you visit this beautiful city in the middle of the mountains.



You will witness one of three musical programs – a whirlwind, dizzying dance in which musical notes intertwine, dazzling light, tons of color and thousands of splashes of water!

What?! You do not believe me?! Well see for yourself!



The music in this video is by the talented Bulgarian composer, arranger and pianist Mitko Shterev, presented in a unique, beautiful and so colorful and impactful-visual way.

At the end of each year, Panagyurishte shines brightly decorated to welcome the Nativity of Christ.


Panagyurishte on the eve of the Christmas and New Year holidays
Panagyurishte on the eve of the Christmas and New Year holidays

Only 10 kilometers south of the town of Panagyurishte (about 12 minutes by car) you will find the village of Banya, Panagyursko.


Monument to Pope Gruyo – Banski in the village of Banya, Panagyurishte region
Monument to Pope Gruyo – Banski in the village of Banya, Panagyurishte region

Resting in the village of Banya, in the midst of wild nature, complete silence and abundant mineral springs, is an exceptional pleasure that I invite you to share.


The spa of the village of Banya, Panagyursko
The spa of the village of Banya, Panagyursko

Cross the bridge built over the Banska Luda Yana river and head towards the monastery church "Sveta Troitsa", rising in the middle of the Manastircheto area.


Holy Trinity Monastery Church, Banya village, Panagyurishte region
Holy Trinity Monastery Church, Banya village, Panagyurishte region

Passing the white temple, the path will take you up to Bansko Kale (Gradishteto), from where an impressive view of the entire village is revealed.


Panoramic view from Bansko Kale (Gradishteto) over the village of Banya, Panagyursko
Panoramic view from Bansko Kale (Gradishteto) over the village of Banya, Panagyursko

In Banya, you should definitely visit the emblematic Talpena house, also called Puleva house.


The Talpena house in the village of Banya, Panagyur region, also known as the Puleva house
The Talpena house in the village of Banya, Panagyur region, also known as the Puleva house

The house is a unique monument of residential architecture and dates back to the period from 1700 to 1725. It was the property of rich peasants from the Pulev family.

It is built of hand-hewn logs, hence the other name by which it is known.

The ancestors of the champions Kubrat and Tervel Pulevi are also from the Pulev family. According to village records, their grandfather Peter was born in Banya.

The Talpena house in the village of Banya, Panagyursko, also known as the Puleva house, has been declared a cultural monument and has a valuable architectural value, giving an insight into the life and past of Banya.


The native house of Pop Grujo Banski in the village of Banya, Panagyurishte region
The native house of Pop Grujo Banski in the village of Banya, Panagyurishte region

In Banya, you should not miss to visit the birthplace of Gruyu Trenchov, better known as Pop Gruyo - Bansky, Bulgarian revolutionary, participant in the April Uprising, voivode of the detachment and conjurer of the participants in the Oborishte Assembly.


Only about 43 kilometers south of the city of Panagyurishte (about 40 minutes by car) is the city of Pazardzhik, where you will find the garden of the world and the eternal flame of peace.


The eternal flame of peace in the gardens of the world in the city of Pazardzhik
The eternal flame of peace in the gardens of the world in the city of Pazardzhik

Only 14 kilometers southwest of the city of Pazardzhik (about 18 minutes by car) you will find the village of Patalenitsa.


In the village of Patalenitsa, I recommend you to visit the pearl of Patalenitsa - the buried church "Saint Dimitar".


The buried church "Saint Dimitar" in the village of Patalenitsa
The buried church "Saint Dimitar" in the village of Patalenitsa

Near the village stands the wonderful Batkun spiritual monastery "St. St. Peter and Paul", where you will find majestic tranquility and beauty.


Batkun spiritual monastery "St. St. Peter and Paul" near the village of Patalenitsa
Batkun spiritual monastery "St. St. Peter and Paul" near the village of Patalenitsa

In spring, Patalen's phenomenally beautiful lavender fields exude charm and charm against the backdrop of the majestic Rhodopes.


Patalenitsa lavender fields
Patalenitsa lavender fields

About 30 kilometers west of the city of Pazardzhik (about 30 minutes by car) is the wonderful village of Golyamo Belovo.


Golyamo Belovo village, Pazardzhik district
Golyamo Belovo village, Pazardzhik district

From here starts the path to the majestic ruins of Belovska Basilica, which I highly recommend you to visit.


The magnificent ruins of Belovska Basilica
The magnificent ruins of Belovska Basilica

From here you can continue your wonderful adventure in antiquity towards the ruins of the ancient late antique and medieval fortress city of Levke.


The ruins of the ancient and medieval fortress city of Levke
The ruins of the ancient and medieval fortress city of Levke

Just 13 kilometers east of the town of Panagyurishte (about 15 minutes by car) you will find the charming jewel of Strelcha.



In the town of Strelcha, you can enjoy the singing and dancing fountain "The Ballerina".


Singing and dancing fountain "The Ballerina" in Strelcha
Singing and dancing fountain "The Ballerina" in Strelcha

Don't forget to bow your head near the majestic temple-monument "St. Archangel Michael" that rises in the city of Strelcha.


Church-monument "St. Archangel Michael" in the city of Strelcha
Church-monument "St. Archangel Michael" in the city of Strelcha

On a vast territory, located between the picturesque towns of Koprivshtitsa and Strelcha, you will find several ancient megalithic sanctuaries - Skumsale, Isara, Kiselitsa, Kulata.


Skumsale, Isara, Kiselitsa, Kulata - ancient megalithic sanctuaries, located between the picturesque towns of Koprivshtitsa and Strelcha
Skumsale, Isara, Kiselitsa, Kulata - ancient megalithic sanctuaries, located between the picturesque towns of Koprivshtitsa and Strelcha

Only 22 kilometers north of the city of Strelcha (about 28 minutes by car) is the Koprivshtitsa Archaeological-Historical Reserve City-Museum - site number 75 of Bulgaria's 100 national tourist sites.


Stone bridge of the First Rifle (Kalychev bridge) in the town of Koprivshtitsa
Stone bridge of the First Rifle (Kalychev bridge) in the town of Koprivshtitsa

Near the town, I suggest you visit the impressively beautiful and so charming Koprivshtitsa station.


Koprivshtitsa railway station
Koprivshtitsa railway station

In Koprivshtitsa, you must take time and visit the Revival Church "St. Nicholas".


Revival Church "St. Nicholas" in Koprivshtitsa
Revival Church "St. Nicholas" in Koprivshtitsa

A walk through the green pastures around the town of Koprivshtitsa will shake you out of the gray everyday life and positively charge you, and I highly recommend it!


The green pastures near Koprivshtitsa
The green pastures near Koprivshtitsa

Just 35 kilometers east of the city of Panagyurishte (about 35 minutes by car) is Starosel - another beautiful Bulgarian village that has gathered the beauty and charm of this wonderful part of Bulgaria.



Just 41 kilometers east of the town of Panagyurishte (about 41 minutes by car) is the village of Panicheri, where this slender clock tower stands proudly.


The clock tower in Panicheri village, Hisarya municipality
The clock tower in Panicheri village, Hisarya municipality

Just 45 kilometers east of the city of Panagyurishte (about 45 minutes by car) you will have the unique opportunity to walk the art streets of Staro Zhelezare.


The art streets of Staro Zhelezare, Hisarya municipality
The art streets of Staro Zhelezare, Hisarya municipality

Just 58 kilometers east of the city of Panagyurishte (about 58 minutes by car) you will find the green and peaceful Hisarya.


The southern fortress gate "The Camels" of ancient Diocletianopol in the city of Hisarya
The southern fortress gate "The Camels" of ancient Diocletianopol in the city of Hisarya

Hisarya offers its guests diverse and impressive attractions, which I have summarized in the following great itinerary ideas that everyone can benefit from:




Only 15 kilometers north of the city of Panagyurishte (about 15 minutes by car) in the middle of the inspiringly beautiful Schtinska Sredna Gora at an altitude of 1050 meters on a pass east of Mount Bratiya is the settlement of Panagyurski colonies.


The lake with water lilies in the village of Panagyurski colonies
The lake with water lilies in the village of Panagyurski colonies

Only 15 kilometers northwest of the village of Panagyurski Kolonii (about 15 minutes by car) in the middle of the picturesque Medetski Prohod in Soschinska Sredna Gora is the "New Kemer" bridge.


The "New Kemer" bridge in Medetski Prohod in Sochtinska Sredna Gora
The "New Kemer" bridge in Medetski Prohod in Sochtinska Sredna Gora

Very close to the "New Kemer" bridge is the town of Zlatitsa - one of my favorite towns to which I like to return again and again.

In the city center, be sure to have a lot of fun at Grandfather's Glove Park.


Park "Grandfather's Glove" in the city of Zlatitsa
Park "Grandfather's Glove" in the city of Zlatitsa

Very close to the "Grandfather's Glove" park is the old clock tower of Zlatitsa.


The old clock tower in the town of Zlatitsa
The old clock tower in the town of Zlatitsa

From the old clock tower, head towards the northeastern part of Zlatitsa, north of the railway line, where "Stara planina" street is located. Taking it, you will soon find yourself outside the northern outskirts in the foothills of the Balkans, where humming will tell you that you are approaching Zlatiski Waterfall.


Zlatishki waterfall
Zlatishki waterfall

In the immediate vicinity of the waterfall itself are the stairs that will take you to the chapel of St. St. Cyric and Iulita. From the place there is an extremely beautiful view of the entire Zlatishka valley.


Chapel "St. St. Kirik and Julita" above the town of Zlatitsa
Chapel "St. St. Kirik and Julita" above the town of Zlatitsa

If you continue to the left past the waterfall, you will find yourself at the Ascension Monastery and Spasovo Kladchenche.


Monastery "Sveti Spas" in the town of Zlatitsa
Monastery "Sveti Spas" in the town of Zlatitsa

The "Gergana" fountain in the town of Zlatitsa, inspired by Slaveykov's "Fountain of the Whitefoot", is located about one kilometer south of the city center on "Medet" street, not far from the last houses, on the road leading to the area of the same name, in the direction the village of Panagyurski colonies and the town of Panagyurishte.


"Gergana" fountain in the town of Zlatitsa – inspired by the "Fountain of the Whitefoot"
"Gergana" fountain in the town of Zlatitsa – inspired by the "Fountain of the Whitefoot"

Only 11 kilometers west of the town of Zlatitsa (about 13 minutes by car) you will find the uniquely beautiful and so arranged village of Chavdar.


The composition "Birds" is by the talented artist Assoc. Dr. Momchil Mirchev
The composition "Birds" is by the talented artist Assoc. Dr. Momchil Mirchev

Near the village are the uniquely beautiful and easily accessible Kazanite waterfalls - a natural phenomenon of five charming and beautiful waterfalls on the Bererei river, descending from a height of 15 meters, forming a cascade of clear ice water.


Kazanite waterfalls near the village of Chavdar
Kazanite waterfalls near the village of Chavdar

In Chavdar, an annual assembly is held on Mount Sveta Petka, which is located above the village. The locality is named after the patron saint of the village, Saint Petka.

The place is not accidental, because the view from it is extraordinary. From there you can see the entire Zlatishka valley, even the Topolnitsa river. A chapel "St. Petka" was built there.


Chapel "Sveta Petka" above the village of Chavdar
Chapel "Sveta Petka" above the village of Chavdar

Archaeological Park "Topolnitsa" is also located nearby.


Archaeological Park "Topolnitsa" above the village of Chavdar - a gateway to the Neolithic
Archaeological Park "Topolnitsa" above the village of Chavdar - a gateway to the Neolithic

Just 10 kilometers east of the town of Zlatitsa (about 14 minutes by car) are the majestic ruins of the Elenska Basilica, which you should definitely not miss.


Deer Basilica near the town of Pirdop
Deer Basilica near the town of Pirdop

Near the ruins of the Elenska Basilica, as a memory of the destroyed Bulgarian monastery, in 2010, the "St. Ilia" chapel was erected and consecrated.


Chapel "Saint Ilia" near the town of Pirdop
Chapel "Saint Ilia" near the town of Pirdop

Just 12 kilometers south-east of the town of Zlatitsa (about 14 minutes by car) is the picturesque Midland jewel of Dushantsi.


People's community center "Svetlina" in the village of Dushantsi
People's community center "Svetlina" in the village of Dushantsi

Let your walk also take you to the beautiful church "St. St. Cyril and Methodius".


Church "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" in the village of Dushantsi
Church "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" in the village of Dushantsi

Dushantsi is a delightful place in every season! Proof of this is the magnificent photo moments with the wonderful Christmas and New Year decorations, bringing so much delight to our senses!


Christmas and New Year decorations in the village of Dushantsi
Christmas and New Year decorations in the village of Dushantsi

At the end of the village, don't miss to turn left, where the authentic Roman Kufarita Bridge awaits you.


Authentic Roman bridge Kufarita in the village of Dushantsi
Authentic Roman bridge Kufarita in the village of Dushantsi

Continuing after the Kufarita bridge, the road will take you to the "St. George" chapel above Dushantsi, from where you will enjoy a wonderful view of the entire Zlatishka valley.


Chapel "St. George" above the village of Dushantsi
Chapel "St. George" above the village of Dushantsi

The road after the village will take you to Dushantsi Reservoir - magnificent in every season - in autumn, in winter and on the border between spring and summer. Enjoy it!


Dushantsi Dam
Dushantsi Dam

Just 8 kilometers east of the town of Pirdop (about 11 minutes by car) lies the peaceful, green and oh-so-beautiful village of Anton.


Anton village
Anton village

Very close to the village on the Sub-Balkan road itself is the charming Antonovsky waterfall (also Antonovsky waterfall or the Butterfly).


Antonovsky Waterfall (Antonsky Waterfall or the Butterfly)
Antonovsky Waterfall (Antonsky Waterfall or the Butterfly)

All the unsurpassed beauty of the Zlatishko-Pirdopski historical region is collected in a single route "Wonders of the Zlatishko-Pirdopski region", prepared by me for you with a lot of love and which is a wonderful idea for the weekend!



All of the ideas presented here are totally relevant and doable within a weekend!


And as a finale, my dear friends,

you shouldn't miss a look

the special album with photo moments –

discovered, experienced, captured and shared with you!



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