One of the most special places in November, endowed with special beauty, charm and silence, and also woven of blissful tranquility, where autumn has made its native home, is located in Sštinska Sredna gora, northeast of the village of Oborishte and northwest of the town of Panagyurishte.
This is where I find myself.
When I'm with my loved ones, I come here.
When I feel the need to think, I come here.
When I'm looking for privacy, I come here.
When the workman has robbed me, I come here.
I feel good here.
The golden-orange colors of the season have enveloped everything - leaves, stems, waters.
The wind has forgotten to blow and is probably sleeping.
The warmth of autumn gently caresses my senses and whispers to me to set off.
I'm leaving too.
I get lost in autumn.
8 kilometers west of Panagyurishte on the road III-801 Panagyurishte – Vakarel, immediately after the Mechata Glava fountain, take the right turn.
I soon lose range as well.
I have no connection with this world.
After a few minutes, I park in the extensive parking lot, right at the beginning of the tourist trail leading to Oborishte Historic Area.
The beginning of the autumn fairy tale...
A soft carpet of oak leaves covered the ground.
I step and sink into the fall.
Two kittens, tails curled, rush towards me.
I take Autumn's hand and we both set off.
Soon the specifically curved oak leaves on the ground were replaced by beech leaves.
Both green and gold.
The hiking trail leading to the Oborishte Historic Site is one of the easiest, most pleasant, most peaceful, quietest, most secluded and most beautiful that I have ever hiked. Especially in the fall!
The quiet murmur of the Panova River creates a majestic symphony, of which I am the only listener.
The waterfall hides shyly from under the wooden bridges and hangs out like some small child seeking attention.
The autumn sun winks at me and weaves patterns on the beech autumn carpet.
I am excited!
I come across an autumn cyclamen in bloom by the path.
She winks at me.
I smile at her.
A unique autumn idyll! Autumn perfection! The perfect autumn along the Panova Reka valley!
Is it possible?
Is it true?
Could it be a joke?
Walking, I reach a second bridge to the fall and…
...losing myself in beauty...
Here I am.
This is Benkovski.
This is Volov.
Here are Georgi Ikonomov, Zahariy Stoyanov and Toma Georgiev.
This is Vasil Petleshkov.
This is Nikola Karadjov.
Here are all the fighters for the freedom of Bulgaria!
Oborishte is a protected historical area in Pazardzhik district, Panagyurishte municipality, on the land of the village of Oborishte.
The locality was declared by Decree of the Council of Ministers No. 1171 of September 24, 1951.
Its area was increased by Order No. 256 of February 25, 1969 and recategorized by Order No. RD-422 of April 3, 2003. Its total area is 203.8 hectares.
The purpose of declaring the area protected is the preservation of the characteristic landscape, as well as the preservation of birds in Sredna Gora, and also in connection with the history of Bulgaria.
In 1928, a white stone monument was erected in the area where the First National Assembly was held.
It is made simply - from white Vratsa marble. It was designed by the sculptor Yanko p. Pavlov, native of Panagyurishte. The author is known as "Elin Pelin in sculpture".
The area is also known as the Bulgarian Jerusalem, and here the appreciative Bulgarian people from all over the country and beyond come to worship.
Next to the monument in the Oborishte Historical Area, dedicated to the Oborishte Assembly, a wonderful tourist trail with a length of about one kilometer has been built, which follows the curves of the Panova Reka and crosses it several times on the shaped small wooden bridges.
Type of route – entirely on foot and very easy. It is not necessary to overcome a large unevenness. Perfectly suitable for families with small children. There is a large parking lot where you can leave your cars.
Caution is required in places! Dear parents, in some places the path winds in close proximity to steep and steep river slopes. This is why you shouldn't let your little ones run unsupervised on the trail!
Total length - about two kilometers (round trip). The path is pleasant and easy. You walk in the shadows of centuries-old beech trees.
Duration – About an hour, depending on the pace you walk and also the number and length of breaks you take. Around the monument, as well as in places along the path itself, there are several benches built where you can rest before heading back.
Appropriate gear – comfortable sports shoes, as well as comfortable clothing and outerwear according to the season.
It is good to carry water with you because there are no water fountains on the trail. There is a water fountain in the parking lot, but it has not been working for a long time.
The nearest functioning water fountain is "Bear's Head".
Oborishte historical area is site number 36 of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria.
Dear Photo Moments readers, you will find my detailed and detailed post about all those memorable events that took place here at this place by following the Oborishte Historic Site link.
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.
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.
At the fork between the two roads, a monument has been erected, representing a stylized lion, under which are crossed swords and a revolver.
In case you are traveling in the direction from Panagyurishte to Vakarel, the turnoff is on the right.
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.
Panagyurishte is located in a mountainous area - Sochtinska Sredna Gora, 43 kilometers (about 40 minutes by car) north of the regional town.
Panagyurishte is the administrative center of Panagyurishte municipality, which includes nine other settlements. Neighboring settlements are: the resort village of Panagyurski Colonies (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 (it is about 12 kilometers to the east).
In the land of the town of Panagyurishte there is also a settlement of Panagyurski Colonies, which does not have its own land.
To the north of it, near the resort village of Panagyurski Colonies, rises Mount Bratia (1519 meters above sea level).
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 railway line Plovdiv - Panagyurishte.
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 - Hemus highway (near the village of Jurovo, Pravets municipality).
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.
South of the village of Oborishte, the "Holy Virgin" chapel was built.
The most hardworking and skillful Bulgarian hands have turned the place into a real miracle with wonderful benches, a place for children to play, green grass, majestic views, walking paths and a big green heart.
On the road between Oborishte Historical Area and the town of Panagyurishte, you will find the Mechata Glava fountain on the right.
The iconic fountain was erected back in 1966 on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the April Uprising.
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
MANURE
IN THE FIRST BULGARIAN GREAT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
for the liberation of Bulgaria.
Doff your hat, even from afar, and bow before you pass.
1928 year
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 Healing House, which you should not miss to visit.
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 Knyaginia" 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.
The Dudekova house, part of the museum complex, is an architectural and historical landmark in Panagyurishte from the Renaissance era. There is an ethnographic-historical exposition reflecting the Renaissance way of life and culture.
There are dozens of Thracian mounds in the vicinity of the city. The burial of a Thracian chieftain was discovered in one of them - the "Marble" mound.
Not far from it, in 1949, the world-famous Panagyursko gold treasure was discovered, dating from the IV-III century BC.
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.
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, enchanting-magical and so colorful Panagyura fountains, which I definitely advise you to visit when you visit this beautiful town 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.
Only 10 kilometers south of the town of Panagyurishte (about 12 minutes by car) you will find the village of Banya, Panagyursko.
Resting in the village of Banya, in the middle of wild nature, complete silence and an abundance of mineral springs, is an exceptional pleasure that I invite you to share.
Cross the bridge built over the Banska Luda Yana river and head towards the monastery church "Holy Trinity", rising in the middle of the Manastircheto area.
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.
In Banya, you should definitely visit the emblematic Talpena house, also called 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 clapboard house in the village of Banya, Panagyursko, also known as the Bullet House, has been declared a cultural monument and has a valuable architectural value, giving an insight into the life and past of Bantsi.
In Banya, you should not miss visiting 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.
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 Patalenica - the buried church "Saint Dimitar".
Near the village stands the wonderful Batkun spiritual monastery "St. St. Peter and Paul", where you will find majestic tranquility and beauty.
In spring, Patalen's phenomenally beautiful lavender fields exude charm and charm against the backdrop of the majestic Rhodopes.
About 30 kilometers west of the city of Pazardzhik (about 30 minutes by car) is the wonderful village of Golyamo Belovo.
From here starts the path to the majestic ruins of Belovska Basilica, which I highly recommend you to visit.
From here you can continue your wonderful adventure in antiquity towards the ruins of the ancient late antique 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".
Don't forget to bow your head near the majestic temple-monument "St. Archangel Michael" that rises 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.
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.
Near the town, I suggest you visit the impressively beautiful and so charming Koprivshtitsa station.
In Koprivshtitsa, you must take time and visit the Revival Church "St. Nicholas".
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!
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.
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.
Just 58 kilometers east of the city of Panagyurishte (about 58 minutes by car) you will find the green and peaceful 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.
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.
Very close to the "New Kemer" bridge is the town of Zlatica - 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.
Very close to the "Grandfather's Glove" park is the old clock tower 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.
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.
If you continue to the left past the waterfall, you will find yourself at the Ascension Monastery and Spasovo Kladchenche.
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.
Just 10 kilometers east of the town of Zlatica (about 14 minutes by car) are the majestic ruins of the Elenska Basilica, which you should definitely not miss.
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.
Just 12 kilometers south-east of the town of Zlatica (about 14 minutes by car) is the picturesque Midland jewel of Dushantsi.
Let your walk also take you to the beautiful church "St. St. Cyril and Methodius".
Dušanci 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!
At the end of the village, don't miss to turn left, where the authentic Roman Kufarita Bridge awaits you.
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 Zlatiška valley.
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!
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.
Very close to the village on the Sub-Balkan road itself is the charming Antonovsky waterfall (also Antonovsky 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!