Smolian

The town of Smolyan is magnificently spread in the narrow gorge of Cherna River (Black River), in the most beautiful part of the Rhodope Mountains. It is about 260 km south-east of Sofia. This is one of the most fascinating Bulgarian towns.

Some of the mos interesting landmarks of the town of Smolian are: the Revival Period houses – Meramovs’, Sarievs’, Prissadovs’, etc., the overarched bridge (Beiska Kupriya) across Cherna River, built in the beginning of 18th century. Chinar Nature Reserve (sycamore-tree) – a 250-years old tree.

The Planetarium, which is the biggest in Bulgaria, the Museum of the History of Mid-Rhodope Mountains, houses more than 150 000 exhibits, the Town Art Gallery exhibits thousands of masterpieces of artists and sculptors, St. Nedelya Church (1836 г.) has a rich collections of icons and visitors and tourists may learn a lot about the Bulgarian history here, the Rhodope Theatre of Drama is successfully functioning in this nice town. The town is also a university centre - it houses the Pedagogical Faculty of Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski'".

When it comes to nature one cannot leave the town without savouring the view of the seven Smolyan lakes, known as the "emerald eyes of the Rhodopes". Together with the forests, meadows, numerous hotels and chapels, and the lift to Snezhanka peak, as well as the proximity to one of the biggest Bulgarian winter resorts - Pamporovo, make Smolyan an attractive tourist destination.