Vitosha Natural Park
Any resident of the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, has the opportunity to touch nature far from going anywhere and even conquer the height of 2290 meters. All this is possible in the Vitosha Nature Park, which is visible from the southern outskirts of the capital.
Basic information
The current name of the park and the peak of the same name is associated with the Bulgarian male name, which means "life". Vitosha Nature Park covers an area of more than 27 hectares, and is located almost 20 km. in length and about 17 km in width. The highest point is Black Peak, 2290 meters, gained its popularity at the end of the 19th century, when 300 climbers simultaneously rose to it.
For lovers of hiking, more than 50 ecological paths, of varying complexity and length are organized in the Vitosha park. Some of these paths are specially paved with stone, bridges are laid through the streams. There are specially organized places for relaxation, with tables, benches and bonfires. Several tracks are located at an altitude of over 2000 meters. In winter, Vitosha Park becomes a great place for skiers. There are tracks for beginners and professionals. Snow on the tops lies almost half days a year, and while gardens bloom in the capital, you can go skiing and sledding.
Attractions
Dukhlata Cave is known as the longest cave in all of Bulgaria, the length of its corridors is over 18 km. and a depth of more than 50 meters. The cave system is located on 6 levels, there are several streams on the lower. You can visit it only with special skills and accompanied by a trained local guide. It is done so that a person does not harm the local ecosystem. The caves got their name for the peculiar whistling sounds made by the wind at the entrance.
Natural attractions include waterfalls of various sizes, small mountain lakes with ice water, a huge number of beautiful flowers, more than 200 species of birds.
Boyan Church - a medieval church at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, its construction began in the 10th century, today is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Initially, a small building was illuminated in honor of the saints of Nicholas and Panteleimon, and three centuries later another 2 floors were attached to it, and decorated with frescoes. And in the 19th century they attached another building. Thus, today the church has three limits. The structure has an interesting architecture, and the interior is striking in its unique painting.
Bistrishko Branishte is a nature reserve on Mount Vitosha. In this territory, coniferous trees growing here and alpine vegetation are protected. Visits are only permissible within specially continued paths. It is established that the average age of the local forest is more than 100 years.
Peatted scolding - a reserve of turf or peat reserve. Closed for free visit in order to preserve rare species of peat bogs, algae and mosses. But it is known that these places are visited by representatives of the animal world: deer, wild boars, less often wolves and bears.
There are several monasteries in the park:
- Drogal Convent of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Kladnishki - the man's monastery of Nikolai the miracle worker
- Kokalyansky Monastery of Arkhangel Mikhail
Vitosha Nature Park, a place where almost everyone will find something interesting for themselves. Be it a monument of the history or beauty of nature. Proximity to the capital makes it extremely attractive for tourists.
