Strandzha

ABOUT STRANDZHA

Strandzha Mountain is in the southeastern part of Bulgaria between the Burgas plain, Black sea and the eastern pat of the plains of Thrace.

The view to the mountain is amazing and unforgettable. The villages with their pastures, meadows and fields are scattered on the mountain hills of this endless green sea of Strandzha. Two of the clearest rivers in Bulgaria – Veleka  and the border Resovska river meander around. Because of its mild climate, Strandzha is suitable for tourism and relaxation. Some of the most popular Bulgarian rivers also pass through the mountain – Ropotamo, Veleka, Dyavolska, Rezovska.

Ropotamo is one of the most famous rivers in our country. It is probably the best known among all Black Sea rivers. It springs from the main peak of the Bosna Cliff not far from the same-name hill (454m.) and ends by its firth to the Black Sea not far from Cape St. Dimitar.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The Strandzha Nature Park is the biggest protected territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. It is one of the first locations to be proclaimed protected bio-diverse territories in Bulgaria. 50% of Bulgaria’s flora can be observed in Strandzha with a great number of endemic species, relicts and endangered species.

The symbol of Strandzha is the Strandzha zhelenika (periwinkle) which is known for its beautiful purple blossoms.

The fauna of Strandzha Nature Park is extremely diverse. Among all protected territories in the country, Strandzha contains the greatest number of freshwater fish, reptiles, bats and other small mammals. The animal kingdom of the mountain consists of deers, hogs, jackal, turtles and many kinds of lizards, snakes, frogs, etc.

HISTORICAL HERITAGE

Strandzha fascinates with its specific traditional architecture which is very well preserved in the village of Brashlian – this village has been proclaimed an architectural reserve, or in the city of Malko Tarnovo, and other villages. The rich folklore and distinctive rituals of the local people, such as nestinarstvo (barefoot dancing on live embers) preserve numerous pagan elements.