Smolyan Province: Mysteriously Sophisticated

The Smolyan Province in southern Bulgaria is situated in the Rhodope Mountains bordering Greece. The province's main source of income is tourism. There are also thriving industries in mining, timber, machinery, textile, and livestock raising. Twenty lead and zinc mines are found in the eastern part of the province. Coniferous forests in Dospat, Smolyan, and Devin contribute to the timber industry. Big factories in Smolyan produce machine tools and other machinery. Textile is developed in Nedelino, Zlatograd, Madan, and Rudozem. A rubber plant is also located in Madan. A factory for skiing equipment is operating in Chepelare.

Tourism, however, is the province's backbone, especially in winter. With long ski runs, Chepelare and Pamporovo are extremely popular among ski enthusiasts. The resorts also offer snowboarding and various snowsports. The mineral springs in Devin and Beden are very popular. These springs are curative. Standing as a monument of sorts in the village of Mogilitsa is Agushevi Konatsi. It is a fine example of Rhodopean architecture and was once the residence of a Turkish feudal lord. The palace has 86 doors, 24 chimneys, and 221 windows.

The province is well-known for its beautiful, unspoiled landscape. The Yagodinska Cave is one of the deepest caves in Bulgaria with a total length of 10 kilometers. The Trigradska River flows through the fantastic Dyavolskoto Gurlo (Devil's Throat) cave. Stretching 7,000 meters, the water forms eighteen waterfalls and exits onto a canyon. It leads to the Trigad Gorge, a breathtaking natural phenomenon outside the village of Trigad. Its incomparable karst formation is the most impressive natural sight in Bulgaria. Another natural phenomenon is the Bridges of Wonder in the Rhodopi mountain. It is a huge natural bridge that stretches over a small river. It was formed by the erosive activity of the once high-water river. Located near the town of Devin is an interesting rock formation resembling an elephant, aptly called The Elephant. Another remarkable rock formation is The Maiden which can be found in the outskirts of Shiroka Luka. The Maiden resembles the figure of a standing woman. The Chairite Lakes is located east of the village of Trigrad. Consisting of six lakes with exotic flora and fauna, it has been declared a protected area. The emerald eyes of the Rhodopes mountain is a name given by locals to the Smolyan Lakes. From the original 20, only 7 remain. The deepest and most beautiful of the 7 lakes is known as Muddy Lake.

Mysterious, untouched, and unspoiled best characterize Smolyan, a place to reckoned with.