CITY OF DOSPAT

Because of its strategic location of a connecting link between the Rhodopes, The White Sea and Macedonia, the city of Dospat has played an important role over the centuries. Dospat and its surroundings hide treasured pages from the historical past To Bulgaria. Due to the favorable mountain conditions, this region has been densely populated since antiquity by the Thracian satri tribes, and in the westernmost slopes of the mountain, bordering Pirin, lived the Medes and Dais. Near Dospat, the area "Daa" still exists today. About the life of the Thracians in the Dospat area, the preserved Thracian mounds near the village of Lyubcha and the Thracian sanctuary on Videnitsa mountain near the village of Zmeitsa also speak.

B with. The people's memory of Lyubca has preserved the memory of the Thracian singer Orpheus with the name of the locality Orfensko. The Roman bridge, which has survived to this day, is an eloquent reminder of the Roman rule over the Thracians in this region. He hid in himself the centuries-old memories, the bridge proudly rises above the Karaja Dere river (Roe River). Worth, man to sleep, to cross the bridge and feel, that he too is a part of Bulgarian history, to become part of the troops of Khan Krum and Khan Presiyan, who often passed along it and fought for the accession of the Rhodopes to the Bulgarian state in 9 V.
The name of the Rhodope mountain has been known since ancient times. It is mentioned by Homer, Virgil, Ovid. In the Middle Ages, the mountain was called the Slave Forests or Dospat. Through the Rhodope valleys great armies have passed through (of Alexander the Great, on Octavius, of the Turkish general Lala Sehin).The exploits of Kings Marko are connected with the Rhodopes, Boyish hero, of despot Slav and Ivanko.
The city of Dospat itself arose, as an important strategic, military medieval fortress, through 13 V. Built by despot Alexii Slav - a relative of Asenevtsi and above all a loyal boyar of Tsar Ivan-Asen II. Here despot Slav stayed, traveling to his main residences in Melnik and Aseno Fortress (dn. Asenovgrad). It was he who gave the name of the city Dospat, preserved to this day unchanged even during the centuries of Ottoman rule. Today, very few remains of the fortress can be seen in the area, "Hisaria". For many years the forests around Dospat were called Slavic forests. The flowering of the Bulgarian state during the time of Tsar Ivan-Asen II was also reflected in The prespatial end. From here Dobrovniški traders bought large and small cattle. During the Ottoman invasion of the Balkans, as an independent feudal ruler in this region, Krali Marko established himself. To this day, a part of his fortress has been preserved in a hard-to-reach place, called by the local people "Kings of Mark's Barchina". Left in history as a brave hero-defender, his power was so great, that “wherever he stepped, source became". The "Kralimarkovo spout and the Kralimarkovo spring" have been preserved to this day. Remains have been found in the vicinity of the city from 4-5 century BC. Early ceramic fragments from the Slavs were also found near Dospat. In Ottoman times, the name of the city is also found as "Yanqli" and "Hamidie". In other Ottoman documents it is also found under the name Dospod. The French Dr. Ami Buet, visited the Balkans in the period 1836-1838 Mr. mentions it under the name Likes-Han.

According to census data over the years 1926, 1934, 1946, 1956 and 1965, the population of Dospat was accordingly 932, 1026, 1394, 1884 and 2421 souls.

From Overnight a wonderful view opens to the north towards Sarnitsa: 18-kilometer water surface, which seems to be surrounded by two mountain slopes - the proud Dabrash and Veliitsa. An old cart road crosses the low sloping slopes of Veliitsa, passes through the area of ​​Zelnikovo to approach the historical area of ​​Maltepe, flooded by the waters of the dam. The hill is defined as an ancient Thracian mound, in which, according to some local people, royal treasures were buried. Imanyari found crosses and other signs, inscribed on shaped stones, which are unfortunately destroyed. Today there is a cottage on cement stilts on top of the mound, which is reached by water.
In its long length, the route is completely open and sunny, facing southwest. The area is long 5 km, but easily passable and enticing with its park-like appearance. From here to the southwest, a beautiful landscape opens up to the western slopes of Dabrush, among which the Caukle peak and the Kulata peak with the TV repeater for Dospat stand out in relief. Zelnikovo offers not only pleasant experiences, but also a real prospect for forming a lasting resort-tourist base. To the north follows the Klokotite area known for the found remains of pottery from the Thracian era and the large karst spring of the same name.
Along the shores of the Dospat dam, there are places with interesting names - Hadjiosmansko, Derazliya, Blood valley, Eagle, of the monastery, Zelnikovo and others., all titles, related to the old history of the city of Dospat . Near the town of Sarnitsa in the old hamlet of Barduce the road cuts into the steeply descending slopes from the west. A large tunnel is crossed here, which brings the waters of the Osinska rivers, Vishteritsa and Kanina in the dam. Before him, to the south, next to the dam bank, the water almost reveals the remains of old cemeteries, covered with tickles. Archaeological excavations have not been carried out on them. Remains of ceramic vessels are also visible.
Countless wild fruits grow on the western slopes: cranberry and cranberry, raspberries, blackberries, medicinal herbs and edible mushrooms.
Throughout the the route there are marble fountains built. In the prespatial end they are over 700. Local legends speak, that in the past the village of Barduche was a large settlement with a large church. During the Turkish invasions, the hamlet was burned to the ground, and the population left it forever. The lands here were Yurushka, and after 1912 Mr. Dospatchis settled in this place. About 2 km to the northwest in the Dupkata rock massif, there is a deep opening in the rocks, which has a constant temperature below zero, even in the summer season. There is no path to it, but it can be easily reached on the gentle slope. The route leads along the coast to Hanovete. Until recently, there were old walls from a Turkish post in this place, which was right next to the old border with Bulgaria. People called it Khan's Hill (The inn building). Old people tell, that before the Liberation, an officer of the Turkish army by the name of Mustafa Kemal served here, whose name is associated with the reformer of the Turkish state, Kemal Atatürk. From here you can clearly see the Krushata hamlet and the newly built houses. Near Krushata is the area of ​​Orlino. In the 1930s 20 century Orlino area (also called Bozelan or Kyuchuklii) was a densely populated hamlet of Dospatchi immigrants. In this area, the waters of the dam flood an airstrip of a secret military airfield with a large hangar, built by the Germans in World War II. The airport was used until 1945 Mr. To this day, some of its massive buildings have been preserved and are used for rest stations and seasonal school camps. During the Second World War there was an interesting German plan to continue the narrow-gauge railway from Velingrad through Sarnitsa and along the eastern slope of Dabrash to Dobrinishte, but unfortunately the project was not implemented for economic reasons.

Interesting hikes and routes in the region:

Route 1: Overnight, Mount Keltepe, The Curia, Meizin fountain, pedestrian walkway Dospat dam or climb Mt Late Barchina – the trail is suitable for hiking or cycling

Route 2: Overnight, Mount Keltepe, The Curia, Mount Daa, Kasashki waterfall, village Zmeytsa, Videnitsa peak, 14-and collateral, Poppin' bows, Yagodinska cave, St. Ilia peak - Orlovo Oko panoramic site, the village of Gevren and the panoramic site Valchi Kamak - the transition is possible in one day with an all-terrain vehicle suitable for the purpose

Route 3: Overnight, the wall of the Dospat dam, a walk along the banks of the Dospat dam, panoramic road to. Eagle, Sarnitsa - route, suitable for mountain bikes, on foot or high-passable vehicles, possible tour of Dospat Dam in one day - distance approx 45 km.

Route 4: crossing the river Dospatska, possible river fishing, Overnight, Barutin, Brushed, possible visit to 11,12,13 border posts and a dividing line with Greece

Route 5: Overnight, Lovingly, Orphan's, Roman Bridge – Lubcha, the place of the scarab, possible extension to Dabrash, Dikchan, and the Gradishte rock phenomenon

Route 6: Overnight, The Curia, Roman Bridge - Camera, Kochelovo, against the current of Sarnena Reka, paid micro-dam for fishing or continuation to the tourist camps of the Shiroka Polyana dam - a transition suitable for off-road vehicles or a partial transition with a car

Route 7: Overnight, m. Wide meadow, partisan camp Langurlii – route suitable for a taller car.

The economy of the city of Dospat is mainly aimed at tourism, light industry and agriculture. The main activities are potato production, animal husbandry, milk processing, logging, woodworking, fish farming, fish processing, production of knitwear and footwear production. In the summer, places are opened for seasonal employment in tourism and free activities such as: collecting wild mushrooms, herbs and fruits (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, wild strawberries). Tourism in the region is developing in good directions, numerous small family hotels are appearing, rest stations, Guest house, bungalows and campsites. Projects are being prepared for the Rhodope Villa Village and the Dospat Holiday Village with numerous small and large bungalows on the shores of the Dospat Dam. The region is becoming one of the most interesting and preferred holiday destinations in the Rhodopes. In recent years, a big attraction has been the offering of boat trips, rental of water bikes and other tourist services related to opportunities for sports and entertainment Dospat dam.

Today Overnight is a small picturesque town, intoxicating with its majestic forests and exceptionally clean air, which fill with energy and thirst for life. Tourists visited this wonderful corner in the heart of the Rhodopes, they exclaim: "The air here is unbreathable, and it's straight to drink". The meeting with nature is more than real - an unforgettable memory, which remains forever in the hearts of those, who have managed to discover the loophole of their love for nature. Not by chance, people, visited Dospat and managed to discover the beautiful natural landscapes, they declare enthusiastically, that this is the Switzerland of the Balkans!
In honor of the city of Dospat, one of the peaks of Livingston Island, Antarctica is called "Dospat".

Songs from Dospat were included in the collection "Veda Slovena". Such is, for example, the song under no 9.

The biggest attraction is undoubtedly itself Rhodope mountain, with its smooth and soft forms sculpted by nature. Beautiful forests and meadows, full of life. Dospat Dam perfectly fit into this picture.
To the southeast of Dospat are the natural attractions Kasashki waterfall, Roman bridge on the Roe River, Mount Daa, Videnitsa peak, along the road you reach Trigradsko gorge, Yagodinska cave, Devil's Throat Cave, The wonderful bridges, etc.,
To the northwest of Dospat are located the panoramic view of the Dospat Dam and the trail to Mount Pochilena Barchina, in the direction of Sarnitsa are also the natural attractions Pobit kamak and Zhabata, it passes through the hamlets of Barduce and Krushata. About 35-40 km from Dospat in the direction of Gotse Delchev are the historical monuments of the villages of Leshten and Kovachevitsa, before them, on the road above the village of Lyubcha, excavations of Thracian sanctuaries can be seen, Gradishte rock complex, near the village of Dolno Dryanovo, in the same direction is the Saint George Monastery in Hadjidimovo, at a distance 55 km. from Dospat, on the way to the city of Drama.

The fortress of Despot Alexey Slav is right next to the wall of the Dospat dam in the area of ​​Hisarya. There are almost no remains of her due to the fact, that a part of the stone walls were used to build the houses and strengthen the plots in that part, and another for the construction of the dam wall itself.
The old border outpost near the village of Chavdar and the border furrow with Greece are at 8 km in the direction of Barutin village, and the city of Kavala on the White Sea is only on 150 km from Dospat.

Sofia - Dospat -187 km.;

Plovdiv - Dospat - 117 km.;

Varna - Dospat -499 km.;

Burgas - Dospat -390 km.;

Smolyan - Dospat -75 km.;

Pamporovo - Dospat - 55 km.;

Devin – Dospat -44 km.;

Gotse Delchev-Dospat -52 km.;

Batak - Dospat -47 km.;

Cave - Dospat -66 km.;

Zig chark- Overnight -39 km.;

Dospat - Trigrad -21 km.;

Dospat - Yagodinska cave -17 km.;

Dospat - Lent -39 km.;

Dospat - Blacksmith -52 km.;

Dospat - Drama(Greece) -115 km.;

Dospat - Kavala(Greece) -153 km.;

• Sofia-Dospat-4.00 p.m. South Bus Station(Monday,Wednesday,Friday);

• Plovdiv - Dospat- 14.00h. Rodopi bus station;

• Pazardzhik-Dospat-6.20 p.m. AG Pazardzhik(Monday,Wednesday,Friday);

• Smolyan - Dospat - 4:30 p.m. Smolyan bus station;

• Devin - Dospat - 13.00 / 17.00h. Devin bus station;

• Gotse Delchev - Dospat - 1.30 p.m. Gotse Delchev bus station