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Dobarsko - Place where the legends begin
The village of Dobarsko in southern Bulgaria is among the places in Bulgaria offering a spectacular view to enchanting natural phenomena. Huddled in the folds of Rila Mountain, it lies only 17 kilometers away from the premier ski resort of Bansko in the Pirin mountain.
The village of Dobarsko is surrounded by the snow-covered tops of three adjacent mountains – the Rila, Pirin and Rhodope mountains – that rise like heaven’s gates in the distance. At its foot spreads a picturesque valley, lying quiet under the snow in winter. Among the natural sights in this piece of paradise is what is known as the “Kopana church” – a huge several centuries old pine-tree with enormous entangled roots protruding above the ground.
Today old and young people maintain the preservation of traditions that have been preserved over the centuries. Due to the proximity to the Rila Monastery or the fact that the village was a stronghold of Christianity, in the region of this village is around eight sanctuaries.
The Church is full with unique icons, and scriptures exceeding over 460. Considering the small area on which it is located this truly adds to its uniqueness. The tourists take special interest in the Rendering of Jesus Christ which is presented in a form similar to a spacecraft.
Right next to this church stands another one - the richly decorated Candlemas Church.
The village boasts also a huge waterfall – the Shtrokaloto – whose water falls from a height of 24 meters. According to Nikola Naydenov, the mayor of the village, over the past years the place has been gaining popularity with tourists. “Most of them stay here in order to have access to winter sports, practiced in the neighboring Bansko resort”, he explains. "Local people are famed for their hospitality and warm-heartedness.“
Dobarsko is the most economically developed settlement in Razlog valley until the end of 18 century, when Bansko outgrows it. The huge amount of cattle bred in its beautiful pastures was brought south to Seres and Drama in the winter where the Dobarsko tradesmen exported wool to Bosnia, Serbia, Austria and Hungary.
A legend tells that founders of this marvelous place in the south foot of the holy Rila mountains were the blinded soldiers from Tsar Samuil’s army who couldn’t get to the Rila monastery as the winter came too early. The historical fact is: Tsar Samuil's army was defeated in battle at Belassitsa Mountain in 1014 by the Byzantine Emperor Basil 11, whose nickname was Bulgarochthonos (the 'Bulgar-Slayer'). Basil 11 took most of the Bulgarian army prisoner, blinded the soldiers, and sent the men back to the Tsar leaving one one-eyed man to lead the blind men. The soldiers had their reasons to choose the location of the village of Dobarsko - water with healing powers that springs in the churchyard of St. Theodor Tiron and Theodor Stratilat church.
It was said that they were cured by the healing water from the springs in the yard of the church. These beliefs are reflected in the scriptures of the church.
Dobarsko is unique with its own traditions, which continue to this day. Dobarsko's grandmothers sing songs of our ancestors. Authentic songs that survived were executed during the centuries of the Ottoman ruling.
The view from Dobarsko in truly incredible, from here you can see the eastern slopes of the Rhodope Mountains and south to see the Pirin peaks. It gives an almost sense that you are holding the views in your very own hands.
Gushing mountain steams and forest of pines centuries old make naturally come to the village extending the beauty of nature beyond recognition. To add to the pleasures of this truly wonderful village the people are hospitable aiding you whenever possible.
If you want to enjoy the beauty and nature, if you want to be detached from the rat race of your life, forget about the horn, noise and stress of the big city we truly Welcome you to Dobarsko.
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