News and Articles related to Village of Dobarsko
Current date: 2010-02-09 10:31

Medieval Church, Eco-Treks and Natural Sites Lure Tourists to Dobarsko

A medieval church and other historial sites, gorgeos nature and hospitable local people lure tourists to the southwestern mountain village of Dobursko. Dobursko recently won an award as a tourist destination. 

The village is first mentioned in historical chronicles of 1378, says Maria Topalova, the curator of the Church of Ss. Theodore Tyron and Theodore Stratelates. The church itself was built in 1614. Legend has it that a mineral spring in what is now the church`s yard has brought relief to the King Samuil`s soldiers who were left one-eyed after the 1014 battle in Mount Belassitsa. But what impresses the visitors the most are the church`s original 4-century-old murals and icons which have remained unchanged through the centuries.

The church now operates as a branch of the National History Museum and is on the list of the Nation`s Top 100 Tourist Sites.

The Church of Ss.Theodore Tyron and Theodore Stratelates is indisputably the village`s best-seller. But it has much more to offer tourists, says Topalova. They can choose to make a one-day trek to the Shtrokaloto waterfall, a century-old pinetree, the Turtle rock formation and the remains of the Holy Trinity chapel. They can also opt for the longer eco-routes into the Rila National Park.

The visitor can choose Dobursko for a longer vacation. Six houses have registered for rural tourism and take tourists summer and winter. There is also the local hotel, Dobursko, which is open after a recent remodeling.

Thanks to local people`s good care for the historical and natural sites, the available infrastructure which makes the sites accessible and the network of accommodation facilities, the village has grown into a preferred tourist destination. This assessment was confirmed by the chair of the State Agency for Tourism, Anelia Kroushkova, when she presented the Agency`s award for a cultural and historical site turned into an attractive tourist destination. Dobursko Mayor Nikola Nikolov got the award during the Culture Tourism Exhibition in Veliko Turnovo in May.