The Leshten village

The village of Leshten is one of the most attractive and authentic eco-resorts in Bulgaria. The village is located at 600 m altitude on the south slopes of the Western Rhodopes Mountain. Once it was a municipal center having developed commercial base. In the past the population of Leshten dealt mainly in building trade and extraction of gold-bearing sands. Nowadays there are a few restored ancient houses representing the typical National Revival atmosphere combined with modern comfort. The houses have spacious verandahs, picturesque yards and taverns, where the clients may cook by themselves using products of the local farming. The houses are located at the sheer slopes of the Mountain and have all the typical features of the Kovachevo architecture style. The houses in the village are unique not only by their architecture but by their internal design as well. They are not as original as traditional. Almost each house has its tavern. The village offers excellent opportunities for eco-tourism. The most attractive monuments here are dated back to 1833 – the St. Parachkeva church, and the Monastery school. The preserved area Tamnata Gora (the Dark Wood) is located nearby. The reserve is known for the century- old beech and fir-trees, the rock forms known as the Thracian sanctuaries Koziyat Kamak (the Goat Stone) and Chernata Skala (the Black Rock); the canyon of the Kanina river and the breathtaking Siniyat Vir (the Blue Pool).