Shiroka Luka

The village of Shiroka luka is a unique architectural and folklore reserve, situated some 23 km northwest from the town of Smolyan, in the valley of the Shirokolushka river. The village is one of the symbols of the Rhodopi culture and spirit. It is famous for its original Rhodopi style, its music traditions and rich history. One of the most interesting things here are the numerous houses, which have preserved the specific architecture of the Rhodopi region (the most famous ones being the Kalaijiiska, Uchikovska, Grigorovska, Dureva, Bogdanova, etc.). Some other interesting places worth visiting are the ethnographic museum (residing in the building of the Zgurovski konak), the church Uspenie Bogorodichno, which ,according to the legend was built in 38 days only. The village is also specific for its vaulted bridges and cobblestone-paved streets. Shiroka Luka is the birthplace of the last Bulgarian exarch Stefan I, who was elected in 1945. Shiroka Luka is the home of one of the two Middle Folklore Music Schools in Bulgaria, where some of Bulgaria’s best and most famous folk singers and music instrument players are taught.