Escaping to the mountains is priceless, but discovering a place where everything feels frozen in time, surrounded by peace and quiet without any unnecessary hustle, is a luxury these days.
Such is our Rhodope destination, which you may not have heard of until now. But after our story, we guarantee you’ll want to visit it as soon as possible.
The village of Vurbovo is located in the Rhodope Mountains, just 6 kilometers away from the well-known Shiroka Laka. There is evidence that the area was inhabited by Thracian tribes in ancient times, indicated by numerous coins from the Roman era, as well as from the First and Second Bulgarian Empires which were found there.
The village was established between the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th century, during the migration of the Yuruks from the Rhodope region. On the website of the only place which provides accommodation for visitors, you can find a legend which has been told for generations. This is how it begins:
During the Ottoman rule in the Eastern Rhodopes, a time of terror reigned. Anyone who refused to adopt the foreign faith was punished by sword. To protect their families, three prominent chieftains fled westward into the mountains. The most notable among them was Merjan Kehaya. He and his companions made their living by raising sheep. They had large herds and were among the wealthiest people in the area. When they set off to escape, they packed a few belongings, gathered their herds, and alongside their families they sought refuge in the remote Rhodope forests.
They traveled for a long time, stopping only for their horses to drink water and rest from the journey and the scorching sun. They climbed higher and higher until they reached an ancient Roman bridge, realizing that life had thrived there long ago. Then Merjan Kehaya dismounted, removed the heavy saddlebags from his shoulders, and inhaled the intoxicating scent of dewy grass. The folds of the Rhodope mountains opened up before him like a warm embrace, with tall, majestic pine trees reaching toward the sky. The sun was high, casting fiery rays. Although the air was hot, the freshness from the herbs and grasses could be sensed. Merjan Kehaya rejoiced, thinking he had found a place where he could care for his family and tend his flock.
After a second he looked around in search of his sheep… A massive willow tree stood nearby, beautiful and lush, welcoming and bidding farewell to countless summers. Its shade was like a sprawling cloud. Under it, the herds of all three chieftains—an astonishing 10 000 sheep—found a hiding spot from the sun! The willow sheltered them just like mothers protect their children, ensuring no animal remained under the burning sun. When the chieftains saw this remarkable sight, they decided to name the village “Vurbovo” (from “vurba” meaning "willow" in Bulgarian). Just as the sheep found shelter under the willow, so too did the people find their new home in the mountains. They began building traditional Rhodope houses, with stone slabs and wide balconies. With stone, wood, and love, they created a village in the wilderness. A school and a church were established, as well. In time 7 chapels were built around the village. They became a symbol of undying faith and kept the forces of evil away from Vurbovo.
Although some artistic embellishments may color the tale, there is indeed a preserved document in the State Archive of Smolyan for a purchase and sale of land between the chieftain and a previous owner, so Merjan Kehaya was undoubtedly a real person.
The village has several surrounding districts, with some of the largest being Slivovo, Kalevishta, and Preslupa. Key locations are the Roman bridge at the village entrance, the Church of St. George, and the seven chapels.
The church itself was built in 1871. Its frescoes have retained their vividness and have never been restored since their creation. Painted entirely by the artist Dimitar Hristov from the Stanimashka art academy. Legend has it was built in 40 days by the villagers. The church is open for visits during the warmer months.
Currently, only seven people are registered as residents in the village, with the youngest being the daughter of the owners of the only palace for accommodation available. To reach Vurbovo, you should better drive a jeep, or you may leave your car by the church and either walk or take an off-road transfer, which takes around 45 minutes. The surrounding nature is vibrant, and the panoramic views are breathtaking!
Photos: Adelina Kalupchieva and С. Върбово , Широка лъка Официална страница
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