Price: Ecotrail "Kostandovo - Tsepina" has a low level of difficulty, which makes it suitable for all age groups and tourists not very good physical condition . While it is easily accessible, it offers plenty of breathtaking views , as almost all the time the route is scenic character. The track is well formed and marked with red color.
Along the trail " Kostandovo - Tsepina " tourists can see an abundance of historical, cultural and natural attractions . After leaving the city , the route climbs gradually to stone alcove area ( 1021 m above sea level), where there are remains of a Thracian fortress and temple of the Greek goddess Hera . There are 50 votive tablets of the mistress of the marriage of Heracles statue of bronze , silver jewelry, brass medallions and other artifacts. Excavations show that in a later time period close to the sanctuary was located Celtic settlement .
After a relatively short transition trail " Kostandovo - Tsepina " leads to Zdravec peak ( 1160 m altitude ) , which reveals incredible panoramic views of the Rhodope and Alabak Karkariya hills and the picturesque gorge of the river tis . Then the track reaches the hut " Tsepina " where curious tourists can get acquainted with the collection consists of objects excavated during the 20 -year-old archaeological work in the area of the fortress . Inn has eight rooms for sleeping , which are 30 beds , kitchen and dining room. The balconies of the " Tsepina " detected remarkable panoramic views.
Close to the hut are the remains of the fortress Tsepina at the beginning of the XIII century was the capital of the autonomous Bulgarian ruler Alexius Slav. Though always under Bulgarian and Byzantine hands and back Tsepina remains the most important stronghold in the Rhodopes for two centuries - until the conquest of the Balkans by the Ottoman Turks. According to legend, Sultan hordes manage to capture Tsepina in 1373 , after a nine-month siege.
Right next to the castle is called mulish spout fountain which, according to legend was built at the place where it was in piping interrupted during the siege to be forced defenders to surrender. After its destruction in her foot settled monks and founded a monastery, which was destroyed in the XVII century. Even today the place is called "the convent" .
- Ecopath
