Gospodintsi: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Gospodintsi lies within the protected area of the Mesta River BG0001021. The area protects river habitats, unmanaged caves and several forest habitats. The village is also located in the Mesta protected bird area, whose stated purpose is to preserve and restore habitats for designated bird species. The nearby mineral springs of Ognyanovo and the architectural reserves of Kovachevitsa and Leshten are also cited as advantages for Gospodintsi.

Nature

The Bekir-Salievata Cave, also known as Rimskata Dupka and Drevniyat Rudnik, is recorded in the land registry area of Gospodintsi. It is a 158 m long and 31 m deep wet vertical cave with free-access status. Its vertical sections require alpine equipment, a rope and a ladder. The cave is labyrinthine and was used for iron ore mining.

Culture

Gospodintsi is one of the villages where archaeological monuments are particularly concentrated. The village is associated with prehistoric, Thracian, ancient, late antique and medieval settlements, necropolises and sanctuaries.

The Tsiropolis Fortress is described as a Thracian, late antique and medieval fortress and lies 1.02 km east of the centre of Gospodintsi. Traces of three fortification walls and scattered remains of buildings on the slope have survived there. The fortress stands on a cone-shaped hill on the left bank of the Mesta; a southern wall has been preserved.

The Alton Mosque was officially opened in Gospodintsi. Ramadan Bayram and Kurban Bayram are celebrated in the village with traditional performances by authentic folklore groups.

Cycling

The Ognyanovo–Skrebatno–Gospodintsi mountain bike route follows the Mesta downstream to Gospodintsi. At 14.8 km, it reaches the village centre, where a break is possible. The route is 24.1 km long and has a high technical difficulty rating. GPS navigation is recommended because following the trail may otherwise be difficult.

Hiking and Landscape

A walk along the river leads to a rocky gorge after about 40 minutes. The entrance to Penkinata Cave can be reached after passing through Skoka Gorge.

The gorge at Karasanov Bridge lies along the former direct route to Osikovo. It is described as having impressive rock formations and picturesque views.

For further destination options: Goze Deltschew. Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Gospodintsi can then continue their accommodation search.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gotze Delchev.