GOTSE DELCHEV

HISTORY

Gotse Delchev is an adimistrative, economic and cultural center of the Municipality of Gotse Delchev. It is located 200 km south of Sofia, 40 km south of the leading Bulgarian ski resort of Bansko and there are only 30 km to the Bulgarian-Greek border near Drama. The city bears the name of the Bulgarian revolutionary Gotse Delchev. It is located in the north-west part of the valley of Gotse Delchev, at the foot of Pirin mountain, 500 meters above sea-level. Until 1951 the city had the name Nevrokop.

Nevrokop initially originated in proximity to the ancient city of Nikopolis ad Mestom, whose ruins may still be seen 9 km east of the city. Notitiae Episcopatum mentions the city as a center of the arch-bishops until 11th century. Near the contemporary city of Nevrokop were found the remains of a fortress and a settlement, dating back to 9th-10th century, which are considered to be the immediate ancestors of the contemporary city. The region of Nevrokop was conquered by the Ottomans most probably between 1371 and 1383 /related to the fall of the nearby fortresses of Drama and Seres, which used to be of key importance/.

Following the Russian-Turkish Liberation War and the Peace Treaty of San-Stephano, the city of Nevrokop, along with the entire Macedonia was left within the Ottoman Empire. But the resolve of the Great Powers to divide the Bulgarian lands did not stop the process of national unification. During the Ilinden insurrection the groups of the voivodes Stoyan and Atanas Teshovaliata were particularly active in this region. Nevrokop was liberated on 19 October 1912. A curious fact was, that it was taken without a shot fired. The first mayor the city Nevrokop after its liberation was the famed Bulgarian poet Peyo Yavorov.
After its liberation a large part of its Turkish inhabitants left Nevrokop and the region, allowing for refugees from Southern Macedonia to settle there, chased from the Greek authorities during the Balkan wars.
In 1951 the city was renamed with the name it bears today – Gotse Delchev.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

With its colorful houses, green gardens and flower alleys along the streets, Gotse Delchev resembles a cradle tied to granite peaks of Pirin. The city is rich with its historical past, the spiritual generosity of the local people, with the warm southern sun and its fertile land.

Time has left countless memories of the strifes of the tribes and people, who used to live here. The very land is even more generous than the historical past, keeping in its layers the truth for the turbulent and dramatic city life.

The archeologists date the flint instruments found near the city park, back to the neolith. They also found the foundations of Thracian settlements and tombs, beautiful copper helmets and colorful mosaics of early-Christian basilicas. Plinius the Elder tells about the life of the Thracian tribe of Bessi, which used to live in the lands around Mesta river, and the scientists are still seeking in these lands the traces of the legendary Orpheus.

Since time unremembered the valley of the Mesta river was an important crossroad of the important routes from Serdika to the north and from Vardar to the Thracian lowlands to the east. This is why it frequently turned into battlefield.

In the II century the Roman Emperor Trajan constructed Nikopolis ad Nestum on the left bank of the river, celebrating his victory over the Dacians. After the fall of the ancient Nikopolis ad Nestum a new Nevrokop emerged – young and vital, and filled with new strength derived from its Bulgarian name, survived the tests of time.

In the years of the Renaissance appeared the white loggia-styled houses of Varosha and Komsala, the impressive Police office of Rafat Bey, the stone roots of the three Bulgarian churches. Each morning the skilful craftsmen of Nevrokop would cast copper bells, forge iron instruments, or thread beautiful mantles. It is during this time that the citizens of Nevrokop started a steadfast struggle for their national self-awareness: they opened Bulgarian schools and churches, created their library, maidens school, teachers’ union, and others.

17 km away from Gotse Delchev is the old-time village of Leshten, which is also an architectural reserve. 27 km away is the architectural monument of the Kovachevitsa village. Near the village the Karaorman region is a virgin forest, populated by many kinds of animals.

The villages of Leshten and Kovachevitsa are populated mainly with Christians, the village of Dolen is with mix population, and the village of Gorno Dryanovo is populated mainly by Muslims.

The museum in Gotse Delchev preserves an old-time Roman chariot, found recently in the region. Besides here one could see the exhibitions of antique items, found during the excavations in Nikopolis ad Nestum.

The very disposition of the municipalities of Gotse Delchev, Gurmen, Satovcha and Hadjidimovo is extraordinary. Here is the place where Pirin, the Rhodopes, Slavyanka and Sturgach mountains meet. A handful of land, and so many different sights.

The region is one of the richest in waters and forests in Bulgaria. Numerous circus lakes on the north-eastern slopes of Pirin, pouring their water in the tributaries of the Mesta river. Particularly beautiful are Breznik, Kornishky and Kamenishy lakes. The mineral waters are abundant, springing at the foot of the mountains. The unique natural benefits combine with the superb Mediterranean climate. Southern sun during three of the seasons, but a snow-white winter as well, abundance of fruits and vegetables, delicious meals and fine-flavored wines.

The combination of cultural traditions, rich historical heritage, nature and geographical disposition allows for very good possibilities for country- and eco-tourism in the region. The villages of Kovachevitsa and Dolen, declared historical reserves, are in close proximity. With its architecture and old-time spirit Kovachevitsa, Dolen, Leshten and Delchevo are unique examples of Bulgarian architecture and attract tourists from the country and abroad.

Overlooking the very city of Gotse Delchev is the village of Delchevo, perched over steep slopes, it offers breath-taking sights. The village is located in the very beech forest; enjoying limpid, sweet water and bird’s view over the entire valley of Gotse Delchev.

Whichever of the villages you decide to go to – Kovachevitsa, Dolen, Delchevo or Leshten, you will be welcomed everywhere. Each of the villages will charm you with something new. With its’ own magic. If you choose to stay here, you get everything – a home, away from the noise, a patriarchal rest, and possibility to gather your food by yourself. The hospitable hosts may offer you a walk in the mountain, on horseback or on foot, picking mushrooms and herbs, fishing or hunting.

Photos by Nikola Gruev

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