A string of charming towns, such as Asenovgrad, Perushtitsa, Krichim, Peshtera, Patalenitsa and Varvara are situated in the stretch between the Upper Thracian Plain and the Rhodopes. Along the valleys of the Chepelarska, Vacha, Stara and Chepinska rivers, one can climb up the mountain or descend to Thracian plain.

In the past, the then young Bulgarian Knyaz Ferdinand (head of the country for 31 years in the late 19th and early 20th centuries) was fascinated by the Vacha valley and asked to build a personal hunting lodge near it. Local owners, however, did not want to sell their land to the crown. At the beginning of the 20^th century, forester Konstantin Baikushev, who graduated in Germany, directed the ruler to the former sultan's property near the village of Kurtovo Konare near Plovdiv. He said there were centuries-old oaks and a riparian forest in the area of Krichim. Impressed by the wild nature, Ferdinand bought the surrounding lands and in 1901 created the "Krichim" Hunting Lodge.

The park was gradually reforested and expanded. The ruler also imported wild turkeys and fallow deer.

At the time of Tsar Boris III, the number of free-living deer reached 150. In spring, the herds grew by 50-60 animals. Every autumn the king organized a hunt and the old animals were shot, while the younger ones were captured and settled in new forests. The royal hunt lasted 1-2 weeks. Hunting took place early in the morning. The ruler invited various acquaintances who had the opportunity to show their skills as big game hunters.

The most vital part of the hunt was the feast. Whether successful or not, in the end all achievements and tribulations must be shared in front of an audience.

The preparation and the anticipation of the adventure of hunting are also a very important part of the experience. Superstitions are also an essential part of the hunting customs. Tsar Boris always stopped hunting and returned prematurely if any of the company wished him good luck. The departure was always quiet, humble and silent. The entire hunt was meticulously described in a diary. After the hunt, the festivities in the Krichim hunting residence were memorable.

Originally, the residence in Krichim was a one-story building. After 1930, Tsar Boris III married Giovanna of Savoy and at her insistence the residence was upgraded. Arch. Yordan Sevov gave his contribution to the final design. The new look is extremely functional, as some see in it Bulgarian romanticism and modernism.

The big number of trophies, especially in the corridors, emphasizes the function of the building. Everything is done in the Art Deco style. Fortunately, a large part of the furniture, the interior, the paintings, even the kitchen utensils have been preserved.

In the "hotel" part, intended for visiting hunters, the atmosphere is modest, but the place covers the needs of unpretentious guests. In the middle there are a dining room, a smoking lounge, living room with fireplace. In the royal wing, one above the other, the king's and queen's apartments are situated. Boris III's cabinet and personal space have been completely preserved.

An integral part of the palace in Krichim is the spacious and well-maintained park. If you have already seen the palace, you can get a ticket just for a walk in the park. The tour of this 300-decare garden with around 300 species of plants offers a varied landscape of oaks and plane trees, with white poplars that are over 200 years old. Magnolias, sequoias, cedars, bamboos, and rare species that are also cultivated. Many exotic plants for Bulgaria are grown in the greenhouse of the residence.

The park used to have a central alley in the past. Today, it offers a circular tour around a fountain with a rock garden and by a romantic lake with water lilies.

Walking in Krichim, you will realize that the communist leadership of Bulgaria after 1946 also liked to rest and hunt in the royal place. Indira Gandhi, Ho Chi Minh, Shah of Iran Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, Yugoslavia leader Josip Tito, Fidel Castro, and even the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, have visited this representative and iconic place.

Today, the hunting farm, the park and the palace are accessible to the citizens. The combination of nature, history and recreational opportunities are tempting. It is a good idea to make an appointment for a visit in advance online on the website of the state hunting ground.

Photos: Ivo Ivanov, dls-krichim.uzdp.bg