Momchilovtsi offers rural comfort and spiritual renewal in the heart of the Rhodopes
Pristine nature, homely comfort, delicious meals and snowy emotions - Momchilovtsi is a paradise for lovers of rural tourism. In the height of the tourist season, the guest houses and restaurants in the Rhodope village are working at full speed. The nearby “Kartola” ski center welcomes mainly beginner skiers, children and snowboarders. There are two drag lifts and a ski rental shop. A tea house is also open, where one can eat something and get warm after sports activities.
Momchilovtsi has been known as a leader in rural tourism in Bulgaria since the dawn of democracy. Its residents have extensive experience in this area and know how to welcome and entertain their guests, starting with typical Rhodope delicacies. The hosts will treat you to home-made dishes according to old recipes and in some places they will show you how to cook patatnik or another typical local dish yourself. "We are now talking about health and spiritual tourism in Momchilovtsi, or about tourism that can offer health not only for the body, but also for the soul," Mayor Siyka Surkova told Radio Bulgaria and added:
"There are 30 chapels around the village, which are included in tourist routes. They are never locked. Anyone can visit them to pray and feel better as we all know that faith heals. Health and spiritual tourism also includes clean food. Our products are clean, produced by the local people. Momchilovtsi is famous for its firm Christian faith. Our church was built in 1836 and its bell tower is part of the 100 national tourist sites. We have a healing spring in one of the chapels. It has been proven that its water is suitable for skin and eye diseases. It is believed that it is most healing on the night before St. George's Day. We also have three illuminated crosses that watch over Momchilovtsi at night".
In recent years, many young people have chosen the village as their permanent home. They buy old houses or build new ones, work remotely or develop tourism and their children attend the local kindergarten or school. The amateur groups of the community center regularly entertain tourists. "Everyone can sign up for bagpipe or folk dance lessons and immerse themselves in our authentic atmosphere," Siyka Surkova says and adds:
"The newest tourist attraction in Momchilovtsi is the Museum of Magic. It opened doors last year and reveals the secrets of the art of illusion. Bulgaria’s beloved actor and illusionist Nencho Ilchev, who was born in Momchilovtsi, has been collecting props of famous Bulgarian magicians for over 30 years and has now arranged them in a museum. Our other museum presents 3,500 exhibits related to the life and history of Momchilovtsi since the Bronze Age. This is the only village museum that also has an art gallery."
At the end of December, thousands of Bulgarians and foreigners visited the Rhodope village for its New Year's culinary bazaar to try local delicacies and mulled wine.
"If we talk about events that attract many people, one such event is our yoghurt festival. Last year it took place at the end of August and the beginning of September. More than 6,000 people visited us. The holiday of Momchilovtsi is on May 21, when we also welcome thousands of guests. Todorovden is also an extremely colorful holiday. Then horse races are held in the village and we dress in traditional costumes, adding to the atmosphere of the holiday. There are guests all year round as our village is very popular among tourists," Siyka Surkova says in conclusion.
Publication in English: Al. Markov
Photos: visitsmolyan.bg, Facebook /Ski Center Kartola, momchilovtsifest.bg, muzeinamagiqta.com, BTA
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