This is the village of Dolen, which means “lower”. It is situated in the western part of the Rhodope region and is an architectural reserve.
Beglika dam on the way to Dolen.
Heavy summer rain.
The green plants in the wheelbarrow are tobacco leaves, which are still a traditional means of livelihood in the Rhodope mountains.
The entrance to a small old orthodox church.
Some years ago, there was a small settlement at the estuary of the river Ropotamo in Bulgaria. It consisted of a few shacks scattered between the trees on the riverbank, which blended in well with the pristine wilderness that surrounded it. The village had a very special atmosphere of peace and tranquility, as the people lived a simple lifestyle that was unobtrusive and nature friendly. Unfortunately, a few years ago the local council decided that the village was illegal and that since it was built in a nature reserve it should be taken down.
These photographs show the boats and the pier when the village still existed.
