Dospat

Location: The town of Dospat is situated in the middle of the magnificent Rodope Mountain on the bank of Dospat dam, 80 km west of the district town Smolyan. The dam spreads on 22 000 dca and it is the second biggest dam in Bulgaria. Picturesque asphalt roads connect Dospat with Devin, Smolyan and Pamporovo resort at east, the town of Gotse Delchev at west and Batak at north.

Climate and natural features: The region features with mountain relief. The spring comes lately, the summer is cool and the autumn is warm. Dospatska River takes the Aegean Sea influence and the winter is mild but the snow cover lasts during the winter season.

Sightseeing and history: It is supposed that Dospat was founded and named after the medieval ruler Despot Slav. There are ancient ruins, date back from 4 – 5th century B.C., found near the town. The most remarkable sight in the region is Dospat dam. Although it is a human creation the large water pool has turned into an invariable part of the Rodopean landscape.

The unbelievable combination of the deep blue waters of the dam and the venerable pine trees, rising on the proud standing mountain peaks, offers perfect conditions for recreation and tourism among the nature. The water pool is full of fish. Many keen fishermen from all over the country come here during the weekend and long after that they are telling their friends about their fishing records.

Cultural events: A folklore festival takes place in Dospat every year, during the last days of august. The fest started as a fair of the fountains builders in the early 1980s under the aegis of UN. There is great number of fountains, along the roads in the region, built by the local masters.

There are cosy hotels and restaurants in Dospat and on the banks of the large dam. They offer the typical Rodopean hospitality and local specialties. The visitors should taste the fresh trout, prepared according to their individual taste.

Photos from Dospat