Rupite, village in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Rupite is a small village in Bulgaria near Petrich, located on the slopes of an ancient volcano called Kozhuh Planina. The site features hot mineral springs with temperatures around 74 degrees Celsius that rise from underground and are used for relaxation and treating various health conditions.
Near Rupite stand the ruins of Heraclea Sintica, an ancient city founded over 2,400 years ago that served as the main settlement of the Sintian Thracian tribe. Archaeological remains dating to around 308 CE demonstrate the importance of this place during antiquity.
The St. Petka of Bulgaria church built in 1994 serves as a spiritual center where visitors and pilgrims gather to connect with the place's religious significance. The church's realistic icons painted by a renowned artist attract worshippers alongside the former residence of a revered figure, making the village a place where faith and veneration are actively practiced.
The village is easily accessible by car from nearby towns with well-maintained roads leading to the area. Visitors can walk along country paths, enjoy the mineral springs, and explore archaeological sites, with the peaceful setting available year-round for leisurely visits.
A major bird migration route called Via Aristotelis passes over the village bringing various bird species through the region each spring and autumn. This combination of volcanic formations, hot springs, and this natural flight path makes Rupite a rare place where geology and wildlife intersect in an uncommon way.
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