Kleptuza, Protected natural area in Velingrad, Bulgaria
Kleptuza is a protected natural reserve in Velingrad, Bulgaria, fed by a spring that delivers water at a constant temperature. The area spans 412 hectares and includes marked trails through forests where visitors encounter diverse plant life and wildlife.
In the 1930s, local people created two artificial lakes to hold the spring water that once flowed into the Chepinska River. This project changed how the landscape was used and managed.
The chapel dedicated to Saint Elijah sits where people once gathered for spiritual purposes in connection with the natural water source. This sacred site shows how residents linked their faith to the land itself.
Walking trails cut through forest areas where different seasons bring different plants and wildlife into view. Sturdy footwear works well for the terrain, and allowing time to explore at a relaxed pace helps visitors notice more of what the area offers.
This location sits where two geographic lines cross to create a rare reference point on Bulgaria's map. This mathematically notable spot often goes unnoticed by visitors, even though it makes the place genuinely distinct.
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