The "Chervenata Stena" Reserve in the Rhodopes

This is home to well-known ski resorts, interesting caves and the large natural (botanical) reserve “Chervenata Stena” — the Red Wall.

Inaccessible beauty

The “Red Wall” reserve was created in 1962. It differs from other nature reserves not only in its

impressive size (over 3 thousand hectares), but also in the huge diversity of plant species, many of which are protected and listed in the Red Book. The reserve is under the aegis of UNESCO as a unique natural landmark.

Steep mountain slopes make this area hard to reach — thanks to this, nature in “Chervenata Stena” is preserved in its pristine state. There are high mountains, quiet valleys, fast streams, mysterious caves and unique plants here, including orchids of astonishing beauty.

There are a great many different caves in this area. The best known and best equipped of them is “Ahmetyova dupka”. It consists of a single hall, yet it makes a stunning impression thanks to its rich “decor” — fanciful stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is fully equipped, only lighting is something visitors have to take care of themselves.

Another interesting cave on the reserve’s territory is “Topchika”, where rock paintings by prehistoric people and the skeleton of a cave bear were once discovered.

The highest waterfall in the Rhodopes is also located here — “Slivodolsko padalo”, whose surroundings are famous for their beautiful views.

Useful information

• From Plovdiv it takes a little over an hour to drive to the reserve via Asenovgrad.
• The Rhodope Mountains are famous for being inaccessible. But the “Red Wall” reserve has several tourist trails that are convenient and safe to walk. They start from the Bachkovo Monastery, the Martsiganitsa hut and the Bezovo hut.
• For a walk it is worth choosing comfortable clothes and shoes. If you plan to visit the caves, it is better to bring some warm clothing as well.
• The waterfall in the reserve is at its most beautiful in spring — in summer it carries far less water.
• On the reserve’s territory it is forbidden to hunt, fish, gather plants, disturb birds’ nests, light fires or disrupt the natural balance in any way. It is also forbidden to stray from the tourist routes.

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